EN 15338:2024
(Main)Hardware for furniture - Strength and durability of extension elements and their components
General Information
- Abstract
This document specifies test methods and requirements for the strength and durability of all types of extension elements and their components for all fields of application, except table extensions.
The tests consist of the application of loads, forces and velocities simulating normal functional use, as well as misuse, that can reasonably be expected to occur.
With the exception of the corrosion test in 6.4, the tests are designed to evaluate properties without regard to materials, design/construction or manufacturing processes.
The strength and durability tests only relate to the extension elements and the parts used for the attachment, e.g. screws.
The strength and durability tests are carried out in a test frame with specified properties. The test results are only used as a guide to the performance of a piece of furniture.
The test results are only valid for the extension element tested.
Ageing and influences of heat and humidity are not included.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 17-Sep-2024
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 207 - Furniture
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 207/WG 8 - Hardware for furniture
- Current Stage
- 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 18-Sep-2024
- Due Date
- 16-Aug-2024
- Completion Date
- 18-Sep-2024
Overview
EN 15338:2024 - published by CEN - defines test methods and requirements for the strength and durability of extension elements and their components used in furniture (for example drawers, suspended file pockets, keyboard trays), excluding table extensions. The standard specifies laboratory procedures that simulate normal functional use and reasonable misuse. Test results are intended as a guide to the performance of a piece of furniture and are valid only for the specific extension element tested. Ageing and environmental effects from heat and humidity are not included (except where corrosion testing applies).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: All types of extension elements and their attachment parts (e.g., screws) for all application fields except table extensions.
- Test categories:
- Overload tests (vertical, horizontal, outwards)
- Functional tests (deflection, deformation, operating forces)
- Durability tests (repeated motion cycles)
- Slam-shut/open tests (see Annex B)
- Corrosion resistance (revised in Clause 6.4)
- Test conditions:
- Performed in a specified test frame; devices must allow deformation (loading pads able to pivot).
- Ambient test temperature normally 15 °C to 25 °C; hygroscopic plastics conditioned at (23 ± 5) °C, 50 ± 5 % RH for ≥7 days.
- Forces should be applied slowly (static loads maintained 10–15 s); relation 10 N = 1 kg may be used to convert loads to masses.
- Tolerances: Forces and velocities ±5%; masses ±1%; dimensions ±1 mm; angles ±2°.
- Assessment: Inspection before/after tests for fractures, loosening, deformation, impaired function. Results can represent production if the tested model is representative.
- Limitations: Tests (except corrosion) evaluate properties irrespective of material/design/manufacturing process. Results apply only to the tested element.
Applications and users
- Intended for furniture manufacturers, designers, R&D engineers, test laboratories, quality assurance teams, suppliers, and specifiers who need objective performance data for extension hardware.
- Practical uses:
- Product development and benchmarking of drawer slides, runners and components
- Supplier verification and incoming inspection
- Performance claims in technical data sheets and procurement specifications
- Failure-mode investigation and durability improvement
Related standards
Normative references included (useful for labs and specifiers):
- EN 320 - particleboard screw withdrawal
- EN 323 - wood-based panel density
- EN 17737 - corrosion resistance test/evaluation for furniture fittings
- EN ISO 6270-2, EN ISO 10289 - corrosion/humidity test methods
Keywords: EN 15338:2024, hardware for furniture, strength and durability, extension elements testing, drawers, test methods, CEN, corrosion resistance, loading capacity.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2023
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 15338:2024 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Hardware for furniture - Strength and durability of extension elements and their components". This standard covers: This document specifies test methods and requirements for the strength and durability of all types of extension elements and their components for all fields of application, except table extensions. The tests consist of the application of loads, forces and velocities simulating normal functional use, as well as misuse, that can reasonably be expected to occur. With the exception of the corrosion test in 6.4, the tests are designed to evaluate properties without regard to materials, design/construction or manufacturing processes. The strength and durability tests only relate to the extension elements and the parts used for the attachment, e.g. screws. The strength and durability tests are carried out in a test frame with specified properties. The test results are only used as a guide to the performance of a piece of furniture. The test results are only valid for the extension element tested. Ageing and influences of heat and humidity are not included.
This document specifies test methods and requirements for the strength and durability of all types of extension elements and their components for all fields of application, except table extensions. The tests consist of the application of loads, forces and velocities simulating normal functional use, as well as misuse, that can reasonably be expected to occur. With the exception of the corrosion test in 6.4, the tests are designed to evaluate properties without regard to materials, design/construction or manufacturing processes. The strength and durability tests only relate to the extension elements and the parts used for the attachment, e.g. screws. The strength and durability tests are carried out in a test frame with specified properties. The test results are only used as a guide to the performance of a piece of furniture. The test results are only valid for the extension element tested. Ageing and influences of heat and humidity are not included.
EN 15338:2024 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 97.140 - Furniture. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 15338:2024 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 15338:2007+A1:2010, EN 17737:2022, EN ISO 6270-2:2025, EN 320:2011, EN 323:1993, EN ISO 10289:2001. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 15338:2024 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2024
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 15338:2007+A1:2010
Pohištveno okovje - Trdnost in trajnost izvlečnih elementov in njihovih sestavnih
delov
Hardware for furniture - Strength and durability of extension elements and their
components
Möbelbeschläge - Festigkeit und Dauerhaltbarkeit von Auszügen und deren
Komponenten
Quincaillerie d'ameublement - Résistance mécanique et endurance des éléments
extractibles et de leurs composants
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 15338:2024
ICS:
97.140 Pohištvo Furniture
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN 15338
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
September 2024
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 97.140 Supersedes EN 15338:2007+A1:2010
English Version
Hardware for furniture - Strength and durability of
extension elements and their components
Quincaillerie d'ameublement - Résistance mécanique et Möbelbeschläge - Festigkeit und Dauerhaltbarkeit von
endurance des éléments extractibles et de leurs Auszügen und deren Komponenten
composants
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 7 July 2024.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2024 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 15338:2024 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 General test conditions . 7
4.1 Preliminary preparation . 7
4.2 Test equipment . 7
4.3 Application of forces . 8
4.4 Tolerances . 8
4.5 Sequence of testing . 8
4.6 Inspection and assessment of results . 8
5 Test apparatus. 8
5.1 Loading pad . 8
5.2 Apparatus for slam-shut/open tests . 9
5.3 Masses . 9
5.4 Glass marbles . 9
5.5 Loads for filing pockets . 9
5.6 Test frame and test drawer . 10
5.7 Particle board properties . 11
5.8 Wood component . 11
6 Test procedures and requirements . 12
6.1 General . 12
6.2 Overload tests . 12
6.2.1 General . 12
6.2.2 Vertical downwards static overload . 12
6.2.3 Horizontal sideways static overload . 12
6.2.4 Outwards static overload . 13
6.2.5 Slam-shut/open . 13
6.3 Functional tests . 14
6.3.1 General . 14
6.3.2 Deflection of extension element bottoms . 14
6.3.3 Deformation of front and back . 14
6.3.4 Operating forces . 15
6.3.5 First vertical downwards static load test . 15
6.3.6 First horizontal sideways static load . 16
6.3.7 Determination of reference point for the deflection of front . 16
6.3.8 Durability . 17
6.3.9 Deflection of front . 17
6.3.10 Second vertical downwards static load . 17
6.3.11 Second horizontal sideways static load . 18
6.3.12 Operating forces . 18
6.3.13 Slam-shut/open . 18
6.4 Corrosion resistance . 18
6.5 Test report . 18
Annex A (normative) Product information system . 20
Annex B (normative) Test-method: Slam-shut/open of extension elements . 21
Annex C (normative) Test parameters . 24
European foreword
This document (EN 15338:2024) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 207 “Furniture”,
the secretariat of which is held by UNI.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by February 2025, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by February 2025.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 15338:2007+A1:2010.
EN 15338:2007+A1:2010:
— updating of normative references;
— revision of 6.4 “Corrosion resistance”;
— deletion of A.6 “Corrosion test”.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
Introduction
The aim of this document is to provide furniture manufacturers, designers and developers with
comparable information regarding the performance of extension elements and drawers.
1 Scope
This document specifies test methods and requirements for the strength and durability of all types of
extension elements and their components for all fields of application, except table extensions.
The tests consist of the application of loads, forces and velocities simulating normal functional use, as
well as misuse, that can reasonably be expected to occur.
With the exception of the corrosion test in 6.4, the tests are designed to evaluate properties without
regard to materials, design/construction or manufacturing processes.
The strength and durability tests only relate to the extension elements and the parts used for the
attachment, e.g. screws.
The strength and durability tests are carried out in a test frame with specified properties. The test results
are only used as a guide to the performance of a piece of furniture.
The test results are only valid for the extension element tested.
Ageing and influences of heat and humidity are not included.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 320, Particleboards and fibreboards — Determination of resistance to axial withdrawal of screws
EN 323, Wood-based panels — Determination of density
EN 17737, Hardware for furniture — Test and evaluation methods for the corrosion resistance of furniture
fittings
EN ISO 6270-2, Paints and varnishes — Determination of resistance to humidity — Part 2: Condensation
(in-cabinet exposure with heated water reservoir) (ISO 6270-2)
EN ISO 10289, Methods for corrosion testing of metallic and other inorganic coatings on metallic substrates
— Rating of test specimens and manufactured articles subjected to corrosion tests (ISO 10289)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
catch device
device which keeps or pulls an extension element in place, but does not require a second action in order
to release it
EXAMPLE A magnetic catch or a self-closing or self-opening mechanism.
3.2
extension element
components that can be pulled out and pushed in
EXAMPLE Drawers, suspended pocket files, keyboard trays.
3.3
loading capacity
M
mass in kg, as specified by the manufacturer, for which the extension element will fulfil the strength and
durability requirements
Note 1 to entry: The loading capacity includes the extension element and the load in/on the extension element.
In other EN standards, this is referred to as total mass.
3.4
damper
mechanism which gently brings the extension element to a stop
4 General test conditions
4.1 Preliminary preparation
The extension element shall be assembled/mounted according to the instructions supplied with it.
If mounting or assembly instructions are not supplied, the most adverse configuration shall be used and
the mounting or assembly method shall be recorded in the test report. Fittings shall be tightened before
testing and shall not be re-tightened unless specifically required in the manufacturer’s instructions. If it
is necessary to change the configuration to produce the worst-case conditions, this shall be recorded in
the test report.
For testing a range of related extension elements, only worst case(s) shall be tested.
The tests shall be carried out in indoor ambient conditions at a temperature between 15 °C and 25 °C. If
during a test the temperature is outside of the range of 15 °C to 25 °C, the maximum and/or minimum
temperature shall be recorded in the test report.
Extension elements which include structural hardware parts made of hygroscopic plastic materials, e.g.
polyamide shall be conditioned at (23 ± 5) °C and a relative humidity of (50 ± 5) % for at least 7 days
before testing.
In the case of designs not addressed in the test procedures, the test shall be carried out as far as possible
as described, and deviations from the test procedure shall be recorded in the test report.
Before beginning the testing, the extension element shall be inspected visually thoroughly. Any defects
shall be recorded so that they are not assumed to have been caused by the tests. If specified,
measurements shall be carried out.
4.2 Test equipment
Unless otherwise specified, the tests may be applied by any suitable device, because results are not
dependent upon the apparatus.
The equipment shall not inhibit deformation of the extension element, i.e. it shall be able to move so that
it can follow the deformation of the extension element during testing.
All loading pads shall be capable of pivoting in relation to the direction of the applied force. The pivot
point shall be as close as practically possible to the load surface.
4.3 Application of forces
The forces in the static load tests shall be applied sufficiently slowly to ensure that negligible dynamic
force is applied. Unless otherwise specified, each force shall be maintained for not less than 10 s and not
more than 15 s.
The forces in durability tests shall be applied at a rate to ensure that excessive heating does not occur.
The forces may be replaced by masses. The relation 10 N = 1 kg may be used for this purpose.
4.4 Tolerances
Unless otherwise stated, the following tolerances are applicable:
Forces: ± 5 % of the nominal force;
Velocities: ± 5 % of the nominal velocity;
Masses: ± 1 % of the nominal mass;
Dimensions: ± 1 mm of the nominal dimension;
Angles: ± 2° of the nominal angle;
The accuracy for the positioning of loading pads shall be ± 5 mm.
4.5 Sequence of testing
The tests shall be carried out in the same sequence as the clauses are numbered in this document. If the
clause sequence is not followed, the sequence shall be recorded in the test report.
4.6 Inspection and assessment of results
Before and after completion of each test, the inspection shall be carried out as specified, after using
adjustment devices, if available.
Before any measurements are taken, the loaded extension shall be moved 10 times over the total
extension length.
Any changes that have taken place since the initial inspection shall be recorded. The inspection shall
include at least the following:
a) the fracture of any component or joint;
b) the loosening of any joint intended to be rigid, which can be demonstrated by hand pressure;
c) the deformation or wear of any part or component such that its functioning is impaired;
d) the loosening of any means of fixing components;
e) any impaired function of a component or part.
These results may be used to represent the performance of production models provided that the tested
model is representative of the production model.
5 Test apparatus
5.1 Loading pad
Rigid disc 100 mm in diameter (or 50 mm to be used in limited space), with a flat face and a 12 mm front
edge blend radius.
5.2 Apparatus for slam-shut/open tests
An example for a suitabl
...