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EN 1149

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EN 1149

EN 1149 – Protection Against Electrostatic Discharge

Overview
EN 1149 is a multi-part standard that specifies test methods and performance requirements for protective clothing and fabrics designed to prevent electrostatic discharge. This type of protection is essential in environments where flammable gases, vapors, powders, or dusts are present—such as fuel handling, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and grain processing facilities. In these settings, a small static spark can be enough to ignite an explosive atmosphere.

EN 1149 consists of several parts that apply to different aspects of electrostatic behavior. For fabric manufacturers, the most relevant parts are EN 1149-1, EN 1149-2, and EN 1149-3. These methods test whether a fabric can safely dissipate electrostatic charges. EN 1149-5 is the performance standard used at the garment level, which requires the fabric to meet one or more of the mentioned test methods.

Testing Methods & Minimum Performance Levels

Test Method Description Requirements
EN 1149-1 Surface Resistivity Method
Measurement of surface electrical resistance:This method evaluates the ability of a fabric to allow static electricity to dissipate along its surface.
  • Surface resistivity ≤ 2.5 × 10⁹ Ω
EN 1149-2

Vertical Resistance Method

Measurement of vertical (through-thickness) resistance:
Measures how charges pass through the thickness of the fabric-from the outer surface to the skin-facing side.

 
  • Vertical resistance ≤ 1 × 10⁹ Ω
EN 1149-3 Charge Decay Test
Time-based measurement of charge dissipation:This optional method determines how quickly a fabric dissipates an electrostatic charge once the source is removed		  
EN 1149-5

Performance Requirements for Garments

Defines garment-level compliance

 
  • To meet EN 1149-5, a protective garment must be made from materials that comply with EN 1149-1 or EN 1149-2, and be designed to ensure effective dissipation of electrostatic charges. It also requires proper grounding during use and full-body coverage.

 

Additional Mechanical & Dimensional Tests

Test Method Description Requirements
ISO 5077 Dimensional Stability to Washing
Determines shrinkage or growth of the fabric after domestic laundering.
  • Shrinkage should not exceed ±3% (woven)

±5% (knitted)
ISO 13934-1 Tensile Strength (Strip Method)
Measures the maximum force needed to break a strip of fabric in warp and weft directions.
  • Warp: ≥ 400 N
  • Weft: ≥ 400 N
ISO 13937-2

Tear Strength (Wing Method)

Evaluates resistance to tearing using a trapezoidal-shaped cut and applying load to propagate it.
  • ≥ 20 N (warp and weft)
ISO 13938-1 Hydraulic Method Bursting Strength
Tests bursting strength using a hydraulic system.
  • ≥ 200 kPa
ISO 13938-2 Pneumatic Method Bursting Strength
Similar to 13938-1 but uses compressed air (pneumatic pressure) instead of liquid.
  • ≥ 200 kPa

 Industries

  • Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Industry
  • Electric and Utility Services
  • Chemical Industry
  • Railways and Transportation
  • Construction and Heavy Industry
  • Maritime and Offshore
  • Industrial FR Workwear