EN ISO 105-B04:2024 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 105-B04:2024 - "Textiles - Tests for colour fastness - Part B04: Colour fastness to artificial weathering: Xenon arc fading lamp test" - is the 2024 CEN-endorsed edition of the ISO test method for evaluating how textile colours resist simulated weathering. The standard specifies a laboratory method using a xenon arc lamp to reproduce the combined effects of light and water on textile colour (except loose fibres). It is intended primarily for textiles (for example, apparel) where colour fastness is the main performance criterion.

Key topics and requirements

This standard defines the technical elements needed to carry out reproducible xenon-arc fading tests, including:

• Principle of the xenon arc fading lamp test to simulate natural weathering (light + water).
• Materials and references: use of blue wool references and specimen mounting cards; guidance on covers and specimen holders.
• Apparatus: laboratory light source (xenon-arc lamp), test chamber, radiometer, and temperature sensors (including black-standard/panel thermometers).
• Spectral irradiance and daylight filter options: Type I and Type II daylight filters are introduced to harmonize with current technology.
• Exposure conditions and procedures: general exposure rules, specimen and reference placement, and controlled parameters for reproducible tests.
• Exposure methods: three distinct methods are described for different test needs.
• Assessment and reporting: evaluation of colour change using reference scales (e.g., grey scale) and required information for the test report.
• Informative annexes: general information on colour fastness to light and radiometer guidance.

The document supersedes earlier editions and aligns the apparatus description with ISO 105-B10 to reflect up-to-date practice.

Practical applications and users

EN ISO 105-B04:2024 is used to:

• Verify colour fastness of apparel, household textiles and other textile products exposed to light and moisture.
• Support quality control, product development and comparative screening of dyes, finishes and fabric constructions.
• Specify performance requirements in procurement and technical dossiers.

Typical users:

• Textile R&D and dyeing laboratories
• Quality assurance and compliance teams at mills and brands
• Independent test houses and certification bodies
• Product specifiers and standards writers

Related standards

• ISO 105 series (Tests for colour fastness) - other parts cover related exposures and assessment methods.
• ISO 105-B10 - guidance for textiles permanently exposed outdoors or requiring mechanical testing; referenced to differentiate test scope.

Keywords: EN ISO 105-B04:2024, colour fastness, xenon arc fading lamp test, artificial weathering, textiles testing, blue wool references, spectral irradiance, test chamber, ISO 105.