EN362 – Connectors

The Latest Version of EN362

The latest version of the EN362 standard is EN 362:2004, which was approved in December 2004 and supersedes the previous edition, EN 362:1992. This standard is part of the European Union’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulation (EU 2016/425) and specifies requirements for connectors used in fall protection systems.

Products Applicable to EN362

EN362 applies to connectors used in personal fall protection systems. These devices are critical components that join various parts of a fall protection system, such as harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points. Key applications include:

1. Fall arrest systems: Arrest falls and distribute forces.
2. Work positioning systems: Allow workers to remain securely in place during elevated tasks.
3. Restraint systems: Prevent workers from reaching fall-risk areas.
4. Rescue systems: Aid in the safe retrieval of individuals.

Connectors covered under EN362 include:

• Basic connectors (B class).
• Multi-use connectors (M class).
• Terminal connectors (T class).
• Anchor connectors (A class).
• Screwlink connectors (Q class).

Specific Details of EN362

The EN362:2004 standard specifies the following key requirements:

1. Design and Material Requirements:
   • Connectors must be made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials.
   • The gate must close and lock reliably, with clear opening and locking mechanisms.
   • Connectors must be marked with their class, load ratings, and other essential information.
2. Performance Requirements:
   • Static strength: Connectors must withstand a static load of 15 kN for at least 3 minutes without failure. Screwlink connectors must withstand 25 kN.
   • Gate function: Connectors must hold a load of 6 kN for 10 seconds while allowing the gate to open, close, and lock.
   • Gate resistance: The gate must not open more than 1 mm under a 1 kN force applied to the gate face for 90 seconds, and must not fracture under a 1.5 kN force applied to the gate side for 60 seconds.
3. Environmental Resistance:
   • Connectors must perform reliably under extreme conditions, such as high and low temperatures, humidity, and UV exposure.
4. Labeling and Information:
   • Products must include the manufacturer’s name, batch number, EN 362 reference with the year of issue, and CE marking with a four-digit identification number.

EN362 Testing Methods

The EN362 standard specifies the following test methods:

1. Static Strength Test:
   • Connectors are subjected to a static load of 15 kN for 3 minutes to verify breaking strength. Screwlink connectors are tested at 25 kN.
2. Gate Function Test:
   • Connectors are loaded with 6 kN on the major axis for 10 seconds while ensuring the gate can open, close, and lock.
3. Gate Resistance Test:
   • Gate face test: A 1 kN force is applied to the gate face for 90 seconds. The gate must not open more than 1 mm.
   • Gate side test: A 1.5 kN force is applied to the gate side for 60 seconds. The connector must not fracture, and the gate must continue to function correctly.
4. Corrosion Resistance Test:
   • Metallic components are exposed to a neutral salt-spray environment for 48 hours to assess resistance to corrosion.
5. Environmental Conditioning:
   • Connectors are tested under extreme conditions, such as high temperatures (50°C), low temperatures (-30°C), and humidity (85% RH), to ensure performance reliability.

Notes on EN362

1. Compliance with PPE Regulation: Products must comply with the EU PPE Regulation (EU 2016/425) and undergo testing by a notified body for CE marking.
2. Re-Certification: Certified connectors must be re-inspected every 12 months to ensure continued compliance and safety.
3. User Safety: Regular inspection and proper use of EN362-compliant connectors are critical to ensure their effectiveness in fall protection scenarios.
4. Integration with Other Standards: Connectors must be used with other compliant components, such as EN 361 safety harnesses and EN 354 lanyards, to form a complete fall protection system.