Details Introduction Of EN533/EN14116

Here’s a complete introduction to EN 533 / EN ISO 14116, including what they cover, suitable products, and testing methods.


πŸ”Ή Introduction to EN 533 / EN ISO 14116

  • EN 533 was the original standard for limited flame spread protective clothing, which has now been replaced by EN ISO 14116.
  • Current Standard:
    EN ISO 14116:2015 – Protective clothing β€” Protection against flame β€” Limited flame spread materials, material assemblies and clothing.

πŸ”Ή Purpose of EN ISO 14116

This standard specifies performance requirements for materials and clothing that provide limited protection against heat and flame, designed to prevent flame spread but not for exposure to high heat or direct flame contact for long periods.

It’s primarily used where there’s low risk of ignition but some flame resistance is still needed.


πŸ”Ή Suitable For

EN ISO 14116 is suitable for:

  • Workwear where there is intermittent or brief contact with flames
  • Outer garments worn over higher-level flame-resistant clothing
  • Industries like:
    • Oil and gas (low exposure areas)
    • Light welding/grinding
    • Automotive industry
    • Refineries
    • Maintenance tasks in flammable environments

πŸ”₯ NOT suitable for firefighting or molten metal exposure (use EN ISO 11612 or EN 469 instead).


πŸ”Ή Classification: Flame Spread Indexes

EN ISO 14116 defines three performance levels for flame spread resistance:

IndexFlame Behavior
Index 1Flame does not spread; may form holes; must not contact skin
Index 2Flame does not spread; no holes form
Index 3No flame spread; no holes; no flaming debris – can be worn next to skin

✳️ Garments made of Index 1 materials must only be worn over garments with higher protection, like Index 3.


πŸ”Ή Labeling Example

If a fabric or garment passes Index 3 testing:

EN ISO 14116:2015 Index 3

You may also see the full protective clothing label with this listed among other standards (e.g., EN 11612, EN 1149).


πŸ”Ή Testing Methods

PropertyTest MethodRequirement
Limited flame spreadISO 15025 (Procedure A or B)Assesses how far and fast flame spreads, afterflame time, afterglow, hole formation
Dimensional stability (shrinkage)ISO 5077Measures shrinkage after washing
Cleaning cycles durabilityAs per care instructionsMust be tested after multiple washing cycles (often 5x or more)

πŸ”¬ ISO 15025 Testing (Flame Exposure)

  • A fabric sample is exposed to a flame for 10 seconds.
  • Evaluates:
    • Afterflame time
    • Afterglow time
    • Hole formation
    • Whether it ignites or continues to burn

Below is a clear comparison table of EN ISO 14116 Index 1, 2, and 3 and a simple labeling guide for garments that comply with multiple flame-related standards.


πŸ”Ή EN ISO 14116 Performance Index Comparison

PropertyIndex 1Index 2Index 3
Flame spreadNo spread to top or edgeNo spread to top or edgeNo spread to top or edge
Afterflame time≀ 2 seconds≀ 2 seconds≀ 2 seconds
Afterglow time≀ 2 seconds≀ 2 seconds≀ 2 seconds
Hole formation allowed?βœ… Yes❌ No❌ No
Molten or flaming debris?❌ Not allowed❌ Not allowed❌ Not allowed
Can be worn next to skin?❌ NO – Must be worn over Index 3 fabric❌ NO – Should be worn over other layersβœ… YES – Safe for direct skin contact
Common useOuter layer over better FR PPEMid-layer or light outer garmentBase layer or full protective garments

πŸ”Ή Comparison to Other Flame Standards

StandardApplication
EN ISO 14116Limited flame spread (light protection)
EN ISO 11612General heat & flame protection (higher risk)
EN 469Firefighting PPE
EN ISO 11611Welding protective clothing