Overview
EN ISO 24231:2024 (ISO 24231:2024) specifies a laboratory test method for assessing liquid tightness of ready-made garments against rain, using a static manikin exposed to large amounts of high‑energy droplets from above. Applicable to jackets, trousers, coats and one‑ or two‑piece suits, the standard evaluates water ingress (wetting and wicking) under simulated heavy rainfall. It supersedes EN 14360:2004 and is intended for manufacturers, test laboratories and conformity assessors concerned with protective clothing and rainwear performance.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test principle: A life‑size manikin wearing absorbent underwear is dressed in the garment under test and exposed to simulated high‑energy droplets from a tower device; inner surfaces and underwear are inspected for wet areas.
- Apparatus: Tower device with a circular tub (≥ 1 000 mm diameter) positioned ≥ 5 000 mm above floor, fitted with approximately 682 nozzles (0.6 mm holes at 34 mm centres) delivering droplets over a ~932 mm diameter area; overflow maintains water depth of (45 ± 5) mm.
- Manikin & underwear: Manikin dimensions (1 820 ± 40 mm tall, chest girth 1 000 ± 60 mm); underwear made from absorbent fabric with mean drop wicking time ≤ 2 s (see normative Annex B).
- Instrumentation: Optional humidity sensors may be positioned at critical locations (shoulder, chest, wrist, back, abdomen/zipper, shoulder blade) to time water ingress.
- Procedure & reporting: Typical test duration 1 hour, followed by 2 minutes drain, visual inspection and measurement of wetted areas and wicking length. Minimum two specimens per garment type; a third if one specimen fails.
- Limitations: Not applicable to other weather effects (snow, hail, strong winds). General rain simulation background is provided in Annex A.
Applications and who uses this standard
- Manufacturers and designers of protective clothing and rainwear use EN ISO 24231:2024 to validate garment constructions (seams, zippers, hoods, cuffs) against heavy rainfall.
- Independent test laboratories use the method for type‑approval, quality assurance and performance classification.
- Procurement and safety professionals specify requirements for occupational rain protection in utilities, transport, outdoor work and emergency services.
- Regulatory bodies and certification schemes reference the standard when assessing claimed waterproof or rain‑protection performance.
Related standards
- ISO 11610 (vocabulary for protective clothing) - normative reference.
- ISO 9865 (droplet characteristics referenced in the standard).
- Supersedes EN 14360:2004. Annexes A (informative background) and B (absorbency test) provide additional guidance.
Keywords: EN ISO 24231:2024, ISO 24231, protective clothing, protection against rain, rain test method, manikin test, high‑energy droplets, liquid tightness, waterproof garments.
