IS 3346:1980 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for glossary of terms relating to thermal insulation. This standard provides a comprehensive glossary of terms relating to thermal insulation. It establishes standard definitions for concepts involving heat transmission, insulating materials, and their properties to ensure uniformity in technical literature and specifications.
Defines terms and symbols related to thermal insulation materials and systems.
Overview
- Status
- Current
- Usage level
- Specialized
- Domain
- MEP — Insulation Materials
- Type
- Terminology
Also on InfraLens for IS 3346
Practical Notes
! Commonly used by specifiers and HVAC engineers to standardize contractual language and technical specifications.
! Helps clarify the critical technical distinction between material properties (like thermal conductivity) and system properties (like thermal transmittance or U-value).
Frequently referenced clauses
thermal insulationinsulating materialsglass woolmineral woolpolyurethane foam
International Equivalents
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International Comparison — Coming Soon
We're adding equivalent international standards for this code.
Key Values4
Quick Reference Values
Thermal Conductivity (k) unitW/(m·K)
Thermal Resistance (R) unitm²·K/W
Thermal Transmittance (U) unitW/(m²·K)
Thermal Diffusivity unitm²/s
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Clauses
Section 2 - Terms Relating to Heat Transmission
Section 3 - Terms Relating to Materials and their Properties
Section 4 - Terms Relating to Application and Installation
Frequently Asked Questions3
What is the primary purpose of IS 3346?+
To standardize the terminology and definitions used across the thermal insulation industry to prevent ambiguity.
Does this standard provide minimum required R-values or insulation thicknesses?+
No, it only provides terminology definitions. Required R-values or U-values are found in design codes like the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) or specific material codes.
How does it define Thermal Transmittance (U-value)?+
As the overall rate of heat transfer through a unit area of a building element or structure per degree of temperature difference between the environments on either side.
QA/QC Inspection Templates
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QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.