EN 342 - PROTECTIVE CLOTHING – ENSEMBLES AND GARMENTS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST COLD

Protective clothing certified according to EN 342 protects the wearer against the risk of body cooling due to cold environments at/or below -5°C. The standard sets requirements for thermal insulation, air permeability and water vapour resistance. The garment’s insulation capacity is evaluated by using a full-sized test manikin equipped with thermal sensors. The test is performed in a climate chamber where the manikin, dressed in the garments to be evaluated, simulates a walking person. The insulation value received, I_cler, is stated in m² · K / W. 

The test is conducted using a coverall or a combination of a jacket and trousers. If the manufacturer wants to test single garments these are combined with standardised clothing specified in EN 342. 

Two additional properties affect the garments ability to protect against cold, air permeability and water resistance. The air permeability is divided into three classes, where class 1 provides lowest protection. EN 342 only specifies if the garment is tested for water resistance or not. Most of Blåkläder EN 342 garments have a protection against rain and are also evaluated according to EN 343. 

The best protection against cold is achieved when jacket and trousers are worn together. The protection against cold deteriorates if the wearer sweats and gets wet. It is therefore important to adjust the garments to the wearer’s activity and not only to the outdoor temperature. Hats, gloves and shoes are not covered by this standard, but are important to use to keep warm.  

The table below indicates estimated times for how long a person can stay in a cold environment without cooling down too fast. The time depends on the person’s level of activity, the temperature and wind conditions. 

The table only gives an indication of the garment´s performance. A garment’s ability to insulate against the cold is also significantly affected by factors such as the wearer’s physique, health and other conditions. 

The protection class is advised in connection with the pictogram; 

Y(B)/Y(C)/Y(R). I_cler in m² ·K/W of the ensemble (with underwear B or with underwear C of the manufacturer) or of the single garment (with standard clothing R) 

AP. Air permeability class. Class 1-3 where 3 is best. 

WP. Water penetration, optional. X indicates that the garment has not been tested.