EN343

The European standard clarifies the requirements for protective clothing against bad weather. The parameters tested for this standard are the impermeability to water (degree to which the item is waterproof) and breathability.
Each of these parameters is likewise divided into three classes.
For resistance to water penetration the following is required:
·         Class 1 ≥ 8000 Pa before pre-treatment of the fabric
·         Class 2 ≥ 8000 Pa after pre-treatment and before pre-treatment of the fabric and seams
·         Class 3 ≥ 13000 Pa after pre-treatment of the fabric and seams and before pre-treatment of seams
For water vapour resistance:
·         Class 1 = Ret > 40
·         Class 2 = Ret > 20 ≤ 40
·         Class 3 = Ret ≤ 20