SIST EN 15999-1:2025

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2025
Ohranjanje kulturne dediščine - Smernice za načrtovanje vitrin za razstavljanje in
hranjenje predmetov - 1. del: Splošna navodila
Conservation of cultural heritage - Guidelines for design of showcases for exhibition and
preservation of objects - Part 1: General instructions
Erhaltung des kulturellen Erbes - Leitfaden für die Konstruktion von Schauvitrinen zur
Ausstellung und Erhaltung von Objekten - Teil 1: Allgemeine Anforderungen
Conservation du patrimoine culturel - Lignes directrices pour la conception de vitrines
destinées à exposer et préserver des biens culturels culturels - Partie 1 : Exigences
générales
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 15999-1:2025
ICS:
97.195 Umetniški in obrtniški izdelki. Items of art and handicrafts.
Kulturne dobrine in kulturna Cultural property and
dediščina heritage
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 15999-1
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
June 2025
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 97.195 Supersedes EN 15999-1:2014
English Version
Conservation of cultural heritage - Guidelines for design of
showcases for exhibition and preservation of objects - Part
1: General requirements
Conservation du patrimoine culturel - Lignes Erhaltung des kulturellen Erbes - Leitfaden für die
directrices pour la conception de vitrines destinées à Konstruktion von Schauvitrinen zur Ausstellung und
exposer et préserver des biens culturels culturels - Erhaltung von Objekten - Teil 1: Allgemeine
Partie 1 : Exigences générales Anforderungen
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 21 April 2025.

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. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists 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.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

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. EN 15999-1:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Principles and components of a showcase . 8
4.1 General. 8
4.2 Components and materials of the showcase . 8
4.2.1 General. 8
4.2.2 Display space . 9
4.2.3 Technical compartments . 9
4.2.4 Installation and fixing of the showcase . 9
4.2.5 Lining of the display space and object supports . 10
4.2.6 Construction materials . 10
4.3 Expected lifetime and maintenance cycle . 10
5 Showcase specifications for risk management . 11
5.1 General. 11
5.2 Theft . 11
5.2.1 General. 11
5.2.2 Intervention time . 12
5.2.3 The object value . 12
5.2.4 Showcase security class recommendation . 12
5.3 Fire . 13
5.4 Pests . 14
5.5 Pollution . 15
5.6 Light . 15
5.7 Improper climate . 16
5.8 Oxidation . 16
5.9 Vibrations . 16
5.10 Disasters . 17
5.11 Seismic events . 17
5.11.1 General. 17
5.11.2 Mitigate damage to objects . 17
5.11.3 Mitigate damage to immediate surrounding . 18
6 Showcase practical design . 18
6.1 General. 18
6.2 Basic criteria for the design of a showcase . 18
6.3 Access to the display space and technical compartments for staff . 20
6.4 Visual accessibility to the display space for visitors . 20
6.5 Showcase design for preventive conservation . 21
6.6 Object lighting . 21
6.6.1 General. 21
6.6.2 Showcase lighting from outside . 21
6.6.3 Integrated showcase lighting . 21
6.6.4 Reflected light . 22
6.7 Noise . 22
7 Project planning . 22
Annex A (informative) Risk sources . 23
Annex B (informative) Showcase and exhibition design influence on air exchange rate . 27
Annex C (informative) Glass characteristics . 29
Annex D (informative) Example of content of an operating file under the responsibility of
the manufacturer . 30
Annex E (informative) Example of content of a maintenance file under the responsibility of
the manufacturer . 32
Annex F (informative) Example of project planning . 33
Bibliography . 45

European foreword
This document (EN 15999-1:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 346
“Conservation of cultural heritage”, the secretariat of which is held by UNI.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by December 2025, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by December 2025.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 15999-1:2014.
EN 15999-1:2014:
— added Clause 5: The showcase role in the preventive conservation risk management plan
— added Clause 6: Showcase practical design
— added Clause 7: Project planning
EN 15999 consists of the following parts, under the general title “Conservation of cultural heritage —
Guidelines for design of showcases for exhibition and preservation of objects”:
— Part 1: General requirements
— Part 2: Technical aspects.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: 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 the
United Kingdom.
Introduction
A key objective of a showcase is to display objects of cultural heritage while acceptably reducing their
conservation risks. Conservation risks include total loss, physical damage, chemical and biological
deterioration (e.g. by accidents, theft, vandalism, natural disasters, humidity, temperature, dust,
pollutants, light, pests).
As an important tool for preserving and protecting cultural heritage objects, many complex and
interrelated factors can be addressed using showcases. They can support the preventive conservation
strategy of a heritage institution. The type of showcase, and its properties, should be selected to address
those factors deemed to pose significant risks. A poorly constructed or unsuitable showcase can under
some circumstances damage objects.
Because of the complexity of the role of the showcase for preventive conservation but also for the
exhibition design, this document is addressed to everyone involved in the process of the procurement,
e.g. curators, conservators, scientists, architects, graphic designers, lighting designers, manufacturers
and other decision makers.
1 Scope
This document specifies general requirements for showcases for safe and secure display of cultural
heritage objects complying with the requirements for preventive conservation. This document focuses
on so-called passive showcases, those with unpowered climate conditioning systems. The role a
showcase plays in preventive conservation is determinable via a site-specific risk assessment of
relevant factors, which are mentioned in this document.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 15898:2019, Conservation of cultural heritage — Main general terms and definitions
EN 16163, Conservation of cultural heritage — Guidelines and procedures for choosing appropriate
lighting for indoor exhibitions
EN 15999-2:2025, Conservation of cultural heritage — Guidelines for design of showcases for exhibition
and preservation of objects — Part 2: Technical aspects
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 15898:2019 and in
EN 15999-2:2025 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:

— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
active showcase
showcase (3.15) using physical means and processes (e.g. airtightness, sorption) and using electric
devices for controlling climate conditions and/or pollution inside of the showcase (3.15)
3.2
air exchange
exchange due to an airflow through gaps and openings, or molecular diffusion through permeable
materials
3.3
air exchange rate
volume of showcase air exchanged per unit time divided by the total showcase volume
-1
Note 1 to entry: Unit: 1/t 1/day or d is frequently used for showcases.
3.4
air pollutants
airborne pollutants, which can generate damage to the objects on display
Note 1 to entry: Airborne pollutants such as gaseous or particulate chemical contaminants induced into the
environment can cause corrosion, incrustation, colour fading, soiling, deterioration or other forms of damage to
the objects on display.
3.5
display space
space in the showcase (3.15) where the objects are displayed and which can contain other elements
such as panels, supports (3.17), graphics, monitoring equipment, etc
3.6
dust
solid particles of matter entrained and transported in air; and possibly being deposited on surfaces
Note 1 to entry: Examples of solid particles of matter: pollen, skin, soil, sand.
3.7
hygrometric half-time
time needed for the relative humidity in the showcase (3.15) to move half way from its initial value to
the relative humidity value in the environment
3.8
microclimate
climate in the display space (3.4) of the showcase (3.15)
3.9
modular showcase
showcase (3.15) that can be partially disassembled or rebuilt in different configurations
3.10
moisture sorbent
material that captures or releases moisture to control relative humidity
3.11
passive showcase
showcase (3.15) only using physical means and processes (e.g. airtightness, sorption), and not using
electric devices for controlling climate conditions and/or pollution inside of the showcase (3.15)
3.12
resistance time
working time of the test person carrying out the manual burglary test
Note 1 to entry: The resistance time includes times of less than 5 s each for tool changes, e.g. exchanging a
screwdriver for a crow bar.
[SOURCE: EN 1627:2021, 3.12 [1]]
3.13
safety
pertaining to human health
3.14
security
protection against theft and physical damage
3.15
showcase
enclosure of any dimension for preserving and displaying objects in specified safe and secure
conditions
Note 1 to entry: The term “display case” is sometimes used as a synonym.
3.16
stakeholder
individual, company or institution who is affected by the design, performance, purchase or use of a
showcase (3.15) over its lifetime
3.17
support
construction, material or device to hold and support or mount one or more objects without interference
or damage and designed to provide stability to an object
4 Principles and components of a showcase
4.1 General
Showcases display objects and provide access to objects for staff members, while shielding against
environmental and security hazards. This document takes into account all uses of showcases:
temporary showcase, showcase without oxygen, oversized, existing, historical or modular showcase,
showcase in uncontrolled ambient environment, etc. This document applies to all stages of the life-cycle
of a showcase from concept design to recycling.
The fundamental functions of showcases are to:
a) display objects;
b) protect objects;
c) ensure preservation, to minimize damage to and deterioration of objects.
4.2 Components and materials of the showcase
4.2.1 General
A showcase normally consists of:
a) a display space for objects (4.2.2);
b) technical compartments (4.2.3);
c) installation and fixing of the showcase (4.2.4);
d) linings of the display space and supports for objects (4.2.5);
e) construction materials (4.2.6).
4.2.2 Display space
The display space presenting the objects is surrounded by walls, of which at least one is transparent.
The dimensions of the display space shall take into account the size of the object, its preservation and
security needs, supports and mounts, accessibility by staff, viewing condition for visitors, and other
exhibition elements such as panels and graphics, etc.
The seal between the door or opening panel and the showcase maintains an appropriate air exchange
rate.
The opening shall give sufficient access to the display space for safe handling of the objects and for
maintenance. The showcase shall remain stable during opening and when it is fully opened.
The display space provides room for installation of sensors/devices to monitor the microclimate or
other internal environmental or security parameters and facilitates the collection of data.
4.2.3 Technical compartments
Technical compartments are publicly hidden parts of the showcase where devices or materials for
environmental control (e.g. lighting, microclimate, pollutants), and security can be located.
A showcase can contain one or more technical compartments.
Technical compartments containing sorbents for humidity or pollutant control shall connect with the
display space so they can take effect on objects. For this use of the technical compartment sufficient air
exchange with the display volume is essential.
NOTE The installation of the technical compartment adjacent to the display volume works best. Sufficient
gaps for moisture exchange between the technical compartment and the display volume are essential to support
the function of the moisture sorbent.
Technical compartments containing heat, vibration or pollutant generating components (e.g. lamps,
fans) are to be avoided. If no other technical solution can be found, these compartments are isolated
from the display space so they do not transfer any hazards to objects. Air from these compartments is
exchanged with the environment via vents. Heat generating components are best located in technical
compartments above the display space.
Technical compartments shall be separately accessible for maintenance; without requiring or allowing
access to the display space.
4.2.4 Installation and fixing of the showcase
The base of the showcase shall be strong and large enough to ensure the showcase is physically stable
so it cannot topple. If this is not possible, the showcase shall be securely fixed to the floor, wall or
ceiling. Alternatively, or in combination, the showcase base shall be weighted with additional material
to act as ballast.
If a support is needed to fix the showcase, it shall take into account the weight of the showcase, its
contents and the quality of the substrate (e.g. wall or floor).
The showcase base, plinth or any other form of support shall limit vibrations (see 5.9, 5.11) transmitted
into the display space via associated walls, floor, or ceiling.
4.2.5 Lining of the display space and object supports
Linings and object supports are not integral part of the showcase. Nevertheless, all linings and object
supports in the display space shall be tested to confirm their compatibility with the objects in the same
way as the construction materials. The linings should be easy to maintain and/or replace.
The supports shall maintain the physical integrity of the objects, without exerting undue pressure,
tension or torque. The objects together with their support(s) shall be stable. The system of fixing shall
hold the objects safely even in case of vibrations.
The contact between the objects and the support(s) shall be insulated with an intermediate material of
appropriate density and texture, and ensure their chemical stability.
4.2.6 Construction materials
4.2.6.1 Characteristics of construction materials
Contact with, or interaction between, objects and the materials of the showcase shall be carefully
considered. Not all materials are suitable for long-term use with objects.
The materials, and their off-gassing constituents, shall not react with objects. The materials used to
construct the showcase, e.g. the structure, glazing, inserts, varnishes, sealants, adhesives, paints,
textiles, etc. shall be selected on the basis of professionally recognized materials testing protocols (see
EN 15999-2:2025, Annex G) or less reliably, by checking available documentation (e.g. compliance
certificates, technical and safety data sheets).
4.2.6.2 Off-gassing of construction materials
After the final construction and finishing of a showcase adequate time shall be given to ensure proper
curing and off-gassing to limit chemical pollution inside the display space from materials used e.g.
adhesives, sealants, coatings. A curing time reduces the risk of negative impact of volatile air pollutants
inside the showcase to the objects. This applies to showcases completed off-site (e.g. in a factory) and
on-site (e.g. in a museum).
NOTE Some materials can be sources of humidity (e.g. marble, concrete) which can also require some time to
off-gas, i.e. to dry.
It is not recommended that objects shall be installed during this period in the showcase without some
precautions.
If material needs time to off-gas, the showcase manufacturer shall indicate a recommended period; this
recommendation can include advice for the room temperature and ventilation. If no indication is given,
a period of four weeks is suggested as a minimum. During the ventilation time the door shall be open
and the environment where the showcase is located should be well ventilated.
Additional measurement of air quality (see EN 15999-2:2025, Annex G) in the showcase is
recommended before its use, depending on the sensitivity of the objects.
4.3 Expected lifetime and maintenance cycle
The span of time in which a showcase is fully functional defines its useful lifetime. When considering
future expenditures on labour-time, consumables and repairs, there are ongoing economic and
ecological costs to sustaining effective showcases. These future costs should be included as decision
criteria when anticipating showcase budgets: capital and operating.
The three categories of showcases regarding life span are: single use for temporary exhibition, repeated
use for temporary exhibitions, and long-term exhibitions.
To achieve useful lifespans greater than approximately 5 years, two key aspects can be considered:
a) longevity of construction materials;
b) maintenance of the mechanical components (e.g. opening systems and gaskets) and extra
mechanical, electrical and electronic features (e.g. lighting, active microclimate, filtering, alarm and
security monitoring systems).
Maintenance of each component or feature needs to be undertaken following the guidance of its
manufacturer.
Showcases can be categorized according to their duration of use in long-term and temporary
exhibitions. Temporary showcases can be further divided between single-use and multiple-use.
c) Temporary showcases – single use: the construction remains fully functional for the exhibition
period, plus any likely extensions of the exhibition.
d) Temporary showcases – multiple use: the construction remains fully functional for e.g. 5 to 10
years.
e) Long-term showcases: the construction remains fully functional during the planned span of the
exposition should be specified.
5 Showcase specifications for risk management
5.1 General
Objects on display are exposed to risks from damage by accidents, theft, vandalism, natural disasters
and by environmental parameters such as humidity, temperature, pollutant (gaseous, particulate and
direct contact between materials), dust, light and pests.
NOTE 1 Table A.1 lists potential events or circumstances which can have an effect on the showcase design.
The showcase plays a role in the risk management of an institution. It can assist with lowering risk-
levels by reducing the likelihood of damage occurring to an object, and by reducing the severity of
consequences when damage does occur. Some risks shall be controlled, while others may be judged as
acceptable or tolerable.
NOTE 2 Risk assessments by methods described in IEC 31010 [2] help to evaluate the magnitude of a risk.
The following paragraphs provide information on risks commonly identified by stakeholders before a
showcase is designed.
5.2 Theft
5.2.1 General
The risk assessment shall determine a suitable security level for a showcase. The showcase shall be an
integrated part of the security management of the entire premises. The role of the showcase for
securing the objects may depend on opening hours and closing hours of the exhibition.
The object value and the overall intervention time t , either current or projected, shall be considered in
the risk assessment. A showcase security class shall be selected in correspondence to the security
requirements appraised by the risk assessment.
The operation of alarms and defence systems may be adjustable, depending on opening and closing
hours and shall be integrated into the security management of the entire premises.
5.2.2 Intervention time
Knowing the overall intervention time t to an alarm, in order of magnitude (less than 5 min, 5-10 min,
more than 10 min), is essential to estimate the degree of resistance required for the showcase.
The overall intervention time t can be estimated by considering the potential duration of all processes
from the actual alarm to the intervention at the showcase. To prevent theft the resistance time t shall
R
be longer than the overall intervention time t (see Formula (1) and Formula (2)).
tt  + t (1)
01 2
tt > (2)
R 0
where
t overall intervention time of security personnel to an alarm, takes into account t and t ,
0 1 2
t detection and the transmission time (transmission by the security staff or the electronic
alarm system),
t intervention time (arrival on security staff, police officers, etc.) and if applicable, reaction
(set up systems to block the escape of persons who have entered the premises),
t resistance time of the showcase, depending on the security concept, the resistance times for
R
the perimeter, premises, building, room and showcase can be accumulated.
5.2.3 The object value
The object value can be classified in 3 categories taking into account the historical, symbolic and
financial aspects:
— inestimable, unique;
— large range of values, coveted on the market;
— no coveted.
5.2.4 Showcase security class recommendation
Table 1 presents the different scenarios for the value of the object/collection and the overall
intervention time and recommends showcase security levels (Showcase class). For each scenario
several solutions, showcase classes, are suggested and the table provides the minimum level of security
to achieve for the showcase. A procedure to evaluate the resistance of showcases from serial production
to burglary attacks by an attack test is given in EN 15999-2:2025, Annex B.
=
Table 1 — Different scenarios between the recommended showcase security classes* as defined
in EN 15999-2:2025, Annex A
Object(s) value
Intervention
No coveted on the
Inestimable Large range of values
time t
market
Recommended Recommended Recommended
security level security level security level
> 10 min A* or B* A or B A, or B
< 5 to 10 min A or B A, B or C A, B or C
< 5 min A or B A, B or C A, B, C, D or E
* With class A being the most resistant, up to class E, the least resistant.
5.3 Fire
A risk assessment shall be carried out to evaluate the likelihood with which fire can break out on the
premises and the rate in which fire could develop (fire growth and flame spread). Indication for the
assessment can be found in the literature (see [3]).
The likelihood of fire propagation can depend on:
— the existing cultural assets protection plan, the rapidity of intervention, the training of staff and
safety personnel;
— the building regulation on fire safety, fire systems (detection, alarm, extinguish measures);
— the building structure;
— electrical appliances in or near by the showcase.
The showcase shall be considered part of the fire safety management system of the building/museum. It
is essential that a specific fire intervention plan is developed in order to reduce possible damage to the
objects contained inside the showcases and reduce the intervention time.
Based on a fire risk assessment, which takes in consideration the peculiarities of the building,
environmental protection measures implemented outside of the showcase are essential. The following
measures can be taken:
— reduce the amount of combustible materials inside the room;
— appropriate separation distances between combustible materials within the room;
— installation of the showcase in a fire compartmented area with respect to the rest of the building;
— installation of outside fire shielding of the showcase by water curtain systems (in accordance with
EN 12845:2015+A1:2019 [4]) or by fire/smoke curtains.
A fire safety engineer shall be consulted in order to assess the real fire risk within the building and
identify the appropriate measures for the most effective protection of assets. The fire resistance of the
showcase shall be adapted to the magnitude of the fire risk.
Some design features can increase the fire resistance of a showcase and can be considered to reduce the
risk of or the damage by fire and smoke:
— Fire stopping coatings for surfaces can be used to prevent spread of smoke, fire and heat through
the openings left for the electrical cables. The top and the bottom of the display case can be clad
with fire protecting boards.
— Mechanical fixing is preferred over glued parts in order to have an improved fire resistance of the
showcase. I.e. glued glass panes will significantly reduce the fire resistance of the showcase.
— Installation of fire detection systems (designed according to regulatory specifications and made
with components that comply with EN 54 (all parts) [5]) inside the showcase, in order to
immediately detect a fire, transmit an alarm signal and switch off the electronic systems inside the
showcase.
— Fire resistant certified glass to reduce the risk of damage to the objects; this solution can be used if
there are no particular requirements for the transparency of the glass (see Annex C).
— Automated fire extinguisher system can be installed inside the showcase if there is no
incompatibility of the extinguishing method with the objects inside. For example, gas extinguishing
systems according to condensed Aerosol systems (EN 15276-2 [6]), gaseous systems (EN 15004
[7]), or water mist extinguishing systems (EN 14972 [8]) should be considered with care because of
the possible impact on objects.
5.4 Pests
If objects are made of materials vulnerable to attack by pests, a specific design of the showcase can help
to prevent the infestation of the objects. Vulnerable materials are (in descending order) organic
material such as keratin containing materials (e.g. feathers, hair, wool, fur), animal material
(e.g. leather, parchment), nutrient-rich plant material (e.g. crop, fruits), paper or wood.
Once the need to mitigate the possible impact of pest activity has been identified, the showcase design
shall consider specific features to counteract an infestation of the object.
Dust accumulating in showcases harbours pests and provides nourishment for many pest species and
should therefore be avoided (see EN 15999-2:2025). The typical way for the ingress of dust and
infestation with pests are via gaps or cable installations. The gaps of the showcase should be as small as
possible and/or sealed with a compression gasket.
NOTE 1 A small pests species are the psocids which have eggs less than 0,1 mm in diameter in the smallest
dimension (see [9]). In the food industry, containers with gap widths smaller than 0,1 mm (see [10]) are
considered to be of high pest resistance.
NOTE 2 General considerations about the protection from pests in buildings are given in EN 16790 [11].
To protect the objects from pests the following points should be considered:
a) The showcase should facilitate easy and effective integrated pest management (IPM) as described in
EN 16790 [11], i.e. monitoring, cleaning and maintenance. See 6.3.
b) The showcase itself does not attract pests. The materials used for the showcase shall be pest
resistant. The construction materials themselves shall not nourish pests nor provide hiding places.
Care should be taken in the selection of gaskets, insulating material and textile linings.
c) The showcase is well sealed (e.g. ideally with no gaps larger than 0,1 mm).
d) The highest level of protection from infestation with pests can be obtained by an anoxic showcase.
See 5.8.
5.5 Pollution
Exhibiting objects shall not put them at unacceptable risk from pollution. Several sources of pollution
are possible, including sources outside the showcase (external) or sources within the showcase
(internal). Emissions from construction materials and objects shall be considered as internal sources. A
showcase mitigates air pollution risk to the objects by providing a barrier against external exposure.
Optimal construction and additional mitigation measures will reduce risks from internal emissions.
NOTE Examples of internal pollutants and their sources are given in EN 16893:2018, Annex D. Several
possible situations of external or internal pollution sources and RH requirements are given in EN 15999-2:2025,
Annex F.
The showcase construction materials should be evaluated according to EN 15999-2:2025.
The projected environment of the showcase shall be assessed for pollution risks. If a new building
provides the environment of the showcase, the construction materials and ventilation rate of the
building shall be assessed for pollution risks.
Objects shall be assessed to identify their sensitivities to pollutants and whether they themselves can be
sources of pollutants.
A showcase with a low air exchange rate will protect against external relative humidity fluctuations and
external pollutants, but at the same time increase the risk of accumulation of pollution from internal
sources.
If a passive showcase does not provide the possibility to reduce the risk level from pollution to an
acceptable level, adding an active system shall be considered. Failure of active system shall be
considered within the risk assessment, taking into account both likelihood of failure and damage risk to
objects due to failure and additional exposure.
5.6 Light
Optical radiation emitted by lighting systems is a risk factor, especially for objects consisting of organic
materials. Photochemical degradations have their sources in the energy developed mainly by short
wavelength radiations (from ultraviolet to blue of visible radiation). Apart from the spectral
composition, the level of illumination and the exposure time shall be taken into account.
The sensitivity of objects to visible light, infrared and ultraviolet radiation should be considered when
choosing lighting in the showcase. The light exposition, the conditions (site, effects from sunlight and
artificial light sources, power and exhibition time), and other characteristics can be different from one
showcase to another.
In case of a showcase with artificial light, it is possible to control both the exposure time and the level of
lighting by light system controls and dimmable lamps. Commonly, lighting systems heat up the
illuminated objects by waste heat produced by the electrical appliances and by the energy of the
emitted light, particularly if the emitted spectrum comprises infrared components. This presents a risk
of thermal and photo-thermal degradation induced by the light sources. The light design shall meet the
requirements for light sources in exhibitions described in EN 16163.
Heat producing technical appliances shall be located outside the showcase, or, if this is not possible, in a
technical compartment thermally isolated from the display space volume, see 4.2.3.
NOTE 1 For the thermal properties of the showcase see EN 15999-2:2025, 5.1.4.5.
NOTE 2 Forced ventilation of the technical compartment often has an effect on the AER of the entire showcase.
NOTE 3 For further requirements for all electrical appliances, see 5.3.
5.7 Improper climate
Extreme or fluctuating relative humidity and temperature can deteriorate objects made from certain
sensitive materials.
NOTE 1 Examples of the relative risk of damage and deterioration to materials due to temperature and
humidity are given in EN 16893:2018, Annex B and Annex C.
To evaluate the risk levels of degradation to objects from adverse humidity and temperature, it is
important to assess the compatibility of objects with climate in the exhibition area. The temperature
and RH of the exhibition area shall be evaluated (if possible monitored by measurements) and
compared with the climatic requirements of the objects. If the climate of the exhibition area presents a
risk to objects that needs to be mitigated, the showcase design shall allow climate control of the display
volume. See Annex B for showcase and exhibition design influence on air exchange rate.
NOTE 2 For collections of organic hygroscopic materials their historical climate defines the climatic
requirements of the object(s), see EN 15757 [12] on the specifications for temperature and relative humidity to
limit climate-induced mechanical damage in organic hygroscopic materials.
Several types of objects require a stable relative humidity, to reduce degradation risks. Other types of
objects require a specific relative humidity which is significantly different from the average of the RH of
the environment. Depending on the circumstances the showcase needs to be able to buffer climate
(EN 15999-2:2025, 5.1.4.3) or to hold microclimate different to the room (EN 15999-2:2025, 5.1.4.4).
To increase RH stability over the long-term without the need of moisture sorbent maintenance,
showcases with long hygrometric half-time are recommended (EN 15999-2:2025, 5.1.4.2).
A stable relative humidity can be compromised by changes in temperature. Passive thermal buffering or
control is usually difficult to obtain, because thermal conduction of the common construction materials
does not provide significant thermal insulation. Adverse effects of heat from internal and external
sources should be avoided or needs to be considered with respect to the achieving the required
microclimate (see EN 15999-2:2025, 5.1.4.5).
If passive measures are unlikely to reduce risks adequately, active climate conditioning systems shall be
considered. Their design a
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