EN ISO 877-3:2026

• Abstract:

  This document specifies a method for exposing plastics to concentrated solar radiation using reflecting concentrators to accelerate the weathering processes. The purpose is to assess property changes produced after specified stages of such exposures. The reflecting concentrators used in these exposures are sometimes referred to as “Fresnel reflectors” because, in cross-section, the array of mirrors used to concentrate the solar radiation resembles the cross-section of a Fresnel lens.; General guidance concerning the scope of the ISO 877 series is given in ISO 877-1.; NOTE Additional information about solar concentrating exposures, including a partial list of standards in which they are specified, is given in the Bibliography.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 26-May-2026
• ICS: 83.080.01 - Plastics in general
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 249 - Plastics
• Current Stage: 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
• Start Date: 27-May-2026
• Completion Date: 27-May-2026
• Ref Project: SIST EN ISO 877-3:2026 - Plastics - Methods of exposure to solar radiation - Part 3: Intensified weathering using concentrated solar radiation (ISO 877-3:2026)

• Replaces: EN ISO 877-3:2018 - Plastics - Methods of exposure to solar radiation - Part 3: Intensified weathering using concentrated solar radiation (ISO 877-3:2018)
• Effective Date: 25-Oct-2023
• Refers: ISO 877-2:2025 - Plastics — Methods of exposure to solar radiation — Part 2: Direct weathering and exposure behind window glass
• Effective Date: 12-Aug-2026
• Refers: ISO 877-1:2025 - Plastics — Methods of exposure to solar radiation — Part 1: General guidance
• Effective Date: 12-Aug-2026
• Referred By: CEN/TS 15534-3:2007 - Wood-plastics composites (WPC) - Part 3: Characterisation of WPC products
• Effective Date: 03-Jun-2026
• Referred By: EN 15354:2022 - Plastics - Extruded and/or calendered, non-reinforced film and sheeting made of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-P) - Characterization and designation
• Effective Date: 03-Jun-2026
• Referred By: EN 15132:2006 - Container shells for mobile waste containers with a capacity up to 1 700 l - Performance requirements and test methods
• Effective Date: 03-Jun-2026
• Referred By: EN 62282-4-101:2014 - Fuel cell technologies - Part 4-101: Fuel cell power systems for propulsion other than road vehicles and auxiliary power units (APU) - Safety of electrically powered industrial trucks
• Effective Date: 03-Jun-2026
• Referred By: CEN/TS 15354:2006 - Plastics - Extruded and/or calendered, non-reinforced film and sheeting made of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-P) - Guidance for characterisation and designation
• Effective Date: 03-Jun-2026
• Referred By: EN 10245-1:2011 - Steel wire and wire products - Organic coatings on steel wire - Part 1: General rules
• Effective Date: 03-Jun-2026
• Referred By: CEN/TS 15534-1:2007 - Wood-plastics composites (WPC) - Part 1: Test methods for characterisation of WPC materials and products
• Effective Date: 03-Jun-2026
• Consolidated By: ISO 877-3:2026 - Plastics — Methods of exposure to solar radiation — Part 3: Intensified weathering using concentrated solar radiation
• Effective Date: 12-Feb-2026

Overview

EN ISO 877-3:2026: Plastics – Methods of Exposure to Solar Radiation – Part 3: Intensified Weathering Using Concentrated Solar Radiation is a harmonized international standard developed by CEN in cooperation with ISO. This document specifies a precise method for assessing how plastics degrade when subjected to accelerated weathering with concentrated solar radiation. The standard utilizes reflecting concentrators-often called “Fresnel reflectors”-which use an array of mirrors to focus natural sunlight and intensify the exposure on test specimens. The main objective is to evaluate changes in the properties of plastics after they have undergone exposure stages under intensified solar radiation, thereby supporting quality assurance and product development for plastics intended for outdoor applications.

Key Topics

• Concentrated Solar Radiation: The method involves the use of mirror arrays (Fresnel reflectors) to amplify natural solar radiation, accelerating the weathering process compared to normal exposure.
• Exposure Conditions: Specifies requirements for site selection (such as high sunlight hours and low humidity), apparatus setup, mirror orientation, and temperature control to ensure reproducibility and relevance of results.
• Test Procedures:
  • Detailed procedures for mounting and positioning test specimens to maximize effective exposure.
  • Guidelines for including reference materials and controlling specimen temperature and irradiance.
  • Water spray cycles to simulate realistic outdoor conditions, with options for different exposure requirements.
• Measurement and Reporting:
  • Outlines the need for precise measurement of total solar and ultraviolet radiation using standardized instrumentation.
  • Requires comprehensive recording and reporting of climate conditions, exposure parameters, and specimen changes enable reliable comparison.
• Data Interpretation: Recommends using recognized ISO and ASTM methods for quantifying property changes like color, gloss, and mechanical degradation.

Applications

• Material Durability Assessment: Enables manufacturers and researchers to evaluate and compare the outdoor weathering stability of plastics rapidly, essential for product validation and compliance.
• Quality Control and R&D: Supports development of UV-stable and weather-resistant plastic formulations for applications such as automotive parts, construction materials, solar panel components, agricultural films, and outdoor consumer goods.
• Regulatory and Certification Testing: Useful for complying with customer specifications and regulatory requirements that reference accelerated weathering or UV resistance tests.
• Design Optimization: Helps engineers predict product lifespan and make informed material selections for enhanced durability in sunny, arid regions or other harsh climates.

Related Standards

• ISO 877-1: Plastics – Methods of exposure to solar radiation – Part 1: General guidance. Provides the foundational methodology for all parts of the ISO 877 series.
• ISO 877-2: Plastics – Methods of exposure to solar radiation – Part 2: Direct weathering and exposure behind window glass.
• ISO 4892-1: Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 1: General guidance and requirements.
• ASTM G90: Standard Practice for Performing Accelerated Outdoor Weathering of Nonmetallic Materials Using Concentrated Natural Sunlight.
• ASTM G179: Specification for Metal Black Panel and White Panel Temperature Devices for Natural Weathering Tests.
• ISO 4582: Plastics – Determination of changes in colour and variations in properties after exposure.

EN ISO 877-3:2026 is a benchmark standard for accelerated outdoor weathering testing. By following its rigorous and repeatable methodology, laboratories and manufacturers gain actionable insights into the aging behaviour of plastics, ensuring safety, performance, and product longevity in real-world solar environments. Using keywords like "accelerated weathering," "plastics durability," "solar radiation," and "Fresnel reflector testing" will help improve the searchability and relevance of information related to this standard.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2026
Polimerni materiali - Metode izpostavitve vremenskim vplivom - 3. del: Pospešeni
vremenski vplivi z uporabo koncentriranega sončnega sevanja (ISO 877-3:2026)
Plastics - Methods of exposure to solar radiation - Part 3: Intensified weathering using
concentrated solar radiation (ISO 877-3:2026)
Kunststoffe - Freibewitterung - Teil 3: Beschleunigte Bewitterung mit gebündelter
Sonnenstrahlung (ISO 877-3:2026)
Plastiques - Méthodes d'exposition au rayonnement solaire - Partie 3: Exposition
intensifiée par rayonnement solaire concentré (ISO 877-3:2026)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 877-3:2026
ICS:
83.080.01 Polimerni materiali na Plastics in general
splošno
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN ISO 877-3
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
May 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 83.080.01 Supersedes EN ISO 877-3:2018
English Version
Plastics - Methods of exposure to solar radiation - Part 3:
Intensified weathering using concentrated solar radiation
(ISO 877-3:2026)
Plastiques - Méthodes d'exposition au rayonnement Kunststoffe - Freibewitterung - Teil 3: Beschleunigte
solaire - Partie 3: Exposition intensifiée par Bewitterung mit gebündelter Sonnenstrahlung (ISO
rayonnement solaire concentré (ISO 877-3:2026) 877-3:2026)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 20 May 2026.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 877-3:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3

European foreword
This document (EN ISO 877-3:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 61 "Plastics" in
collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 249 “Plastics” the secretariat of which is held by SIS.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by November 2026, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by November 2026.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN ISO 877-3:2018.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards
body/national committee. A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 877-3:2026 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 877-3:2026 without any modification.

International
Standard
ISO 877-3
Third edition
Plastics — Methods of exposure to
2026-05
solar radiation —
Part 3:
Intensified weathering using
concentrated solar radiation
Plastiques — Méthodes d'exposition au rayonnement solaire —
Partie 3: Exposition intensifiée par rayonnement solaire
concentré
Reference number
ISO 877-3:2026(en) © ISO 2026
ISO 877-3:2026(en)
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
ISO 877-3:2026(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 1
5 Apparatus . 2
5.1 General requirements .2
5.2 Apparatus for measurement of climatic factors .3
6 Test specimens . 3
7 Exposure conditions . 4
7.1 Orientation of mirrors .4
7.2 Exposure site.4
7.3 Temperature control .4
7.4 Irradiance level .5
8 Exposure stages . 6
8.1 General .6
8.2 Solar radiant exposure .6
8.2.1 Guidance for selection of the exposure stage .6
8.2.2 Instrumental measurement of solar radiant exposure .6
9 Procedure . 7
9.1 Mounting of test specimens .7
9.2 Mounting of reference materials (if used) .7
9.3 Climatic observations .7
9.4 Exposure of test specimens .7
9.4.1 General .7
9.4.2 Exposure cycles .7
9.4.3 Testing under glass.7
10 Expression of results . 8
10.1 Determination of changes in properties .8
10.2 Climatic conditions and observations .8
10.2.1 General .8
10.2.2 Temperature .8
10.2.3 Relative humidity .8
10.2.4 Levels (values) of exposure stages .8
10.2.5 Radiation measurement.9
10.2.6 Precipitation .9
10.2.7 Time of wetness .9
10.2.8 Other observations .9
11 Test report . 9
Bibliography .10

iii
ISO 877-3:2026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 61, Plastics, Subcommittee SC 6, Ageing,
chemical and environmental resistance, in collaboration with the European Committee for Standardization
(CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 249, Plastics, in accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation
between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 877-3:2018), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— size requirements in 7.3 have been added;
— in 10.2.4, a second formula has been added;
— a new 10.2.5 “Radiation measurement” has been added and subsequent clauses have been renumbered.
A list of all parts in the ISO 877 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
International Standard ISO 877-3:2026(en)
Plastics — Methods of exposure to solar radiation —
Part 3:
Intensified weathering using concentrated solar radiation
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for exposing plastics to concentrated solar radiation using reflecting
concentrators to accelerate the weathering processes. The purpose is to assess property changes produced
after specified stages of such exposures. The reflecting concentrators used in these exposures are sometimes
referred to as “Fresnel reflectors” because, in cross-section, the array of mirrors used to concentrate the
solar radiation resembles the cross-section of a Fresnel lens.
General guidance concerning the scope of the ISO 877 series is given in ISO 877-1.
NOTE Additional information about solar concentrating exposures, including a partial list of standards in which
they are specified, is given in the Bibliography.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 877-1, Plastics — Methods of exposure to solar radiation — Part 1: General guidance
ISO 877-2:2025, Plastics — Methods of exposure to solar radiation — Part 2: Direct weathering and exposure
behind window glass
ISO 4892-1, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 1: General guidance and
requirements
ASTM G90, Standard Practice for Performing Accelerated Outdoor Weathering of Nonmetallic Materials Using
Concentrated Natural Sunlight
ASTM G179, Standard Specification for Metal Black Panel and White Panel Temperature Devices for Natural
Weathering Tests
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
4 Principle
This document describes a method for performing accelerated weathering on plastics using intensified solar
radiation. General guidance is given in ISO 877-1.

ISO 877-3:2026(en)
5 Apparatus
5.1 General requirements
General
...