EN 322:1993

Overview

EN 322:1993 is a European Standard (CEN) that specifies a method for determining the moisture content of test pieces taken from wood-based panels. The measured result can be used to estimate the moisture content of wood-based panels in accordance with EN 326-1. The standard has been adopted by national bodies (for example as SIST EN 322:1996 in Slovenia) and is referenced under ICS 79.060.01 (wood-based panels in general).

This standard is intended for laboratories, manufacturers and conformity assessment bodies involved in the testing, classification and quality control of panel products.

Key Topics

• Scope and purpose: Defines the intended use of the moisture determination method for test pieces of wood-based panels.
• Applicability: Covers wood-based panels in general and supports estimation in line with EN 326-1.
• Standard adoption: Noted national adoptions such as SIST EN 322:1996; multilingual titles indicate broad European uptake.
• Practical emphasis: Focuses on producing reliable moisture content data that inform product evaluation and reporting.

Keywords: EN 322:1993, moisture content, wood-based panels, CEN, EN 326-1, test pieces, SIST EN 322:1996.

Applications

EN 322:1993 provides practical value across several use cases:

• Quality control: Establish baseline moisture content for incoming materials and finished panels to ensure consistent production.
• Product testing: Obtain moisture measurements used in test reports and certification schemes.
• Classification and specification: Support classification schemes and contractual specifications that reference moisture content limits.
• Test correlation: Provide data that enable estimation of whole-panel moisture content when used together with EN 326-1 procedures.

Using EN 322:1993 helps organizations maintain traceable, repeatable moisture measurements that feed into broader conformity and performance assessments.

Related Standards

• EN 326-1 - Referenced explicitly for estimation of panel moisture content; use EN 322 results to support EN 326-1 assessments.
• National adoptions such as SIST EN 322:1996 - examples of how the European text is adopted by member bodies.

Practical Notes

• EN 322:1993 is a measurement-focused standard; for full conformity processes consult the companion standards (for sampling, classification and performance testing) referenced by national and European regulatory frameworks.
• When implementing EN 322:1993 in a test laboratory or production environment, document procedures, calibration and traceability to ensure consistent moisture content reporting.

For procurement, compliance or testing programs involving wood-based panels, EN 322:1993 is a core reference for reliable moisture content determination and for linking laboratory results to EN 326-1 estimations.