Frequently Asked Questions

• Annex A (Stiffness) – Bending caused by people leaning on the partition or by a person standing on a ladder leaning against it
• Annex C & E (Soft body impact test) – Impact caused by people falling against the partition
• Annex B & D (Hard body impact test) – Impact caused by trolleys, wheelchairs and equipment
• Annex F (door slam) – Door slamming caused by wind or people closing a door energetically

Not always, 'For a partition to be described as having a particular grade it shall pass all the tests for that grade', but 'tests may be used individually or in a combination', and 'the test methods given in BS5234-2: 1992 can be used in combination or individually to the criteria set by the designer. Only requirements applicable need to be tested and then only to the level of performance required'.

BS 5234-2: 1992 strength and robustness testing is the same for both timber and metal stud partitions

The standard specifies an opening to accept a door frame 2100mm high x 900mm wide. To accept a door leaf 2040mm x 826mm wide. This is the door size that needs to be used for a partition to be classified as: light, medium, heavy or severe duty rating under BS 5234-2: 1992

There is no defined process for testing doors larger than that specified in the standard, but obviously different sizes are common in the industry and require the same sort of rigorous testing. Where an assessment of larger door openings is required, the accepted industry approach is to use the same methodology and to test the larger door opening to the 'principals of BS 5234-2: 1992'.

The standard specifies:

• Door leaf tested is 35kg +/- 0.5kg for light and medium duty ratings
• Door leaf tested is 60kg +/- 0.5kg for heavy and severe duty ratings

There is no defined process for testing doors heavier than that specified in the standard, but obviously different door weights are common in the industry and require the same sort of rigorous testing. Where an assessment of heavier door leaf's are required, the accepted industry approach is to use the same methodology and to test the door opening to the 'principals of BS 5234-2: 1992'.

No, the classification of the door weight is based on one leaf

For a partition to be described as having a particular duty rating it shall pass all the tests for that duty rating, which includes testing annexes B, C and D on a right angle junction.

Tests on configurations other than right angle junctions are not covered by the standard. However the standard recognises the need to test a greater number than the right angle defined, and makes clear that ' impact tests used on a right angle junction may be used to test the strength and robustness of other junctions, particularly where the materials and/or method of constructing the partition differ from those used in straight lengths of the partition'.

Crowd pressure is not required for a duty rating classification but it exists as an optional test – Annex G

BS 5234-2: 1992 does not define a method for specifically testing builderswork openings within walls for strength and robustness.

The standard does state that 'Testing shall be on specimen partitions and junction assemblies' representative of those to be supplied and/or erected in practice…..'. 'The methods of tests are given in Annex A to Annex L. Each test method includes the apparatus to be used, described as far as possible by general principals, so that the details of its construction are left to the discretion of the test authority'.

Making clear that 'partition specimens should include all integral components such as glazed areas, which might otherwise be considered to detract from the performance levels achieved'; using this principal we have successfully used specific annexes within BS 5234-2: 1992 to test walls onsite that have openings at impact points '…..selected within a defined band where the test is most likely to damage the partition…..'

Additional tests defined in annexes H to L can be carried out:

• Annex H – Lightweight anchorage pull-out test
• Annex J – Lightweight anchorage pull-down test
• Annex K – Heavyweight anchorage (wash basin) eccentric downward loading test
• Annex L – Heavyweight anchorage (high level wall cupboard) eccentric downward loading test

While 'proprietary test brackets may not be substituted to demonstrate conformance to this standard. Alternative test brackets may be used but such tests are beyond the scope of this standard'

The rig height is extendable, so annexes A, B, D and F can all be tested under ceilings that are 2.4m high. Annex B requires the rig to be extended, so a ceiling height of 2.8m is the minimum that can be accommodated. However, where grid and tile ceilings are present, the test rig can often be positioned to minimise the amount of ceiling that needs to be temporarily removed to carry out the test.

The rig has been designed to fit through doors 800mm wide and above

The maximum height we can test is 5m