EN 343 – Protective Clothing, Protection Against Rain
EN 343 is the harmonised European standard that applies to garments worn in adverse weather conditions. It specifies the characteristics of protective clothing against the influence of foul weather, wind and coll above –5 Degrees. The standard provides for two parameters: (Example - Class 3:1)
X = (3) = Waterproofness (3 Levels) 3 is the highest
Y = (1) Breathable Properties (3 Levels) 3 is the highest
EN 342 - Protective Clothing - Ensembles and Garments for Protection Against Cold
En 342 is the harmonised European Standard that specifies requirements and test methods for performance of clothing ensembles (i.e two piece suits or coveralls) and of single garments for protection against cold environment
Garments are tested under the following performance pararmeters as shown below.
Thermal Insultation
This is tested on a moving manniquin. The unit of measurement is ICler and is stated in m2. it measures the amount of energy per square metre required to maintain warmth - the higher the number, the better the rating.
X indicates the Thermal Insultation test on a stationary manniquin and is not a compulsory part of the standard. The Unit of measurement is Icle and is stated in m2.
Air Permeability
Air Permeability measures the ease with which the air can pass through the material. it is a measure of how wind proof the garment is and again the higher the number the better the result. The Air Permability on example below achieves a Class 3.
Resistance to Water Penetration
The final result is Resistance to Water penetration, which achieves a Class 2 below. This is an optional test. Results shown below are for S485 Hi-Vis Contrast Coverall.
0.420m2.K/WW(B) (Thermal Insulation)
X (Thermal Insulation on Mannequin)
2 (Air Permeability)
3 (Resistance to Water Penetration)
