Cold protection
When to use EN 342 garments
EN 342 protective clothing is intended for use in cold environments where the air temperature drops below -5°C, or where the combination of cold, wind and humidity causes a similar cooling effect. Typical applications include outdoor construction, transport, logistics, agriculture and cold storage work.
Performance requirements under
EN 342
EN 342:2017 defines three key performance parameters that determine a garment’s effectiveness against cold:
1. Thermal insulation (Icler)
Measured on a moving mannequin, this value expresses the resultant effective thermal insulation of the complete garment ensemble, including undergarments.
The higher the Icler value (expressed in m²·K/W), the better the insulation.
Minimum requirement: 0.265 m²·K/W.
The test considers different activity levels, air speed and exposure times.
2. Air permeability (AP)
This parameter measures how much air can pass through the garment material. The result determines how effectively the clothing resists wind penetration – in other words, how windproof it is. Air permeability is classified on a scale from 1 to 3, where Class 3 provides the highest level of protection.
| Class | Air permeability (AP) in mm/s | Application / air speed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100 < AP | < 1 m/s – indoors |
| 2 | 5 < AP ≤ 100 | < 5 m/s |
| 3 | AP ≤ 5 | ≥ 5 m/s – typical for outdoors |
3. Resistance to water penetration (WP)
This optional test indicates a garment’s waterproofness. If not tested: The symbol "X" is used to indicate that water penetration resistance was not tested. minerals.
About the symbol
Each EN 342-certified garment carries a pictogram with performance levels indicated below it:
Icler value (a)
The letter in brackets refers to the type of undergarment used during testing:
B : standard reference undergarment as specified by EN 342.
C : specific undergarment chosen and specified by the manufacturer.
R : used for simpler garments or when no other undergarment is specified.
Correct use and maintenance of EN 342 garments
To ensure certified protection and optimal comfort, EN 342 garments must be used and maintained correctly. Always wear the complete cold-protective outfit - jacket and trousers - together with the recommended underclothing type (B or C).
Avoid over-insulation and excessive perspiration, as trapped moisture reduces the protective performance. Take regular breaks in a heated room, where the PPE should preferably be partially removed or opened to allow moisture to evaporate.
The thermal insulation of cold-protective garments can decrease after laundering or compression. Inspect garments frequently and replace them when worn or damaged. Always store garments in a dry, well-ventilated place to preserve their performance.
