WEATHER PROTECTION

» EN 342        » EN 343         » EN 13758-2

EN 342
Protective clothing against cold 

This standard specifies PPE Clothing used when working in cold environments.

It requires tests of resultant effective thermal insulation (value in m²K/W), air permeability (shown as class 1-3) and resistance to water penetration (shown as class 1-2). The garment ensemble (i.e. two piece combination or boilersuit) must achieve results on thermal insulation and air permeability to be CE marked with the EN 342 symbol – the water penetration test is optional. A complete ensemble during the test is a 3-layer system with type B underwear - an inner layer with underwear, a mid thermo layer and an outer layer of certified garments – all used together with socks, balaclava, gloves and boots. The value of the thermal insulation will show the minimum temperature where the body has a comfortable temperature. In the updated version of the standard EN 342:2017 the test has changed and air velocity is now also taken into account. For this updated standard, Tranemo will have an ongoing transition for our relevant certified garments.

EN 343
Protective clothing against rain 

This standard specifies PPE Clothing used for working in rain or snow, fog and ground humidity.

According to the latest version of the standard, EN 343:2019, the garment and seams are tested for water penetration (waterproofness) class 1-4 and water vapour resistance (breathability) class 1-4, where class 4 is the highest level. The garment must achieve a result on both tests to be CE marked with the EN 343 symbol.

The breathability of the garments are affected by its construction and it is common for an unlined garment to reach EN 343 class 4:4 (same as the outer fabric) whilst lined garments in the same outer fabric might only achieve EN 343 class 4:2 for example. In these cases it is the lining in the garment that affects the permeability of water vapour resistance (breathability). The test method of waterproofness of a readymade garment in rain tower has also been added to the standard. This test is optional.

The previous version of the standard (EN 343:2003+A1 2007) has 3 classes. The requirements of class 1-3 for resistance to water penetration are the same in both versions of EN 343, but now class 4 has higher requirements. The result for water vapour resistance (breathability) has also been expanded with a 4th class and the levels of each class are slightly changed. Only class 1 is the same in both versions. Certifications according to the old version EN 343:2003+A1 2007, are still valid. Tranemo will have an ongoing transition for relevant certified garments.

The test method EN 20811 (Determination of resistance to water penetration) is a result in millimeters of water column (mmH2O) or Pascal (Pa). Tranemo designates garments with a water column > 5000 mm (50000 Pa) as wind and waterproof. This gives a good protection in intermittent rain or inclement weather. In heavy or prolonged periods of heavy rain, traditional laminated rainwear is recommended.

EN 13758-2
Protection against UV radiation 

Standard for the classification and marking of long sleeve garments that give the wearer UVA + UVB protection over 40UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor. Tranemo 50+).

All textiles offer protection for the wearer against the sun and risk of sun burn depending on the thickness of the fabric - this standard indicates that the protection is high. Test method for fabric is EN 13758-1.