Testing
Traditionally, the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has provided an extensive array of testing and certification. Once the product met the SABS testing and certification requirements, it could carry the SABS mark for a three-year period.
However, in accordance with the application of the National Building Regulation SANS 10400-A, clause B.6 and we quote “nothing precludes a local authority from considering favourable test reports from other sources, such as universities or independent laboratories run by private enterprises” unquote.
There is also a misconception in the industry that the SABS Mark of Approval is mandatory. This is incorrect. The South African National Building Regulations (NBR) simply require that products should comply with South African National Standards (SANS).
Compliance with International standards adopted by the SABS, necessitated a modern facility where efficient and precise testing could be done.
Omega Test House is a young dynamic testing facility operational in South Africa and originally known for specialising in the testing of plumbing components. They are also SANAS accredited. With a combined testing experience of more than 30 years their services are also tailored to offer value to all stages of product development for R&D to final product stages.
Testing of Thermal Insulation products include the following:
- SANS 8301 Thermal insulation — Determination of steady-state thermal resistance and related properties — Heat flow meter apparatus.
- SANS 1381-1 Materials for thermal insulation of buildings Part 1: Fibre thermal insulation mats.
- SANS 1381-4 Materials for thermal insulation of buildings Part 4: Reflective foil laminates (rolls, sheets and sections).
- SANS 1381-6 Materials for thermal insulation of buildings Part 6: Cellulose loose fill thermal insulation material.
- SANS 1381-7 Materials for thermal insulation of buildings Part -7 Cellulose fibre mats, batts and blanket insulation
- SANS 54509 (EN 14509) Self-supporting double-skin metal-faced insulating panels – Factory made products – specifications.
- SANS 13162 (EN 13162) Thermal insulation products for buildings – Factory made mineral wool (MW) products – Specification
- SANS 53163 (EN 13163) Thermal insulation products for buildings – Factory made products of expanded polystyrene (EPS) – Specification
- SANS 53164 (EN 13164) Thermal insulation products for buildings – Factory made products of extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) – Specification
- SANS 13165 (EN 13165) Thermal insulation products for buildings – Factory made rigid polyurethane foam (PUR) products – Specification
- EN 826 Thermal insulating products for building applications – Determination of compression behaviour
- EN 1607 Thermal insulating products for building applications – Determination of tensile strength perpendicular to faces
- EN 12089 Thermal insulating products for building applications – determination of bending behaviour
Please contact Mr. Arno van der Walt for more information: arnovdw@omegahouse.co.za