SIST EN 1149-2:1998

Overview

EN 1149-2:1997 is a CEN European standard that defines a test method for measuring the electrical vertical resistance (through-thickness resistance) of protective clothing materials. The standard is part of the EN 1149 series addressing electrostatic properties of protective clothing. It specifies how to determine the electrical resistance through a material in the vertical direction, and it explicitly states that it is not applicable for specifying protection against mains voltages. An informative Annex A provides further guidance.

Key Topics

• Scope and purpose: Measurement of vertical (through-thickness) electrical resistance of textile and coated materials used in protective clothing.
• Test principle: Determination of resistance through a material rather than along its surface (vertical resistance).
• Sample preparation and conditioning: Requirements for conditioning specimens prior to measurement (humidity and temperature considerations are typically included in such test standards).
• Measurement procedure: Defined method to obtain repeatable vertical resistance values under specified test conditions.
• Reporting and interpretation: How results should be recorded and reported; limitations including the standard’s exclusion for mains-voltage protection.
• Informative annex: Annex A offers additional information to help interpret and apply the test method.

(Note: EN 1149-2 provides the method; it does not set performance thresholds for specific hazard levels - those requirements are typically defined in product or application-specific documents.)

Applications

EN 1149-2 is used wherever assessment of electrostatic discharge (ESD) risk through clothing materials is needed. Typical practical uses include:

• Quality control and compliance testing for protective clothing with electrostatic considerations.
• Material selection and R&D for manufacturers designing garments with specific electrostatic properties.
• Independent test laboratories performing electrostatic testing for PPE certification and buyer specifications.
• Safety and compliance teams evaluating garments for use in electrostatic-sensitive environments (e.g., electronics manufacturing, fuel handling, or areas with flammable atmospheres) where control of charge build-up is important.

Related Standards

• EN 1149 series (other parts address surface resistivity, charge decay and design/usage aspects).
• Product-specific or industry standards may reference EN 1149-2 for material testing requirements.

Keywords: EN 1149-2, electrostatic properties, vertical resistance, protective clothing, electrostatic testing, PPE testing, CEN standard.