How to Test Chair Back and Arm Impact Durability According to EN 12520
Dec 25, 2025
How to Test Chair Back and Arm Impact Durability According to EN 12520
Chairs, as one of the most frequently used pieces of furniture and those bearing the greatest load, have long been key indicators in the international standards system regarding structural safety, armrest durability, and backrest impact strength. As global market requirements for furniture quality continue to rise, how to ensure that chairs remain stable, reliable, and safe during long-term use has become a major concern for furniture manufacturers, inspection agencies, and laboratories.
Among them, EN 12520, as a core standard in the European furniture industry, clearly states that all verifications regarding strength and durability must be conducted in accordance with EN 1728 “Test methods for the determination of strength and durability of seating and stools.”
1. EN 12520 and EN 1728
EN 12520 specifies the minimum requirements for the strength, durability, and safety of household chairs and serves as a basic condition for furniture products to enter the EU market. The standard directly references the operational procedures of EN 1728.
EN 12520: Safety requirements for household seating
This standard clearly defines the structural stability, strength, and durability required for chairs and is the fundamental safety requirement that household chairs must meet before entering the European market.
EN 1728: Test methods for the strength and durability of furniture
This is a mechanical testing standard specifically for chairs and stools, including static load, fatigue, impact, and several other tests. It is the core basis for evaluating the mechanical performance of chair products.
In EN 1728, related to the Strength and Durability tests of Our Chair Armrest Durability Testing Machine are:
6.8 Foot rest static load test
6.11 Arm rest downwards static load test
6.18 Seat front edge durability test
6.20 Arm rest durability test
2. The Function of the Chair Armrest Durability Testing Machine GT-LB11
The Chair Back and Arm Impact Tester is specially designed for testing the impact strength of backrests and handrails.
The main structure is made of aluminum, which is beautiful and easy to maintain.
The height of the impact pendulum can be adjusted, which could test chairs with different heights.
3. The Purpose and Significance of Chair Back and Arm Impact Tester
The main testing purposes of GT-LB11 Chair Back and Arm Impact Tester include:
Evaluating the structural stability of the backrest when subjected to instantaneous impact
To prevent sudden backward leaning by the user from causing backrest breakage.
Evaluating the safety of armrests when subjected to lateral or vertical impact
To avoid sudden breakage of the armrest that could cause the user to fall.
Improving the damage resistance of chairs under extreme use
Particularly suitable for public facilities, shopping malls, airports, and other high-frequency use environments.
The Chair Back and Arm Impact Tester can effectively help manufacturers determine whether there are potential safety hazards in their products, making it an important tool for optimizing chair structural design.
