Overview
ISO 13992:2014 - "Alpine touring ski-bindings - Requirements and test methods" defines the principal characteristics, safety requirements and laboratory test methods for alpine touring (randonnée) ski-bindings. The standard applies in principle to bindings for juniors and adults and describes test methods A and B (simple torsion and forward-bending release tests) as examples for evaluating release behavior and safety performance.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope and terminology: Defines downhill and walking positions, combined loading, release, release values (torques Mz and My), and limits L1–L4.
- Test methods A & B:
- Method A: torque applied directly to the sole or ski with a rigidly mounted ski; peak Mz/My recorded.
- Method B: forces applied to the ski while the sole is mounted on a sensor; peak Mz/My recorded.
- Test conditions:
- Quasi‑static tests with specified angular velocity (e.g., ~3.8°/s ±0.1°/s for torsion and forward bending).
- Measurement accuracy requirements (e.g., ±2% above certain torque thresholds).
- Use of standard test soles and test skis per ISO 9523 / ISO 9838; soles must be cleaned before testing.
- Functional requirements:
- Bindings must release under torsion (Mz) and forward bending (My) in downhill position.
- Release behavior in walking position depends on maximum angular displacement.
- Clear, calibrated release-setting indicator covering manufacturer’s intended range; high settings clearly differentiated (Z = 10 threshold).
- Visual/function checks, requirement for ski-brake or secure leash attachment.
- Durability and environmental tests: includes reproducibility, energy absorption (recentering), lateral release under impact, field tests, and exposure to corrosion/dirt (with grain-size guidance in annexes).
Applications and Who Uses It
- Manufacturers and designers: to design, validate and mark touring ski-bindings that meet internationally accepted safety and performance criteria.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies: for conducting standardized torsion/forward-bending release tests and conformity assessment.
- R&D and quality assurance teams: for benchmarking binding release behavior, reproducibility and robustness.
- Retailers, rental services and safety regulators: to understand marking, usage limits and safety claims for products.
Related Standards
- ISO 5355 - Alpine ski‑boots - Requirements and test methods
- ISO 8061 - Selection of release torque values
- ISO 9465 / ISO 9462 - Lateral release under impact loading / combined loading concepts
- ISO 9523 - Touring ski‑boots interface with bindings
- ISO 9838 - Test soles for ski‑binding tests
- ISO 11087 - Retention devices - Requirements and test methods
This standard is essential for anyone involved in the safety, testing and certification of alpine touring ski-bindings and supports consistent, reproducible assessment of release behavior and user protection.