IS 1883:1983 specifies requirements for adjustable metal shelving racks used primarily for storage and display purposes. It covers design, materials, dimensions, load capacities, and testing methods to ensure durability, safety, and functionality. This standard applies to manufacturers, suppliers, and users of metal shelving racks in commercial, industrial, and institutional settings.
Overview
IS 1883:1983 specifies requirements for adjustable metal shelving racks used primarily for storage and display purposes. It covers design, materials, dimensions, load capacities, and testing methods to ensure durability, safety, and functionality. This standard applies to manufacturers, suppliers, and users of metal shelving racks in commercial, industrial, and institutional settings.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 1883 Scope Summary
Scope: Covers design and specifications for metal shelving racks of three types:
Material Specifications: Uses various IS standards for components:
Rounding Off: Test or calculated values must be rounded as per IS 2-1960 to the same decimal places as specified values (Clause 0.5).
Purchaser's Role: Must provide technical info when ordering (Clause 0.4).
| Component | IS Code Reference | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Steel | IS 2062 | Standard quality steel |
| Rolled Sections | IS 808 | Beams, channels, angles |
| Bolts & Nuts | IS 1363, IS 1364 | Black hex/ square bolts & nuts |
| Zinc Coating | IS 2633, IS 4736 | Electroplated & hot-dip galvanized |
graph TD
A[Metal Shelving Racks] --> B(Open Type)
A --> C(Semi-Open Type)
A --> D(Closed Type)
A --> E(Materials & Fasteners)
E --> F[Structural Steel (IS 2062)]
E --> G[Rolled Sections (IS 808)]
E --> H[Bolts & Nuts (IS 1363, 1364)]
E --> I[Coatings (IS 2633, 4736)]
This provides a concise overview of the scope and references in IS 1883.
IS 1883 - Materials: Key Specifications & References
Types of Metal Shelving Racks (Clause 3.1):
Material Specifications:
Rounding Off Values:
| Material/Item | IS Code | Revision |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Steel (Standard Quality) | IS 226 | 5th Revision |
| Rolled Steel Sections | IS 808 | 1st Revision |
| Cold Rolled Carbon Steel Strip | IS 513 | 1st Revision |
| Black Square Bolts & Nuts | IS 1363 | 1st Revision |
| Black Hexagon Bolts & Nuts | IS 1367 | 1st Revision |
| Zinc Electroplated Coatings | IS 2629 | 1st Revision |
| Hot-Dip Galvanized Coatings | IS 4759 | - |
| Mild Steel Sheets | IS 1079 / IS 513 | Grade 0 |
If you need formulas for strength or design, please specify the component or loading condition.
IS 1883: Shelving Racks Key Specifications
| Location | Clearance (mm) |
|---|---|
| Top of rack | 20 |
| Each side of rack | 10 |
| Depth of rack | 5 |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Height/Width Range | 975 to 4875 mm (±300) |
| Shelf Depth Options | 300, 400, 500, 600 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 45 mm |
| Flange Width | 30 mm |
| Lip Depth | 15 mm |
flowchart TD
A[Shelving Rack] --> B{Dimensions}
B -->|Height/Width| C[975 to 4875 mm]
B -->|Depth| D[300,400,500,600 mm]
A --> E[Ground Clearance: 45 mm]
A --> F[Metal Shelves]
F --> G[Mild Steel ≥1.0 mm]
F --> H[Lipped Flanges: 30 mm width, 15 mm depth]
A --> I[Clearances for Recess]
I --> J[Top: 20 mm]
I --> K[Sides: 10 mm]
I --> L[Depth: 5 mm]
This concise summary covers the key dimensional and material specifications for shelving racks per IS 1883.
IS 1883 — Dimensions and Tolerances for Shelving Racks
| Location | Minimum Clearance |
|---|---|
| Top of rack | 20 mm |
| Each side of rack | 10 mm |
| Depth of rack | 5 mm |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Height range | 975 to 4875 mm (300 mm steps) |
| Depth options | 300, 400, 500, 600 mm |
| Ground clearance | 45 mm |
| Dimensional tolerance | ±5 mm |
| Clearance (top) | 20 mm |
| Clearance (side) | 10 mm |
| Clearance (depth) | 5 mm |
flowchart TD
A[Nominal Dimensions] --> B[Height: 975-4875 mm]
A --> C[Depth: 300-600 mm]
A --> D[Ground Clearance: 45 mm]
E[Tolerances] --> F[±5 mm]
G[Clearances] --> H[Top: 20 mm]
G --> I[Side: 10 mm]
G --> J[Depth: 5 mm]
This ensures dimensional accuracy and fitment for shelving racks per IS 1883.
IS 1883: Components and Assembly Key Points
For bolt strength and design: [ P = A_s \times f_u ] Where:
| Component | Material Grade | Assembly Method | Packing Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angles | Specified IS grade steel | Bolted | Secure, damage-free packing |
| Sheet Metal | Specified IS grade steel | Bolted | Secure, damage-free packing |
| Bolts & Nuts | IS standard steel | Bolted | Secure, damage-free packing |
flowchart LR
A[Components] --> B[Angles]
A --> C[Sheet Metal]
B & C --> D[Assembly by Bolting]
D --> E[Secure Packing]
For detailed bolt sizes and tensile areas, refer to IS 1363 and IS 3757.
IS 1883 - Assembly Methods: Key Points
| Item | IS Code | Description | Minimum Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolts | IS 2585-1968 | Square bolts | M6 |
| Nuts | IS 1363-1967 | Hexagonal nuts | Corresponding to bolt size |
| Plating | IS 1573-1970 / IS 5358-1969 | Zinc plating/galvanizing | N/A |
flowchart TD
A[Components Prepared] --> B[Bolting (M6 or above)]
B --> C[Use IS 2585 & IS 1363 compliant bolts & nuts]
C --> D[Zinc Plating / Galvanizing]
D --> E[Secure Packing for Transit]
Note: Ensure all fasteners meet IS standards and are protected against corrosion for durability.
IS 1883: Finishing and Surface Treatment - Key Points
| Step | Specification / IS Code | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pickling | - | Remove burrs, grease, rust, scale |
| Phosphating | IS 3618-1966 (Class C), IS 6005-1970 | Corrosion protection |
| Putty | IS 110-1968 | Surface filling |
| Primer | IS 5660-1970 | Aluminium red oxide primer |
| Paint/Enamel | Various IS codes | Ready mixed, color as agreed |
| Flexibility Test | IS 101-1964T (clause 16) | No cracking/detachment on steel plate |
flowchart TD
A[Start: Steel Component] --> B[Remove burrs, dents, sharp edges]
B --> C[Pickling: Clean surface]
C --> D[Phosphating treatment (IS 3618, IS 6005)]
D --> E[Apply Putty (IS 110)]
E --> F[Apply Aluminium Primer (IS
IS 1883 - Testing Requirements Summary
Clause 8.2: Pressure Test
Clause 8.3: Flexibility and Adhesion Test
Rounding Off Results (Clause 0.5)
| Test Type | Sample Size (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Standard Reference | Acceptance Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure Test | 150 x 50 | 0.315 | IS 101:1964, 15.2 | No visible metal surface after test |
| Flexibility & Adhesion | 150 x 50 | 0.315 | IS 101:1964, 16 | No damage/cracking under x10 magnification |
Note: Samples must be prepared and finished as per Clause 7 of IS 1883 before testing.
flowchart LR
A[Sample Preparation] --> B[Pressure Test (IS 101:15.2)]
A --> C[Flexibility & Adhesion Test (IS 101:16)]
B --> D{No visible metal?}
C --> E{No paint damage?}
D -- Yes --> F[Pass]
D -- No --> G[Fail]
E -- Yes --> F
E -- No --> G
This ensures compliance with IS 1883 testing requirements for paint coatings on mild steel plates.
IS 1883: Load Capacity & Related Specifications
| Dimension Type | Range / Value | Increment |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 975 to 4875 mm | 300 mm |
| Depth | 300, 400, 500, 600 mm | - |
| Ground clearance | 45 mm | - |
| Location | Clearance |
|---|---|
| Top of rack | 20 mm |
| Each side of rack | 10 mm |
| Depth of rack | 5 mm |
[ \text{Max Load} = 150 \text{ kg (uniformly distributed)} ]
flowchart LR
A[Order Shelf] --> B{Select Dimensions}
B --> C[Length: 975-4875 mm]
B --> D[Depth: 300-600 mm]
B --> E[Ground clearance: 45 mm]
A --> F[Check Load]
F --> G{Load ≤ 150 kg?}
G -->|Yes| H[Proceed]
G -->|No| I[Add Reinforcements]
I --> H
Use this as a guideline for safe shelf design and ordering per IS 1883.
IS 1883 – Information to be Supplied by the Purchaser (Clause 10.1)
When placing an order for steel shelving racks, the purchaser must provide the following key details:
Load Specification (Clause 9.1):
Marking (Clause 11.1):
| Information Required | Details/Notes |
|---|---|
| Number of racks | Integer value |
| Type of racks | Open / Semi-open / Closed |
| Rack size | As per Clause 4.1 dimensions |
| Number of shelves | Integer value |
| Partitions | Number, height, location |
| Binstrips | Yes/No per compartment |
| Label holders | Yes/No + width |
| Colour | Specify colour code |
| Open racks strips | Number and location |
| Load per shelf | Max 150 kg uniformly distributed |
flowchart TD
A[Purchaser Order] --> B[Provide Number of Racks]
A --> C[Specify Rack Type]
A --> D[Specify Rack Size & Shelves]
A --> E[Partition Details]
A --> F[Accessories: Binstrips, Labels]
A --> G[Colour & Open Rack Strips]
B & C & D & E & F & G --> H[Supplier Manufactures Racks]
H --> I[Mark Manufacturer ID
IS 1883: Marking and Certification Key Points
Clause 11.2 (BIS Certification Marking):
Manufacturer Identification (Clause 11.1):
Rounding Off Values (Clause 0.5):
Order Specification Details (Clause 4.1):
When placing orders, purchaser must specify:
| Requirement | Description | Reference Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer Mark | Must be marked on all metal shelving racks | 11.1 |
| BIS Standard Mark | Optional, governed by BIS license | 11.2, 11.2.1 |
| Rounding of Test Values | Follow IS 2-1960 significant figure rules | 0.5 |
| Order Technical Info | Rack size, shelves, partitions, binstrips, etc. | 4.1 |
flowchart LR
A[Order Placed] --> B[Specify Technical Details]
B --> C{Rack Details}
C --> |Size, Shelves| D[Manufacturing]
C --> |Partitions, Compartments| D
C --> |Binstrips, Label Holders| D
D --> E[Mark Manufacturer ID]
E --> F{BIS License?}
F --> |Yes| G[Apply Standard Mark]
F --> |No| H[No Standard Mark]
This ensures traceability, compliance, and clarity in product certification and marking per IS 1883.
Frequently Asked
According to IS 1883, for adjustable metal shelving racks:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max static load per shelf | 150 kg (uniformly distributed) |
| Shelf material thickness | ≥ 1.0 mm mild steel |
| Flange width | 30 mm |
| Flange lip depth | 15 mm |
This load limit is a guideline for ordering shelves and ensures safe use under typical conditions.
Loading diagram...
According to IS 1883, the approved materials for shelving components are:
Wood-Based Panel Shelves (Clause 5.3.2):
Metal Shelves (Clause 5.3.1):
| Component | Material | Min. Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Wood-Based Shelves | Particle board, blockboard, plywood | 20 mm |
| Metal Shelves | Mild steel sheets | 1.0 mm |
| Shelf Backs | Particle board, hardboard, plywood | 10 mm |
| Shelf Sides | Mild steel sheets | 0.8 mm |
This ensures durability and structural integrity per IS 1883 standards.
Corrosion Resistance and Paint Adhesion Testing for Metal Shelving Racks (IS 1883)
Corrosion Test (Clause 8.5):
A mild steel panel (150 mm × 100 mm × 1.25 mm thick), finished as per Clause 7, is tested under condensation conditions following IS 101:1964, Clause 18.
Paint Adhesion:
While IS 1883 references "Methods of test for ready mixed paints and enamels (second revision)," it implies standard paint adhesion tests such as cross-cut or tape tests per IS 101 (or equivalent) are used to ensure paint bonds well to metal surfaces.
Marking (Clause 11.1):
All racks must be manufacturer-marked for traceability.
| Test Type | Sample Size | Standard Reference | Acceptance Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | 150×100×1.25 mm mild steel panel | IS 101:1964, Clause 18 | No corrosion after condensation test |
| Paint Adhesion | As per paint test methods | IS 101 (paint tests) | Good adhesion, no peeling or flaking |
Loading diagram...
This ensures durability and finish quality of metal shelving racks.
IS 1883: Standard Dimensions and Tolerances for Shelving Racks
| Location | Clearance |
|---|---|
| Top of rack | 20 mm |
| Each side of rack | 10 mm |
| Depth of rack | 5 mm |
Loading diagram...
This ensures compatibility, structural integrity, and ease of installation for adjustable metal shelving racks as per IS 1883.
When ordering shelving racks as per IS 1883, the purchaser must provide the following details:
Additionally, racks must have a manufacturer’s mark as per Clause 11.1.
| Location | Minimum Clearance |
|---|---|
| Top of rack | 20 mm |
| Each side of rack | 10 mm |
| Depth of rack | 5 mm |
This ensures proper fitting in recesses or openings.
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