Overview
EN ISO 4892-2:2013/A1:2021 is the CEN-endorsed amendment to ISO 4892‑2 (Xenon‑arc lamps) for the accelerated weathering of plastics. Amendment A1 adds an informative Annex C that introduces a formal classification of daylight filters used with xenon‑arc laboratory light sources. The change improves reproducibility and comparability of accelerated exposure results by specifying two daylight‑filter spectral types (Type I and Type II) and by clarifying how spectral irradiance is to be interpreted for Method A testing.
Key topics and requirements
- Daylight filter classification: Annex C defines Type I and Type II daylight filter systems based on relative spectral irradiance in 20 nm increments across the UV‑visible range (table values referenced to Table 1 of the main standard).
- Spectral measurement guidance: To determine compliance, the spectral irradiance of the xenon‑arc lamp with its daylight filter must be measured across the UV region (250 nm–400 nm) and passband contributions summed relative to the total irradiance from 290 nm–400 nm.
- Type characteristics:
- Type I - higher UV cut‑on wavelength, closer to natural global solar radiation (recommended for setups aiming to mimic solar UV).
- Type II - lower UV cut‑on wavelength; typically produces faster material degradation in accelerated tests.
- Reporting recommendation: When available, the type of daylight filter (Type I or Type II) should be stated in test reports to aid result comparability.
- Normative context: Annex C is informative and supplements Method A; any filters fulfilling the spectral requirements in Table 1 remain permitted even if they don’t match Type I/II exactly.
Practical applications
- Accelerated weathering tests for polymeric materials, coatings, textiles and automotive exterior materials where exposure to a solar‑like spectrum is required.
- Comparative materials testing, product development, durability screening, and quality control where consistent light source characteristics are critical.
- Laboratories seeking improved repeatability and cross‑lab comparability by declaring filter type and following the Annex C spectral definitions.
Who should use this standard
- Materials scientists, polymer formulators and R&D teams
- Third‑party and in‑house accelerated weathering test laboratories
- Automotive and coatings engineers conducting exterior durability testing
- Standards and compliance professionals referencing ISO 4892 test methods
Related standards
- ISO 4892 series (other parts for different light sources)
- ISO/TR 17801 (reference global solar spectral irradiance)
- ASTM D7869 (xenon arc practice - aligns with Type I)
- SAE J2527 (automotive xenon‑arc performance - aligns with Type II)
Keywords: EN ISO 4892‑2:2013/A1:2021, ISO 4892‑2, xenon‑arc lamps, daylight filters, accelerated weathering, plastics, spectral irradiance, Type I, Type II.
