EN 13087-3 Protective Helmets - Test Methods - Part 3: Resistance to Penetration

The European standard “ EN 13087-3 Protective helmets - Test methods - Part 3: Resistance to penetration” describes test methods for protective helmets. The purpose of these tests is to ensure that the helmet's performance is evaluated as specified in the appropriate helmet standard. This standard includes a test method for resistance to penetration.

Helmet safety testing is vital because it ensures helmets can effectively protect the head from impact, penetration, and other hazards. Without proper and appropriate testing, helmets may not provide significant protection and could put consumers at risk of serious injury. Many safety standards govern helmet testing globally. These international standards outline requirements for impact resistance, penetration resistance, strap strength, field of vision, and more. These standards are essential for helmet manufacturers to guarantee the safety and quality of their products in global markets. The EN 13087-3 standard is one such safety standard published within this framework.

Impact testing evaluates a helmet’s ability to absorb and dissipate energy during a crash. It involves simulating impacts to various parts of the helmet and measuring parameters such as peak acceleration, “g” forces, and deceleration rates. 

The most common parameter measure is the maximum acceleration experienced during an impact, usually measured in units of gravity (g). When an object experiences a sudden change in velocity, such as during a collision or impact, its acceleration increases. This increase in acceleration is usually expressed in units of “g”. Peak “g” is an important measure in assessing the severity of impacts, evaluating the effectiveness of protective gear, and reducing the forces experienced by the human body. In the context of helmet testing, peak “g” force is often used to evaluate how well a helmet absorbs and dissipates energy during an impact. Lower peak “g” force indicates better protection for the wearer. Helmet injury criteria and dwell time values ​​are also common formats for measuring impact energy.

Penetration testing evaluates the helmet's resistance to sharp objects, preventing them from penetrating the helmet and reaching the user's head. Testing methods include dropping sharp objects onto the helmet and assessing the depth of penetration and damage.

Helmets are commonly made of materials such as polycarbonate, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and expanded polystyrene foam. Each material offers specific properties related to strength, weight, and impact absorption. The design and construction of a helmet greatly impacts its safety performance. Factors such as shell thickness, foam density, ventilation, and visor design affect how well a helmet protects against impacts and punctures. Advances in helmet design include technology that helps reduce rotational forces on the brain during an impact.

Major testing procedures include:

• Lab testing and real-world testing: Helmet testing includes both lab simulations and real-world scenarios to evaluate performance in controlled and dynamic environments. Crash data is often used to evaluate and improve safety standards requirements.
• Rigorous testing protocols: Testing protocols follow standardized procedures to ensure consistency and accuracy in evaluating the safety features of helmets. Advanced laboratories attempt to simulate the worst possible situation to ensure that the helmets tested meet the highest level of protection defined by the safety standard.

Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses and evaluation studies carried out for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services defined in the standard “EN 13087-3 Protective helmets - Test methods - Part 3: Resistance to penetration” with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.