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IS 3497:1992 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for steel wardrobes (adjustable type)-specification. This Indian Standard specifies the requirements for materials, dimensions, manufacture, and finish for adjustable-type steel wardrobes used for storage in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! When verifying the thickness of the steel sheets, measure the bare metal before the application of paint, or deduct the coating thickness measured by a DFT gauge.
! Verify that proper anti-corrosive treatments (like phosphating) are applied prior to the stoved enamel or powder coating to prevent premature rusting.
! BIM modelers should use the standard dimensions provided (1980x900x450/550 mm) for accurate clash coordination and space planning.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
mild steelCRCA sheetenamel paintpowder coating
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
ANSI/BIFMA X5.9-2019BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association), USA
HighCurrent
American National Standard for Office Furnishings - Storage Units - Tests
Covers safety and performance requirements for commercial storage furniture, including wardrobes and cabinets.
BS EN 14073-2:2004BSI (British Standards Institution) / CEN (European Committee for Standardization), UK/Europe
HighCurrent
Office furniture - Storage furniture - Part 2: Safety requirements
Specifies safety requirements for the design and construction of all types of office storage furniture.
AS/NZS 4790:2006Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
MediumCurrent
Office furniture - Storage equipment
Details requirements for strength, durability, stability, and function of office storage equipment.
ISO 7170:2005ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
MediumCurrent
Furniture — Storage units — Determination of strength and durability
Provides test methods for strength and durability; it's a testing standard referenced by product specifications, not a specification itself.
Key Differences
≠IS 3497 is a prescriptive standard, specifying exact material thicknesses (e.g., 0.8 mm steel for body), whereas international standards like BIFMA X5.9 are performance-based, requiring units to pass tests regardless of material thickness.
≠International standards include extensive safety tests not found in IS 3497, such as tip-over stability tests (e.g., applying horizontal and vertical forces to simulate misuse) which are mandatory under BIFMA and EN standards.
≠BIFMA and EN standards mandate rigorous durability cyclic testing (e.g., opening/closing doors for 20,000+ cycles) to simulate long-term use, a requirement not specified in IS 3497, which focuses on static strength.
≠The shelf load testing methodology differs. IS 3497 specifies a fixed static load (40 kg), while BIFMA X5.9 calculates the test load based on the shelf's storage volume, often resulting in a more application-relevant load.
Key Similarities
≈All standards specify the use of steel, typically Cold-Rolled Steel, as the primary structural material for the wardrobe's carcass, doors, and shelves.
≈The fundamental requirement for shelves to support a specified load without failure or excessive permanent deformation is a core principle in both IS 3497 and its international counterparts.
≈All standards address the main functional components of a wardrobe, including the body, doors, shelves, hinges, and locking mechanisms, setting criteria for their construction and function.
≈A protective, anti-corrosive finish (such as powder coating or stove enamelling) over a properly prepared surface (like phosphating) is a common requirement to ensure durability and longevity.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Body Sheet Thickness
Not less than 0.80 mm CRCA steel sheet
Not specified; performance-based. Must pass strength and durability tests.
ANSI/BIFMA X5.9-2019
Door Sheet Thickness
Not less than 1.00 mm CRCA steel sheet
Not specified; performance-based. Must pass door slam and cycle tests.
ANSI/BIFMA X5.9-2019
Shelf Load Test
40 kg uniformly distributed load (UDL) for 24 hours. Max deflection 1/200 of span.
Load calculated based on storage volume (e.g., 75 lbs/ft³), often resulting in 50-70 kg UDL. Max deflection criteria apply.
ANSI/BIFMA X5.9-2019
Stability (Tip-Over) Test
Not specified in the standard.
Mandatory. Unit must not tip when a specified horizontal force (e.g., 89 N) is applied to the top and a vertical load is applied to an open door.
BS EN 14073-2:2004
Door Durability
No cyclic test specified. Focuses on hinge construction.
Must withstand a specified number of operational cycles (e.g., 20,000 cycles) without functional failure.
ANSI/BIFMA X5.9-2019
Locking Mechanism
Prescribed as a '6-lever unpickable lock'.
Performance-based. Lock and mechanism must withstand specified torque and pull forces without failure.
ANSI/BIFMA X5.9-2019
Surface Pre-treatment
Phosphating treatment as per IS 6005.
Not specified, but finish must pass performance tests like adhesion (ASTM D3359) and corrosion resistance (e.g., salt spray test ASTM B117).
General BIFMA/ASTM reference
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Overall height (standard)1980 mm
Overall width (standard)900 mm
Overall depth (standard)450 mm or 550 mm
Minimum sheet thickness for doors1.00 mm
Minimum sheet thickness for body and shelves0.80 mm