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IS 3761 : 1983Metal Side Racks (Adjustable Type) - Specification

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FEM 10.2.06 · ANSI/BIFMA X5.9 · AS 4084
CurrentRareSpecificationBIMArchitectural · Furniture
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OverviewValues5InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 3761:1983 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for metal side racks (adjustable type) - specification. This standard specifies the requirements for materials, dimensions, manufacture, and finish of adjustable metal side racks typically used for storage in offices, libraries, and institutions.

Metal Side Racks (Adjustable Type) - Specification

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Rare
Domain
Architectural — Furniture
Type
Specification
International equivalents
FEM 10.2.06 · FEM (Fédération Européenne de la Manutention), EuropeANSI/BIFMA X5.9-2019 · ANSI/BIFMA (American National Standards Institute / Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association), USAAS 4084:2023 · Standards Australia, AustraliaBS EN 16893:2018 · BSI (British Standards Institution) / CEN (European Committee for Standardization), UK/Europe
Typically used with
IS 513IS 1079IS 2074IS 2932IS 3140
Also on InfraLens for IS 3761
5Key values1Tables3FAQs

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

Practical Notes
! Always verify the sheet metal gauge using a micrometer during procurement, as undersized gauges will lead to shelf sagging under heavy file/book loads.
! Pay special attention to the anti-rust treatment and finish (stove enamel or powder coating) specified in the standard to ensure longevity in humid environments.
! While the standard specifies standard dimensions, custom dimensions can be manufactured, provided the structural integrity and material thickness limits are adhered to.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3DimensionsCl. 4MaterialsCl. 5Manufacture and AssemblyCl. 7FinishCl. 8Marking
Pulled from IS 3761:1983. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
mild steelCRCA sheetenamel paintpowder coating

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
FEM 10.2.06FEM (Fédération Européenne de la Manutention), Europe
HighCurrent
The Design of Hand Loaded Static Steel Shelving
Focuses on the structural design principles for the same type of hand-loaded steel shelving.
ANSI/BIFMA X5.9-2019ANSI/BIFMA (American National Standards Institute / Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association), USA
MediumCurrent
Storage Units - Tests
Provides performance and safety test methods for storage units, including shelving, but does not prescribe dimensions or materials.
AS 4084:2023Standards Australia, Australia
MediumCurrent
Steel storage racking
Covers all steel storage racking; its principles apply to shelving but it is much broader and more complex, including pallet racking.
BS EN 16893:2018BSI (British Standards Institution) / CEN (European Committee for Standardization), UK/Europe
LowCurrent
Conservation of cultural heritage - Specifications for location, construction and modification of buildings or rooms intended for the storage or use of heritage collections
Specifies requirements for archival shelving (e.g., material inertness) within a broader conservation context.
Key Differences
≠IS 3761 is a prescriptive product standard, specifying exact material thicknesses and dimensions. Modern international standards like FEM 10.2.06 are performance-based, specifying design rules and safety margins, allowing manufacturers flexibility in design.
≠IS 3761 specifies simple load tests with a basic deflection limit. International standards (e.g., ANSI/BIFMA X5.9, AS 4084) mandate a comprehensive suite of tests, including stability, overload, and durability tests, and often require detailed structural calculations using methods like Limit State Design.
≠The Indian Standard specifies mild steel conforming to older Indian standards. International equivalents allow a wide range of modern high-strength steels, specified by their yield strength (e.g., S235, S355), enabling more efficient and lighter designs.
≠IS 3761 requires a basic enamel paint finish. Standards for specialized applications like archival storage (e.g., BS EN 16893) demand chemically inert finishes, such as polyester powder coating, to prevent damage to stored items from off-gassing.
Key Similarities
≈All standards share the fundamental goal of ensuring the structural safety and serviceability of adjustable, hand-loaded metal shelving systems.
≈The basic construction concept—perforated uprights, adjustable shelves with clips/hooks, and the use of bracing or back panels for stability—is common to the products covered by all aformentioned standards.
≈A primary focus for both the IS code and its international counterparts is the definition of a safe load-carrying capacity for shelves and the overall racking unit.
≈All standards recognize the critical importance of system stability, addressing it through requirements for bracing, back panels, or specific stability tests and calculations.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Shelf Deflection Limit (under load)Shall not exceed 1/180 of the spanL/200 for shelf beams (recommended); stricter limits for automated systemsFEM 10.2.06
Material Specification (Uprights)Mild steel sheet (e.g., 2.5 mm thick for heavy-duty) conforming to IS 2062Performance-based; designer selects steel grade (e.g., S275) and thickness based on structural calculations to meet strength and serviceability requirementsFEM 10.2.06
Load TestApply 1.5 times the specified load for 24 hours and check for permanent set.Conduct multiple tests: Proof Load Test (to a factor of functional load) and Ultimate Strength Test (to failure) to verify safety margins.ANSI/BIFMA X5.9-2019
Standard Heights1950 mm, 2250 mmNot specified in design standards; determined by the manufacturer based on design calculations and market requirements.FEM 10.2.06 / General Practice
FinishStove enamelling or synthetic enamel paint over a phosphate coating.Chemically stable baked polyester powder coating; no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).BS EN 16893:2018
Design MethodologyImplicit working stress design through prescriptive dimensions and a simple load test.Limit State Design (LSD) with partial safety factors for loads (γf) and material resistances (γm).AS 4084:2023
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values5

Quick Reference Values
minimum thickness shelves0.8 mm (CRCA steel sheet)
minimum thickness uprights1.2 mm to 1.6 mm depending on height
paint dry film thicknessMinimum 15 to 20 microns
typical shelf depth300 mm to 450 mm
adjustable pitch holesAt intervals of 25 mm or 50 mm for shelf adjustment

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Standard Dimensions of Metal Side Racks
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Dimensions
Clause 4 - Materials
Clause 5 - Manufacture and Assembly
Clause 7 - Finish
Clause 8 - Marking

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 2932:1993Enamel, Synthetic, Exterior (a) Undercoating ...
→
IS 3140:1965Code of practice for painting asbestos cement...
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What is the primary material specified for these racks?+
Cold-rolled (CRCA) or hot-rolled mild steel sheets conforming to IS 513 or IS 1079.
Are the rack dimensions strictly fixed by the code?+
The standard provides preferred standard dimensions for uniformity, but specific dimensions can be agreed upon between the purchaser and the manufacturer.
What type of finish is required by the standard?+
A thorough anti-corrosive treatment (like phosphating) followed by a protective coating of stove enamel or powder coating.

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