ANSI/AWI 0641-2019 - Architectural Wood Casework

3.3.1 Product Performance Requirements

a) Manufacturer/supplier’s documented fabrication methodologies must include joinery, material, and component details that have been tested in conformance with AWI Test Methodologies referenced within this standard. Testing shall be conducted by laboratories holding ISO 17025 accreditation or operating under an equivalent quality management system recognized by AWI.

b) In the absence of testing, manufacturer/supplier may defer to AWI’s Tested and Approved Methods and Materials for Casework Construction, available at awinet.org/standards

c) Load values expressed within this standard are specific to referenced laboratory tests conducted in accordance with AWI Test Methodologies. These load values do not suggest service loads nor shall they be construed as suggesting normal casework usage loads.

d) Construction methods and materials shall be consistent throughout the project.

e) s which will receive sinks or appliances may be modified as needed, provided structural integrity is retained.

3.3.2 Determination of Product Performance Duty Level

a) Product Performance Duty Level is determined by the lowest tested value derived from AWI Test Methodologies referenced within this standard for joinery methods and materials or components. (Example: A Product may include a cabinet body construction meeting Performance Duty Level 4 and may also include an adjustable shelf meeting Performance Duty Level 2. The assembled casework unit would then meet Performance Duty Level 2 as the lowest tested value.)

3.3.3 Casework, General

a) For the purposes of sections 3.3.3.1, 3.3.3.2, 3.3.3.3, 3.3.5, and 3.3.6 of this standard, the following terms are referenced only as used within the context of the cited test methodologies:

  • Top
  • Bottom
  • Adjustable Shelf
  • Fixed Shelf
  • Drawer
  • Door

3.3.3.1 Base Cabinets

a) Load values expressed within this standard are specific to referenced laboratory tests conducted in accordance with AWI Test Methodologies. These load values do not suggest service loads nor shall they be construed as suggesting normal casework usage loads.

b) Minimum performance requirements according to the AWI BC-1 Assembled Unit Test Methodology:

Component Duty Level 1 Duty Level 2 Duty Level 3 Duty Level 4
Top 219.7 kg/sq. m
[45 lb./sq. ft]
341.8 kg/sq. m
[70 lb./sq. ft.]
439.4 kg/sq. m
[90 lb./sq. ft.]
561.5 kg/sq. m
[115 lb./sq. ft.]
Adjustable Shelf 122 kg/sq. m
[25 lb./sq. ft.]
195.3 kg/sq. m
[40 lb./sq. ft.]
244.1 kg/sq. m
[50 lb./sq. ft.]
317.4 kg/sq. m
[65 lb./sq. ft.]
Doors 45.4 kg [100 lb.] each
Drawers 22.7 kg [50 lb.] each

c) Minimum performance requirements according to the AWI BC-2 Base Cabinet Structural Integrity Test Methodology:

Component Duty Level 1 Duty Level 2 Duty Level 3 Duty Level 4
Top 659.1 kg/sq. m
[135 lb./sq. ft.]
976.5 kg/sq. m
[200 lb./sq. ft.]
1293.8 kg/sq. m
[265 lb./sq. ft.]
1611.2 kg/sq. m
[330 lb./sq. ft.]

 

3.3.3.2 Wall Cabinets

a) Load values expressed within this standard are specific to referenced laboratory tests conducted in accordance with AWI Test Methodologies. These load values do not suggest service loads nor shall they be construed as suggesting normal casework usage loads.

b) Minimum performance requirements according to the AWI WC-1 Assembled Unit Test Methodology:

Component Duty Level 1 Duty Level 2 Duty Level 3 Duty Level 4
Top 170.9 kg/sq. m
[35 lb./sq. ft.]
244.1 kg/sq. m
[50 lb./sq. ft.]
317.4 kg/sq. m
[65 lb./sq. ft.]
415 kg/sq. m
[85 lb./sq. ft.]
Adjustable Shelf 170.9 kg/sq. m
[35 lb./sq. ft.]
244.1 kg/sq. m
[50 lb./sq. ft.]
317.4 kg/sq. m
[65 lb./sq. ft.]
415 kg/sq. m
[85 lb./sq. ft.]
Bottom 170.9 kg/sq. m
[35 lb./sq. ft.]
244.1 kg/sq. m
[50 lb./sq. ft.]
317.4 kg/sq. m
[65 lb./sq. ft.]
415 kg/sq. m
[85 lb./sq. ft.]
Doors 54.43 kg [120 lb.] each

c) Minimum performance requirements according to the AWI WC-2 Wall Cabinet Structural Integrity Test Methodology:

Component Duty Level 1 Duty Level 2 Duty Level 3 Duty Level 4
Bottom 268.5 kg/sq. m
[55 lb./sq. ft.]
415 kg/sq. m
[85 lb./sq. ft.]
537 kg/sq. m
[110 lb./sq. ft.]
659.1 kg/sq. m
[135 lb./sq. ft.]
3.3.3.3 Tall Cabinets

a) Load values expressed within this standard are specific to referenced laboratory tests conducted in accordance with AWI Test Methodologies. These load values do not suggest service loads nor shall they be construed as suggesting normal casework usage loads.

b) Minimum performance requirements per shelf (4 and one fixed shelf) according to the AWI TC-1 Tall Cabinet Assembled Unit Test Methodology:

Component Duty Level 1 Duty Level 2 Duty Level 3 Duty Level 4
Shelf
(Adjustable and Fixed)
146.5 kg/sq. m
[30 lb./sq. ft.]
219.7 kg/sq. m
[45 lb./sq. ft]
293 kg/sq. m
[60 lb./sq. ft.]
366.2 kg/sq. m
[75 lb./sq. ft.]

c) Minimum performance requirements according to the AWI TC-2 Tall Cabinet Structural Integrity Test Methodology:

Component Duty Level 1 Duty Level 2 Duty Level 3 Duty Level 4
Fixed Shelf 512.7 kg/sq. m
[105 lb./sq. ft.]
756.8 kg/sq. m
[155 lb./sq. ft.]
1025.3 kg/sq. m
[210 lb./sq. ft.]
1269.4 kg/sq. m
[260 lb./sq. ft.]

3.3.4 Drawers

a) Load values expressed within this standard are specific to referenced laboratory tests conducted in accordance with AWI Test Methodologies. These load values do not suggest service loads nor shall they be construed as suggesting normal casework usage loads.

b) Minimum performance requirements according to the AWI DB-1 Drawer Bottom Compression Test Methodology:

Duty Level 1 Duty Level 2 Duty Level 3 Duty Level 4
1112.06 Newtons [250 lbf.]

c) Minimum performance requirements according to the AWI DF-1 Drawer Front Tension Test Methodology:

Duty Level 1 Duty Level 2 Duty Level 3 Duty Level 4
889.64 Newtons [200 lbf] 1334.47 Newtons
[300 lbf]
1779.29 Newtons
[400 lbf]

d) At drawer bank cabinets, when the total opening height for drawers exceeds 762 mm [30”], an intermediate front is required.

3.3.5 Shelves

3.3.5.1 Shelves, Adjustable

a) Load values expressed within this standard are specific to referenced laboratory tests conducted in accordance with AWI Test Methodologies. These load values do not suggest service loads nor shall they be construed as suggesting normal casework usage loads.

b) Performance Duty Level of shelf support system is dependent upon the combination of core material and shelf suspension hardware. Minimum performance requirements according to the AWI SS-1 Shelf Suspension Test Methodology:

Duty Level 1 Duty Level 2 Duty Level 3 Duty Level 4
1223.26 Newtons
[275 lbf]
1890.49 Newtons
[425 lbf]
2557.73 Newtons
[575 lbf]
3224.96 Newtons
[725 lbf]

c) Adjustable shelves shall be supported on evenly spaced, cleanly bored a maximum of 64 mm [2.520″] on center with shelf rests or on shelf standards with metal shelf rests.

d) Center line of shelf rests, from the front or the back of the interior cabinet body, shall not exceed a minimum of 25.4 mm [1″] to a maximum of 101.6 mm [4”]. The dimension between the center line of the shelf rests shall not be less than 60% of the overall shelf’s depth.

3.3.5.2 Shelves, Maximum Allowable Length

a) The maximum allowable length for an adjustable shelf shall be determined by the shelf material’s . (See Figure 87)

b) This standard allows a calculated deflection for adjustable shelves at 6.4 mm [.250”] based on the following formula.

L = lbs/SF of linear uniformly distributed load
D = deflection (inches)
E = MOE – (psi)
t = thickness (inches)
W = width (front to back) of shelf (inches)
s = span of shelf (inches)

c) Manufactures/suppliers shall use the formula above and associated table (See Figure 87) to determine acceptable structural material.

Figure 87

Figure 87

3.3.6 Hardware

a) Hardware shall be fitted and adjusted to ensure operation without binding.

3.3.6.1 Hardware, Drawer

a) Drawer slides shall conform to the following minimum load capacity requirements, as measured per ANSI/BHMA A156.9 (latest edition):

Drawer Type Load Capacity
Pencil drawers 22.7 kg [50 lbs.]
General purpose drawers 34 kg [75 lbs.]
File drawers 45.4 kg [100 lbs.]
Lateral file drawers wider than 610 mm [24”]
and less than 762 mm [30”]
68 kg [150 lbs.]
Lateral file drawers wider than 762 mm [30”] 90.7 kg [200 lbs.]
3.3.6.2 Hardware, Locks and Latches

a) Locks shall withstand a minimum of 22.7 kg [50 lb.] pull force in any direction while in the locked position.b) At locking pairs of doors, the inactive door shall be equipped with a mechanism to prevent opening when in locked position.

3.3.7 Exposed Exterior Surfaces, Decorative Laminate Casework

At exposed exterior surfaces, or TFL shall meet a Resistance to Impact by Large Diameter Ball (ISO 4586-2-2018(E): Test 25) from a distance of:

Duty Level 1 Duty Level 2 Duty Level 3 Duty Level 4
375 mm [14.764″] 375 mm [14.764″] 600 mm [23.622″] 600 mm [23.622″]