Standards - BS EN 1670

Overview of BS EN 1670: Corrosion Resistance for Building Hardware

BS EN 1670 is a European standard specifying the corrosion resistance of building hardware. It applies to a broad range of hardware components, such as locks, hinges, handles, latches, and other elements exposed to environmental conditions, especially in external applications. The standard establishes performance requirements and testing methods for determining the corrosion resistance of these items to ensure they can withstand different environmental factors, such as humidity, salt, and pollutants, without deterioration.

This standard is particularly valuable for both manufacturers and users of building hardware, as it helps predict the lifespan and durability of hardware products and provides a reliable benchmark for comparing corrosion resistance across products. Compliance with BS EN 1670 assures architects, builders, and end-users that hardware components will maintain their functionality and appearance over time, even in harsh conditions.

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Key Performance Requirements in BS EN 1670

BS EN 1670 categorizes hardware components by corrosion resistance grades, helping users select the right hardware for specific environmental exposures. Each grade defines the level of corrosion resistance, with testing criteria based on exposure to a salt spray test, which simulates different levels of environmental corrosion.

1. Corrosion Resistance Grades

BS EN 1670 provides five corrosion resistance grades, each specifying a performance level based on the hardware’s exposure to a salt spray test. These grades range from 1 to 5, with higher grades indicating greater corrosion resistance:

• Grade 1 (Low): Suitable for indoor applications where there is minimal exposure to moisture or pollutants. Hardware with this grade has the lowest resistance to corrosion.
• Grade 2 (Moderate): Designed for sheltered or semi-exposed environments with occasional exposure to humidity. Suitable for interiors that may have intermittent moisture exposure.
• Grade 3 (High): Appropriate for general outdoor use in areas with moderate exposure to weather but not subject to severe conditions. Common for external doors and windows.
• Grade 4 (Very High): Suitable for highly exposed environments, including coastal areas or areas with significant pollution. Designed for durability in challenging conditions.
• Grade 5 (Extreme): The highest level of corrosion resistance, designed for extremely harsh environments, such as marine and industrial settings with heavy salt and pollutant exposure.

By specifying corrosion resistance grades, BS EN 1670 allows for a straightforward assessment of the suitability of hardware based on its intended use and exposure conditions.

2. Testing Procedures and Performance Assessment

The standard requires that hardware components undergo rigorous testing to verify their resistance to corrosion:

• Salt Spray Test: Hardware is exposed to a continuous salt spray in a controlled chamber, simulating years of exposure to saline or polluted environments. The duration of exposure depends on the desired corrosion resistance grade:
  • Grade 1: 24 hours of salt spray exposure.
  • Grade 2: 48 hours of salt spray exposure.
  • Grade 3: 96 hours of salt spray exposure.
  • Grade 4: 240 hours of salt spray exposure.
  • Grade 5: 480 hours of salt spray exposure.

After testing, the hardware is examined for visible corrosion, pitting, or degradation, and only hardware that meets the criteria for its respective grade is certified. This testing is essential to determine the hardware's resistance in real-world applications.

3. Types of Hardware Covered

BS EN 1670 applies to a wide variety of hardware used in building construction and architectural applications, including:

• Locks and Latches: Door and window locking systems that must maintain security and operational integrity even when exposed to outdoor conditions.
• Hinges: Hinges on doors, windows, and gates need to remain structurally sound and functional without corroding or rusting.
• Handles: Door and window handles, especially in outdoor applications, need to resist corrosion to maintain their appearance and ease of use.
• Fasteners and Screws: Essential components that hold the hardware in place, which must also resist corrosion to ensure long-term stability.

By setting performance standards for these components, BS EN 1670 ensures that they remain durable and aesthetically pleasing across a range of environmental conditions.

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Practical Applications of BS EN 1670 in Building Projects

BS EN 1670 is essential for selecting durable hardware in different types of building environments, where corrosion resistance is a critical factor in maintaining safety, functionality, and aesthetic quality:

• Residential Applications: Homeowners and builders can use BS EN 1670-compliant hardware to ensure that door locks, window handles, and hinges withstand normal environmental exposure, reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs. For coastal or humid environments, Grade 4 or 5 hardware is recommended for enhanced durability.

• Commercial Buildings: For external doors, windows, and access points in office buildings, retail stores, and other commercial establishments, Grade 3 or 4 hardware provides sufficient protection against wear and tear due to outdoor exposure.

• Industrial and Marine Environments: For facilities near the ocean or in industrial zones with high pollution, Grade 5 hardware is essential. This level of corrosion resistance ensures that hardware used in these challenging environments will continue to function without rapid degradation.

• Historical and Monumental Buildings: For heritage buildings or structures requiring specialized hardware, BS EN 1670 helps ensure that the chosen components have the necessary durability while maintaining historical aesthetics.

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Importance of BS EN 1670 in Hardware Selection and Maintenance

BS EN 1670 serves as a crucial benchmark for architects, contractors, manufacturers, and facility managers, ensuring that building hardware meets specific corrosion resistance standards. This helps achieve long-term durability, reduce maintenance costs, and maintain functionality and appearance:

1. Reduced Maintenance and Replacement Costs: Using hardware that meets the appropriate corrosion resistance grade minimizes the frequency of replacements and maintenance, saving time and costs in the long run.

2. Enhanced Security and Reliability: Locks, latches, and other critical components are more likely to retain their functionality and reliability over time, even in outdoor or challenging environments.

3. Improved Aesthetic Longevity: Corrosion can severely affect the appearance of visible hardware. Using corrosion-resistant hardware ensures that handles, hinges, and other components retain their aesthetic appeal.

4. Compliance with Environmental Requirements: In areas with stringent environmental standards, such as coastal regions, using hardware that complies with BS EN 1670 helps ensure compliance with local building codes and standards, which may mandate certain levels of corrosion resistance.

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Conclusion

BS EN 1670 sets the benchmark for corrosion resistance in building hardware, providing a comprehensive standard for assessing and categorizing hardware based on its durability under corrosive conditions. With classifications ranging from low to extreme resistance, the standard enables users to select hardware that matches the environmental demands of specific applications. Compliance with BS EN 1670 ensures that hardware components like locks, hinges, and handles will endure exposure to varying levels of humidity, salt, and pollution, helping maintain security, functionality, and aesthetics over time.

In building projects, BS EN 1670-compliant hardware helps minimize maintenance needs, reduce the risk of component failure, and provide long-lasting performance. This standard is essential for achieving high-quality, durable, and reliable installations across residential, commercial, industrial, and coastal environments, ultimately ensuring that buildings remain secure and visually appealing throughout their lifecycle.