EN 28474:1992

Overview

EN 28474:1992, based on ISO 8474:1986, is a European standard developed by CEN for testing the waterproofness of complete, filled transport packages through a water immersion test. This test method is principally designed for packages intended to be waterproof or to provide some degree of protection against water ingress during transport. It involves conditioning the package, fully immersing it in water under controlled conditions, then draining and drying it while monitoring the performance and integrity of both the package and its contents. This standard is essential for ensuring the protection of goods in transit, especially where exposure to moisture or water is a risk.

Key Topics

• Test Scope: Measures the ability of transport packages to resist water penetration.
• Package Preparation: Packages must be filled with intended or simulated contents and closed as for normal distribution.
• Conditioning: Packages are conditioned per ISO 2233 guidelines to standardize temperature and humidity before testing.
• Immersion Procedure: The package is fully immersed with 100 mm of water above it, for predetermined times ranging from 5 minutes up to 4 hours.
• Drying and Draining: After immersion, packages are dried in specified atmospheric conditions for times ranging from 4 hours to 4 weeks.
• Apparatus Requirements: Includes a sufficiently large water tank, immersion equipment for lowering/lifting packages, and a rigid grill for draining.
• Test Reporting: Comprehensive documentation of test conditions, package details, and observations is mandatory for traceability.

Applications

EN 28474:1992 is widely applied in industries that require assurance of package integrity against water exposure during transport and storage, including:

• Logistics and Shipping: Verifying that packaging maintains waterproofness to protect goods under various environmental exposures.
• Manufacturing: Testing packaging designs to meet shipping and handling standards, especially for moisture-sensitive products.
• Quality Control: Establishing consistent testing protocols to confirm compliance with waterproof packaging criteria.
• Certification Processes: Assisting manufacturers and suppliers in validating packaging performance per international and regional specifications.
• Research and Development: Evaluating new packaging materials and systems for water resistance.

This standard is vital for sectors such as food and beverage, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial components where waterproof packaging is critical to product preservation.

Related Standards

To complement EN 28474:1992, the following standards are often referenced:

• ISO 2233 - Packaging - Complete, filled transport packages - Conditioning for testing, which details atmospheric conditioning procedures prior to testing.
• ISO 11607 - Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices, covering sterile barrier systems and protection in transit.
• EN ISO 11607 - The European adoption of ISO 11607, often related to packaging validation in medical and pharmaceutical sectors.
• ASTM D7763 - Standard test method for water resistance of packaging materials and containers.

Using EN 28474 alongside these standards helps create a comprehensive packaging quality assurance process, ensuring that both the packaging and its contents are adequately protected against water damage during handling and transportation.

Keywords: EN 28474:1992, ISO 8474:1986, water immersion test, waterproof packaging, transport packages, water resistance testing, packaging standards, conditioning, packaging quality control, CEN standards, packaging waterproofness