This European Standard specifies requirements and test methods for durability, strength, security and function of mechanically operated variable/parallel geometry stay hinges (with or without a friction system) whether fitted, with integral restrictors or not, in accordance with common application as shown in informative Annex D. By means of this standard, the user of recognized tested hardware can assume that with correct usage, the variable/parallel geometry stay hinges (with or without a friction system) for windows conform to prescribed requirements. NOTE 1 Balancing stay arms/hinges do not represent a friction system. NOTE 2 For the purposes of this standard, the friction system is achieved by friction pads or similar.