EN 1734:1996

Overview

EN 1734:1996 is a CEN standard that defines a low pressure method for measuring the resistance of rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics to water penetration (hydrostatic resistance). The procedure assesses whether coated textile materials prevent water ingress when subjected to a specified hydrostatic pressure for a fixed time. The standard provides two permitted test specimen shapes - circular and square - and sets out a reproducible laboratory method for quality assessment and comparison.

Key topics and requirements

The standard concentrates on practical test methodology and reproducibility. Core elements covered include:

• Scope and applicability: scope limited to coated fabrics where water penetration under low hydrostatic pressure is relevant.
• Test specimens: specification of two standard specimen geometries (circular and square) for consistent sampling.
• Test method: a controlled hydrostatic pressure is applied to the specimen and the material is observed for water penetration during a defined test period.
• Measurement and assessment: criteria for detecting water passage and recording test results, ensuring repeatable determination of hydrostatic resistance.
• Reporting: requirements for documenting test conditions, specimen identification and outcome so results can be compared across laboratories.

(Note: EN 1734:1996 sets the procedural framework; specific numeric values for pressure and duration are defined within the standard text and should be consulted directly when conducting tests.)

Applications

EN 1734:1996 is directly applicable to manufacturers, test laboratories and specifiers involved with coated textiles where low-pressure water resistance is critical. Typical uses include:

• Quality control for rubber-coated or plastic-coated fabrics
• Product development and benchmarking for awnings, tarpaulins, outdoor upholstery, protective clothing, roofing membranes and similar coated textile products
• Incoming material inspection by buyers and procurement teams
• R&D testing of coatings, laminates and treatments designed to improve hydrostatic resistance

Using EN 1734 helps ensure reliable, comparable assessment of water penetration performance for coated fabrics, supporting product claims and compliance with customer requirements.

Related standards

For comprehensive performance evaluation, EN 1734 is often used alongside other textile and coating tests, for example:

• Other hydrostatic head or high-pressure water penetration methods
• Standards for seam and seam-sealing performance
• Durability and accelerated weathering tests for coated fabrics

For precise test parameters and implementation, consult the full EN 1734:1996 document and relevant national translations or revisions.