DIN EN 1876-2 Rubber or Plastic Coated Fabrics - Low Temperature Tests - Part 2: Impact Test on Cycle

Developed by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN) and subsequently published as a European standard, DIN EN 1876-2 Rubber or plastic coated fabrics - Low-temperature tests - Part 2: Impact test on cycle" describes a method for determining the low-temperature properties of coated fabrics. This method is considered suitable for materials that can be easily bent to the configuration required for testing at room temperature without damaging the sample.

For the purposes of this standard, the brittleness temperature limit refers to the lowest temperature at which not more than one in 20 specimens fractures under test conditions.

In principle, rectangular test specimens are placed in a low-temperature chamber, bent into a ring, and rapidly folded by impact from a falling hammer. Tests are continued at decreasing temperatures, starting with multiples of 5 and continuing in 5-degree steps, until multiple fractures are observed.

Two sets of test specimens shall be cut from each laboratory sample, one longitudinal and one transverse. Test specimens shall be selected within the full length of the coated fabric and its usable width as defined in EN 22286. Test specimens shall be 15 mm plus/minus 0,5 mm wide and 60 mm plus/minus 1 mm long. At least 10 test specimens shall be tested for each test temperature (five in the horizontal direction and five in the transverse direction).

During the test, the ends of the sample are bent to form a loop and secured to the test sample holder. The test sample holder is placed in the cold chamber. After 120 minutes plus/minus 15 minutes, when the test samples have equilibrated to the test temperature, the hammer is dropped onto the test samples. The test samples are removed from the cold chamber and examined with a lens.

A test sample is considered broken if it shows a complete or partial rupture (cracks, fissures) through the thickness of the coating, visible through the lens, and does not show a surface deformation such as a white line or crack.

The initial test temperature must be such that fracture does not occur. It must be a multiple of 5°C unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties. At any test temperature, the test is performed as follows:

• 10 test samples are tested and checked for breakage.
• If two or more fractures occur, the test is terminated and the temperature is noted.
• If only one test specimen breaks, a new set of 10 specimens is retested. If one or more fractures occur in this new set, the test is terminated and the temperature is noted; otherwise, the chamber temperature is lowered by 5 degrees Celsius. The test is continued at this new temperature.
• If no fracture occurs, lower the chamber temperature by 5°C. The test is continued at this new temperature.

The DIN EN 1876-2 standard is important because it specifies the safety requirements and test methods for low-temperature protective clothing, designed to protect against cold environments, typically below -5°C. This standard is considered important for the following reasons:

• Worker safety: Ensures that clothing provides adequate thermal insulation, wind resistance, and water vapor permeability to protect workers from cold stress, hypothermia, or frostbite in extreme conditions such as cold storage, winter outdoor work, or polar environments.
• Standard testing: This standard outlines rigorous testing methods for measuring thermal resistance (insulation), air permeability, and water penetration resistance, ensuring consistent quality and performance across manufacturers.
• Compliance with legal regulations: In sectors such as construction, logistics and food processing within the European Union, compliance with the DIN EN 1876-2 standard is often required to reduce employers' liabilities and meet occupational health and safety regulations.
• User confidence: Certified garments increase confidence in protective equipment by giving workers and employers confidence that the equipment meets specific performance criteria.
• Risk reduction: This standard helps reduce the risks associated with inadequate protection (for example, reduced dexterity or health problems from prolonged exposure to cold) by specifying minimum requirements for materials and design.

In short, DIN EN 1876-2 is a European standard that specifies the requirements and test methods for clothing designed to protect against cold environments. It focuses on ensuring that clothing provides adequate thermal insulation, wind resistance, and water vapor permeability to protect workers from cold stress, hypothermia, and frostbite. This standard specifically addresses the performance of materials and clothing in low-temperature conditions.

This standard outlines several critical performance criteria that protective clothing must meet to be certified. These include:

• Thermal insulation: Clothing must provide sufficient thermal resistance to prevent heat loss in cold conditions. This is tested using thermal mannequins or other standard methods to simulate real-world exposure.
• Air permeability: Clothing must be resistant to wind penetration, as wind chill can significantly increase the risk of cold-related injury. This standard specifies acceptable levels of air permeability to provide protection.
• Water vapour permeability: To prevent moisture accumulation from perspiration, which can reduce insulation effectiveness and cause discomfort, clothing must allow adequate water vapour transmission.
• Water permeability resistance: In wet and cold environments, clothing must be resistant to water permeability to remain dry due to moisture.

The DIN EN 1876-2 standard replaces the standard “Testing of plastic films DIN 53372 - Determination of low-temperature fracture of non-rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films”.

Our organization, which has been supporting businesses across all sectors for years through a wide range of testing, measurement, analysis, and evaluation activities, has a strong team of employees who closely follow global developments in science and technology and are constantly improving themselves. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the ISO 2286 "Rubber or plastic coated fabrics - Determination of roll properties" standard.