SIST-TP CEN/TR 17945:2023
(Main)Textiles and textile products - Textiles with integrated electronics and ICT - Definitions, categorisation, applications and standardisation needs
Textiles and textile products - Textiles with integrated electronics and ICT - Definitions, categorisation, applications and standardisation needs
This document provides definitions in the field of electronic textiles (e-textiles) and electronic textile systems, as well as the categorization of different types of electronic textiles and electronic textile systems. It briefly describes the current stage of development of these products and their application potential and gives indications on preferential standardization needs.
This document will also provide guidelines to determine general verification of claimed performance, innocuousness, durability of properties, product information and environmental aspects of textile electronics.
This document is not intended for products which are placed inside or are (permanently) attached to the human body. It also does not specifically address the electronics information communication link between the textile with integrated electronics and external data processing. This document therefore also does not focus on the design of software to be implemented in electronic textiles of textile systems.
Textilien und textile Erzeugnisse - Textilien mit integrierter Elektronik und ICT - Definitionen, Klassifizierung, Anwendungen und Normungsbedarf
Textiles et produits textiles - Textiles à électronique et TIC intégrées - Définitions, catégorisation, applications et besoins de normalisation
Le présent document fournit des définitions liées au domaine des textiles électroniques (e-textiles) et des systèmes textiles électroniques, ainsi qu’une catégorisation des différents types de textiles électroniques et de systèmes textiles électroniques. Il décrit succinctement l’état actuel de développement de ces produits et leur application potentielle, et donne des indications sur les besoins de normalisation préférentiels.
Le présent document fournit des lignes directrices pour déterminer la vérification générale des performances revendiquées, de l’innocuité, de la durabilité des propriétés, des informations relatives aux produits et des aspects environnementaux de l’électronique textile.
Le présent document n’est pas destiné aux produits qui sont placés à l’intérieur ou fixés (en permanence) au corps humain. Il ne traite spécifiquement ni des liaisons utilisées pour communiquer des informations électroniques entre le textile et l’électronique intégrée, ni du traitement externe des données. Par conséquent, le présent document n’est pas non plus axé sur la conception des logiciels à mettre en oeuvre dans les textiles électroniques des systèmes textiles.
Tekstilije in tekstilni izdelki - Tekstilje z vgrajeno elektroniko in IKT - Opredelitve, kategorizacija, uporaba in potrebe po standardizaciji
Ta dokument vsebuje definicije na področju elektronskih tekstilij (e-tekstilij) in sistemov za elektronske tekstilije ter razvrstitev različnih vrst elektronskih tekstilij in sistemov za elektronske tekstilije. Na kratko opisuje trenutno stopnjo razvoja teh izdelkov in potencial za uporabo ter navaja prednostne standardizacijske potrebe.
Ta dokument zagotavlja tudi smernice za določanje splošnega preverjanja zatrjevane zmogljivosti, neškodljivosti, trajnosti lastnosti, informacij o izdelkih in okoljskih vidikov elektronskih tekstilij.
Ta dokument ni namenjen za izdelke, ki so vsajeni v človeško telo oziroma so nanj (trajno) pritrjeni. Prav tako ne obravnava posebej elektronske informacijsko-komunikacijske povezave med tekstilijo z vgrajeno elektroniko in zunanjo obdelavo podatkov. Ta dokument se tudi ne osredotoča na zasnovo programske opreme, ki se uporablja v sistemih za elektronske tekstilije.
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2023
Tekstilije in tekstilni izdelki - Tekstilje z vgrajeno elektroniko in IKT - Opredelitve,
kategorizacija, uporaba in potrebe po standardizaciji
Textiles and textile products - Textiles with integrated electronics and ICT - Definitions,
categorisation, applications and standardisation needs
Textilien und textile Erzeugnisse - Textilien mit integrierter Elektronik und ICT -
Definitionen, Klassifizierung, Anwendungen und Normungsbedarf
Textiles et produits textiles - Textiles à électronique et TIC intégrées - Définitions,
catégorisation, applications et besoins de normalisation
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TR 17945:2023
ICS:
59.080.80 Inteligentne tekstilije Smart textiles
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
CEN/TR 17945
TECHNICAL REPORT
RAPPORT TECHNIQUE
May 2023
TECHNISCHER REPORT
ICS 59.080.80
English Version
Textiles and textile products - Textiles with integrated
electronics and ICT - Definitions, categorisation,
applications and standardisation needs
Textiles et produits textiles - Textiles à électronique et Textilien und textile Erzeugnisse - Textilien mit
TIC intégrées - Définitions, catégorisation, applications integrierter Elektronik und ICT - Definitionen,
et besoins de normalisation Klassifizierung, Anwendungen und Normungsbedarf
This Technical Report was approved by CEN on 3 April 2023. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 248.
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
© 2023 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TR 17945:2023 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Categorization according to integration levels . 10
4.1 General. 10
4.2 Integration level 1 . 10
4.3 Integration level 2 . 10
4.4 Integration level 3 . 10
4.5 Integration level 4 . 11
5 Available standards for testing and evaluating textiles with integrated electronics and
ICT. 11
5.1 General. 11
5.2 Verification of claimed performances . 12
5.3 Durability of properties . 20
5.4 Wear (during use)/ mechanical stress (check military standard) . 22
5.5 Electromagnetic compatibility . 28
5.6 Exposure to electromagnetic fields . 28
5.7 Explosive atmospheres . 28
5.8 Innocuousness . 29
5.9 Product information . 29
5.10 Environmental aspects . 29
6 Risk assessment . 31
7 Data privacy/ (personal) data protection . 32
8 Examples . 33
8.1 Heated garment . 33
8.2 Garment with heart rate monitor . 35
8.3 Smart workwear, including personal protective equipment (PPE) . 36
9 Proposals for future work . 37
Bibliography . 38
European foreword
This document (CEN/TR 17945:2023) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 248 “Textiles
and textile products”, the secretariat of which is held by BSI.
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.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
Introduction
This document is intended to be complementary to CEN ISO/TR 23383 “Textiles and textile products -
Smart (Intelligent) textiles - Definitions, categorisation, applications and standardization needs”.
In the field of smart textiles with integrated electronics and ICT, different terms are being used which
don’t necessarily describe the same types of products. For example, there are the expressions “textile
electronics”, “electronic textile”, textronics or “e-textile”, connected textiles, i-textiles (interactive
textiles), which are used for anything from combinations of textile and electronics to electronic
components made of textile parts. Another example is the expression “wearable electronics”, which is
applicable for anything that is wearable, including also non-textile products. And then there is the term
“flexible and stretchable” electronics, which is used for novel electronics components, including circuit
boards, which can be deformed as compared to the rigid state-of-the art technology (see Figure 1). All of
these terms are being commonly used, but not always clearly defined. Also, clear categorizations are
missing, which could form the basis for standards developments. The purpose of the new CEN Technical
Report is therefore to provide guidance on how to approach standardization in the field of smart textiles
with integrated electronics and ICT.
Figure 1 — Relationships between textiles, (flexible) electronics and electronic textiles (e-
textiles)
Textiles and electronics are two very different fields of technology, requiring a quite different type of
expertise. The terminology used and the approach to developing new technology is often very different.
Adding ICT makes this difference even greater. One important purpose of the new CEN Technical Report
will therefore be to provide a common basis for experts from Textile and Electronics (and ICT) to
understand each other (terminology and way of thinking) in order to be able to develop the technology
and products together, see Figure 2.
Important issues also include the testing, characterization and evaluation of textile electronics parts and
products. Experience has shown that these products cannot simply be seen as an additive combination of
textile and electronics, but due to the novel combination and implementation of materials and design of
components, completely new properties emerge which allow new applications.
Figure 2 — Positioning of E-textiles (electronic textiles) among the textiles, electronics and ICT
(Information and Communication Technology)
As a result, the currently existing standards both in textile and in electronics are not sufficient to describe
smart textiles with integrated electronics and ICT.
Factors currently not taken into account for electronics are for example:
— flexibility and stretchability, i.e. a change in dimensions during use;
— washing (combination of water, detergent and mechanical action) vs. immersion in water/ liquids;
— size and weight;
— the human body environment: temperature, perspiration, etc.
Factors currently not taken into account in many textile processes are:
— standardized dimensions for connectors, wires, etc.;
— printed circuit board design;
— batch processes for applying parts are not automated.
The information provided in this document can be of use to
in general:
— stakeholders from textile, electronics and ICT that want to work together on developing cross
sectorial products in order to have a basis for understanding each other’s sectors.
more specifically:
— manufacturers of textile electronics: to advise them on appropriate product development and testing,
on suitable ways to substantiate product claims and on what conformity assessment will be
necessary;
— specification writers, as guidance to writing technical specifications and new specific standards for
electronic textiles;
— end users, in determining whether a product has indeed been fully assessed and that all information
necessary for proper use and care are available;
— conformity assessment bodies, as a guide towards assessing products according to the appropriate
standards;
— market surveillance authorities, to help in the assessment of product claims, product safety and
fitness for purpose.
Applications
Already for several years, demonstrators and prototypes of textile electronics have been developed, but
after the initial hype there was a lot of disappointment that no commercial products where reaching the
market. This was partially because of unrealistic design and wrong expectations. This was also due in
part to the lack of existing standards, not only towards testing and evaluation but also towards product
design. On the other hand, standards development is often only started if commercial products are
available or close to market introduction.
Currently, there are several areas of application where stakeholders are increasingly asking for standards
development. On the one hand, market introduction is being delayed due to the lack of standards. On the
other, products are being introduced but standards are lacking to prove the conformity of the products
with national and regional legislation. In some cases, even the legislation is not clear. The following areas
have been identified and will be highlighted in this document:
— personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE), intervention;
— medical;
— assisted living, including health care support;
— automotive/ aerospace;
— sports & leisure, including clothing and accessories;
— labels or tags (e.g. RFID) for tracking, theft protection.
For a general classification of technical textiles, based on a market approach, the definitions provided by
Techtextil are commonly used .
https://techtextil.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en/profile.html
1 Scope
This document provides definitions in the field of electronic textiles (e-textiles) and electronic textile
systems, as well as the categorization of different types of electronic textiles and electronic textile
systems. It briefly describes the current stage of development of these products and their application
potential and gives indications on preferential standardization needs.
This document will also provide guidelines to determine general verification of claimed performance,
innocuousness, durability of properties, product information and environmental aspects of textile
electronics.
This document is not intended for products which are placed inside or are (permanently) attached to the
human body. It also does not specifically address the electronics information communication link
between the textile with integrated electronics and external data processing. This document therefore
also does not focus on the design of software to be implemented in electronic textiles of textile systems.
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.
CEN ISO/TR 23383, Textiles and textile products - Smart (Intelligent) textiles - Definitions, categorisation,
applications and standardization needs (ISO/TR 23383)
EN 16812, Textiles and textile products - Electrically conductive textiles - Determination of the linear
electrical resistance of conductive tracks
EN IEC 63203-101-1, Wearable electronic devices and technologies - Part 101-1: Terminology (IEC 63203-
101-1)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in CEN ISO/TR 23383, EN 16812 and
EN IEC 63203-101-1 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
electronic textile
e-textile
fibre, yarn, fabric, or textile end product combined with at least one electronic component or device
Note 1 to entry: Electronic devices, components and systems can be made at the levels of fibres, yarns, fabrics and
garments.
[SOURCE: EN IEC 63203-101-1:2021, 3.12]
3.2
(electronic) component
(electronic) constituent part of a device which cannot be physically divided into smaller parts without
losing its particular function
[SOURCE: Electropedia 151-11-21]
3.3
(electronic) device
material element or assembly of such elements intended to perform a required function
[SOURCE: Electropedia 151-11-20]
3.4
system (general)
set of interrelated elements considered in a defined context as a whole and separated from their
environment
[SOURCE: Electropedia 151-11-27]
Note 1 to entry: A system is generally defined with the view of achieving a given objective, e.g. by performing a
definite function.
Note 2 to entry: Elements of a system can be natural or man-made material objects, as well as modes of thinking
and the results thereof (e.g. forms of organization, mathematical methods, programming languages).
Note 3 to entry: The system is considered to be separated from the environment and the other external systems by
an imaginary surface, which cuts the links between them and the system.
Note 4 to entry: The term "system" is usually qualified when it is not clear from the context to what it refers, e.g.
control system, colorimetric system, system of units, transmission system.
3.5
integration of textile and electronics
combining textile materials and electronics materials, components, systems and devices
3.6
integration level
level representing the integration of an electronic component or device onto or into a structure of a textile
material or textile product
Note 1 to entry: An e-textile can contain several electronic devices and or components which can have different
levels of integration. They can or cannot be interconnected (communicate with each other, etc.).
3.7
Interconnection
3.7.1
electrical interconnection
connection of distinct electric circuits or electric networks to each other
[SOURCE: Electropedia 151-12-10]
Note 1 to entry: Also referred to as "interconnexion".
3.7.2
physical interconnection
attachment between two components without providing an electrical interconnection
3.7.3
electro - physical interconnection
attachment between two components which also ensures connection of distinct electric circuits or
electric networks to each other
3.8
sensor (general)
measuring element, part of a measuring instrument, or measuring chain, which is directly affected by the
measurand and which generates a signal related to the value of the measurand
[SOURCE: Electropedia 311-05-01]
3.9
(electric) sensor
device which, when excited by a physical phenomenon, produces an electric signal characterizing the
physical phenomenon
Note 1 to entry: Sensors such as touch sensors, temperature sensors, motion sensors, vital-voltage sensors, or
electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors are specific types of sensors used in wearable devices.
Note 2 to entry: An overview of sensoric input and output can be found in CEN ISO/ TR 23383.
[SOURCE: EN IEC 63203-101-1:2021, 3.9, modified – Note 2 to entry has been added.]
3.10
measuring transducer (with electrical output)
device intended to transform, with a specified accuracy and according to a given law, the measurand, or
a quantity already transformed therefrom, into an electrical quantity
[SOURCE: Electropedia 312-02-15]
Note 1 to entry: If the input quantity is electrical, the input and output quantities are not always of the same kind,
for example, a voltage and a current.
Note 2 to entry: In certain instances, measuring transducers also have a specific name in respect of their function,
(for example, amplifier, converter, transformer, frequency transducer, sensor, thermocouple, etc.).
3.11
(electric) actuator
device that produces a physical output from an electric signal
Note 1 to entry: the output can be in the form of heat, light (electromagnetic radiation), mechanical action, another
electrical signal, or other signal.
3.12
Information and Communications Technology
ICT
acronym which commonly refers to unified systems of computers, digital communication, software,
middleware, storage, embedded systems, and audio-visual systems, which enable users to access, store,
transmit, measure and manipulate information
4 Categorization according to integration levels
4.1 General
The integration level can be applied to the electronic devices or its components, depending on whether
the device or just a component is being characterized. The identification of general standardization needs
are mentioned in Clause 5. Standardization needs for specific applications will be discussed in Clause 7.
The integration level will also be important towards end-of-use considerations; these will be discussed
in more detail in the following sub-clauses.
The purpose of defining the different integration levels is to provide guidance towards standardization
needs. These can be linked to national or regional legislation, which can depend on the way the system is
defined (e.g. the whole system is considered one product versus different components of the system being
considered individual products).
The way the system is viewed as product or combination of products, as well as the intended use or
application, will have an influence on the required assessment of risk for the user. Linked to this, as well
as to the application, there can also be a different risk assessment required for the product or system.
Risk assessment will be discussed in more detail in Clause 6.
4.2 Integration level 1
In integration level 1 the electronic (textile) component is attached in a way that it can be detached
without destruction of the product. Examples for integration level 1 electronic textile systems are
attachment of the electronic (textile) component by inserting in a dedicated pocket or by attaching it via,
for example, close fasteners or push buttons.
NOTE Wearable devices mostly fall in this category.
Integration level 1 offers the possibility to separate the textile and electronic (textile) components, for
example for testing, storage, charging (of energy storage components), maintenance and replacement.
Whilst in some cases the components can be viewed as separate products, it is possible that applications
or claims be made that the product is comprised of the complete system. In this case, the complete system
needs to be tested and evaluated for, for example functionality or health and safety risks.
An example of this type of textile system would be a heat and flame protection garment for a fire fighter
with a reversibly detachable/ removable sensor device for monitoring e.g. toxic gases in the atmosphere
or the ambient or on-body temperature. The requirements towards heat and flame resistance will have
to be fulfilled by the complete system, meaning that it is possible that all components have to be tested
as an ensemble.
4.3 Integration level 2
In integration level 2 the electronic device is attached to textile in a way that it is not removable without
destroying the products. Examples for attachment methods are stitching, welding, gluing.
Electronics made from textile coatings and applied to the textile substrate by transfer coating also fall
into this category. In this case, the components cannot be treated separately anymore, it will be necessary
to assess the system as whole.
An example of a textile system with integration level 2 is a sweater with headphones integrated into the
hood (replacing the drawstring).
4.4 Integration level 3
In integration level 3, the electronic textile system comprises an electronic device which consists of one
or more electronic components which are made using textile or textile finishing technologies and which
can be combined with permanently or non-permanently attached electronic components (mixed
solution). An example for an integration level 3 electronic textile system is an LED lamp attached to a
conductive track which has been woven, knitted or embroidered into a fabric.
In the case that one or more components can be removed, the same considerations as for integration level
1 apply.
In the case that none of the components can be removed, the same considerations as for integration level
2 apply.
In both cases, the specific properties and possible limitations of textile-based electronics need to be
considered.
4.5 Integration level 4
In integration level 4, all components of the electronic device are made using textile or textile finishing
technologies (full textile solution).
In this case, the specific properties and possible limitations of textile-based electronics need to be
considered.
In most cases, it will be necessary to develop dedicated standards for this type of components/ systems,
including standards for connectivity and track design.
5 Available standards for testing and evaluating textiles with integrated
electronics and ICT
5.1 General
The general principles are laid out in CEN ISO/TR 23383. In this document, the specific aspects for textiles
with integrated electronics and ICT will be described.
The following standards for determining the electrical resistance/ conductivity of textile materials are
currently available:
— EN 16812 “Textiles and textile products - Electrically conductive textiles - Determination of the linear
electrical resistance of conductive tracks”
— EN ISO 24584 “Textiles - Smart textiles - Test method for sheet resistance of conductive textiles using
non-contact type”
— EN IEC 63203-201-1 “Wearable electronic devices and technologies - Part 201-1: Electronic textile -
Measurement methods for basic properties of conductive yarns”
— EN IEC 63203-201-2: “Wearable electronic devices and technologies - Part 201-2: Electronic textile
- Measurement methods for basic properties of conductive fabrics and insulation materials”
— EN IEC 63203-201-3: “Wearable electronic devices and technologies - Part 201-3: Electronic textile
- Determination of electrical resistance of conductive textiles under simulated microclimate”
As mentioned in the scope, only electrical properties of the electronic textile system will be discussed.
Standardization of components (shape, interconnectivity, etc.) is covered in IEC TC124. Standardization
of data transport is covered by the ETSI Technical Committee SmartBAN in Europe and IEC TC 124 on
international level.
The following IEC standard for general environmental testing of electronics is available:
EN 60068-1 “Environmental testing - Part 1: General and guidance”
5.2 Verification of claimed performances
5.2.1 General
The following clauses will discuss the specific needs towards determining the performance of electronic
textile materials and systems. Given the flexible and stretchable nature of electronic textiles, it is possible
that the methods used for rigid electronic circuits need to be adapted to accommodate for the different
nature of the electronic textile materials. In some cases, the flexible, stretchable nature of the electronic
textile material can lead to novel properties, like stretch-sensors utilizing the change in impedance with
stretching the conductive track.
Parts of electronic textile products/systems can be subjected to maintenance cycles, for example
washing, or can be subjected to conditions specific for garments being worn (sweating, soiling,
mechanical stress, abrasion, etc.). Durability aspects for such products will need to include common
textile wearing and maintenance testing.
5.2.2 Properties of flexible and stretchable electronics vs. rigid electronics
Flexing and stretching an electronic device has an influence on its performance, which can either be
utilized as a sensor (e.g. change of resistance with length of a conductive track) or can have a negative
influence on its performance (when the resistance of the conductive track is not supposed to be a variable
in the system). Multiple cycles of flexing and stretching will also cause mechanical wear, which can
influence the performance of the device.
Standards for flexible and stretchable electronics are therefore needed for both evaluating possible
sensory properties but also for evaluating the effect on the performance, especially towards mechanical
wear.
Standards for flexible and stretchable electronics are being developed in IEC TC 119 “Printed electronics”
and IEC TC124 “Wearable electronic devices and technologies”, and also CEN TC 248 WG31 “Smart
textiles and electronic textiles” and ISO TC 38 WG32 “Smart textiles”.
5.2.3 Influence of humidity, Sweat and other liquids
5.2.3.1 General
When evaluating exposure to humidity, sweat or other liquids there are two important aspects:
— the release of substances from the electronic textile;
— the influence of humidity, sweat or other liquids on the functioning of the electronic textile.
NOTE (Hazardous) chemicals are not considered here. For the exposure to (hazardous) chemicals, the test
methods for protective clothing apply.
5.2.3.2 Release of substances from the electronic textile
For the release of substances, the following test methods are available (non-exhaustive list):
— EN 1811 “Reference test method for release of nickel from all post assemblies which are inserted into
pierced parts of the human body and articles intended to come into direct and prolonged contact
with the skin”
This document specifies a method for simulating the release of nickel from all post assemblies which
are inserted into pierced ears and other pierced parts of the human body and articles intended to
come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin in order to determine whether such articles are
in compliance with No. 27 Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament
and of the Council (REACH). Spectacle frames and sunglasses are excluded from the scope of this
document.
NOTE 1 Spectacle frames and sunglasses are subject to the requirements of EN 16128 which provides an
unchanged re-publication of the technical requirements that had previously been specified in EN 1811 but
restricted in scope to apply only to spectacle frames and sunglasses.
— EN 71-3 “Safety of toys - Part 3: Migration of certain elements”
This document specifies requirements and test methods for the migration of aluminium, antimony,
arsenic, barium, boron, cadmium, Chromium (III), Chromium (VI), cobalt, copper, lead, manganese,
mercury, nickel, selenium, strontium, tin, organic tin and zinc from toy materials and from parts of
toys. Packaging materials are not considered to be part of the toy unless they have intended play
value.
NOTE 2 See the European Commission Guidance Document no. 12 on packaging for the interpretation and
application of the Directive 2009/48/EC on the safety of toys .
The standard contains requirements for the migration of certain elements from the following
categories of toy materials: - Category I: Dry, brittle, powder like or pliable materials; - Category II:
Liquid or sticky materials; - Category III: Scraped-off materials. The requirements of this document
do not apply to toys or parts of toys which, due to their accessibility, function, volume or mass, clearly
exclude any hazard due to sucking, licking or swallowing or prolonged skin contact when the toy or
part of toy is used as intended or in a foreseeable way, bearing in mind the behaviour of children.
NOTE 3 For the purposes of this document, for the following toys and parts of toys the likelihood of sucking,
licking or swallowing toys is considered significant:
— All toys intended to be put in the mouth or to the mouth, cosmetics toys and writing instruments
categorized as toys can be considered to be sucked, licked or swallowed.
— All the accessible parts and components of toys intended for children up to 6 years of age can be
considered to come into contact with the mouth. The likelihood of mouth contact with parts of toys
intended for older children is not considered significant in most cases.
— EN ISO 105-E04 “Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part E04: Colour fastness to perspiration”;
here two definitions of “standard sweat” are provided, one for an alkaline solution and one for an
acid solution. Testing includes bleeding into a second substrate.
This document specifies a method for determining the resistance of the colour of textiles of all kinds
and in all forms to the action of human perspiration.
— EN ISO 11641“Leather — Tests for colour fastness — Colour fastness to perspiration” (same
conditions as for ISO 105-E04)
This document specifies a method for determining the colour fastness to perspiration of leather of
all kinds at all stages of processing. It applies particularly to gloving, clothing and lining leathers, as
well as leather for the uppers of unlined shoes. The method uses an artificial perspiration solution to
simulate the action of human perspiration. Since perspiration varies widely from one individual to
the next, it is not possible to design a method with universal validity, but the alkaline artificial
perspiration solution specified in this document will give results corresponding to those with natural
perspiration in most cases.
— EN ISO 105-B07 “Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part B07: Colour fastness to light of textiles
wetted with artificial perspiration there are methods for the Lightfastness”
https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/5850/attachments/1/translations
This document specifies a method for determining the resistance of the colour of textiles, of all kinds
and in all forms, to the combined effect of wetting with acid or alkaline artificial perspiration
solutions and an artificial light source representing natural daylight (D65).
— EN 16711-2 “Textiles - Determination of metal content - Part 2: Determination of metals extracted
by acidic artificial perspiration solution”
This document is not limited to textiles, but includes textile products, thus buttons, etc. It specifies a
procedure for determination of antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt
(Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni) in natural and man-made textiles, including
coated fabrics and garment components (e.g. buttons, zips, etc.) after extraction with acidic artificial
perspiration solution.
— EN ISO 17700 “Footwear — Test methods for upper components and in socks — Colour fastness to
rubbing and bleeding”
This document specifies three test methods (method A, method B and method C) for assessing the
degree of transfer of a material's surface colour during dry or wet rubbing and a method (method D)
for determining the likelihood of colour bleeding. The methods are applicable to all footwear uppers,
linings and in socks, irrespective of the material. Method D is also applicable to sewing threads and
shoelaces.
The methods are:
— method A: to-and-fro square rubbing finger fastness testing machine;
— method B: rotative rub fastness testing machine;
— method C: to-and-fro circular rubbing finger fastness testing machine;
— method D: colour fastness to bleeding.
When applying these methods to electronic textiles, the following procedure is proposed:
1. Apply the test and evaluation methods as originally intended (thus as intended for the textile,
leather, footwear, etc. product)
2. Evaluate the impact of testing on the electronic components integrated into the textile, leather,
etc. footwear product:
— functioning/ damage: especially the connections (see 5.2.3.3);
— release of substances;
— release of particles (other than textile).
5.2.3.3 Influence of humidity, sweat or other liquids on the functioning of the electronic textile
Humidity, sweat or other liquids can have a positive effect, e.g. enhancing the contact of a sensor to skin
but can also have a negative effect by creating e.g. short circuits, changing the resistance of a conductive
track or the charge storage of a capacitor, corrosion of (metallic) components.
When evaluating the influence of humidity, sweat or other liquids, care needs to be taken to choose
conditions as close as possible to the local environment at the electronic textile under conditions of use.
An important factor influencing the local climate is movement, which can bring circulation and therefore
a change in humidity. This is especially the case for electronic textiles incorporated in garments or
wearable accessories.
Depending on the intended application/use the electronic textile can be evaluated against other
substances, e.g. urea (constituent of urine), sugared liquids, soap solutions/ detergents, salt water. When
evaluating the skin contact of a sensor it can also be necessary to take into account an average structure
and hairiness of skin as well as the pressure applied to the contacting area of the sensor, e.g. by using a
tight fitting knitted textile structure.
Available specific test methods:
EN IEC 63203-201-3 “Wearable electronic devices and technologies - Part 201-3: Electronic textile -
Determination of electrical resistance of conductive textiles under simulated microclimate”.
This document specifies a test method for determination of the electrical resistance of conductive fabrics
under simulated microclimate within clothing. The microclimate is the climate of the small air layer
between the skin and clothing having a specific temperature and humidity. This test method can be
applied to conductive fabrics including multilayer assemblies for use in clothing.
Depending on the application testing against the following liquids is of interest to be performed (non-
exhaustive list):
— sugary liquids;
— urine;
— salt water;
— detergents (5.3.2).
If standard methods are not available, in-house test methods can be used. It is also important to evaluate
if test methods for electronic devices could be suitable.
Also, the methods described in 5.2.3.2 could possibly be used as pre-treatment for evaluating the
functionality of the smart textiles after exposure.
The following test methods for specific environmental testing of electronics are available:
— EN IEC 60068-2-11 “Environmental testing - Part 2-11: Tests - Test Ka: Salt mist”
— EN IEC 60068-2-52 “Environmental testing - Part 2-52: Tests - Test Kb: Salt mist, cyclic (sodium
chloride solution)”
— EN 60068-2-18 “Environmental testing - Part 2-18: Tests - Test R and guidance: Water”
— EN 60068-2-45 “Basic environmental testing procedures - Part 2-45: Tests - Test XA and guidance:
Immersion in cleaning solvents”
— EN 60068-2-74 “Environmental testing - Part 2-74: Tests - Test Xc: Fluid contamination”
There are also additional methods towards specific chemicals (gasses) available:
— EN 60068-2-42 “Environmental testing - Part 2-42: Tests - Test Kc: Sulphur dioxide test for contacts
and connections”
— IEC 60068-2-49 “Basic environmental testing procedures - Part 2-49: Tests - Guidance to test Kc:
Sulphur dioxide test for contacts and connections”
— EN 60068-2-43 “Environmental testing - Part 2-43: Tests - Test Kd: Hydrogen sulphide test for
contacts and connections”
— IEC 60068-2-46 “Basic environmental testing procedures - Part 2-46: Tests - Guidance to test Kd:
Hydrogen sulphide test for contacts and connections”
— EN 60068-2-60 “Environmental testing - Part 2-60: Tests - Test Ke: Flowing mixed gas corrosion test”
5.2.4 Influence of temperature
5.2.4.1 General
There are several in-house or sector specific methods available for evaluating electronic devices and
components available, especially in the auto-motive industry, which are not freely available. When
supplying to these industries the manufacturer is advised to discuss the necessary testing with their
clients.
In the following sections, a selection of available International and European Standards is listed, which
can be useful for the reader of this document for testing and evaluating electronic textiles. In all cases, the
applicability of the standard to the temperature range of exposure of the envisioned application will need
to be considered when choosing or applying a given method – in some cases modifications of the standard
method can be useful.
In this clause, some general reference methods can be found, with references to the different conditions
(hot, cold and in combination with or without humidity as well as fluctuating temperatures can be found).
A very comprehensive document is MIL-STD-810H:2019, Environmental Engineering Considerations and
Laboratory Tests. Department of Defense, USA, 31-JAN-2019 .
Additional general methods are (non-exhaustive list):
— EN 13274-5 “Occupational safety standards system - Respiratory protective devices - Methods of test.
Part 5: Climatic conditions”
— EN IEC 60068-3-1 “Environmental testing - Part 3-1: Supporting documentation and guidance - Cold
and dry heat tests”
— EN IEC 60068-3-5 “Environmental testing - Part 3-5: Supporting documentation and guidance -
Confirmation of the performance of temperature chambers”
5.2.4.2 High temperatures
High temperatures can cause malfunctioning of electronics due to changes of the electronic properties
but also due to material failure. It is therefore important to know what the maximum temperature of use
for a component is, in order to choose the suitable components for the envisioned application. When
evaluating this maximum temperature, the actual temperature at the site of the component needs to be
taken into account, not the temperature of the heat source. Using clever design for positioning of the
components will also influence the actual temperature a component is exposed to.
Concerning heat and flame exposure, the reader of this document is referred to test methods and testing
conditions used for heat and flame protective clothing/equipment. An example for how to evaluate such
clothing with integrated smart and electronic textiles is EN 17673 “Protective clothing - Protection
against heat and flame - Requirements and test methods for garments with integrated smart textiles and
non-textile elements (after exposure)”.
http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-0800-0899/MIL-STD-810H_55998/
Additional testing and evaluation under different humidity conditions at elevated temperatures can be
found in these parts of the EN IEC 60068-2 series:
— EN 60068-2-2 “Environmental testing - Part 2-2: Tests - Test B: Dry heat”
— EN 60068-2-66 “Environmental testing - Part 2: Test methods - Test Cx: Damp heat, steady state
(unsaturated pressurized vapour)”
— EN 60068-2-78 “Environmental testing - Part 2-78: Tests - Test Cab: Damp heat, steady state”
— EN 60068-2-67 “Environmental testing - Part 2-67: Tests - Test Cy: Damp heat, steady state,
accelerated test primarily intended for components”
— EN IEC 60068-3-4 “Environmental testing - Part 3-4: Supporting documentation and guidance -
Damp heat tests”
— EN IEC 60068-3-6 “Environmental testing - Part 3-6: Supporting documentation and guidance -
Confi
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