Storm Shelter and Components Testing

Where tornadoes, hurricanes, and other severe storm events are an expected part of life, storm shelters offer consumers an emergency safeguard. Manufacturers of these shelters and their components know customers rely on the shelters and components to perform under extreme conditions to effectively protect themselves and their loved ones. To help preserve the public’s health, safety, and general welfare, ICC NTA provides a way for these manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with the unique safety standard designed for their products – ICC 500, “ICC/NSSA Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters.”

The consensus standard, developed through a collaborative partnership between the International Code Council, the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA), and a national committee, specifies the minimum requirements for shelters and their components to safeguard occupants from conditions commonly experienced during tornadoes and hurricanes. ICC 500 is referenced explicitly in the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC) as the governing standard for the construction and design of storm shelters.

ICC NTA laboratories are accredited to the ISO 17025 standard, which ensures that you and your customers can rely on the validity of our results. Our team also understands how important test results are for your business goals and objectives — all our team members work together with you to efficiently conduct tests and prepare the test reports you need. We conduct storm shelter and component tests for various purposes, including but not limited to:

  • Air Infiltration
  • Code Compliance
  • Missile Impact
  • Static Air-pressure Difference
  • Uniform Load
  • Water Infiltration
  • Windborne Debris Impact Resistance for Tornadoes and Hurricanes
  • Wind-load Testing and Wind Pressure

As part of the International Code Council Family of Solutions, we work directly with ICC Evaluation Service, LLC (ICC-ES) to create tailored test plans that capture specialized requirements for innovative products, such as those found in the ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria. Test plans help ensure your innovative product has a clear path through the certification process with agreement from all participants. Below is a list of standards or criteria that may be included in test plans for storm shelters:

  • ICC 500
  • ASTM C920
  • ASTM E330
  • ASTM E1592
  • ASTM E1886
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