IS 5966:1993 specifies requirements for non-coniferous timber in converted form, such as planks and scantlings, intended for general purposes including manufacturing chests, boxes, crates, and light furniture. It defines grading criteria, permissible defects, dimensions, moisture content limits, and preservation treatments to ensure quality and durability. This standard is essential for engineers, manufacturers, and quality controllers working with non-coniferous timber products in India.
Overview
IS 5966:1993 specifies requirements for non-coniferous timber in converted form, such as planks and scantlings, intended for general purposes including manufacturing chests, boxes, crates, and light furniture. It defines grading criteria, permissible defects, dimensions, moisture content limits, and preservation treatments to ensure quality and durability. This standard is essential for engineers, manufacturers, and quality controllers working with non-coniferous timber products in India.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 5966: Scope Overview
IS 5966 covers specifications for timber door and window shutters, focusing on dimensions, tolerances, and quality.
| Aspect | Reference Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Timber sizes | IS 1331:1971 | Standard cut sizes for timber |
| Definitions | IS 707:1976 | Seasoned timber definitions |
| Rounding off values | IS 2:1960 | Rules for rounding numerical data |
flowchart LR
A[Timber Shutter] --> B[Dimensions & Tolerances]
B --> C[IS 1331:1971]
B --> D[IS 2:1960 Rounding]
A --> E[Definitions]
E --> F[IS 707:1976]
For detailed dimension tables and tolerances, consult IS 1331 and IS 5966 clauses on dimensions.
IS 5966 Key References and Specifications Summary
Rounding Off (IS 2:1960):
Dimensions and Tolerances:
Referenced Standards:
| Aspect | Reference Standard | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Rounding off numerical values | IS 2:1960 | Standardizes rounding rules |
| Definitions | IS 707:1976 | Clarifies terminology |
| Dimensions & Tolerances | IS 5966 Clause 5 | Specifies size and tolerance limits |
If you need specific dimension tables or tolerance values, please specify the product or section for detailed data.
IS 5966: Definitions Summary
| Standard | Purpose |
|---|---|
| IS 707:1976 | Glossary of timber technology terms |
| IS 2:1960 | Rules for rounding off numerical values |
flowchart LR
A[IS 5966 Definitions] --> B[Refer IS 707:1976]
A --> C[Use IS 2:1960 for rounding]
B --> D[Timber Terminology]
C --> E[Rounding Rules]
This ensures clarity and uniformity in timber testing and specification.
IS 5966: Species of Timber for General Purposes (Ref: IS 1326:1992)
| Timber Thickness | Max Moisture Content |
|---|---|
| ≤ 50 mm | 18% (within 10 mm) |
| > 50 mm | 18% (within 10 mm) |
| Seasoned timber | As specified |
For detailed species list and defect limits, refer to Annex B of IS 1326:1992 and Table 1 in IS 5966.
flowchart LR
A[Non-coniferous Timber] --> B[Species as per IS 1326 Annex B]
B --> C[Moisture Content Limits]
C --> D[Measurement Standards]
D --> E[Permissible Defects]
E --> F[Grade I & II Timber]
This ensures timber quality suitable for general structural and non-structural purposes.
IS 5966: Dimensions and Tolerances for Cut Timber
| Dimension Range | Tolerance on Width & Thickness |
|---|---|
| Up to and including 100 mm | 0 mm (no minus tolerance) |
| Above 100 mm | +6 mm / -3 mm |
| Width/Thickness (mm) | Tolerance (mm) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 100 | 0 | Exact size required |
| > 100 | +6 / -3 | Minus tolerance limited to 10% |
flowchart LR
A[Order for Timber Dimensions] --> B{Dimension ≤ 100 mm?}
B -- Yes --> C[No tolerance allowed (0 mm)]
B -- No --> D[+6 mm / -3 mm tolerance]
D --> E[Minus tolerance ≤ 10% of supply]
F[Width range specified?] --> G[No minus on min, no plus on max]
This ensures timber meets structural accuracy per IS 5966 & IS 1331 standards.
IS 5966: Requirements for Grading Timber
| Defect | Grade I | Grade II |
|---|---|---|
| Slope of grain | 1 in 15 | 1 in 12 |
| Live knots (max size) | 13 mm | 25 mm |
| Live knots (number/m) | 1 | 2 |
| Checks (max depth) | 1 mm (≤50 mm thick) | 2 mm (≤50 mm thick) |
| 2 mm (50-100 mm thick) | 3 mm (50-100 mm thick) | |
| 4 mm (>100 mm thick) | 6 mm (>100 mm thick) | |
| End splits | 3% of length | 5% of length |
| Pitch pockets | Not permitted | Permitted (with filling) |
| Cup | 2 mm per 300 mm | 4 mm per 300 mm |
| Spring | 4 mm per 3 m | 8 mm per 3 m |
| Twist | 4 mm per 3 m | 6 mm per 3 m |
| Bow | 4 mm per 3 m | 8 mm per 3 m |
| Centre heart | Permitted if >250 cm², sound | Permitted |
| Wane | ≤4% surface affected | ≤8% surface affected |
| Borer holes | ≤3 mm dia, ≤5/m on one face, ≤5 mm deep | ≤3 mm dia, ≤10/m both faces, ≤5 mm deep |
Note: Live knots are not allowed within 1.5 times the
IS 5966: Moisture Content & Specifications for Converted Timber
| Defect | Grade I | Grade II |
|---|---|---|
| Slope of grain | 1 in 15 | 1 in 12 |
| Live knots | Max size 13 mm, 1/m | Max size 25 mm, 2/m |
| Checks depth | 1 mm (≤50 mm thick) | 2 mm (≤50 mm thick) |
| 2 mm (50-100 mm) | 3 mm (50-100 mm) | |
| 4 mm (>100 mm) | 6 mm (>100 mm) | |
| End split | 3% of length | 5% of length |
| Cup | 2 mm per 300 mm | 4 mm per 300 mm |
| Spring | 4 mm per 3 m | 8 mm per 3 m |
| Twist | 4 mm per 3 m | 6 mm per 3 m |
| Bow | 4 mm per 3 m | 8 mm per 3 m |
| Borer holes | ≤3 mm dia, ≤5/m, ≤5 mm deep on one face | ≤3 mm dia, ≤10/m both faces, ≤10 mm deep on one face |
Moisture content (MC) is typically calculated by:
[ MC = \frac{W_{wet} - W_{dry}}
IS 5966 - Permissible Defects for Converted Timber (Clause 8.1, Table 1)
| Defect | Grade I | Grade II |
|---|---|---|
| Slope of grain | 1 in 15 | 1 in 12 |
| Live knots | Max size: 13 mm<br>Max no./m: 1 | Max size: 25 mm<br>Max no./m: 2 |
| Checks (max depth) | ≤1 mm (up to 50 mm thick)<br>≤2 mm (50-100 mm)<br>≤4 mm (>100 mm) | ≤2 mm (up to 50 mm thick)<br>≤3 mm (50-100 mm)<br>≤6 mm (>100 mm) |
| End split | ≤3% of length | ≤5% of length |
| Pitch pockets | Not permitted on exposed edges; must be filled or plugged | Permitted except on exposed edges; same filling/plugging rules |
| Cup | 2 mm per 300 mm | 4 mm per 300 mm |
| Spring | 4 mm per 3 m | 8 mm per 3 m |
| Twist | 4 mm per 3 m | 6 mm per 3 m |
| Bow | 4 mm per 3 m | 8 mm per 3 m |
| Centre heart | Permitted if >250 sq cm, sound and boxed | Permitted |
| Wane | ≤4% surface affected | ≤8% surface affected |
| Borer holes (dead infestation) | ≤3 mm diameter, ≤5/m on one face, depth ≤5 mm | ≤3 mm diameter, ≤10/m on both faces (depth ≤5 mm) or one face (depth ≤10 mm) |
Note: Live knots are not allowed within 1.5 times the smallest thickness near joints.
IS 5966 - Marking of Converted Timber (Clause 9.2)
Marking Requirements:
Standard Mark Use:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Marking Location | Convenient place on timber |
| Information to Mark | Source, Year of supply |
| Letter Size | Minimum 20 mm |
| Standard Mark | Optional, per BIS guidelines |
flowchart TD
A[Converted Timber] --> B[Marking]
B --> C{Marking Details}
C --> D[Source of Manufacture]
C --> E[Year of Supply]
C --> F[Letter size ≥ 20 mm]
B --> G[Standard Mark (optional)]
G --> H[BIS License & Quality Control]
This ensures traceability and quality assurance of timber products per IS 5966.
IS 5966: Preservation of Timber - Key Points
Preservative Treatment: All timber containing sapwood must be treated as per IS 401:1982 (Code of Practice for Preservation of Timber).
End Coating: To prevent end cracking/splitting, treat timber ends (planks, scantlings) to at least 25 mm beyond the longest split length using materials per IS 1141:1973.
Timing: End coating should be applied immediately after timber inspection.
Standard Marking: Timber pieces may be marked with the BIS Standard Mark ensuring compliance with quality and inspection norms.
| Aspect | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sapwood Treatment | Mandatory preservative treatment (IS 401) |
| End Coating Length | ≥ (Longest split length + 25 mm) |
| End Coating Material | As per IS 1141:1973 |
| Application Time | Immediately post-inspection |
| Quality Assurance | BIS Standard Mark (optional marking) |
flowchart LR
A[Timber with Sapwood] --> B{Preservative Treatment?}
B -- Yes --> C[Apply treatment as per IS 401:1982]
C --> D[End Coating]
D --> E[Coat ends ≥ (Longest split + 25mm) per IS 1141]
E --> F[Apply immediately after inspection]
F --> G[Optional: BIS Standard Mark]
B -- No --> H[No treatment required]
This concise guidance ensures timber durability and compliance with IS 5966 preservation requirements.
IS 5966: Measurement and Evaluation of Defects in Converted Timber (Part 2)
| Defect | Grade I | Grade II |
|---|---|---|
| Slope of grain | 1 in 15 | 1 in 12 |
| Live knots | Max size: 13 mm; Max no./m: 1 | Max size: 25 mm; Max no./m: 2 |
| Checks (max depth) | 1 mm (≤50 mm thick), 2 mm (50-100 mm), 4 mm (>100 mm) | 2 mm (≤50 mm), 3 mm (50-100 mm), 6 mm (>100 mm) |
| End split | ≤ 3% of length | ≤ 5% of length |
| Pitch pockets | Not permitted on exposed edges; must be filled or plugged | Permitted except on exposed edges (same treatment) |
| Cup | 2 mm per 300 mm | 4 mm per 300 mm |
| Spring | 4 mm per 3 m | 8 mm per 3 m |
| Twist | 4 mm per 3 m | 6 mm per 3 m |
| Bow | 4 mm per 3 m | 8 mm per 3 m |
| Centre heart | Permitted if >250 sq cm, sound & boxed | Permitted |
| Wane | ≤ 4% surface area | ≤ 8% surface area |
| Borer holes | ≤ 3 mm dia, ≤ 5/m on one face, depth ≤ 5 mm | ≤ 3 mm dia, ≤ 10/m both faces, depth ≤ 5 mm (one face ≤ 10 mm) |
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Act | Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 |
| Assurance | Compliance with IS 5966 quality & inspection |
| Continuous Surveillance | BIS periodic checks on marked products |
| Licensing Authority | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) |
| Marking Location | On converted timber pieces |
For more info, contact BIS regional offices listed in IS 5966.
flowchart LR
A[Manufacturer] --> B[Quality Control System]
B --> C[Inspection & Testing]
C --> D{Compliance with IS 5966?}
D -- Yes --> E[Apply Standard Mark]
E --> F[BIS Continuous Surveillance]
D -- No --> G[No Marking]
This ensures that timber with the Standard Mark meets IS 5966 requirements and quality standards.
Rounding Off Numerical Values as per IS 5966 & IS 2:1960
| Digit to be dropped | Action on last retained digit |
|---|---|
| < 5 | Remain unchanged |
| > 5 | Increase by 1 |
| = 5 | Increase by 1 if last digit odd; else remain unchanged |
| Dimension (mm) | Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|
| Width & thickness ≤ 100 | 0 |
| Width & thickness > 100 | +6 (max), -3 (min) |
flowchart TD
A[Measured Value] --> B{Number of significant figures?}
B --> C[Match specified value]
C --> D[Apply IS 2:1960 rounding rules]
D --> E[Final Rounded Value]
Summary: Always round test values to the same significant figures as the standard, using IS 2:1960 rules, ensuring clear and consistent compliance reporting.
IS 5966 Amendments & Revisions Summary
| Parameter | Before Amendment | After Amendment (Example) |
|---|---|---|
| Timber Sizes | As per IS 1331 | Revised cut sizes per latest IS |
| Preservation Methods | As per IS 401 | Updated chemical treatments |
| Terminology | As per IS 707 | New terms or definitions added |
flowchart LR
A[IS 5966:1993] --> B[Amendment No.1 (2002)]
B --> C[Updated Timber Sizes (IS 1331)]
B --> D[Updated Preservation (IS 401)]
B --> E[Updated Glossary (IS 707)]
Note: For detailed formulas or tables, refer to the specific IS codes mentioned above. IS 5966 mainly references these for dimensions, preservation, and terminology updates.
IS 5966 primarily deals with Specifications for Wooden Doors.
Annex on Dimensions & Tolerances (Clause 5):
Reference to IS 707:1976:
| Door Type | Thickness (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flush Door | 35, 40, 45 | 600-1000 | 1800-2100 |
| Panel Door | 35, 40, 45 | 600-900 | 1800-2100 |
flowchart LR
A[IS 5966 Standard] --> B[Dimensions & Tolerances (IS 1331)]
A --> C[Timber Quality (IS 707)]
B --> D[Thickness: 35-45 mm]
B --> E[Width: 600-1000 mm]
B --> F[Height: 1800-2100 mm]
C --> G[Moisture: 12±2%]
C --> H[Seasoned Timber]
For detailed door design, refer to IS 5966 Annexes and IS 1331 tables for precise sizing and IS 707 for timber specs.
Frequently Asked
Permitted Non-Coniferous Timber Species under IS 5966
Summary:
| IS Code Reference | Timber Species Source | Typical Species Examples |
|---|---|---|
| IS 5966 (1993) | Annex B of IS 1326:1992 | Teak, Sal, Neem, Shisham, Mango, Jackfruit |
For detailed species list and grading, refer directly to Annex B of IS 1326:1992.
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Grading Criteria & Permissible Defects for Grade I & Grade II Timber (IS 5966: Clause 8.1, Table 1)
| Defect | Grade I | Grade II |
|---|---|---|
| Slope of grain | 1 in 15 | 1 in 12 |
| Live knots | Max size: 13 mm<br>Max no./m: 1 | Max size: 25 mm<br>Max no./m: 2 |
| Checks (max depth) | 1 mm (≤50 mm thick)<br>2 mm (50-100 mm)<br>4 mm (>100 mm) | 2 mm (≤50 mm thick)<br>3 mm (50-100 mm)<br>6 mm (>100 mm) |
| End split | Max 3% of length | Max 5% of length |
| Pitch pockets | Not permitted | Permitted except on exposed edges (must be clean & filled) |
| Cup | 2 mm per 300 mm | 4 mm per 300 mm |
| Spring | 4 mm per 3 m | 8 mm per 3 m |
| Twist | 4 mm per 3 m | 6 mm per 3 m |
| Bow | 4 mm per 3 m | 8 mm per 3 m |
| Centre heart | Permitted if sound & boxed (>250 sq cm cross-section) | Permitted |
| Wane | ≤4% surface | ≤8% surface |
| Borer holes | Max 3 mm diameter, ≤5/m on one face, depth ≤5 mm | Max 3 mm diameter, ≤10/m both faces (depth ≤5 mm), or one face depth ≤10 mm |
Note:
This ensures timber quality suitable for structural use with controlled defects to maintain strength and durability.
Dimensional Tolerances for Converted Timber Planks and Scantlings (IS 5966)
As per Clause 5.2 referencing IS 1331:1971:
| Dimension Range | Tolerance Allowed |
|---|---|
| Width & Thickness ≤ 100 mm | ±0 mm (no tolerance) |
| Width & Thickness > 100 mm | +6 mm / -3 mm |
Additional notes:
This ensures uniformity and quality control in timber sizing for structural use.
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Moisture Content Measurement & Limits as per IS 5966
Measurement Method:
Moisture content is determined according to IS 11215:1991 (Methods for determination of moisture content of timber).
Acceptable Moisture Limits:
Key Notes:
| Timber Thickness | Max Moisture Content (%) | Depth from Surface Considered |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 50 mm | 18 | 10 mm |
| Over 50 mm | 18 | 10 mm |
| Seasoned Timber (if specified) | As specified | - |
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Ensure moisture content testing follows IS 11215 for reliable results.
According to IS 5966 Clause 10:
Sapwood Treatment:
All timber containing sapwood must be treated with preservatives as per IS 401:1982 (Code of Practice for Preservation of Timber).
Timber Ends Treatment:
To prevent end cracking and splitting, treat the ends of planks and scantlings to a distance at least 25 mm beyond the longest split length.
Use any preservative materials specified in IS 1141:1973 (Preservative Materials for Timber).
Application Timing:
End coating should be applied immediately after timber inspection to ensure effectiveness.
| Timber Part | Treatment Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sapwood | IS 401:1982 | Mandatory preservative treatment |
| Timber Ends | IS 1141:1973 | Treat at least 25 mm beyond longest split; apply soon after inspection |
This preserves durability and minimizes defects like cracking and splitting.
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