ASTM F3660-23
(Specification)Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Motorized Partitions
Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Motorized Partitions
SCOPE
1.1 This consumer safety performance specification establishes performance requirements, test methods, and labeling requirements for motorized partitions.
1.2 Motorized partitions are used to provide flexibility in the size of spaces typically used for meetings, sports, recreational areas, schools, or social functions where children are often present.
1.3 Motorized partitions include a motor to direct the opening and closing of the partition and are operated by trained individuals who control the on/off mechanism and opening and closing movement of the partition.
1.4 The partition is made up of a series of rigid panels that move along a track.
1.5 This specification does not include motorized curtains, elevator or garage doors, or non-motorized partitions.
1.6 This specification shall be taken into consideration by owners/operators, architects, planners, engineers, equipment manufacturers, construction companies, construction contractors, and appropriate inspectors who may be involved in the design and construction of new facilities.
1.7 This specification applies to the installation of new motorized partitions but may be useful for renovation projects such as updating older motorized partitions.
1.8 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.10 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Jul-2023
- Technical Committee
- F15 - Consumer Products
- Drafting Committee
- F15.78 - Motorized Partitions
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2007
- Effective Date
- 10-Aug-2002
Overview
ASTM F3660-23: Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Motorized Partitions establishes comprehensive safety, performance, testing, and labeling requirements for motorized partitions used in settings such as schools, meeting rooms, sports and recreational facilities, and social halls. Developed by ASTM International, this standard responds to concerns about crush and entrapment hazards associated with motorized partitions, particularly where children may be present. The specification supports manufacturers, facility owners, architects, installers, and inspectors in the safe design, installation, and operation of these movable wall systems.
Key Topics
- Performance and Safety Requirements: ASTM F3660-23 outlines minimum performance criteria, addressing entrapment prevention and crush hazard mitigation using non-contact sensors, safety mats, and manual detachment devices.
- Test Methods: The standard specifies test methods for evaluating the effectiveness of safety features, sensor systems, and labeling adhesion.
- Device Terminology: The document defines terms such as "motorized partition," "entrapment prevention device," "motion sensor," and "safety mat."
- Operator Training: Only trained individuals are permitted to operate motorized partitions, and facilities must provide documented, annual training.
- Installation & Maintenance: Installation must be performed by qualified professionals, with comprehensive, easy-to-read manuals included for both operators and installers.
- Labeling and Warning: Warnings must be permanent, conspicuous, and in line with ANSI Z535.4, with clear hazard messages about crush dangers.
Applications
Motorized partitions covered under ASTM F3660-23 provide essential flexibility in managing interior spaces in environments such as:
- Schools and educational facilities
- Sports and recreational centers
- Meeting and conference spaces
- Social function halls and event venues
Practical applications focus on using these partitions to quickly adjust room sizes or accommodate diverse activities. The safety requirements help prevent injuries by ensuring equipped sensory devices halt the movement of partitions if a person or object is detected in the operating area. The standard applies primarily to new installations but also offers guidance for renovating or updating existing motorized partition systems to current safety benchmarks.
Key stakeholders who benefit from adhering to ASTM F3660-23 include:
- Facility owners and operators
- Architects and planners
- Engineers and equipment manufacturers
- Construction companies and contractors
- Compliance inspectors
Operators are trained to check that operating zones are clear, ensure warning labels are in place, and confirm annual testing of safety systems for ongoing compliance and performance.
Related Standards
The requirements in ASTM F3660-23 reference or complement several industry standards for testing, safety, and labeling, including:
- ASTM D3359: Test Methods for Rating Adhesion by Tape Test - standard method for ensuring the permanence of labels and warnings affixed to partitions.
- ANSI Z535.4: Product Safety Signs and Labels - provides best practices for the design and placement of safety warnings, ensuring hazard communications are clear and standardized.
Other relevant standards may include those for electrical systems, building codes, and accessibility requirements, which should be consulted in conjunction with ASTM F3660-23 during design and installation.
Keywords: ASTM F3660-23, motorized partitions, safety performance specification, entrapment prevention, crush hazard, facility safety, movable walls, installation standards, sensor systems, warning labels, operator training, partition safety testing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM F3660-23 is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Motorized Partitions". This standard covers: SCOPE 1.1 This consumer safety performance specification establishes performance requirements, test methods, and labeling requirements for motorized partitions. 1.2 Motorized partitions are used to provide flexibility in the size of spaces typically used for meetings, sports, recreational areas, schools, or social functions where children are often present. 1.3 Motorized partitions include a motor to direct the opening and closing of the partition and are operated by trained individuals who control the on/off mechanism and opening and closing movement of the partition. 1.4 The partition is made up of a series of rigid panels that move along a track. 1.5 This specification does not include motorized curtains, elevator or garage doors, or non-motorized partitions. 1.6 This specification shall be taken into consideration by owners/operators, architects, planners, engineers, equipment manufacturers, construction companies, construction contractors, and appropriate inspectors who may be involved in the design and construction of new facilities. 1.7 This specification applies to the installation of new motorized partitions but may be useful for renovation projects such as updating older motorized partitions. 1.8 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.10 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
SCOPE 1.1 This consumer safety performance specification establishes performance requirements, test methods, and labeling requirements for motorized partitions. 1.2 Motorized partitions are used to provide flexibility in the size of spaces typically used for meetings, sports, recreational areas, schools, or social functions where children are often present. 1.3 Motorized partitions include a motor to direct the opening and closing of the partition and are operated by trained individuals who control the on/off mechanism and opening and closing movement of the partition. 1.4 The partition is made up of a series of rigid panels that move along a track. 1.5 This specification does not include motorized curtains, elevator or garage doors, or non-motorized partitions. 1.6 This specification shall be taken into consideration by owners/operators, architects, planners, engineers, equipment manufacturers, construction companies, construction contractors, and appropriate inspectors who may be involved in the design and construction of new facilities. 1.7 This specification applies to the installation of new motorized partitions but may be useful for renovation projects such as updating older motorized partitions. 1.8 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.10 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM F3660-23 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.060.10 - Walls. Partitions. Facades. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM F3660-23 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D3359-09e1, ASTM D3359-07, ASTM D3359-02. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM F3660-23 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3660 − 23
Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for
Motorized Partitions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3660; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This consumer safety performance specification is necessary to minimize the entrapment or crush
hazard posed by motorized partitions when they are in motion. Such entrapment and crush hazards
have led to serious injury and death.
This specification addresses incidents associated with motorized partitions identified by the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
In response to incident data compiled by the CPSC, this specification attempts to minimize the
following hazards: entrapment and crush hazards.
This specification is intended to cover normal use and reasonably foreseeable use of the product(s).
This specification is written within the current state of the art of motorized partition technology and
will be updated whenever substantive information becomes available that necessitates additional
requirements or justifies the revision of existing requirements.
1. Scope 1.7 This specification applies to the installation of new
motorized partitions but may be useful for renovation projects
1.1 This consumer safety performance specification estab-
such as updating older motorized partitions.
lishes performance requirements, test methods, and labeling
1.8 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
requirements for motorized partitions.
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathemati-
1.2 Motorized partitions are used to provide flexibility in the
cal conversions to SI units that are provided for information
size of spaces typically used for meetings, sports, recreational
only and are not considered standard.
areas, schools, or social functions where children are often
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the
present.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.3 Motorized partitions include a motor to direct the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
opening and closing of the partition and are operated by trained
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
individuals who control the on/off mechanism and opening and
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
closing movement of the partition.
1.10 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.4 The partition is made up of a series of rigid panels that
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
move along a track.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.5 This specification does not include motorized curtains,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
elevator or garage doors, or non-motorized partitions.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.6 This specification shall be taken into consideration by
2. Referenced Documents
owners/operators, architects, planners, engineers, equipment
2.1 ASTM Standards:
manufacturers, construction companies, construction
D3359 Test Methods for Rating Adhesion by Tape Test
contractors, and appropriate inspectors who may be involved in
2.2 ANSI Standard:
the design and construction of new facilities.
ANSI Z535.4 Product Safety Signs and Labels
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
This consumer safety performance specification is under the jurisdiction of contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
ASTM Committee F15 on Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Subcommittee F15.78 on Motorized Partitions. the ASTM website.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2023. Published September 2023. DOI: Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/F3660-23. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3660 − 23
3. Terminology 5. General Requirements
3.1 Definitions: 5.1 When a sensor is triggered, the partition shall stop. After
the operator determines that the area is clear, the operator may
3.1.1 backup system, n—secondary system that can reverse
continue to deploy the system.
the motion of the motorized partition.
5.2 Required Devices:
3.1.2 entrapment prevention device, n—device used as part
5.2.1 A minimum of two non-contact sensors (photoelectric
of a safety system to prevent the entrapment of an individual by
sensor, IR, or equivalent), one on each side of the partition,
the movement of a motorized partition.
shall be located along the side of the wall path and de-energize
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Examples of entrapment prevention de-
the partition if a person or object is detected from the stack area
vices include infrared (IR) technology (also laser sensor),
to the terminating wall. If a single pair of sensors is not
safety mats, and motion sensors.
adequate to complete the safe operation of the length of the
3.1.3 infrared (IR) technology, n—wireless mobile technol- wall, another pair of sensors shall be used.
5.2.2 At a minimum, one non-contact sensor is located to
ogy that uses electromagnetic radiation waves as device
the right and the other one is to the left of the stacking side of
communication over short ranges; also laser sensor.
the partition.
3.1.4 leading edge sensor, n—contact sensor that detects
5.2.3 The partition shall be operated using an actuating
when the leading edge of the partition contacts an obstruction.
device that requires continuous pressure to maintain opening or
3.1.4.1 Discussion—Used primarily for the protection of
closing and includes a three-position key control switch with a
equipment and not necessarily a standalone life-saving device.
spring-loaded return to off position or at least one touch-
sensitive pad at the control station that requires operator to be
3.1.5 manual detachment device, n—device that allows for
present during operation.
the non-electronic means to detach the motorized partition
5.2.3.1 These switches shall be at a minimum of 7 ft (2 m)
from the electronic safety system that would be used as a
from the edge of the operating path of the partition.
secondary measure in case of entrapment of an individual.
5.2.4 Pressure-sensing safety mats shall be installed in
3.1.6 motion sensor, n—electronic device that is designed to
stacking area to stop the panel from starting until the person or
detect movement.
object is removed.
5.2.4.1 Safety mats shall detect forces of at least 33 lbf
3.1.7 motorized partition, n—movable wall-like dividers
(150 N).
that include a motor to direct the opening and closing of the
5.2.5 A manual detachment device shall be accessible to the
partition.
operator and not accessible to children to allow for the
3.1.7.1 Discussion—Motorized partitions are used to pro-
non-electronic means to detach the motorized partition from
vide flexibility in the size of spaces typically used for meetings,
the electronic safety system.
sports, recreational areas, schools, or social functions where
children are often present and are operated by trained individu- 5.3 Optional Devices:
5.3.1 Optional contact sensors are only to be used in
als who control the on/off mechanism and opening and closing
addition to a non-contact safety sensor system.
movement of the partition. The partition is made up of a series
5.3.2 Lead edge sensors are required to activate with a
of rigid panels that move along a track.
minimum of force of 1.5 lb (0.7 kg) and 0.3 in. (0.8 cm)
3.1.8 safety mat, n—pressure-sensing mat that, when suffi-
displacement.
cient force is applied, stops the panel from starting until the
5.4 Labeling:
object is removed.
5.4.1 Permanence of the Labeling—Samples of the warning
3.1.8.1 Discussion—Mats are placed on stacking side of
label shall be adhered to a representative sample of the material
partition. The mat shall be of a sufficient size to cover the entire
where the warning will be displayed. Warning labels shall be
stack area floor. Several mats may be required depending on
permanent when tested in accordance with 7.3.
the size of the stack area floor.
5.5 Maintenance and Installation Instructions:
3.1.9 trained individual/operator, n—individual who is
5.5.1 Installation instructions, use and maintenance
trained and certified to operate the partition.
instructions, proper calibration and adjustment instructions,
3.1.10 two-key operation system, n—safety system that proper startup, and periodic testing procedures shall be pro-
involves two simultaneous actions on separate mechanisms for
vided with each unit.
operation. 5.5.2 Installation instructions provided with the unit shall
contain the following statements or equivalent: “This device
4. Calibration and Standardization shall be installed by an individual who meets the qualifications
established by the motorized partition manufacturer.”
4.1 The unit shall be assembled by an authorized and trained
installer in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Instructions and Operational Literature
4.2 A final inspection and testing shall be conducted after 6.1 The manufacturer shall provide installation instructions
installation by the trained installer to verify the effective
and operational instructional literature (owner’s manual, user’s
operation of the motorized partition and safety equipment. manual, operational manual) with the product shipment in
F3660 − 23
English language that shall be easy to read and understand. 6.1.5.6 If an operator determines that the motorized parti-
These instructions shall include, where applicable, the follow- tion is not operating correctly or safely for any reason,
ing information. appropriate personnel should be immediately contacted for
corrective action.
6.1.1 The owner’s manual shall contain information related
6.1.5.7 Oper
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