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1.1 These test methods are intended for evaluating market umbrellas (MUs) to determine the suitability of the MU in a use environment on the basis of wind safety and durability.

1.2 These test methods apply to most MUs designed for use in-home setting, such as pool or patio areas; recreation areas, such as the beach, pool, or tennis courts; and business settings, such as theme parks, water parks, resort pools, hotels, restaurants, cafés, and other business settings.

1.3 The values as stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are given for information only.

1.4 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.

1.5 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.

5.1 These test methods establish standard procedures designed for evaluating the performance wind safety and durability characteristics of MUs.

5.2 These test methods are suitable for both end users and manufacturers to evaluate performance characteristics of MUs and base mounting components.

5.3 Procedure A is an evaluation of MU structural integrity (pole, frame, canopy, and base components) by subjecting the MU to a uniform wind generated by a wind tunnel. Procedure B is an evaluation of MU and base component durability by subjecting the MU to a uniform wind generated by a wind tunnel for a fixed period of time. Each procedure is used to rate MU and base stanchion performance using the Beaufort Scale for users to be able to correlate the wind speed safety and durability determined in the testing to visual and subjective observation of the area of uses of the MU.

5.4 Results from use of these test methods on one type of MU and base components are not comparable to other test results on a different MU due to differences in MU materials and designs used for poles, frames, canopies, vents, and hubs as well as base weights, shapes, and holding mechanisms.

5.5 These test methods are not intended to assess cleaning or other weather stress resulting from wear and tear in an actual use environment.

5.6 End users and manufacturers of MU and base components should consider these test methods to be minimum procedures for evaluating MU and base component wind safety and durability characteristics as a wind tunnel procedure is considered to produce the most accurate wind pressures of any method according to ASCE/SEI 7-10 Wind Tunnel Procedure. Users of these test methods may wish to consider additional tests and procedures that relate directly to their application such as finite element analysis software.

5.7 Each buyer of a MU should establish its own criteria for assessing acceptable safety and durability performance.