EN 12132-2:1998/A1:2003

Overview

EN 12132-2:1998/A1:2003 is a CEN amendment to the European standard for testing the down-proof properties of fabrics using the impact test. This amendment, approved by CEN on 27 June 2003, specifically modifies the preparation protocol for test cushions by updating the table that defines the mass of filling according to the down/feather composition of the cushion filling. Member bodies were required to implement the amendment in national standards by February 2004.

Key Topics

• Scope of amendment: Replacement of Table 1 (filling of the test cushion) in Part 2 of EN 12132.
• Purpose: Ensure consistent and repeatable impact test results across laboratories by standardizing the test-cushion filling mass relative to the down/feather ratio.
• Authority: Prepared by CEN/TC 222 (Feather and down as filling material) and published as EN 12132-2:1998/A1:2003.

Revised filling masses (as amended):

• Down > 70% (Feathers < 30%): mass of filling = 85 g
• Down 30% to 70% (Feathers 70% to 30%): mass of filling = 110 g
• Down 10% to 30% (Feathers 90% to 70%): mass of filling = 130 g
• Down < 10% (Feathers > 90%): mass of filling = 150 g

Note: the amendment replaces the previous Table 1 entry with the values shown above to align test-cushion filling with the down/feather composition.

Applications

This amendment is relevant for manufacturers, testing laboratories, quality assurance personnel and standards bodies working with feather- and down-filled articles, including but not limited to:

• Bedding (duvets, pillows)
• Outerwear and insulated garments
• Upholstery and technical textile products using feather/down fill

Practical benefits:

• Improved repeatability: Standardized filling masses reduce variability between test cushions and between laboratories.
• Comparability: Results from impact tests are more directly comparable when cushioning mass is set according to fill composition.
• Quality control: Provides a clear rule for test-cushion preparation that can be implemented in test methods and internal QA procedures.

Related Standards

• EN 12132 series (other parts addressing methods for testing down-proof properties)
• Documents and technical work from CEN/TC 222 on feather and down testing

For implementation, laboratories should update their test-cushion preparation procedures to reflect the filling masses above and record the down/feather ratio used to select the appropriate mass. This ensures compliance with EN 12132-2:1998/A1:2003 and consistent impact test results for down-proof assessments.