BIFMA X5.41

Large Occupant Public and Lounge Seating

BIFMA X5.41 Large Occupant Public and Lounge Seating was released on May 24, 2021, by the Business Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association. This standard is for individuals having a body mass between 400 lbs and 600 lbs which equates to the 99th percentile person in the US. BIFMA X5.4 is for occupants with a body mass up to 275 lbs. BIFMA X5.41 is split into two levels:

41-400 for 400 lb users and
41-600 for 600 lb users

To a large extent BIFMA X5.4 and X5.41 are similar; the test procedures are the same, however, most of the loads and forces were increased in the latter. For chairs to qualify to BIFMA X5.41 they must have a minimum seat width of 22 inches for X5.41-400 and 26 inches for X5.41-600.

As in BIFMA X5.4, there are four seating “styles”, which apply to both single and multiple seating configurations:

Style A: With arm(s) and with backrest
Style B: With arm(s) and without backrest
Style C: Without arms and with backrest
Style D: Without arms and without backrest

The table below shows which tests need to be done on which chair style, for single and multiple seating configurations and if the feature tested is available and the test applicable:

Test #	Test Description	Single Seating Style				Multiple Seating Style
Test #	Test Description	A	B	C	D	A	B	C	D
5	Back strength test – Horizontal – Static	X		X		X		X
6	Back strength test – Vertical – Static	X		X		X		X
7	Backrest Durability test – Horizontal – Cyclic	X		X		X		X
8	Backrest Durability test – Vertical – Cyclic	X		X		X		X
9	Arm strength test – Horizontal – Static	X	X			X	X
10	Arm strength test – Vertical – Static	X	X			X	X
11	Arm Dur. test – Hor. Cycl. Multiple Positions					X	X
12	Arm Dur. test – Vert. Cycl. Multiple Positions					X	X
13	Arm Dur. For Single Seat Units	X	X
14	Seating Durability Test – Cyclic Impact	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
15	Drop Test – Dynamic	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
16	Leg strength test	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
17	Unit drop test – Dynamic	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
18	Caster/Unit Base Durability Test for Pedestal Base Units	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
19	Swivel Test – Cyclic	X	X	X	X
20	Tilt mechanism test – Cyclic	X		X		X		X
21	Stability Tests	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
22	Tablet arm load ease test – cyclic	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
23	Tablet arm static load test	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
24	Structural Durability test – Side-to-side – Cyclic	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
25	Cycle Test for Recliners – Backrest and/or Legrest Mechanism Durability	X		X		X		X
26	Legrest Strength Test – Static Load	X		X		X		X
27	Footrest Static Load Test for Stools – Vertical	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
28	Footrest Durability Test for Stools – Vertical – Cyclic	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
29	Seat Width Measurement	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X

To download a PDF version of this table, please click on this button.

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In addition, we have included a test-by-test comparison between this standard and BIFMA X5.4 to give you a better understanding of the differences between both standards.

ANSI/BIFMA X5.41-2021			ANSI/BIFMA X5.4-2020	Comparison	Conclusion
Section	X5.41-400	X5.41-600	ANSI/BIFMA X5.4-2020	Comparison	Conclusion
1. Scope	400 lb user is the basis of the standard (99th percentile)	600 lb user is the basis of the standard (99th percentile)	275 lb user is the basis of the standard (95th percentile)	X5.41 has a higher user weight than X5.4
2. Definitions:	seat or seating position: Determine number of seating positions by dividing unit width by 31″ X5.41-400: minimum seat width=22″	seat or seating position: Determine number of seating positions by dividing unit width by 35″ X5.41-600: minimum seat width=26″	seat or seating position: Determine number of seating positions by dividing unit width by 28″	X5.41 determines the seating positions using a larger denominator than X5.4. X5.41 has added seat width requirements.
3. General	No difference.		No difference.	No difference between X5.4 and X5.41.	Both methods equivalent.
4. Classification and Applicable Tests	Seat width measurement test is applicable		No seat width measurement required.	BIFMA X5.41 has an additional seat width measurement test.	X5.41 covers X5.4
5. Backrest Strength Test – Horizontal – Static	Functional Load: 150 lbf applied to each seating position (max 2) for 1 minute. Proof Load: 250 lbf applied to each seating position (max 2) for 10 seconds.	Functional Load: 200 lbf applied to each seating position (max 2) for 1 minute. Proof Load: 300 lbf applied to each seating position (max 2) for 10 seconds.	Functional Load: 150 lbf applied to each seating position (max 2) for 1 minute. Proof Load: 250 lbf applied to each seating position (max 2) for 10 seconds.	Higher force applied in X5.41-600	X5.41 covers X5.4
6. Backrest Strength Test – Vertical – Static	Functional Load: 200 lbf applied to each seating position (max 2) for 1 minute. Proof Load: 300 lbf applied to each seating position (max 2) for 10 seconds.		Functional Load: 200 lbf applied to each seating position (max 2) for 1 minute. Proof Load: 300 lbf applied to each seating position (max 2) for 10 seconds.	No difference between X5.4 and X5.41.	Both methods equivalent.
7. Backrest Durability Test – Horizontal – Cyclic	Load applied to backrests: 75 lbf Load on other seats: 350 lbs 120,000 cycles	Load applied to backrests: 100 lbf Load on other seats: 540 lbs 120,000 cycles	Load applied to backrests: 75 lbf Load on other seats: 240 lbs 120,000 cycles	The force applied to the backrest and the load on other seats are both higher in X5.41.	X5.41 covers X5.4
8. Backrest Durability Test – Vertical – Cyclic	Load applied to backrests: 200 lbf 10,000 cycles		Load applied to backrests: 200 lbf 10,000 cycles	No difference between X5.4 and X5.41.	Both methods equivalent.
9. Arm Strength Test – Horizontal – Static	Functional Load: -Arm distance < 35″: 100 lbf for 1 minute -Arm distance ≥ 35″: 133 lbf for 1 minute Proof Load: -Arm distance < 35″: 150 lbf for 10 seconds -Arm distance ≥ 35″: 200 lbf for 10 seconds		Functional Load: -Arm distance < 35″: 100 lbf for 1 minute -Arm distance ≥ 35″: 133 lbf for 1 minute Proof Load: -Arm distance < 35″: 150 lbf for 10 seconds -Arm distance ≥ 35″: 200 lbf for 10 seconds	No difference between X5.4 and X5.41.	Both methods equivalent.
10. Arm Strength Test – Vertical – Static	Functional Load: -Armrest width > 3″: 200 lbf for 1 minute -Armrest width ≤ 3″: 169 lbf for 1 minute Proof Load: -Armrest width > 3″: 300 lbf for 10 seconds -Armrest width ≤ 3″: 253 lbf for 10 seconds		Functional Load: -Armrest width > 3″: 200 lbf for 1 minute -Armrest width ≤ 3″: 169 lbf for 1 minute Proof Load: -Armrest width > 3″: 300 lbf for 10 seconds -Armrest width ≤ 3″: 253 lbf for 10 seconds	No difference between X5.4 and X5.41.	Both methods equivalent.
11. Arm Durability Test for Multiple Seat Units – Horizontal – Cyclic	Note to use Test #13 when armrests are included between seating positions. Force applied: 100 lbf 50,000 cycles		Force applied: 100 lbf 50,000 cycles	X5.41 has note that refers to Test #13 when armrests are included between seating positions. Otherwise, no difference between methods.	Methods are equivalent when no armrests included between seating positions.
12. Arm Durability Test for Multiple Seat Units – Vertical – Cyclic	Note to use Test #13 when armrests are included between seating positions. Force applied: 150 lbf 10,000 cycles		Force applied: 150 lbf 10,000 cycles	X5.41 has note that refers to Test #13 when armrests are included between seating positions. Otherwise, no difference between methods.	Methods are equivalent when no armrests included between seating positions.
13. Arm Durability test – Angular – Cyclic	Added statement that test applies to units with armrests between seating positions. Force applied: 100 lbf 60,000 cycles	Added statement that test applies to units with armrests between seating positions. Force applied: 125 lbf 60,000 cycles	Force applied: 90 lbf 60,000 cycles	X5.41 has note that states this method is applicable to units with armrests included between seating positions. Loads in X5.41 are higher.	For single seat units, X5.41 covers X5.4. For multi-seat units with armrests between seating positions, methods are not equivalent.
14. Seating Durability Tests – Cyclic	Test bag: 200 lbs Drop height: 1.4″ above uncompressed seat Load on other seats: 350 lbs 100,000 cycles	Test bag: 225 lbs Drop height: 1.4″ above uncompressed seat Load on other seats: 540 lbs 100,000 cycles	Test bag: 125 lbs Drop height: 1.4″ above uncompressed seat Load on other seats: 240 lbs 100,000 cycles	Higher loads in X5.41.	X5.41 covers X5.4
15. Drop Tests – Dynamic	Functional Load: 250 lb test bag Proof Load: 350 lb test bag Drop height: 6″ above uncompressed seat Load on other seats: 350 lbs	Functional Load: 275 lb test bag Proof Load: 400 lb test bag Drop height: 6″ above uncompressed seat Load on other seats: 540 lbs	Functional Load: 225 lb test bag Proof Load: 300 lb test bag Drop height: 6″ above uncompressed seat Load on other seats: 240 lbs	Higher loads in X5.41.	X5.41 covers X5.4
16.3 Leg Strength Test – Front Load Test	Functional Load: 100 lbf applied to each front leg for 1 minute. Proof Load: 150 lbf applied to each front leg for 10 seconds.	Functional Load: 125 lbf applied to each front leg for 1 minute. Proof Load: 190 lbf applied to each front leg for 10 seconds.	Functional Load: 75 lbf applied to each front leg for 1 minute. Proof Load: 150 lbf (max) applied to each front leg for 10 seconds.	Higher loads in X5.41.	X5.41 covers X5.4
16.4 Leg Strength Test – Side Load Test	Functional Load: 100 lbf applied to a front and rear leg individually for 1 minute. Proof Load: 150 lbf applied to a front and rear leg individually for 10 seconds.		Functional Load: 75 lbf applied to a front and rear leg individually for 1 minute. Proof Load: 150 lbf (max) applied to a front and rear leg individually for 10 seconds.	Higher loads in X5.41.	X5.41 covers X5.4
17. Unit Drop Test – Dynamic	Drop heights based on unit weight from Table 2		Drop heights based on unit weight from Table 2.	No difference between X5.4 and X5.41.	Both methods equivalent.
18.1 Caster/Unit Base Durability Test for Pedestal Base Units	Load on seat: 400 lbs 25,500 cycles	Load on seat: 600 lbs 25,500 cycles	Load on seat: 270 lbs 25,500 cycles	Higher loads in X5.41.	X5.41 covers X5.4
18.2 Caster/Unit Base Durability Test for Units with Legs	Load on seat: 400 lbs 25,500 cycles for 1-seater units. 250 cycles over obstacles for multi-seater units.	Load on seat: 600 lbs 25,500 cycles for 1-seater units. 250 cycles over obstacles for multi-seater units.	Load on seat: 270 lbs 25,500 cycles for 1-seater units. 250 cycles over obstacles for multi-seater units.	Higher loads in X5.41.	X5.41 covers X5.4
19. Swivel Test – Cyclic	Load on seat: 400 lbs 120,000 cycles	Load on seat: 600 lbs 120,000 cycles	Load on seat: 270 lbs 120,000 cycles	Higher loads in X5.41.	X5.41 covers X5.4
20. Tilt/Rocker/Glider Mechanism Test – Cyclic	Load on seat: 350 lbs 200,000 cycles	Load on seat: 540 lbs 200,000 cycles	Load on seat: 240 lbs 200,000 cycles	Higher loads in X5.41.	X5.41 covers X5.4
21.3 Rear-Stability for Non-tilting Units	-6 disks -Force calculated from formula in 21.3.1j or 20.9 lbf -Force applied 0.25 inch from top of disk		-6 disks -Force calculated from formula in 21.3.1j or 20.9 lbf -Force applied 0.25 inch from top of disk	No difference between X5.4 and X5.41.	Both methods equivalent.
21.4 Rear-Stability for Tilting Units	13 disks		13 disks	No difference between X5.4 and X5.41.	Both methods equivalent.
21.5 Front Stability for Units Less than 80 lbs	175 lbf vertical load applied at 2.4″ from front edge		135 lbf vertical load applied at 2.4″ from front edge	Higher loads in X5.41.	X5.41 covers X5.4
21.6 Front Stability for Units ≥ 80 lbs.	32 lbf downward at 45° to the test platform.		32 lbf downward at 45° to the test platform.	No difference between X5.4 and X5.41.	Both methods equivalent.
22. Tablet Arm Load Ease Test – Cyclic	Load applied: 55 lbs 100,000 cycles		Load applied: 55 lbs 100,000 cycles	No difference between X5.4 and X5.41.	Both methods equivalent.
23. Tablet Arm Load Test – Static	Load applied: 150 lbs		Load applied: 150 lbs	No difference between X5.4 and X5.41.	Both methods equivalent.
24. Structural Durability Test – Side-to-Side – Cyclic	Load applied: 100 lbf Load on other seats: 350 lbs 25,000 cycles	Load applied: 100 lbf Load on other seats: 540 lbs 25,000 cycles	Load applied: 75 lbf Load on other seats: 240 lbs 25,000 cycles	Higher load applied to the unit and higher loads on seats in X5.41.	X5.41 covers X5.4
25. Cyclic Test for Recliners – Backrest and/or Legrest Mechanism Durability	Load applied on backrest: 180 lbs Load on seat: 180 lbs Load on legrest: 35 lbs 25,000 cycles	Load applied on backrest: 270 lbs Load on seat: 270 lbs Load on legrest: 50 lbs 25,000 cycles	Load applied on backrest: 124 lbs Load on seat: 124 lbs Load on legrest: 27 lbs 25,000 cycles	Higher loads in X5.41.	X5.41 covers X5.4
26. Legrest Strength Test – Static Load	Load applied to legrest: 40 lbs	Load applied to legrest: 60 lbs	Load applied to legrest: 30 lbs	Higher loads in X5.41.	X5.41 covers X5.4
27. Footrest Static Load Test for Stools – Vertical	Functional Load: 150 lbf for 1 minute and then 300 lbf for 1 minute Proof Load: 400 lbf for 10 seconds		Functional Load: 100 lbf for 1 minute and then 200 lbf for 1 minute Proof Load: 300 lbf for 10 seconds	Higher loads in X5.41.	X5.41 covers X5.4
28. Footrest Durability Test for Stools – Vertical – Cyclic	Load applied: 300 lbf 50,000 cycles		Load applied: 200 lbf 50,000 cycles	Higher loads in X5.41.	X5.41 covers X5.4
29. Seat Width Measurement	Minimum seat width: 22 inches	Minimum seat width: 26 inches	This test not in X5.4.	New section in X5.41.	X5.41 covers X5.4
Appendices A, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M	Informative		Informative	N/A	No impact.
Appendices B, I	No difference with X5.4.		No difference with X5.41.	No difference between X5.4 and X5.41.	Both methods equivalent.

Disclaimer

All of the information and opinions contained on this page are made with the information and the understanding that we have reviewed at the time of publishing. However, despite our efforts, we do not offer any guarantee of their accuracy, thoroughness of our investigation, or validity. The author of this content is not liable for any inaccuracies or any losses or damages that may result from the use of the information or data contained herein. This page has not been reviewed or verified for its accuracy by any peer group associates prior to publication.