Overview
EN ISO 1806:2002 specifies a standardized method for determining the mesh breaking force of fishing netting. The procedure covers tests performed in both the dry and wet states, with wet testing considered particularly relevant for predicting in-use behaviour. The standard is intended for use in laboratory testing, quality control, procurement verification and product specification of fishing nets and netting materials.
Key Topics
- Scope: Defines the method to measure the maximum force at which a mesh (knot or joint) breaks when subjected to tensile load.
- Test states: Tests may be carried out in the dry state (conditioned to the standard atmosphere) or in the wet state (samples fully wetted before testing).
- Apparatus: Suitable tensile testing machines include constant rate of elongation, constant rate of force or constant rate of traverse machines; a constant rate of elongation machine is preferred. Pins or heavier yarn loops are used as holding devices.
- Atmosphere and conditioning: Dry-state testing follows ISO 139 standard atmospheres (20 °C ± 2 °C and 65 % ± 2 % relative humidity) until equilibrium. Wet-state samples must be fully wetted prior to testing by immersion in tap water (20 °C ± 2 °C) for not less than 12 h, or in a wetting-agent solution for 1 h, unless complete wetting is demonstrated in less time.
- Test parameters: The machine must be capable of producing the prescribed average time-to-break (mean duration ~ 20 s ± 3 s determined by preliminary tests). The force indication accuracy shall not exceed ±1 % in the range used.
- Sampling and preparation: Samples shall be representative and prepared to prevent untwisting; central mesh is used for measurement. If knot slippage occurs or incorrect break location results, tests are discarded and repeated.
- Number of tests: A minimum of 10 single tests per netting piece, unless otherwise agreed, with additional tests if required to meet confidence intervals.
Applications
- Quality control and acceptance testing of fishing nets
- Comparative assessment of netting materials and constructions
- Supplier verification and contract compliance testing
- Research and development of netting products to predict in-water performance
Related Standards
- ISO 139 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing (referenced for dry-state conditioning)
- ISO 1805 - Determination of breaking load and knot breaking load of netting yarns (referenced where knot-breaking methods are required)
- CEN/TC 248 and ISO/TC 38 provide technical committee context for textile and fishing-net standards
Practical notes
- Tests in the wet state often better reflect service conditions and should be used when predicting in-use behaviour.
- Record and report all key test parameters: sample description, machine type and range, holding device, number of tests, discarded observations, average breaking force (daN), coefficient of variation/confidence interval, wet/dry state and any deviations from the procedure.
Following EN ISO 1806:2002 ensures repeatable, comparable mesh breaking force results that support robust product specification and informed procurement decisions for fishing gear and related netting products.
