SIST EN 13758-1:2002+A1:2007

Textiles - Solar UV protective properties - Part 1: Method of test for apparel fabrics

This European Standard specifies a method for the determination of the erythemally weighted ultraviolet (UV) radiation transmittance of standard conditioned apparel fabrics to assess their solar UV protective properties.
This method is not suitable for fabrics which offer protection at a distance such as umbrellas, shade structures or artificial sources.
NOTE   This standard may not be appropriate for fabrics with small colour and construction variations.

Textilien - Schutzeigenschaften gegen ultraviolette Sonnenstrahlung - Teil 1: Prüfverfahren für Bekleidungstextilien

Diese Europäische Norm legt ein Verfahren zur Bestimmung der Durchlässigkeit der hinsichtlich Erythem gewichteten ultravioletten Strahlung für normgerecht konditionierte Bekleidungstextilien zur Feststellung ihrer Schutzeigenschaften gegen ultraviolette Sonnenstrahlung fest.
Dieses Verfahren ist nicht für Textilien geeignet, die einen Schutz aus einem Abstand bieten, wie zum Beispiel Schirme, Konstruktionen zur Abschattung oder Vergleichbares.
ANMERKUNG   Diese Norm braucht nicht für Textilien mit kleinen Variationen in der Farbe und im Aufbau geeignet zu sein.

Textiles - Propriétés de protection contre le rayonnement UV solaire - Partie 1: Méthode d'essai pour étoffes destinées a l'habillement

La présente Norme européenne spécifie une méthode pour la détermination du facteur de transmission du rayonnement ultraviolet (UV) pondéré par la courbe d'érythème d'étoffes pour vêtements en conditionnement normal en vue 'évaluer leurs propriétés de protection contre le rayonnement UV solaire.
La présente méthode ne convient pas aux étoffes offrant une protection à distance telles que les parasols, les structures destinées à créer de l'ombre ou les sources de rayonnement artificielles.
NOTE   La présente norme peut s'avérer inappropriée pour des étoffes comportant de petites variations de couleur et de structure.

Tekstilije - Zaščitne lastnosti pred sončnimi ultravijoličnimi žarki - 1. del: Metoda preskušanja za oblačilne tekstilije

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 01-Jul-2007
• ICS: 59.080.30 - Textile fabrics
• ICS: 61.020 - Clothes
• Technical Committee: ITEK - Textile and textile products
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 15-Jun-2007
• Due Date: 20-Aug-2007
• Completion Date: 02-Jul-2007
• Ref Project: EN 13758-1:2001+A1:2006 - Textiles - Solar UV protective properties - Part 1: Method of test for apparel fabrics

Relations

• Consolidates: SIST EN 13758-1:2002 - Textiles - Solar UV protective properties - Part 1: Method of test for apparel fabrics
• Effective Date: 22-Dec-2008

Overview

SIST EN 13758-1:2002+A1:2007 is a European Standard developed by CEN that specifies a standardized method of test for assessing the solar ultraviolet (UV) protective properties of apparel fabrics. This standard focuses on measuring the erythemally weighted UV radiation transmittance through textiles, providing an objective evaluation of their capacity to protect the skin from harmful solar UV radiation.

The methodology is designed specifically for standard conditioned apparel fabrics, meaning it is not suitable for textiles that provide protection at a distance, such as umbrellas or shade structures. It aims to guide manufacturers and testing laboratories in consistently quantifying UV protection using the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) metric.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability
  The standard applies to textiles intended for clothing and measures UV transmission from 290 nm to 400 nm, covering both UV-B and UV-A ranges relevant to human skin erythema risk. It excludes indirect protection methods and fabrics with minor color or construction variations that could affect accuracy.

• Test Principle
  UPF is calculated using the total spectral transmittance of the fabric, weighted by the solar spectral irradiance and the erythema action spectrum (which quantifies skin reddening effectiveness at different UV wavelengths). This approach provides a scientifically reliable ranking of protection.

• Measurement Apparatus
  The procedure requires:

  • A UV radiation source (e.g., Xenon arc lamp or Solar simulator) emitting between 290 nm and 400 nm
  • An integrating sphere with diffuse reflectivity to collect transmitted UV radiation
  • A monochromator for spectral resolution of 5 nm or less
  • UV transmitting filters to prevent fluorescence interference
  • A specimen holder maintaining fabric condition during testing

• Specimen Preparation and Conditioning
  Multiple samples are taken from different fabric locations and conditioned under controlled environments following EN 20139. Samples are measured flat without tension or with predefined stretching if necessary for realistic simulation.

• Calculation and Reporting
  UPF, along with average UV-A and UV-B transmittance, is calculated per specimen and averaged for uniform textiles. For non-uniform materials, the lowest UPF value is reported as a conservative measure. Statistical methods provide repeatability and reproducibility assessments. Test reports include detailed fabric descriptions, environmental conditions, and the measured UPF values.

Applications

• Textile and Apparel Industry
  EN 13758-1 informs manufacturers about the UV protective performance of fabrics, enabling development and marketing of sun-protective clothing. It supports claims regarding sun safety and compliance with health regulations.

• Consumer Safety
  Enables accurate labeling of UPF ratings on garments, assisting consumers in selecting clothing for effective sun protection, reducing risks of UV-induced skin damage.

• Quality Control and Certification
  Testing laboratories employ this method to certify fabric performance, ensuring product consistency and regulatory adherence. It is critical for regulatory compliance within the European market.

• Research & Development
  Facilitates scientific evaluation of textile treatments, dye effects, and fabric constructions on solar UV protection. Helps optimize material properties for enhanced sun safety.

Related Standards

• EN 20139:1992 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing textiles, referenced for specimen preparation environment.

• Other parts of EN 13758 series may cover protection assessment for non-apparel textiles or additional recommendations for measuring clothes under different conditions.

• International standards and guidelines related to UPF measurement and UV protection labeling serve as complementary references.

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This standard is essential for professionals involved in textile manufacturing, quality control, apparel design, and health safety regulatory compliance who focus on UV protective fabrics and sun safety textiles. Adoption of EN 13758-1 ensures accurate, repeatable, and internationally recognized assessment of fabric UV protection capabilities.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Textiles - Solar UV protective properties - Part 1: Method of test for apparel fabricsTextiles - Propriétés de protection contre le rayonnement UV solaire - Partie 1: Méthode d'essai pour étoffes destinées a l'habillementTextilien - Schutzeigenschaften gegen ultraviolette Sonnenstrahlung - Teil 1: Prüfverfahren für BekleidungstextilienTa slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 13758-1:2001+A1:2006SIST EN 13758-1:2002+A1:2007en;fr;de61.0202EODþLODClothes59.080.30TkanineTextile fabricsICS:SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 13758-1:2002+A1:200701-julij-2007

EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 13758-1:2001+A1
December 2006 ICS 59.080.30; 61.020 Supersedes EN 13758-1:2001English Version
Textiles - Solar UV protective properties -Part 1: Method of test for apparel fabrics
Textiles - Propriétés de protection contre le rayonnement UV solaire - Partie 1: Méthode d'essai pour étoffes destinées à l'habillement
Textilien - Schutzeigenschaften gegen ultraviolette Sonnenstrahlung - Teil 1: Prüfverfahren für Bekleidungstextilien This European Standard was approved by CEN on 5 October 2001 and includes Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 23 November 2006.
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 Central Secretariat 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 Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels © 2006 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Members. Ref. No. EN 13758-1:2001+A1:2006: E

2 Foreword This European Standard (EN 13758-1:2001+A1:2006) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 248, "Textiles and textile products", the secretariat of which is held by BSI. 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 June 2007, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by June 2007. This document includes Amendment 1, approved by CEN on 2006-11-23. The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in the text by tags ! ". This standard includes a normative annex A and informative annexes B and C. According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

3 1 Scope This European Standard specifies a method for the determination of the erythemally weighted ultraviolet (UV) radiation transmittance of standard conditioned apparel fabrics to assess their solar UV protective properties.
This method is not suitable for fabrics which offer protection at a distance such as umbrellas, shade structures or artificial sources. NOTE This standard may not be appropriate for fabrics with small colour and construction variations. 2 Normative references This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate place in the text, and the publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies (including amendments). EN 20139:1992, Textiles — Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing (ISO 139:1973). 3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations For the purposes of this European Standard the following terms and definitions apply. 3.1.1 wavelength (λλλλ) spatial period of radiation expressed in nanometres 3.1.2 ultraviolet radiation (UVR) electromagnetic radiation with wavelength between 180 and 400 nm UV-A: ultraviolet radiation with wavelength between 315 and 400 nm UV-B: ultraviolet radiation with wavelength between 280 and 315 nm 3.1.3 solar irradiance (E(λλλλ)) quantity of energy emitted by the sun received at the surface of the earth per unit wavelength and per unit area. It is expressed as W m-2 nm-1. The solar UVR spectrum as measured at the earth’s surface extends between 290 nm and 400 nm 3.1.4 erythema reddening of the skin caused by various physical or chemical agents 3.1.5 erythema action spectrum εεεε(λλλλ) relative erythemal effectiveness of radiation with wavelength λ

4 3.1.6 spectral transmittance T(λλλλ) ratio of transmitted radiation and incident radiation at a wavelength λ 3.1.7 integrating sphere hollow sphere whose internal surface is a non-selective diffuse reflector 3.1.8 fluorescence absorption of radiation of a particular wavelength and its re-emission within a short time as optical radiation of greater wavelength 3.1.9 spectral bandwidth width in nanometres at half peak intensity of optical radiation emerging from a monochromator 3.1.10 sample recess error error introduced when the sample is recessed from the port of the integrating sphere (e.g. by using a filter between the port and the sample). In this case part of the diffused transmitted radiation is intercepted and will not enter the sphere. The sample recess error depends on sample construction, distance of sample from port and ratio of port and illumination patch dimensions 3.1.11 shade particular hue, depth or lightness of colour 3.1.12 construction set of parameters such as materials, interlacing, pattern, … which describe the fabric 3.1.13 Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) expression of the level of protection as attained by the method described in this standard 4 Principle The UPF of a textile material is determined from the total spectral transmittance)(λT as follows: ∑∑∆==∆===λλελλλλλλ ελλλ)()()(290400)()(290400TEEUPF with:
)(λE: the solar irradiance (see annex A);
)(λε: the erythema action spectrum (see annex A);
∆λ: the wavelength interval of the measurements; T(λ): the spectral transmittance at wavelength λ.

The total spectral transmittance is measured by irradiating the sample with monochromatic or polychromatic UV radiation and collecting the total (diffuse and direct) transmitted radiation. In the case of polychromatic incident radiation, the transmitted radiation is collected monochromatically. The apparatus shall either irradiate the sample with a parallel beam and collect all transmitted radiation with an integrating sphere or irradiate the sample hemispherically and collect a parallel beam of transmitted radiation. 5 Apparatus The measurement device consists of the following: 5.1 A UV source, providing UV radiation throughout the wavelength range 290 nm to 400 nm. Suitable UV sources include Xenon arc lamps, Deuterium lamps and Solar simulators. 5.2 An integrating sphere, having total openings representing not more than 10 % of the internal spherical surface. The internal surface shall be lined with a highly reflective matt surface, e.g. barium sulphate paint. It shall be fitted with baffles to shield the inner detector or the inner source from the specimen port and, if applicable, the sphere wall where the incident flux is measured.
5.3 A monochromator, suited for measurements with a spectral bandwidth of 5 nm or less in the wavelength region 290 nm to 400 nm. 5.4 UV transmitting filter, which transmits significantly only at wavelengths less than approximately 400 nm and which does not fluoresce. 5.5 A specimen holder to hold a specimen in a flat, tensionless or in a predefined stretched state. This device shall not obstruct the entrance port of the integrating sphere and shall ideally position the fabric in the plane of the integrating sphere port. In the case where a parallel incident beam is used, the surface of the beam should be at least 25 mm2 and should cover at least 3 times the repeat fabric construction. Moreover, in the case of a monochromatic incident beam and for reducing the sample recess error, the ratio of the smallest dimension of the port of the integrating sphere to the largest dimension of the illumination patch shall also be larger than 1,5. The beam should be normal to the fabric to within ± 5 degrees. The angular divergence of the beam should be less then 5 degrees about the beam axis. These conditions should apply to the collected beam if diffuse illumination is used. A suitable UV transmitting filter shall be positioned between the sample and the detector if the instrument monochromates before the sample. When this is not practical the filter shall be placed at the specimen port between the specimen and the sphere. The thickness of the UV transmitting filter shall be between 1 mm and 3 mm.
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