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IS 8183:1993 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for rigid mineral wool thermal insulating materials. This standard specifies the requirements for rigid mineral wool (rock wool and slag wool) thermal insulation materials, supplied as slabs or preformed pipe sections. It covers material properties, dimensions, and physical requirements like thermal conductivity, density, and fire performance, along with testing and conformity criteria.
Specifies requirements for rigid mineral wool thermal insulating materials.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Always wear appropriate PPE (gloves, masks, goggles) when handling mineral wool to avoid skin and respiratory irritation from loose fibers.
! Ensure insulation is kept dry during storage and installation as moisture significantly degrades its thermal performance.
! While mineral wool itself is non-combustible, the binders and any facing materials (like foil) may be combustible and affect the overall fire rating of the composite product.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
mineral woolrock woolslag woolthermal insulation
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
ASTM C612-14(2019)ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Block and Board Thermal Insulation
Both standards cover rigid and semi-rigid mineral wool (rock, slag) boards for thermal insulation.
EN 13162:2012+A1:2015CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Thermal insulation products for buildings - Factory made mineral wool (MW) products - Specification
Defines specifications for factory-made mineral wool products, including slabs, for thermal insulation of buildings.
ASTM C547-19ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Pipe Insulation
Specifically covers preformed pipe sections, which is one of the product forms included in IS 8183.
BS EN 13162:2012+A1:2015BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighCurrent
Thermal insulation products for buildings. Factory made mineral wool (MW) products. Specification
The UK's adoption of the European standard, covering the same scope of mineral wool slabs and boards.
Key Differences
≠IS 8183 uses a simple classification system based on 'Groups' (1 to 6) which directly correspond to maximum service temperature. In contrast, EN 13162 uses a detailed, multi-parameter designation code system, and ASTM C612 uses 'Types' based on a combination of density, strength, and temperature.
≠Fire performance in IS 8183 is a simple 'Non-combustible' rating as per IS 3144. European standards (EN 13162) use the comprehensive Euroclass system (A1-F) based on EN 13501-1, which provides a much more detailed classification of reaction to fire.
≠IS 8183 is prescriptive, specifying maximum thermal conductivity values for given densities. EN 13162 is performance-based, requiring manufacturers to declare a thermal conductivity value (λD) based on statistical analysis, rather than meeting a fixed limit for a given density.
≠The Indian standard has not been substantially revised since 1993 (reaffirmed 2018), while the ASTM and EN standards are updated more frequently to reflect new testing methods, manufacturing techniques, and regulatory requirements like the EU's Construction Products Regulation (CPR).
Key Similarities
≈All standards cover the same core materials: mineral wool insulation derived from rock, slag, or similar inorganic materials.
≈The primary product forms, such as rigid slabs/boards and preformed pipe sections, are covered by the scope of all compared standards.
≈Fundamental physical properties such as thermal conductivity, density, compressive strength, and dimensional stability are key parameters specified in all the standards.
≈The basic test principles for key properties are similar, such as using a guarded hot plate method (defined in IS 3346, ASTM C177, ISO 8302) to determine thermal conductivity.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Classification Basis
Groups 1-6 based on max service temperature (e.g., Group 6 for 750°C)
Types (e.g., Type I-VIII) based on density, strength & temp. (e.g., Type V for 649°C)
ASTM C612
Thermal Conductivity (at 50°C mean temp, ~100 kg/m³ density)
≤ 0.041 W/m.K
≤ 0.038 W/m.K (Value interpolated for Type IVA at 122°F/50°C)
ASTM C612-14
Compressive Strength (at 10% deformation, for slabs >40mm)
≥ 20 kPa (for density ≥ 100 kg/m³)
Performance level CS(10)20 designates a value ≥ 20 kPa
EN 13162
Maximum Service Temperature
Up to 750°C (Group 6)
Declared by manufacturer, e.g., ST(+)750 indicates 750°C. Not a primary classification.
EN 13162
Density Tolerance
± 15%
Density is a declared, not a primary classification property. ASTM C612 specifies 'Nominal Density'.
EN 13162 / ASTM C612
Thickness Tolerance (Slabs < 75mm)
± 3 mm
Class T3: -1% or -1mm (greater) and +3mm
EN 13162
Combustibility
Non-combustible per IS 3144
Euroclass A1 (non-combustible) per EN 13501-1
EN 13162
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values7
Quick Reference Values
Maximum thermal conductivity (slabs at 50°C mean temp)0.046 W/(m.K)
Maximum service temperature750 °C
Minimum density (Group 1 slabs)100 kg/m³
Minimum density (Group 2 slabs)150 kg/m³
Minimum compressive strength (Group 2 slabs at 10% deformation)5.0 kPa
Water vapour permeance (max)0.60 ng/Pa.s.m²
CombustibilityNon-combustible
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Physical Requirements for Mineral Wool Slabs
Table 2 - Physical Requirements for Preformed Pipe Sections