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IS 17430:2020 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for cellular rubber and plastic materials for thermal insulation of hvac systems - specification. This standard specifies the requirements and test methods for preformed cellular rubber and plastic insulation materials, supplied as sheets and tubes. It is primarily used for the thermal insulation of HVAC pipework, ductwork, and equipment to prevent energy loss and condensation.
Specifies requirements for cellular rubber and plastic materials for thermal insulation of HVAC systems.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Ensure manufacturer's test certificates are checked during material submittal, especially for thermal conductivity (k-value) and fire rating.
! The μ-value (water vapour resistance factor) is critical for condensation control on chilled water pipes; verify it meets project requirements.
! Proper installation, including using compatible adhesives and ensuring all joints are fully sealed, is as important as the material itself for system performance.
Standard Specification for Preformed Flexible Elastomeric Cellular Thermal Insulation in Sheet and Tubular Form
Covers flexible elastomeric cellular materials (like NBR) for HVAC and refrigeration, mirroring the rubber portion of IS 17430.
EN 14304:2015+A1:2021CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Thermal insulation products for building equipment and industrial installations - Factory made flexible elastomeric foam (FEF) products - Specification
European equivalent for factory-made flexible elastomeric foam (FEF) products, very similar to the elastomeric part of the IS code.
ASTM C1427-21ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Extruded Preformed Flexible Cellular Polyolefin Thermal Insulation in Sheet and Tubular Form
Specifically covers flexible cellular polyolefin materials, matching the 'plastic' portion of IS 17430's scope.
JIS A 9511:2021JSA (Japanese Standards Association), Japan
Broad specification for various cellular plastic insulation materials, partly overlapping with the polyolefin scope of IS 17430.
Key Differences
≠IS 17430 uniquely combines both flexible elastomeric (rubber) and cellular plastic (polyolefin) materials in one standard, whereas international practice often separates them (e.g., ASTM C534 for rubber, ASTM C1427 for polyolefin).
≠Fire performance classification is fundamentally different. IS 17430 uses a system based on British Standards (BS 476 Parts 6 & 7), EN 14304 uses the European Euroclass system (e.g., BL-s2,d0), and ASTM C534 uses the Flame Spread/Smoke Developed Index from ASTM E84.
≠EN 14304 requires CE marking and a Declaration of Performance (DoP) for products sold in the EEA, a mandatory regulatory requirement not present in the IS or ASTM standards themselves.
≠While all standards address water vapor resistance, the methodology differs. IS and EN standards specify a dimensionless water vapor diffusion resistance factor (μ-value), while ASTM C534 specifies water vapor permeability in 'perm-inch' units.
Key Similarities
≈All standards have a core scope focused on preformed flexible cellular insulation materials (sheets, tubes) intended for thermal control in HVAC, plumbing, and refrigeration systems.
≈They all specify mandatory requirements and test methods for key physical properties, including thermal conductivity, operating temperature range, and dimensional stability.
≈The material types covered are largely the same, focusing on NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) and EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) for the elastomeric part, and polyolefins like PE for the plastic part.
≈All standards function as product specifications, defining minimum performance levels that manufacturers must meet, thus ensuring a baseline quality for users.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Thermal Conductivity (Elastomeric)
≤ 0.035 W/(m·K) at 24°C mean temp for Class O
≤ 0.27 Btu·in./h·ft²·°F (~0.039 W/(m·K)) at 24°C mean temp for Grade 1
ASTM C534
Upper Service Temperature (Elastomeric)
+105°C (for NBR-based); +125°C (for EPDM-based)
+104°C (for Grade 1); +121°C (for Grade 3)
ASTM C534
Fire Propagation Test (Elastomeric, High Grade)
BS 476 Part 6 (Fire Propagation Index I ≤ 12, i1 ≤ 6)
EN 13823 (SBI test for Euroclass B/C/D)
EN 14304
Surface Spread of Flame Test (Elastomeric, High Grade)
BS 476 Part 7 (Class 1)
ASTM E84 (Flame Spread Index ≤ 25)
ASTM C534
Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance (μ-factor, Elastomeric)
≥ 7000 (for Class O)
Declared value, typically ≥ 7000 or ≥ 10000 for high-performance products
EN 14304
Dimensional Stability (Shrinkage)
≤ 5% after 7 days at max service temp
≤ 7% change after 7 days at max service temp
ASTM C534
Density (Elastomeric)
Mandatory range: 40 to 90 kg/m³
Apparent density is a declared property by the manufacturer, no mandatory range specified.
EN 14304
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values7
Quick Reference Values
Max Thermal Conductivity (Cellular Rubber at 40°C)0.040 W/(m·K)
Min Density (Cellular Rubber)40 kg/m³
Max Thermal Conductivity (Cellular Plastic at 40°C)0.045 W/(m·K)
Min Density (Cellular Plastic)28 kg/m³
Fire Performance (Surface Spread of Flame)Class 1 as per BS 476 (Part 7)
Max Longitudinal Shrinkage7%
Min Water Vapour Resistance Factor (μ)7000 for Type R, 3000 for Type P
What is the main difference between Type R and Type P materials?+
Type R is cellular rubber, which generally has better flexibility and a higher water vapor resistance (μ ≥ 7000). Type P is cellular plastic, with a lower minimum density and μ-value (μ ≥ 3000). (Table 1 & 2)
What is the required fire rating for insulation under this standard?+
The material must achieve Class 1 for Surface Spread of Flame when tested according to BS 476 (Part 7). (Table 1 & 2)
What is the maximum thermal conductivity allowed for cellular rubber insulation?+
0.040 W/(m·K) when tested at a mean temperature of 40°C. (Table 1)
Are there specific dimensional tolerances I should check?+
Yes, Tables 3 and 4 specify tolerances for length, width, and thickness for both sheets and tubes, which are crucial for proper site fitment.