EN 374-3
EN 374-3 was the part of the EN 374 series that defined the procedure for measuring permeation of chemicals through protective glove materials. It was replaced by EN 16523-1:2015+A1:2018.
EN 16523-1 defines:
- The test procedure for permeation of liquids
- Measurement of breakthrough time and permeation rate
- Permeation classes 1-6 by breakthrough time
Permeation classes per EN 16523-1:
- Class 1: breakthrough time >= 10 min
- Class 2: >= 30 min
- Class 3: >= 60 min
- Class 4: >= 120 min
- Class 5: >= 240 min
- Class 6: >= 480 min
This classification forms the basis for type classification in EN ISO 374-1:
- Type C: at least Class 1 for >= 1 chemical
- Type B: at least Class 2 for >= 3 chemicals
- Type A: at least Class 2 for >= 6 chemicals
Important: EN 374-3 is withdrawn and may no longer be used as a test basis. For current conformity assessments, EN 16523-1 exclusively applies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between EN 374-3 and EN 16523-1?
EN 374-3 is the withdrawn predecessor standard. EN 16523-1:2015 is the current replacement. Both describe the permeation test procedure, but EN 16523-1 reflects current state of the art and is the valid reference.
Why was EN 374-3 replaced by EN 16523-1?
EN 16523-1 is a standalone standard (no longer part of a series) covering various materials and barrier systems beyond protective gloves. This enables its broad application as a permeation reference standard for other protective clothing.
Can old test certificates based on EN 374-3 still be used?
No. Current Declarations of Conformity must reference EN 16523-1 (as the replacement for EN 374-3). Test reports based on withdrawn EN 374-3 are no longer acceptable for new conformity assessments.