Overview
ISO 7174-2:1992 - Furniture - Chairs - Determination of stability - Part 2: Chairs with tilting or reclining mechanisms when fully reclined, and rocking chairs - specifies test methods for determining the rearward stability of chairs that tilt, recline (fully reclined), or rock. It complements ISO 7174-1, which covers forward and sideward stability of upright chairs and stools. Test results apply only to the actual article tested.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Methods apply only to rearward stability of tilting, reclining (adjustable back angle), and rocking chairs when fully reclined. Not a substitute for tests on upright chairs.
- Representation of test person: Test apparatus represents a person of 110 kg mass and 190 cm stature; intended to simulate arms-stretched/behind-head posture with legs under the chair.
- Test equipment:
- Loading discs: 10 kg each, diameter 350 mm, thickness 48 mm.
- Disc stack and support apparatus (suggested design provided); support apparatus should be as light as possible and not heavier than 25 kg.
- Floor surface: horizontal, flat and rigid.
- Typical loading procedures:
- Tilting chairs: load with 11 discs against the back (secured with support apparatus); rock forward until back support vertical and observe overbalance.
- Rocking chairs: allow chair to rock rearward freely under gravity with appropriate disc loading.
- Reclining chairs with footrest: load back with 8 discs, place 3 discs on footrest at specified distances; footrest folding may require alternate forward-stability test per ISO 7174-1.
- Reclining chairs without footrest: load back with 8 discs and 3 discs on the seat at specified positions.
- Angles and exemptions: Tests are not required when certain geometry thresholds are met (e.g., minimum angle values greater than 55° or 45° in specific cases).
- Tolerances: Forces ±1%, masses ±0.5%, dimensions ±0.5 mm unless stated otherwise.
- Test report must include reference to ISO 7174-2, specimen details, pass/fail (overbalance or not), deviations, test facility name/address, and test date.
Applications and users
- Who uses it: furniture manufacturers, test laboratories, product designers, safety engineers, procurement teams, certification bodies and regulatory agencies.
- Practical value:
- Verifies rearward stability of reclining/rocking chairs to reduce tip-over risk.
- Supports product development, quality control, and conformity assessment.
- Helps demonstrate compliance for tendering, safety certification, and reduced liability.
Related standards
- ISO 7174-1:1988 - Chairs - Determination of stability - Part 1: Upright chairs and stools (forward/sideward tests).
- Other related series: ISO 7170–7174 (furniture strength/durability and stability).
Open preview (PDF)Furniture — Chairs — Determination of stability — Part 2: Chairs with tilting or reclining mechanisms when fully reclined, and rocking chairs
