EN 343: The standard for waterproof workwear

The waterproof work clothes in our collection complies with the EN 343 standard. The EN 343 standard includes requirements for protection against rain, snow, fog and humidity. The standard also describes the ways in which these requirements should be tested. There are quite a number of professional groups in which work clothing that meets the EN 343 standard is desperately needed. For all work that takes place outdoors, such as construction or installation technology, waterproof work clothing is crucial in some circumstances. In this article we explain to you what the EN 343 standard entails and what should be paid attention to when purchasing this waterproof work clothing.

What does the EN 343 standard entail?

The EN 343 standard attaches great importance to two values: waterproofness and water vapor resistance, also known as breathability. In the icon of the EN 343 standard, these values ​​are represented by an X-value and a Y-value, where the If a work garment meets a certain minimum value, the work clothing falls into one of the four classes within the EN 343 standard for both waterproofing and breathability. The waterproofness class and the breathability class are therefore separate. For example, a product may have very strong waterproofing (class 4) and at the same time less breathable capacity (class 1).

Four classes of protection against rain

The major difference between the classes is the extent to which protection is offered. The fabric and seams are tested:

Class	Waterproofing
1	≥ 80cm
2	≥ 80 cm (after pre-treatment)
3	≥ 130 cm (after pre-treatment)
4	≥ 200 (after pre-treatment)

As shown in the table, the waterproofing level for class 4 must be 200 cm and for classes 1 and 2 80 cm. For class 2, 3 and class 4, there is also a requirement that these standards are also achieved after various treatments. This refers, for example, to wear, bending or the influence of oil and petrol. Watertightness is measured on the basis of a water column: a tube with a diameter of 2.5 centimeters. This is placed on the material and filled with water. For example, if the column is filled with water up to eight meters and the material starts to let water through at that moment, then the water density value is 80 cm.

Class	Water vapor resistance
1	ret > 40
2	ret 25-40
3	ret 15-25
4	ret < 15

In addition, requirements are set for water vapor resistance and breathability, because waterproof work clothing can by definition hinder the extent to which water vapor (in the form of perspiration) can be removed. There are four values ​​for this; each class has its own value. The water vapor resistance is expressed in a ret value (retention value). The lower the RET value, the better it is for breathability. The table above summarizes the four classes with associated minimum requirements with regard to breathability.

Waterproof work clothing from Tricorp with the EN 343 standard

We offer a wide range of waterproof clothing according to the EN 343 standard, such as the following products:

·         Midi Parka

·         Midi Parka Canvas

·         Parka Cordura

·         Parka Multinorm

·         Parka Multinorm Bicolor

·         Parka Bicolor

·         Parka Traffic Controller

·         Parka RWS

·         RWS rain pants

·         Pilot jacket RWS

Not what you're looking for? Discover our complete waterproof range here!