Page 362 - JBS_Core_Catalogue_2024_V1

FOUL WEATHER PROTECTION
EN STANDARDS
EUROPEAN STANDARDS FOR
FOUL WEATHER PROTECTION FOUL WEATHER PROTECTION EN343: PROTECTION AGAINST RAIN
PROTECTION AGAINST RAIN

Resistance to water penetration and water vapour resistance are
the two main properties which are tested against EN 343.
You see the performance classes X and Y at the right side of the
umbrella pictogram.
X: Resistance to water penetration is the most important quality
for an adequate protection.
The highest class of water penetration resistance in this
European standard was deduced from several national norms
which imposed a test pressure of 0.13 bar (1300mm).
This means that the fabric must withstand the pressure,
which is exercised by a water column of 1300mm or 130cm.
Y: Water vapour resistance: The classic and easy to understand
2
unity for breathability was defined in g/m per 24 hours.
Breathable garments evacuate the perspiration away from the
skin and from the garments. When too much humidity has
accumulated in the clothing, condensation occurs and the skin
feels clammy.
In cold atmospheric circumstances one risks cooling down too
quickly; in warm circumstances, the rhythm of the heart will
increase and after some time there is a risk of heat stress.
One feels comfortable when the amount of heat, which is
produced by the body, equals the amount of heat which is drawn
away.
Possibilities to combine several types of garments in function of
the circumstances.
'Layering for performance’ is based on 3 layers:
1. The next to the skin (wicking) layer: The underwear, which is
in direct contact with the skin, draws a majority of the
perspiration away from the skin, spreads it over it’s surface
and passes it away to the other layers. A limited amount of
perspiration should be left on the skin to allow evaporative
cooling, however the skin feels dry.
2. The insulating layer: Lining layers which are combined, in
function of the activity and of the circumstances, to optimize
the thermal insulation, which allow the perspiration and
moisture to evacuate towards the outer layer.
Fleeces or soft shells are a typical example. It’s important not
to over insulate in cool environments to prevent transpiration.
* ENV 343: 1998 also defined 2 performance classes in case
the garment had an insulating lining (for use in ambient
temperatures above -5°C) which were indicated next to the
snow crystal pictogram. For ambient cool environments
(temperatures between +5°C and -5°C), we now refer to
EN14058 as the relevant standard.
3. The outer protective layer: This layer must offer an ideal
protection against wind, rain and mechanical influences.
EN343 also defines minimum mechanical properties for warp
and weft direction of the outer shell fabric; such as:
• tear strength (ISO 4674 A1, min. 25N)
• tensile strength (ISO 1421, min. 450N or an elongation of
min. 50%)
• dimensional stability (see EN340)
• and seam strength (EN ISO 13935-2, min. 225N, not
applicable for materials with an elongation of min. 50%)
SEE OUR ‘HI VIS’ SECTION FOR MORE RAINWEAR
INFORMATION AND PRODUCTS.

360 www.jbs.group www.jbs.group