Standards and labels

• EN 343:2019

  EN 343 is a European standard for protective clothing against bad weather. It says clothes must be waterproof, breathable, and not let water in. It's used to protect workers in different industries like construction and transportation. Tests must show the clothing meets these standards.

  Test results

  Breathability Class 4

  EN 343:2019 is a standard that specifies requirements and test methods for protective clothing, including garments designed to provide protection against precipitation and wet conditions, with the aim of ensuring both waterproofness and breathability. Class 4 in Breathability meabs the highest level of breathability, indicating that the garment allows significant moisture vapor transmission while maintaining its waterproofness. This classification suggests that the garment provides excellent comfort for the wearer by allowing sweat and moisture to escape, thereby reducing the risk of overheating and discomfort during prolonged wear. The test method involves placing a fabric sample over a permeable plate in a controlled environment, applying a specific water pressure to simulate rain, and measuring the fabric's resistance to water penetration and its ability to transmit water vapor. Garments achieving Class 4 in Breathability offer practical advantages, as they are suitable for use in demanding outdoor activities and occupations where both waterproofness and breathability are essential, such as outdoor work in variable weather conditions.

  Waterproofness Class 1

  EN 343:2019 standard resultWaterproofness Class 1 means the basic level of waterproof protection deemed compliant under this specification. This result means that the garment or product can resist water penetration to a minimal degree (more than 8000 Pascal Pressure units before pre-treatment), making it suitable for light exposure to rain or damp conditions but not under heavy or pressurized water exposure. The test method to determine this waterproofness involves subjecting the fabric or material to water penetration under controlled conditions, measuring the amount of water that passes through the material over time. This typically involves using a hydrostatic head test where water is pressured against the fabric, ensuring that the product maintains minimal water resistance according to the standards. It is suitable for environments with occasional or light contact with water, but not for prolonged or extreme conditions .

  Downpour X

  EN 343:2019 is a standard that delineates requirements and assessment methodologies for protective clothing, specifically tailored to garments intended to offer protection against precipitation and wet conditions.Result X signifies that the garment's performance in resisting water penetration during simulated downpours has not been specified or assessed. The practical implications of this result are notable, as it indicates that the garment may not offer adequate protection against heavy rain and prolonged exposure to wet conditions, potentially compromising wearer comfort and safety, particularly in outdoor work environments where protection from inclement weather is paramount.