KENYA STANDARD                   DKS 2242 -1: 2018 
     ICS 79.060. 20 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Particleboards — Specification  
 
Part 1: 
 
General requirements for all board types  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
© KEBS 20 18               Second Edition  2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 DKS 2242 -1: 2018 
                             KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  ii  
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE RE PRESENTATION  
 
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee:  
 
1. Elle Interior Designers Ltd  
2. Kenya Industrial Research And Development Institute (KIRDI)   
3. University of Nairobi  
4. Consumer information network  
5. Global Hardw are limited  
6. PG Bison  
7. Timsales Limited  
8. University of Eldoret  
9. KEFRI  
10. Kenya Wood Preservation Association  
11. Alogo Enterprises  
12. Kenya Bureau of Standards — Secretariat  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REVISION OF KENYA STANDARDS  
 
In order to keep abreast of progress in  industry, Kenya Standards shall be regularly reviewed. Suggestions for 
improvement s to published standards addressed to the Managing Dire ctor, Kenya Bureau of Standards, are 
welcome.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
© Kenya Bureau of Standards,  2010 
 
 
Copyright. Users are reminded that by virtue of Section 25 of the Copyright Act, Cap. 12 of 2001  of the Laws of Kenya, copyright subsists in 
all Kenya Standards and except as provided under Section 26 of this Act, no Kenya Standard produced by Kenya Bureau of Standa rds ma y 
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in writing from the Managing 
Director . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
KEBS 2010 — All rights reserved    iii KENYA STANDARD                      KS 2242 -1: 2010 
                ICS 79.060. 20 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Particleboards — Specification  
 
Part 1: 
 
General requirements for all board types  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KENYA BUREAU OF STANDARDS (KEBS)  
 
Head Office:  P.O. Box 54974, Nairobi -00200, Tel.: (+254 020) 605490, 602350, Fax: (+254 020) 604031  
E-Mail: info@kebs. org,  Web:http://www.kebs.org   
 
Coast Region     Lake Region          Rift Valley Region  
P.O. Box 99376, Mombasa -80100   P.O. Box 2949, Kisumu -40100        P.O. Box 2138, Nakuru -20100  
Tel.: (+254 041) 229563, 230939/40                Tel.: (+254 057) 23549, 223 96       Tel.: (+254 051) 210553, 210555  
Fax: (+254 041) 229448    Fax: (+254 057) 21814               
 DKS 2242 -1: 2018 
                             KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  iv  
Foreword  
 
This Kenya Standard w as prepared by the Plywood and B oards Technical Committee under the guidance of the 
Standards Projects Committee, and it i s in accordance with the procedures of the Kenya Bureau of Standards.  
 
The standard sets out three principal grades of particleboard including a grade suitable for high architectural 
finished surfaces. The sizes specified in the standard are in line with t he metrication policy, though special sizes 
for use in the manufacture of doors are also specified.  
 
During the preparation of this standard, references were made to the following document.  
 
EN 312 , Particleboards specifications Part 1. General requirement s for all board types.  
 
Acknowledgement is hereby made for the assistance derived from this source.  
 
 
 
 
 
 KENYA STANDARD                   KS 2242 -1: 20 18 
KEBS 2010 — All rights reserved                                                                                                                   1  
 
 
Particleboards  — Specification   
 
Part 1: 
 
General requirements for all board types  
 
1 Scope  
 
 
This Kenya Standard specifies the requirements for s ome properties, which are common for all types of 
uncoated particleboards or flat  pressed , calendar -pressed unfaced particleboards as defined in EN 
309according to EN 312: Parts 2 to 7.  
 
 
2 Normative references  
 
 
This Kenya Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These 
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed hereafter. For 
dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publica tions apply to this Kenyan 
Standard, only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of 
the publication referred to applies.  
 
EN 120 , Wood -based panels — Determination of formaldehyde content  — Extraction m ethod called the 
perforator method  
 
EN 312 -2, Particleboards  — Specifications  — Part 2: Requirements for general purpose boards for use in dry 
conditions  
 
EN 312 -3, Particleboards — Specifications  — Part 3: Requirements for boards for interior fitments (inc luding 
furniture)  for use in dry conditions  
 
EN 312 -4, Particleboards — Specifications  — Part 4: Requirements for load -bearing boards for use in dry 
conditions  
 
prEN 312 -5, Particleboards  — Specifications  — Part 5: Requirements for load -bearing boards for u se in humid 
conditions  
 
EN 312 -6, Particleboards  — Specifications Part 6: Requirements for heavy duty load -bearing boards for use in 
dry conditions  
 
prEN 312 -7, Particleboards  — Specifications  — Part 7: Requirements for heavy duty load -bearing boards for u se 
in humid conditions  
 
EN 322 , Wood -based panels  — Determination of moisture content EN 323 Wood -based panels  — 
Determination of density  
 
EN 324 -1, Wood -based panels  — Determination of dimensions of boards  — Part 1: Determination of thickness, 
width and l ength  
 
EN 324 -2,Wood -based panels  — Determination of dimensions of boards  — Part 2: Determination of squareness 
and edge straightness  
 DKS 2242 -1: 201 8 
 
     KEBS 201 8 — All rights reserved  2  
 
 
3 Terms and definitions  
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions  
3.1 
dry conditions  
conditions corr esponding to service class 1 of EN 1995 -1-1:2004 which is characterised by a moisture 
content in the material corresponding to a temperature of 20 °C and a relative humidity of the 
surrounding air only exceeding 65 % for a few weeks per year  
 
3.2 
humid con ditions  
conditions corresponding to service class 2 of EN 1995 -1-1:2004 which is characterised by a moisture 
content in the material corresponding to a temperature of 20 °C and a relative humidity of the 
surrounding air only exceeding 85 % for a few weeks per year  
 
3.3 
general purpose  
all non -load bearing applications, e.g. furniture and fitments  
 
3.4 
load-bearing  
use in a load -bearing construction, i.e. an organized assembly of connected  parts designed to provide 
mechanical resistance and stability to the works    
NOTE         Also referred to as "structural use".  
 
4 Classification  
 
 
 
 
 
 
-bearing boards for use in humid conditions;  
 
-bearing boards for use in dry conditions;  
 
5 Load -bearing boards for use in humid conditions;  
 
-bearing boards for use in dry conditions;  
 
-bearing boards for use in humid conditions . 
 
5  
Particleboards shall comply with the general requirements as listed in T able 1 when dispatched from the 
producing factory. For certain types or uses of particleboards (see specific standards for board types and 
performance standards), or in the case of dispatch in cut sizes, or further machined, (tongued and grooved, 
and simil ar), special tolerances for properties No. 1, 2 and 3 may be agreed upon.  
 
Table 1 — General requirements at dispatch                  DKS 2242 -1: 2018 
KEBS 201 8 — All rights reserved    3  
 
6 Requirement values  
The requirements in Tables 2 to  11 shall be met by 5 percentile values (95 percentile values in the case of 
thickness swelling) based on the mean values for individual boards and calculated in  accordance with EN 
326-1. In the case of thickness swelling they shall be equal to or less th an the values in Tables 2 to 11 and 
in the case of all other properties they shall be equal to or greater than the values in Tables 2 to 11.  N
o Property  Test method  Requirement  
1a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2a 
3a 
4 
5a 
 
 
6b Tolerances on nominal dimensions  
—     Thickness (sanded)  
within and betwe en boards  
—     Thickness (unsanded)  
within and between boards  
—     Length and width  
 
Edge straightness tolerance 
Squareness tolerance Moisture content  
Tolerance on the mean density within a 
board  
Formaldehyde release according to EN 
13986  
—     Class E 1  
 
Perforator value  
 
 
Formaldehyde releasec  
Class E 1  
       Class E 2  
Perforator value  
 
 
 
Formaldehyde releasec  EN 324 -1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EN 324 -2 
 
EN 324 -2 
EN 322  
EN 323  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EN 120  
 
EN 717 -1 
 
 
EN 120  
 
 
 
EN 717 -1  
 
 
 
 
− 0,3 mm + 1,7 mm  
 
 
 
1,5 mm per m  
 
2 mm per m  
5 % to 13 %  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Content ≤ 8 mg/100 g oven dry 
boardd  
Release ≤ 0,124 mg/m3 air  
 
 
 
Content > 8 mg/100 g oven dry 
board and ≤ 20 mg/100 g oven 
dry board  
Release > 0,124 mg/m3 air and  
≤ 0,3 mg/m³ air  
a    These values are characterized by a moisture content in the material corresponding to a relative 
humidity of 65 %  
and a temperature of 20 °C.  
b    The perforator values apply to boards with moisture contents H of 6,5 %. In the case of 
particleboards with different moisture content (in the range of 3 % ≤ H ≤ 10 %), the perforator value shall 
be multiplied by a factor F which can be calculated from the following equation:  
F = − 0,133 H + 1,86  
c    Required for initial type testing other than for established products where initial type testing may also 
be done on the basis of existing data with EN 120 or EN 717 -1 testing, either from factory production 
control or from external inspection.  
d    Experience has shown that to ensure compliance with these limits, the rolling average of the EN 120 
values found fr om the internal factory production control over a period of ½ year should not exceed 6,5 
mg HCHO/100 g panel mass.  
NOTE          In certain countries only products of formaldehyde class E1 are allowed.  DKS 2242 -1: 201 8 
 
     KEBS 201 8 — All rights reserved  4  
The values in Tables 2 to 11 for both bending strength and modulus of elasticity shall apply to test results 
obtai ned in the weakest direction in the plane of the panel.  
 
NOTE         The manufacturer may test the panel in only the main direction if this direction is clearly indicated on the mac hined ready to 
use panel.  
 
7 Requirements for general purpose boards for use  in dry conditions (Type P1)  
Boards of this type shall comply with the requirements given in Tables 1 and 2.  
 
Table 2 — General purpose boards for use in dry conditions (Type P1) — Requirements for specified 
mechanical properties  
 
 
 
Property   
 
Test 
method   
 
Unit Requirement  
Thickness range (mm, nominal)  
< 3 3 to 
6 > 6 
to 
13 > 13 
to 
20 > 20 to  
25 >25 
to 
32 > 32 
to 
40 > 
40 
Bending 
strength  
Internal 
bond  EN 
310 
 
 
EN 
319 N/m
m2 
 
N/m
m2 11,5 
 
 
0,31 11,5 
 
 
0,31 10,5 
 
 
0,28 10 
 
 
0,24 10 
 
 
0,20 8,5 
 
 
0,17 7 
 
 
0,14 5,
5 
 
 
0,
14 
NOTE       The values are characterised by a moisture content in the material corresponding to a relative 
humidity of  
65 % and a temperature of 20 °C.  
 
8 Requirements for boards for interior fitments (including furniture) for use in dry 
conditions (Type P2)  
 
Boards of this type shall comply with the requirements given in Tables 1 and 3. \ 
 
Table 3 — Boards for interior fitments (including furniture) for use in dry conditions (Type P2) — 
Requirements for specified mechanical properties  
 
 
 
 
Property   
 
Test 
method  
 
 
Unit Requir ement 
Thickn ess range (mm, nominal) 
 
< 3  
3 to 4  
> 4 to 6  
> 6 to 13 > 13 to 
20 > 20 to 
25 > 25 to 
32 > 32 to 
40  
> 40 
Bend ing strength 
 
Modulu s of 
elasticity in 
bending 
 
Internal bond 
 
Surfa ce 
soundness EN 310 
 
EN 310 
 
 
 
EN 319 
 
EN 311 N/mm2 
N/mm2 
 
 
 
N/mm2 
N/mm2 13 
 
1 800 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
0,8 13 
 
1 800 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
0,8 12 
 
1 950 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
0,8 11 
 
1 800 
 
 
 
0,40 
 
0,8 11 
 
1 600 
 
 
 
0,35 
 
0,8 10,5 
 
1 500 
 
 
 
0,30 
 
0,8 9,5 
 
1 350 
 
 
 
0,25 
 
0,8 8,5 
 
1 200 
 
 
 
0,20 
 
0,8 7 
 
1 050 
 
 
 
0,20 
 
0,8 
NOTE       The values are characterised by a moisture content in the material corresponding to a relati ve humidity of 
65 % and a temperature of 20 °C.                 DKS 2242 -1: 2018 
KEBS 201 8 — All rights reserved    5  
 
 
9 Requirements for non load -bearing boards for use in humid conditions (Type P3)  
9.1 General  
Board s of this type shall comply with the requirements given in Tables 1, 4 and 5.  
 
9.2 Mechanical and swelling properties  
 
Table 4 — Non load -bearing boards for use in humid conditions (P3) — Requirements for 
specified mechanical and swelling properties  
  
 
 
 
Prope rty  
 
Test 
method  
 
 
Unit Requir ement 
Thickn ess range (mm, nominal) 
 
< 3  
3 to 4  
> 4 to 6  
> 6 to 13 > 13 to 
20 > 20 to 
25 > 25 to 
32 > 32 to 
40  
> 40 
Bend ing strength 
 
Modulu s of 
elasticity in 
bending 
 
Internal bond 
 
Swelling in 
thickness, 24 h EN 310 
 
EN 310 
 
 
 
EN 319 
 
EN 317 N/mm2 
N/mm2 
 
 
 
N/mm2 
 
% 13 
 
1 800 
 
 
 
0,50 
 
25 13 
 
1 800 
 
 
 
0,50 
 
23 14 
 
1 950 
 
 
 
0,50 
 
20 15 
 
2 050 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
17 14 
 
1 950 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
14 12 
 
1 850 
 
 
 
0,40 
 
13 11 
 
1 700 
 
 
 
0,35 
 
13 9 
 
1 550 
 
 
 
0,30 
 
12 7,5 
 
1 350 
 
 
 
0,25 
 
12 
NOTE       The values for bending prope rties, internal bond and swelling in thickness are characterised by a moisture 
content in the material (before treatm ent in the case of swelling in thickness) corresponding to a relative humidity of 
65 % and a temperature of 20 °C. 
 
10 Moisture resistance  
 
Table 5 — Non load -bearing boards for use in humid conditions (Type P3) — Requirements for moisture 
resistance  
 
 DKS 2242 -1: 201 8 
 
     KEBS 201 8 — All rights reserved  6  
Requirements for moisture  resistance, and  if  applicable swelling, are  dependent upon the  test  method  
employed to assess these properties. Thus, two a lternative sets of requirements (Option 1 and Option 2) are 
set out in Table 5 corresponding to the two principal recognised methods of evaluation. It is necessary for 
the manufacturer to show compliance with only one of these two options.  
 
Option 1 requir ements apply to boards subjected to an accelerated ageing test, the so -called "cyclic test in 
humid conditions" described in EN 321. Option 2 requirements apply to boards subjected to the so -called 
"boil test" described in EN 1087 -1. The glues or adhesive systems suitable for the application of Option 1 
and Option 2 are unrestricted.  
 
The alkali content of boards shall not exceed 2,0 %, based on oven -dry mass and total thickness (tested 
analytically) and shall not exceed 1,7 % in the outer layers (by calcul ation).  
 
When verifying compliance by external control only the test option performed and notified by the 
manufacturer shall be carried out. If the option is unknown it will be necessary to carry out both sets of 
procedures, even though compliance is requi red with only one set of requirements.  
 
11 Requirements for load -bearing boards for use in dry conditions (Type P4)  
Boards of this type shall comply with the requirements given in Tables 1 and 6.  
 
Table 6 — Load -bearing boards for use in dry conditions (Type P4) — Requirements for specified 
mechanical and swelling properties  
 
 
 
 
  
 
Property   
 
Test 
method   
 
Unit Requir ement 
Thickn ess range (mm, nominal) 
 
< 3  
3 to 4  
> 4 to 6  
> 6 to 10 > 10 to 
13 > 13 to 
20 > 20 to 
25 > 25 to 
32 > 32 to 
40  
> 40   
 
Property   
 
Test 
method   
 
Unit Requir ement 
Thickn ess range (mm, nominal) 
 
< 3  
3 to 4  
> 4 to 6 > 6 to 
13 > 13 to 
20 > 20 to 
25 > 25 to 
32 > 32 to 
40  
> 40 
OPTION 1 
 
Internal bond 
after cyclic test 
 
Swelling in 
thickness after 
cyclic test  
 
EN 321 
  
EN 321   
N/mm2 
  
%  
 
0,18 
  
15  
 
0,18 
  
15  
 
0,18 
  
14  
 
0,15 
  
14  
 
0,13 
  
13  
 
0,12 
  
12  
 
0,10 
  
12  
 
0,09 
  
11  
 
0,08 
  
11 
OPTION 2 
 
Internal bond 
after boil test  
 
EN 1087 -1   
N/mm2  
 
0,09  
 
0,09  
 
0,09  
 
0,09  
 
0,08  
 
0,07  
 
0,07  
 
0,06  
 
0,06 
NOTE       The values for internal bond and swelling in thickness after option 1 treatment are characterised by a 
moisture content in the mate rial (before and after cyclic test) corresponding to a relative humidity of 65 % and a 
temperatu re of 20 °C. 
 
The values for internal bond after option 2 treatment are characterised by a moisture content in the material (before 
the boil test) corresponding to a relative humidity of 65 % and a temperature of 20 °C.                 DKS 2242 -1: 2018 
KEBS 201 8 — All rights reserved    7 Bend ing 
strength 
 
Modulu s of 
elasticity in 
bending 
 
Internal bond 
 
Swelling in 
thickness, 
24 h EN 310 
  
EN 310 
  
 
EN 319 
 
EN 317 N/mm2 
 
N/mm2 
  
 
N/mm2 
 
% 14 
  
1 800 
  
 
0,50 
 
25 15 
  
1 950 
  
 
0,45 
 
25 16 
  
2 200 
  
 
0,45 
 
21 16 
  
2 300 
  
 
0,40 
 
19 16 
  
2 300 
  
 
0,40 
 
16 15 
  
2 300 
  
 
0,35 
 
15 13 
  
2 050 
  
 
0,30 
 
15 11 
  
1 850 
  
 
0,25 
 
15 9 
  
1 500 
  
 
0,20 
 
14 7 
  
1 200 
  
 
0,20 
 
14 
If it is made known by the purchaser that the boards are intended for specific use in flooring, walls or 
roofing the performance standard EN 12871 also has to be consulted. This might result in additional 
requirements having to be complied with. 
  
NOTE       The values for bending prope rties, internal bond and swelling in thickness are characterised by a moisture content in the 
material (before treatm ent in the case of swelling in thickness) corresponding to a relative humidity of 
65 % and a temperature of 20 °C. 
 
12 Requirements for load -bearing boards for use in humid conditions (Type P5)  
12.1 General  
Boards of this type shall comply with the  requirements given in Tables 1, 7 and 8.  
 
12.2 Mechanical and swelling properties  
Table 7 — Load -bearing boards for use in humid conditions (Type P5) — Requirements for specified 
mechanical and swelling properties  
 
 
 
 
Property   
 
Test 
method  
 
 
Unit Requir ement 
Thickn ess range (mm, nominal) 
 
< 3  
3 to 4  
> 4 to 6  
> 6 to 10 > 10 to 
13 > 13 to 
20 > 20 to 
25 > 25 to 
32 > 32 to 
40  
> 40 
Bend ing 
strength 
 
Modulu s of 
elasticity in 
bending 
 
Internal bond 
 
Swelling in 
thickness, 
24 h EN 310 
 
 
EN 310 
 
 
 
EN 319 
 
EN 317 N/mm2 
 
N/mm2 
 
 
 
N/mm2 
 
% 16 
 
 
2 000 
 
 
 
0,50 
 
16 18 
 
 
2 400 
 
 
 
0,50 
 
16 19 
 
 
2 450 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
14 18 
 
 
2 550 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
13 18 
 
 
2 550 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
11 16 
 
 
2 400 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
10 14 
 
 
2 150 
 
 
 
0,40 
 
10 12 
 
 
1 900 
 
 
 
0,35 
 
10 10 
 
 
1 700 
 
 
 
0,30 
 
9 9 
 
 
1 550 
 
 
 
0,25 
 
9 
If it is made known by the purchaser that the boards are intended for specific use in flooring, walls or 
roofing, the performance standa rd EN 12871 also has to be consulted. This might result in additional 
requirements having to be complied with. 
 
 
NOTE       The values for bending prope rties, internal bond and swelling in thickness are characterised by a moisture content in the 
material (before treatm ent in the case of swelling in thickness) corresponding to a relative humidity of 
65 % and a temperature of 20 °C. 
 
12.3 Moisture resistance  
Table 8 — Load -bearing boards for use in humid conditions (Type P5) — Requirements for moisture 
resistance  
 
 DKS 2242 -1: 201 8 
 
     KEBS 201 8 — All rights reserved  8  
 
 
 
Property   
 
Test 
method  
 
 
Unit Requir ement 
Thickn ess range (mm, nominal) 
 
< 3  
3 to 4  
> 4 to 6 > 6 to 
10 > 10 to 
13 > 13 to 
20 > 20 to 
25 > 25 to 
32 > 32 to 
40  
> 40 
OPTION 1 
 
Internal bond 
after cyclic test 
 
Swelling in 
thickness after 
cyclic test  
 
EN 321 
 
 
EN 321  
 
N/mm2 
 
 
%  
 
0,30 
 
 
12  
 
0,30 
 
 
12  
 
0,30 
 
 
12  
 
0,25 
 
 
12  
 
0,25 
 
 
12  
 
0,22 
 
 
12  
 
0,20 
 
 
11  
 
0,17 
 
 
10  
 
0,15 
 
 
9  
 
0,12 
 
 
9 
OPTION 2 
 
Internal bond 
after boil test  
 
EN 1087 -1  
 
N/mm2  
 
0,15  
 
0,15  
 
0,15  
 
0,15  
 
0,15  
 
0,14  
 
0,12  
 
0,11  
 
0,10  
 
0,09 
NOTE       The values for internal bond and swelling in thickness after option 1 treatment are characterised by a moisture 
content in the mate rial (before and after cyclic test) corresponding to a relative humidity of 65 % and a temperatu re of 20 °C. 
 
The values for internal bond after option 2 treatment are characterised by a moisture content in the material (before 
the boil test) corresponding to a relative humidity of 65 % and a temperature of 20 °C. 
 
Requirements for moisture  resistance, and  if  applicable swelling, are  dependent upon the  test  
method employed to assess these properties. Thus, two alternative sets of requirements (Option 1 
and Option 2) are set out in Table 8 corresponding to the two principal recognised methods of  
evaluation. It is necessary for the manufacturer to show compliance with only one of these two options. 
 
Option 1 requirements apply to boards subjected to an accelerated ageing test, the so-called "cyclic 
test in hu mid conditions" described in EN 321. Option 2 requirements apply to boards subjected to the 
so-called "boil test" described in EN 1087-1. The glues or adhesive systems suitab le for the 
application of Option 1 and Option 2 are unrestricted. 
 
The alkali content of boards shall not exceed 2,0 %, based on oven-dry mass and total thickness 
(tested an alytically) and shall not exceed 1,7 % in the outer layers (by calculation). 
 
When verifying complian ce by external control only the test option performed and notified by the 
manufacturer shall be carried out. If the option is unknown it will be necessary to carry out both sets 
of procedures, even tho ugh complian ce is required with only one set of requirements. 
 
13 Requirements for heavy duty load -bearing boards for use in dry conditions  
(Type P6)  
 
Boards of this type shall comply with the requirements given in Tables 1 and 9.  
 
Table 9 — Heavy duty load -bearing boards for use in dry conditions (Type P6) — Requirements for 
specified mechanical and swelling properties  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Test  
 
 Requir ement 
Thickn ess range (mm, nominal)                 DKS 2242 -1: 2018 
KEBS 201 8 — All rights reserved    9 Property  method Unit  
3 to 4  
> 4 to 6  
> 6 to 10 > 10 to 
13 > 13 to 
20 > 20 to 
25 > 25 to 
32 
 
 > 32 to 
40  
> 40 
Bend ing 
strength 
 
Modulus  
of elasticity 
in bending 
 
Internal 
bond  
 
Swelling in 
thickness, 24 h EN 310 
 
 
EN 310 
 
 
 
EN 319 
 
 
EN 317 N/mm2 
 
N/mm2 
 
 
 
N/mm2 
 
 
% 18 
 
 
2 800 
 
 
 
0,65 
 
 
18 20 
 
 
2 900 
 
 
 
0,65 
 
 
16 20 
 
 
3 150 
 
 
 
0,60 
 
 
16 20 
 
 
3 150 
 
 
 
0,60 
 
 
16 18 
 
 
3 000 
 
 
 
0,50 
 
 
15 16 
 
 
2 550 
 
 
 
0,40 
 
 
15 15 
 
 
2 400 
 
 
 
0,35 
 
 
15 14 
 
 
2 200 
 
 
 
0,30 
 
 
14 12 
 
 
2 050 
 
 
 
0,25 
 
 
14 
If it is made known by the purchaser that  the boards are intended for specific use in flooring, walls or 
roofing, the performance standa rd EN 12871 also has to be consulted. This might result in additional 
requirements having to be complied with. 
 
 
NOTE       The values for bending properties, internal bond and swelling in thickness are characterised by a moisture con tent in the 
material (before treatment in the case of swelling in thickness) corresponding to a relative humidity of 
65 % and a temperature of 20 °C. 
 
14 Requirements for heavy duty load -bearing boards for use in humid conditions  
(Type P7)  
14.1 Genera l 
Boards of this type shall comply with the requirements given in Tables 1, 10 and 11.  
14.2 Mechanical and swelling properties  
Table 10 — Heavy duty load -bearing boards for use in humid conditions (Type P7) — Requirements 
for specified mechanical and swelling p roperties  
 
 
 
 
Property   
 
Test 
method  
 
 
Unit Requir ement 
Thickn ess range (mm, nominal) 
 
3 to 4  
> 4 to 6  
> 6 to 10 > 10 to 
13 > 13 to 
20 > 20 to 
25 > 25 to 
32 > 32 to 
40  
> 40 
Bend ing 
strength 
 
Modulus  
of elasticity 
in bending 
 
Internal 
bond  
 
Swelling in 
thickness, 24 h EN 310 
 
 
EN 310 
 
 
 
EN 319 
 
 
EN 317 N/mm2 
 
N/mm2 
 
 
 
N/mm2 
 
 
% 20 
 
 
3 000 
 
 
 
0,75 
 
 
10 21 
 
 
3 100 
 
 
 
0,75 
 
 
10 22 
 
 
3 350 
 
 
 
0,75 
 
 
10 22 
 
 
3 350 
 
 
 
0,75 
 
 
10 20 
 
 
3 100 
 
 
 
0,70 
 
 
10 18,5 
 
 
2 900 
 
 
 
0,65 
 
 
10 17 
 
 
2 800 
 
 
 
0,60 
 
 
10 16 
 
 
2 600 
 
 
 
0,55 
 
 
9 15 
 
 
2 400 
 
 
 
0,50 
 
 
9 
If it is made known by the purchaser that  the boards are intended for specific use in flooring, walls or 
roofing, the performance standa rd EN 12871 also has to be consulted. This might result in additional 
requirements having to be complied with. 
 
 
NOTE       The values for bending properties, internal bond and swelling in thickness are characterised by a moisture con tent in the 
material (before treatment in the case of swelling in thickness) corresponding to a relative humidity of 
65 % and a temperature of 20 °C. 
 
14.3 Moisture resistance  
Table 11 — Heavy duty load -bearing boards for use in humid conditions (Type P7) — Requirements 
for moisture resistance  DKS 2242 -1: 201 8 
 
     KEBS 201 8 — All rights reserved  10  
 
 
 
Property   
 
Test 
method  
 
 
Unit Requir ement 
Thickn ess range (mm, nominal) 
 
3 to 4 > 4 to 
6 > 6 to 
10 > 10 
to 13 >13 to 
20 > 20 
to 25 > 25 
to 32 > 32 
to 40  
> 40 
OPTION 1 
 
Internal 
bond after 
cyclic test 
 
Swelling in 
thickness 
after cyclic 
test  
 
EN 321  
 
 
 
EN 321  
 
N/mm2 
 
 
 
%  
 
0,45 
 
 
 
11  
 
0,44 
 
 
 
11  
 
0,41 
 
 
 
11  
 
0,41 
 
 
 
11  
 
0,36 
 
 
 
11  
 
0,33 
 
 
 
10  
 
0,28 
 
 
 
9  
 
0,25 
 
 
 
8  
 
0,20 
 
 
 
8 
OPTION 2 
 
Internal 
bond after 
boil test  
 
EN 
1087 -1  
 
N/mm2  
 
0,25  
 
0,25  
 
0,25  
 
0,25  
 
0,23  
 
0,20  
 
0,18  
 
0,17  
 
0,15 
NOTE       The values for internal bond and swelling in thickness after option 1 treatment are characterised by a 
moisture content in the mate rial (before and after cyclic test) corresponding to a relative humidity of 65 % and a 
temperatu re of 20 °C. 
 
The values for internal bond after option 2 treatment are characterised by a moisture content in the material (before 
the boil test) corresponding to a relative humidity of 65 % and a temperature of 20 °C. 
 
Requirements for  moisture resistance, and  if  applicable swelling, are  dependent upon the  test  
method employed to assess these properties. Thus, two alternative sets of requirements (Option 1 
and Option 2) are set out in Table 11 corresponding to the two principal recognised methods  of 
evaluation. It is necessary for the manufacturer to show compliance with only one of these two options. 
 
Option 1 requirements apply to boards subjected to an accelerated ageing test, the so-called "cyclic 
test in hu mid conditions" described in EN 321. Option 2 requirements apply to boards subjected to the 
so-called "boil test" described in EN 1087-1. The glues or adhesive systems suitab le for the 
application of Option 1 and Option 2 are unrestricted. 
 
The alkali content of boards shall not exceed 2,0 %, based on oven-dry mass and total thickness 
(tested an alytically) and shall not exceed 1,7 % in the outer layers (by calculation). 
 
When verifying complian ce by external control only the test option performed and notified by the 
manufacturer shall be carried out. If the option is unknown it will be necessary to carry out both sets of 
procedures, even tho ugh complian ce is required with only one set of requirements 
 
15 Supplementary properties  
 
For certain applications, information on some of the properties listed in Table 12 may be required. On 
request, this information sha ll be supplied by the board manufacturer and in this case shall have been 
derived using the test methods listed in Table 12.  
 
Table 12 — Supplementary properties and test methods  
 
Property Test method                  DKS 2242 -1: 2018 
KEBS 201 8 — All rights reserved    11 Density Dimensional  
changes Surface 
soundness Swelling 
in thickness 
Sand content EN 323 
 
EN 318 
 
EN 311 
 
EN 317 
 
ISO 3340 
 
NOTE         For certain applications, information on additional properties not specified in Table 12 may be required. For 
instance, information on thermal conductivity, water vapour permeability and fire behaviour of particleboards is given in EN 
1398 6. 
 
16 Verification of compliance  
16.1 General  
Verification of compliance with this EN shall be carried out using the test methods listed in Tables 1 to 12.  
 
16.2 External control  
External control of the  factory, if any, shall be carried out according to EN 326 -2. Inspection of isolated lots 
shall be carried out according to EN 326 -3. 
In the case of formaldehyde potential determined by EN 120 perforator method, however, for both external 
control and inspe ction of isolated lots of panels, the respective requirements set out in Table 1 shall be the 
arithmetic mean value of at least three boards. Additionally, no individual board shall exceed an upper 
tolerance limit of + 10 %.  
 
16.3 Factory production control  
Factory production control shall be carried out according to EN 326 -2. 
 
The properties listed in the Tables 1 to 11, shall be controlled using intervals between tests not exceeding 
the intervals given   in  Table 13.  Sampling shall be   carried  out  at  rando m.  Alternative test methods   
and/or unconditioned test pieces may be used if a valid correlation to the specified test methods can be 
proven (see EN 326 -2). 
 
Each requirement relating to formaldehyde potential (perforator value) shall be met by the 95 per centile 
value based on test values of individual boards. The 95 percentile value shall be equal to or less than the 
respective tabulated values given in Table 1.  
Table 13 — Maximum intervals between tests for each production line  
 
Property  Maximum interval  between tests  
Moisture content  8 h per type of board  
Formaldehyde potentiala  
 
Class E 1  
Class E 2   
 
24 h per type of board  
1 week per type of board  
All other properties listed in Table 1  8 h per type and thickness range  
Moisture resistance  
 
Option 1  
Option 2   
 
1 week  
8 hr 
All other properties listed in Tables 2 to 11  8 hr DKS 2242 -1: 201 8 
 
     KEBS 201 8 — All rights reserved  12 a   Certain types of particleboards are known to release little or no formaldehyde. In these 
cases, the test intervals may be increased. However, it remains the responsibility of th e 
manufacturer or inspection agency, if any, to ensure compliance with this European Standard.  
 
b   If several thickness ranges are produced in one 8 h shift, the internal control shall be 
organised so that at least one board of each thickness range is tes ted in one week’s production.  
 
 
17 Marking  
In the case of other boards produced in conformity with this Kenyan Standard, each panel or package shall 
be clearly marked by the manufacturer by  indelible direct printing or by an adhesive label  with at least the 
following information in this sequence:  
 
a)    the manufacturer's name, trade mark, or identification mark;  
b)    the number of this Kenyan  Standard ;  
c)    the panel type e.g. P5; d)    the nominal thickness;  
e)    the formaldehyde class;  
f)    the batch number, or the production week and year.  
 
Additionally, panels may be colour coded by the vertical application near one corner of a series of colour 
stripes each 25 mm in width. Colour coding is voluntary. If applied, it shall comply with the system shown in 
Annex A. This standard does not exclude the dyeing of the whole board or of certain layers of the board 
according to traditional national practices  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                 DKS 2242 -1: 2018 
KEBS 201 8 — All rights reserved    13 Annex  A 
(normative)  
 
Voluntary colour coding system for particleboards  
 
Two col ours are used in each case. The first colour defines the panel as either intended for general purpose use 
or for load bearing applications (either one or two stripes of this colour are used). The second colour identifies 
the panel as being suitable  for use in either dry or humid conditions.  
 
The colours used are as follows:  
 
First colour — white: General purpose  
 
First colour  —  yellow: Load -bearing  
 
Second colour —blue: Dry conditions  
 
Second colour  — green: Humid conditions  
 
 
Table A.1 — Colour co ding for particleboards complying with European Standards  
 
Specification  Colour code  Board type  
General purpose use, dry  
Interior fitments, dry  
Non load -bearing, humid  
Load -bearing, dry  
Load -bearing, humid  
Heavy duty load -bearing, dry  
Heavy duty load -bearing, humid  white, white, blue white, blue  
white, green  
yellow, yellow, blue yellow, yellow, 
green yellow, blue  
yellow, green  P1 
P2 
P3 
P4 
P5 
P6 
P7