EN 49-1:2026
(Main)Wood preservatives - Determination of the protective effectiveness against Anobium punctatum (De Geer) by egg-laying and larval survival - Part 1: Application by surface treatment (Laboratory method)
- Abstract
This document specifies a method for the determination of the protective effectiveness or the toxic values of a wood preservative against infestation by Anobium punctatum (De Geer) when the product is applied as a surface treatment to wood.
This method is applicable to:
- water-insoluble chemicals that are being studied as active insecticides,
- organic formulations, as supplied or as prepared in the laboratory by dilution of concentrates,
- organic water-dispersible formulations as supplied or as prepared in the laboratory by dilution of concentrates, or
- water-soluble materials, for example salts.
The method is applicable whether or not the test specimens have been subjected to appropriate ageing procedures.
- Status
- Not Published
- Publication Date
- 24-Nov-2026
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 38 - Durability of wood and derived materials
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 38/WG 24 - Insect testing - (beetles - termites)
- Current Stage
- 6055 - CEN Ratification completed (DOR) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 25-Oct-2026
- Due Date
- 03-Mar-2027
- Completion Date
- 25-Oct-2026
EN 49-1:2026 is a CEN standard for determining the protective effectiveness or toxic values of wood preservatives against Anobium punctatum (De Geer) when the product is applied as a surface treatment to wood. It is intended for laboratories and product evaluators working with surface-applied wood preservatives, including ready-for-use formulations and products prepared by dilution.
What does EN 49-1:2026 specify?
EN 49-1:2026 specifies a laboratory method for assessing how well a wood preservative protects wood against infestation by Anobium punctatum when the preservative is applied to the surface. The method can also be used to determine toxic values by testing a series of concentrations.
The document applies to water-insoluble chemicals studied as active insecticides, organic formulations, organic water-dispersible formulations, and water-soluble materials such as salts. It also applies whether or not the test specimens have undergone suitable ageing procedures.
The standard is organized into clauses covering scope, normative references, terms and definitions, principle, test materials, sampling, test specimens, procedure, validity, expression of results, and test report. It also includes four informative annexes.
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Annex A | Example of a test report |
| Annex B | Identification of sex of test insects Anobium punctatum |
| Annex C | Culturing technique for Anobium punctatum |
| Annex D | Environmental, health and safety precautions within a chemical/biological laboratory |
What are the key requirements of EN 49-1:2026?
EN 49-1:2026 requires a controlled laboratory comparison between treated wood specimens and untreated or solvent/diluent controls. In practice, the method measures egg laying, egg hatch, and surviving larvae, so the reader can judge whether a preservative prevents infestation rather than just slowing it down.
Test principle and materials
Clause 4 states that the preservative is applied either at one concentration or, for toxic values, at a series of concentrations. The treated specimens are then exposed to gravid female insects, and the results are compared with controls; if the preservative was prepared from a concentrate or solid, solvent or diluent controls are also used. This matters because the test must separate preservative action from any effect caused by the carrier or solvent.
Clause 5 requires Anobium punctatum adults in good condition, collected daily from naturally infested wood or from laboratory culture. Males and females are separated after checking that the insects are active and free from mites. The test materials section also specifies sealing materials, clean water of grade 3 to EN ISO 3696, suitable solvent or diluent, filter paper, fine cloth for egg-laying zones, and laboratory equipment including a balance accurate to 0,01 g.
Specimens, wood and preparation
Clause 7 uses European oak as the reference species, either sessile oak or pedunculate oak. The wood must be sound, sapwood-only, and prepared as planed strips that are then cut to the required specimen size and marked for identification. This is important because wood quality and growth characteristics affect insect development and therefore the comparability of results.
The clause also sets the specimen count: five treated specimens for each preservative and concentration, five untreated controls, and five solvent or diluent controls when relevant. This gives a repeatable batch structure for comparing one treatment with another and for deciding whether a concentration is effective.
Treatment, conditioning and exposure
Clause 8 describes three application routes: dipping, brushing, and pipette application. The sealing pattern depends on the method: for brushing or pipette only the transverse faces are sealed, while for dipping all faces except one are sealed. The test report must record the application rate or retained loading, so the reader can relate performance to dosage.
After treatment, the specimens are conditioned for four weeks, with longer conditioning allowed for slow-drying products and stated in the report. If ageing is required, EN 73 or EN 84 is applied after drying. This sequence matters because ageing can change how much preservative remains available on or in the wood before the insect challenge.
The exposed specimens are fitted with cloth egg-laying zones, conditioned for one week in the testing chamber, and then placed with five female insects and at least five males per container. The testing chamber is held at 22 °C and 75 % relative humidity, with earlier culture and conditioning stages using their own controlled temperatures and humidities. The test runs for about one week before eggs are first counted, then continues for 26 or 52 weeks after the last insects are introduced, depending on the expected mode of action.
Validity, results and reporting
Clause 9 makes the test valid only if each control set yields more than 50 live larvae and live larvae are present in all control specimens. Clause 10 then expresses results as the number of eggs laid, eggs hatched, and live larvae recovered from each specimen. If toxic values are determined, they are reported as the lowest loading with no live larvae and the next lower loading where live larvae are still present.
Clause 11 requires a detailed report covering the preservative identity, active ingredient, wood species, application method, ageing procedure, exposure and examination dates, specimen-by-specimen results, and any toxic values. The report must also state any deviations from the method and any factors that may have influenced the outcome.
What terms does EN 49-1:2026 define?
- Representative sample - a sample whose physical or chemical characteristics match the volumetric average of the whole material being sampled.
- Supplier - the sponsor of the test, meaning the person or company providing the wood preservative sample.
- Protective effectiveness - the measured ability of a preservative treatment to reduce or prevent infestation, judged from eggs laid, eggs hatched, and surviving larvae.
- Toxic values - the loading level identified from a concentration series where one level gives no live larvae and the next lower level still allows live larvae.
- Anobium punctatum (De Geer) - the insect species used in the test to challenge treated wood.
- Control test specimens - untreated specimens, and where needed solvent or diluent-treated specimens, used as the comparison baseline.
- Ageing procedures - pre-test treatments that simulate service effects on treated wood before insect exposure, such as evaporative ageing or leaching.
Who uses EN 49-1:2026?
EN 49-1:2026 is used by laboratories that test wood preservatives, by manufacturers developing or validating insecticidal wood treatments, and by quality or regulatory teams that need comparable laboratory evidence of performance. It is also used by organizations responsible for product evaluation, technical dossiers, and performance claims for wood-protecting chemicals.
In practice, users apply it when they need to compare surface treatments, determine a working concentration, or document results in a standardized test report. It is relevant to work on treated timber, preservative formulation, and laboratory-based efficacy assessment.
What changed in EN 49-1:2026 from the previous edition?
EN 49-1:2026 supersedes EN 49-1:2016. The foreword states the following technical changes:
- sealing-face specifications for specimens treated with solutions where an organic solvent is the continuous phase were generalized;
- temperature and humidity requirements were aligned with other insect test standards;
- imaging facilities for non-destructive recording of internal insect tunnels were generalized;
- storage limitations for wood used to make specimens were deleted;
- a note was added that can reduce the number of concentrations needed for toxic value determination;
- dipping specifications were generalized and aligned with other insect standards.
Results obtained under earlier versions, or from tests already started before publication, are stated to remain valid.
Which standards are used with EN 49-1:2026?
- EN 73 - provides the evaporative ageing procedure used when treated specimens need pre-test ageing.
- EN 84 - provides the leaching procedure used for accelerated ageing before biological testing.
- EN ISO 3696 - specifies the water quality used for preparing and handling test materials.
- EN 212 - is used for sampling preservatives from bulk supplies, supporting representative sampling before the test.
What does the EN 49-1:2026 document contain?
EN 49-1:2026 contains a full laboratory procedure, including specimen preparation, sealing, treatment by dipping, brushing or pipette, conditioning, exposure to insects, and examination of eggs and larvae. It also gives apparatus requirements, environmental conditions for culture, conditioning and testing chambers, and rules for determining whether the test is valid.
Annex B gives a visual guide for sexing Anobium punctatum adults, and Annex C describes culture wood, beetle collection, quarantine, infestation of culture wood, and culture hygiene. Annex D collects environmental, health and safety precautions for chemical and biological laboratory work, which helps users plan safe handling of solvents, preservatives, insects, and treated wood.
Annex A provides an example report format, including specimen results and how to present loading and outcome data. This is useful when the method is being used for comparative testing, documentation, or support for technical claims.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 12-Apr-2023
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 49-1:2026 is a draft published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Wood preservatives - Determination of the protective effectiveness against Anobium punctatum (De Geer) by egg-laying and larval survival - Part 1: Application by surface treatment (Laboratory method)". This standard covers: This document specifies a method for the determination of the protective effectiveness or the toxic values of a wood preservative against infestation by Anobium punctatum (De Geer) when the product is applied as a surface treatment to wood. This method is applicable to: - water-insoluble chemicals that are being studied as active insecticides, - organic formulations, as supplied or as prepared in the laboratory by dilution of concentrates, - organic water-dispersible formulations as supplied or as prepared in the laboratory by dilution of concentrates, or - water-soluble materials, for example salts. The method is applicable whether or not the test specimens have been subjected to appropriate ageing procedures.
This document specifies a method for the determination of the protective effectiveness or the toxic values of a wood preservative against infestation by Anobium punctatum (De Geer) when the product is applied as a surface treatment to wood. This method is applicable to: - water-insoluble chemicals that are being studied as active insecticides, - organic formulations, as supplied or as prepared in the laboratory by dilution of concentrates, - organic water-dispersible formulations as supplied or as prepared in the laboratory by dilution of concentrates, or - water-soluble materials, for example salts. The method is applicable whether or not the test specimens have been subjected to appropriate ageing procedures.
EN 49-1:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 71.100.50 - Wood-protecting chemicals. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 49-1:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 49-1:2016. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 49-1:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 49-1:2025
01-december-2025
Biocidni proizvodi za zaščito lesa - Ugotavljanje učinkovitosti preventivne zaščite
proti navadnemu trdoglavcu Anobium punctatum (De Geer) glede na število
odloženih jajčec in preživelih ličink - 1. del: Površinsko nanašanje (laboratorijska
metoda)
Wood preservatives - Determination of the protective effectiveness against Anobium
punctatum (De Geer) by egg-laying and larval survival - Part 1: Application by surface
treatment (Laboratory method)
Holzschutzmittel - Bestimmung der vorbeugenden Wirkung gegenüber Anobium
punctatum (De Geer) durch Beobachten der Eiablage und des Überlebens von Larven -
Teil 1: Oberflächenverfahren (Laboratoriumsverfahren)
Produits de préservation du bois - Détermination de l'efficacité protectrice vis-à-vis
d'Anobium punctatum (De Geer) par l'observation de la ponte et du taux de survie des
larves - Partie 1 : Application par traitement de surface (Méthode de laboratoire)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 49-1
ICS:
71.100.50 Kemikalije za zaščito lesa Wood-protecting chemicals
oSIST prEN 49-1:2025 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
oSIST prEN 49-1:2025
oSIST prEN 49-1:2025
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 49-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
October 2025
ICS 71.100.50 Will supersede EN 49-1:2016
English Version
Wood preservatives - Determination of the protective
effectiveness against Anobium punctatum (De Geer) by
egg-laying and larval survival - Part 1: Application by
surface treatment (Laboratory method)
Produits de préservation du bois - Détermination de Holzschutzmittel - Bestimmung der vorbeugenden
l'efficacité protectrice vis-à-vis d'Anobium punctatum Wirkung gegenüber Anobium punctatum (De Geer)
(De Geer) par l'observation de la ponte et du taux de durch Beobachten der Eiablage und des Überlebens
survie des larves - Partie 1 : Application par traitement von Larven - Teil 1: Oberflächenverfahren
de surface (Méthode de laboratoire) (Laboratoriumsverfahren)
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 38.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIO N
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUN G
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 49-1:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
oSIST prEN 49-1:2025
prEN 49-1:2025 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Principle . 7
5 Test materials . 7
5.1 Biological material . 7
5.2 Products and reagents . 7
5.3 Apparatus . 8
6 Sampling . 8
7 Test specimens . 9
7.1 Species of wood . 9
7.2 Wood quality . 9
7.3 Provision of test specimens . 9
7.4 Dimensions of test specimens . 9
7.5 Number of test specimens . 9
8 Procedure. 10
8.1 Preparation of the test specimens . 10
8.1.1 Conditioning of test specimens prior to sealing . 10
8.1.2 Sealing of the test specimen faces . 10
8.1.3 Treatment of the test specimens . 10
8.1.4 Drying and conditioning of the test specimens after treatment . 12
8.2 Exposure of the test specimens to the insects . 12
8.3 Conditions and duration of the test . 12
8.4 Examination of the test specimens . 13
9 Validity of test . 13
10 Expression of results . 13
10.1 Assessment of the protective effectiveness . 13
10.2 Toxic values . 13
11 Test report . 14
Annex A (informative) Example of a test report . 16
Annex B (informative) Identification of sex of test insects Anobium punctatum . 18
Annex C (informative) Culturing technique for Anobium punctatum. 19
C.1 Culture wood . 19
C.1.1 Wood species . 19
C.1.2 Collection of culture wood . 19
C.1.3 Cutting of culture wood . 19
oSIST prEN 49-1:2025
prEN 49-1:2025 (E)
C.1.4 Drying of culture wood . 19
C.2 Source of beetles . 19
C.2.1 Collection of beetles . 19
C.2.2 Quarantine of beetles . 19
C.3 Infestation of culture wood . 19
C.3.1 Culture vessels . 19
C.3.2 Preparation of wood . 19
C.3.3 Introduction of beetles . 20
C.4 Culturing conditions . 20
C.4.1 Normal environment . 20
C.4.2 Natural pupation induction . 20
C.4.3 Artificial pupation induction . 20
C.5 Collection of beetles . 20
C.6 General culture hygiene . 20
Annex D (informative) Environmental, health and safety precautions within chemical/biological
laboratory . 22
Bibliography . 23
oSIST prEN 49-1:2025
prEN 49-1:2025 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 49-1:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 38 “Biological
durability of wood and wood-based products”, the secretariat of which is held by SIS.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 49-1:2016.
Significant technical differences between this document and EN 49-1:2016 are as follows:
a) Specifications for sealing faces of test specimens to be treated with solutions in which an organic
solvent is the continuous phase were generalized (5.2.2)
b) Requirements for temperature and humidity were aligned with other insect test standards (5.3.1;
5.3.5)
c) imaging facilities for non-destructive recordings of insect tunnels inside test specimens were
generalized (5.3.10)
d) storage limitations for wood from which test specimens are to be made from were deleted (7.2)
e) a note was added to 8.1.3.1.3 to optionally reduce the number of concentrations which are necessary
to determine the toxic value
f) Specifications for dipping (8.1.3.2.1) were generalized and aligned with other insect standards.
NOTE Test results obtained according to earlier versions of this document or when the tests had started before
this version of EN 49-1 was published are considered as valid.
EN 49, Wood preservatives ― Determination of the protective effectiveness against Anobium punctatum (De
Geer) by egg-laying and larval survival, consists of two parts:
— Part 1: Application by surface treatment (Laboratory method);
— Part 2: Application by impregnation (Laboratory method).
EN 49-1 is required to enable effectiveness assessments of wood preservatives which are intended to be
applied by surface treatment and EN 49-2 those which are intended to be applied by impregnation.
oSIST prEN 49-1:2025
prEN 49-1:2025 (E)
Introduction
This document describes a laboratory method of testing which gives a basis for assessment of the
effectiveness of a wood preservative, when applied as a surface treatment, against Anobium punctatum. It
allows the determination of the concentration at which the product prevents the development of infestation
from egg laying. It can also be used with formulations ready for use.
This document provides information for the sealing of all but one lateral face when specimens are to be
treated by dipping.
The method simulates conditions that can occur in practice on timber which has been treated some time
previously with wood preservative applied by dip, brush or spray and on which eggs of Anobium punctatum
are laid.
This laboratory method provides one criterion by which the value of a product can be assessed. In making
this assessment the methods by which the preservative may be applied should be taken into account. It is
further recommended that results from this test should be supplemented by those from other appropriate
tests, and above all by comparison with practical experience.
When products which are very active at low concentrations are used it is very important to take suitable
precautions to isolate and separate, as far as possible, operations involving chemical products, other
products, treated wood, laboratory apparatus and clothing. Suitable precautions should include the use of
separate rooms, areas within rooms, extraction facilities, conditioning chambers and special training for
personnel (see also Annex D for environmental, health and safety precautions).
oSIST prEN 49-1:2025
prEN 49-1:2025 (E)
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for the determination of the protective effectiveness or the toxic values of
a wood preservative against infestation by Anobium punctatum (De Geer) when the product is applied as a
surface treatment to wood.
This method is applicable to:
— water-insoluble chemicals that are being studied as active insecticides;
— organic formulations, as supplied or as prepared in the laboratory by dilution of concentrates;
— organic water-dispersible formulations as supplied or as prepared in the laboratory by dilution of
concentrates;
— water-soluble materials, for example salts.
The method is applicable whether or not the test specimens have been subjected to appropriate ageing
procedures.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 73, Durability of wood and wood-based products — Accelerated ageing of treated wood prior to biological
testing — Evaporative ageing procedure
EN 84, Durability of wood and wood-based products — Accelerated ageing of treated wood prior to biological
testing — Leaching procedure
EN ISO 3696, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test methods (ISO 3696)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
representative sample
sample having its physical or chemical characteristics identical to the volumetric average characteristics of
the total volume being sampled
3.2
supplier
sponsor of the test (person or company providing the sample of wood preservative to be tested)
oSIST prEN 49-1:2025
prEN 49-1:2025 (E)
4 Principle
Depending on the test being carried out either:
— on a set of test specimens of a susceptible wood species that is surface treated with a solution of the
preservative, or
— if toxic values are to be determined, on several sets of test specimens of a susceptible wood species that
are surface treated with a series of solutions in which the concentration of preservative is ranged in a
given progression.
The treated test specimens are exposed to gravid females of Anobium punctatum. The number of eggs laid,
the number of eggs hatched and the numbers of surviving larvae are observed and compared with those in
untreated control test specimens. If the preservative has been prepared in the laboratory by dilution of a
concentrate or by dissolution of a solid, the resulting attack is also compared to that in solvent or diluent
treated control test specimens.
5 Test materials
5.1 Biological material
Anobium punctatum (De Geer)
Adult males and females in good condition.
Adults to be used in the test shall be collected at daily intervals from naturally infested wood or laboratory
culture (see Annex C).
Use recently emerged adults which have been recently collected; kept overnight in quarantine (see C.6); and
then checked to ensure that they are undamaged, active and free from any infestation by mites. Determine
the sex (see Annex B) of the collected and checked adults and place the males and females in separate
containers.
NOTE The proportion of males and females varies during the emergence period.
5.2 Products and reagents
5.2.1 Paraffin wax, for sealing the relevant faces of test specimens to be treated with solutions in which
water is the continuous phase (see 8.1.2.1 and 8.1.2.2).
NOTE Paraffin wax with a setting point of approx. 52 °C to 54 °C has been found to be suitable.
5.2.2 Sealant, for sealing the end faces and all relevant other faces of test specimens to be treated with
solutions in all cases in which an organic solvent is the continuous phase (see 8.1.2.1 and 8.1.2.3). The
sealant must be resistant to penetration by the wood preservative under test and the respective solvent. The
sealant must not act repellent or insecticidal in the test specimen.
NOTE Gelatine or two to three coats of a two-component epoxy varnish with a drying step between each coat has
been found to be suitable.
5.2.3 Paste, for securing fine cloth (5.2.7). The paste shall be starch-free, non-toxic to Anobium punctatum
and insoluble in the product under test.
NOTE Sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, food grade, has been found to be suitable.
5.2.4 Water, complying with grade 3 of EN ISO 3696 shall be used.
oSIST prEN 49-1:2025
prEN 49-1:2025 (E)
5.2.5 Solvent or diluent, a volatile liquid that will dissolve or dilute the preservative but does not leave a
residue in the wood at the end of the post-treatment conditioning period that has a toxic effect on the
insects.
CAUTION — Do not use benzene or other solvents which pose a health risk.
5.2.6 Filter paper, ordinary quality, medium-fast grade.
5.2.7 Fine cloth of a suitable material with a mesh aperture of 0,3 mm to 0,6 mm for the preparation of the
egg-laying zones.
NOTE Cotton, linen or polyamide-gauze have also been proven as suitable.
5.3 Apparatus
5.3.1 Culturing chamber, with air circulation, controlled at (21 ± 2) °C, and at relative humidity
(75 ± 5) %.
5.3.2 Conditioning chamber, well ventilated, controlled at (20 ± 2) °C and at relative humidity (65 ± 5) %.
The conditioning of test specimens may be carried out in the laboratory work area (see 5.3.4) provided that
this has the conditions specified for the conditioning chamber (see 5.3.2).
5.3.3 Treatment vessel, of a material that does not react with the preservative under test, for example of
glass for organic products and of polyethylene for salts containing fluorine.
5.3.4 Laboratory work area, well ventilated, where treatment of the test specimens is carried out.
CAUTION — It is essential to follow safety procedures for handling flammable and toxic materials.
Avoid excessive exposure of operators to solvents or their vapours.
5.3.5 Testing chamber, ventilated and air-conditioned, controlled at (22 ± 2) °C and at a relative humidity
of (75 ± 5) %.
5.3.6 Pipette, specified in EN ISO 835-1 shall be used, or brush.
5.3.7 Safety equipment, protective clothing, protective gloves appropriate for the test product and the
test solvent, to ensure the safety of the operator.
5.3.8 Test containers, suitable for holding the test specimens and of material resistant to the solvents
used, and fitted with perforated covers to provide a good exchange of air.
NOTE Jars of approximately 60 mm diameter and 100 mm height have been found to be suitable.
5.3.9 Ordinary laboratory equipment, including a balance capable of weighing to an accuracy of 0,01 g.
5.3.10 Imaging facilities e. g. X-ray apparatus, or any other device that offers good images (2D), of internal
tunnels caused by small larvae.
6 Sampling
The sample of preservative shall be representative of the product to be tested. Samples shall be stored and
handled in accordance with any written recommendations from the supplier.
For the sampling of preservatives from bulk supplies, the procedure given in EN 212 should be used.
oSIST prEN 49-1:2025
prEN 49-1:2025 (E)
7 Test specimens
7.1 Species of wood
The reference species is European oak. This shall be either sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Mattuschka)
Lieblin) or pedunculate oak (Quercus robur Linnaeus).
)
Additional tests may be carried out using other species but, if so, this should be stated in the test report.
7.2 Wood quality
The wood shall be free from visible cracks, stain, decay, insect damage and other defects. The wood shall not
have been water-stored, floated, chemically treated or steamed. The wood shall originate from trees
preferably felled in winter. The trees shall be cut immediately after felling and the timber rapidly air-dried or
kiln dried at temperatures below 60 °C.
)
The wood shall be exclusively sapwood and having between two and ten annual rings per 10 mm.
It is recommended to use test specimens of similar growth rate within a single test.
7.3 Provision of test specimens
3)
Prepare planed strips having a cross-section of (25 ± 0,5) mm × (15 ± 0,5) mm removing a minimum of
2 mm from any surfaces exposed during drying. The longitudinal faces shall be parallel to the direction of the
grain. The annual rings shall be parallel to the broad faces (contact angle of less than 5°). Make transverse
cuts, neatly to give sharp edges and a fine-sawn finish to the end-grain surfaces, to give test specimens
(50 ± 0,5) mm long.
The specimens shall originate from a minimum of three trees or shall be taken at random from a stock
originally of more than 500 test specimens.
7.4 Dimensions of test specimens
The dimensions of each test specimen after reaching equilibrium in the conditioning chamber (5.3.2) shall be
(50 ± 0,5) mm × (25 ± 0,5) mm × (15 ± 0,5) mm.
Mark each test specimen so that it can be identified throughout the test.
7.5 Number of test specimens
Use:
a) five test specimens (no more than two originating from the same tree unless taken at random from a
stock of more than 500) for each preservative and each concentration;
b) five untreated control test specimens (no more than two originating from the same tree unless taken at
random from a stock of more than 500) for a complete test of any given preservative;
c) five control test specimens (no more than two originating from the same tree unless taken at random
from a stock of more than 500) treated with that solvent or
...