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IS 3498 : 1993Metal table (office type)-Specification

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ANSI/BIFMA X5.5 · EN 527-1 · ISO 24496
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationBIMArchitectural · Furniture
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OverviewValues4InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 3498:1993 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for metal table (office type)-specification. This Indian Standard specifies the requirements for materials, standard dimensions, manufacturing tolerances, finish, and performance testing of metal tables intended for office use.

Metal table (office type)-Specification

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Architectural — Furniture
Type
Specification
International equivalents
ANSI/BIFMA X5.5-2021 · BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association), USAEN 527-1:2011 & EN 527-2:2017 · CEN (European Committee for Standardization), EuropeISO 24496:2021 · ISO (International Organization for Standardization), InternationalAS/NZS 4442:2018 · Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand
Typically used with
IS 513IS 1079IS 2074IS 3618IS 4923
Also on InfraLens for IS 3498
4Key values1Tables3FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! Always verify the gauge/thickness of the steel sheets using a micrometer during procurement, as manufacturers often compromise here to cut costs.
! Ensure proper anti-rust treatment (phosphating) has been done before painting or powder coating to prevent premature corrosion.
! Check that all exposed sheet metal edges have been properly deburred or hemmed to prevent injury.
! Drawers should be checked for smooth sliding operation and adequate load-bearing capacity without sagging.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 4MaterialsCl. 5Dimensions and TolerancesCl. 6ManufactureCl. 7FinishCl. 8Performance Requirements
Pulled from IS 3498:1993. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
mild steelsheet metalpowder coatinglaminateenamel paint

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
ANSI/BIFMA X5.5-2021BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association), USA
MediumCurrent
Desk and Table Products
Covers safety, durability, and structural performance tests for office desks and tables.
EN 527-1:2011 & EN 527-2:2017CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
MediumCurrent
Office furniture - Work tables - Part 1: Dimensions / Part 2: Safety, strength and durability requirements
Specifies dimensions, safety, strength, and durability for office work tables and desks.
ISO 24496:2021ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
LowCurrent
Office furniture — Office chairs and tables — Dimensional requirements
Provides ergonomic dimensional requirements for office tables but lacks construction or full performance specs.
AS/NZS 4442:2018Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand
MediumCurrent
Office desks, office screens and office tables
Specifies requirements for performance, safety, and dimensions of office desks and tables.
Key Differences
≠IS 3498 is a prescriptive standard, specifying exact material thicknesses (e.g., 1.25 mm steel for frames) and construction methods. International standards like BIFMA and EN 527 are performance-based, allowing any material or design that can pass specified durability and safety tests.
≠Modern international standards have extensive ergonomic requirements, including provisions for height-adjustable (sit-stand) desks. IS 3498 specifies only fixed heights (e.g., 750 mm) and has minimal ergonomic guidance.
≠Durability testing in standards like ANSI/BIFMA X5.5 is far more rigorous, mandating cyclic tests such as 15,000 drawer-opening cycles or repetitive drop loads, which are absent in IS 3498.
≠IS 3498 is specific to metal tables, whereas international equivalents are material-agnostic, covering tables made of wood, composites, metal, or a combination, as long as they meet performance criteria.
Key Similarities
≈All standards include fundamental stability tests to ensure the table does not tip over when a horizontal force is applied, although the test methods and force values differ.
≈Both IS 3498 and its international counterparts specify requirements for static load-bearing capacity on the tabletop to ensure it can support typical office equipment without failure.
≈All standards define basic dimensional requirements, such as table height and minimum legroom/knee-space clearance, to ensure basic user comfort and usability.
≈The overall objective of all standards is to ensure the product is fit for purpose, safe for the user, and durable enough for a typical office environment.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Standard Table Height (Fixed)750 ± 10 mm740 ± 20 mm (for fixed-height Type A tables)EN 527-1:2011
Top Static Load Test100 kgf (approx. 981 N) uniformly distributed for 24 hours with no permanent deformation.1000 N (102 kg) applied via 100mm disc for 10-30 seconds, no loss of serviceability.ANSI/BIFMA X5.5-2021
Material Thickness (Frame)Not less than 1.25 mm for CRCA steel.Not specified; performance-based. Design must pass strength and durability tests.ANSI/BIFMA X5.5-2021
Material Thickness (Panels)Not less than 0.80 mm for CRCA steel.Not specified; performance-based.EN 527-2:2017
Horizontal Stability Test Force20 kgf (approx. 196 N) applied without tipping.200 N force applied at the most adverse point; must not tip. (Test is often combined with a vertical load).EN 527-2:2017
Minimum Knee Space Height650 mm≥ 650 mm (for fixed height Type A table)EN 527-1:2011
Drawer Durability Cycle TestNot specified.15,000 cycles with a 13.6 kg load.ANSI/BIFMA X5.5-2021
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values4

Quick Reference Values
Standard height of table710 mm or 750 mm
Minimum thickness of MS sheet for table top1.0 mm
Minimum thickness of MS sheet for pedestals0.8 mm
Minimum thickness of tubular steel for frame1.2 mm

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Standard Dimensions of Office Tables
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Materials
Clause 5 - Dimensions and Tolerances
Clause 6 - Manufacture
Clause 7 - Finish
Clause 8 - Performance Requirements

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 513:2018Cold Rolled Low Carbon Steel Sheets and Strip...
→
IS 1079:2017Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Sheets and Strips
→
IS 2074:1992Ready Mixed Paint, Brushing, Bituminous, Blac...
→
IS 3618:2005Specification for Quartz Sand for the Glass I...
→
IS 4923:1997Hollow Steel Sections for Structural Use - Sp...
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What is the standard ergonomic height specified for office tables?+
The standard height is generally 710 mm or 750 mm to align with standard office chair heights.
What are the acceptable finishes for the table top?+
Table tops can be bare painted steel, laminated, or linoleum-covered, but must be flat, smooth, and resistant to regular office wear.
Is rust-proofing a mandatory requirement?+
Yes, all structural and sheet metal parts must be derusted and undergo a chemical phosphating treatment before the application of primer and final paint.

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