SIST EN ISO 16890-4:2022 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 16890-4:2022 - "Air filters for general ventilation - Part 4: Conditioning method to determine the minimum fractional test efficiency" specifies a laboratory conditioning method used to determine the minimum fractional test efficiency of particulate air filter elements for general ventilation. Intended to be used together with ISO 16890-1, ISO 16890-2 and ISO 16890-3, this part provides the requirements for the test device, conditioning cabinet and the conditioning procedure that precedes re-testing of filter efficiencies.

Key constraints in scope:

• Test device nominal face area: 610 mm × 610 mm (24 in × 24 in).
• Applies to filters with ePM1 ≤ 99% and ePM10 > 20% (minimum ePM10 = 20% for statistical validity).
• Portable room‑air cleaner filters are excluded.

Key topics and requirements

• Conditioning procedure: Defines how filter elements are conditioned prior to re‑measurement to reveal any loss of electrostatic capture or other transient removal mechanisms.
• Test device requirements: Specifications for the nominal test area and test device selection to ensure consistent, repeatable results.
• Conditioning cabinet: Construction, dimensions (now more flexible than prior edition), environmental controls (temperature and relative humidity) and materials for the conditioning environment.
• Materials and safety: Prescribed conditioning materials and safety recommendations (including guidance for handling isopropyl alcohol-IPA-used in some conditioning processes).
• Test method and reporting: Steps for conditioning, repeat testing, qualification and reporting of results to determine minimum fractional efficiencies (ePMx).
• Limitations: Clarifies the applicable particle size ranges (ePM1, ePM2.5, ePM10) used across the ISO 16890 series and the procedural lower limits for reliable statistics.

Applications and users

This standard is practical for organizations involved in:

• HVAC filter manufacturers - to validate declared efficiencies after conditioning and support product classification.
• Independent test laboratories - to perform standardized conditioning and retest filters in line with the ISO 16890 series.
• Building designers and facilities managers - to understand filter performance durability and select filters for indoor air quality strategies.
• Regulatory and procurement bodies - for specifying conditioned efficiency criteria in tenders and compliance documentation.

By revealing reductions in efficiency due to loss of electrostatic effects, EN ISO 16890-4:2022 helps stakeholders choose filters with reliable real‑world performance for general ventilation systems.

Related standards

• ISO 16890-1 (classification and reporting)
• ISO 16890-2 (initial fractional efficiency testing)
• ISO 16890-3 (specific requirements for testing) Use EN ISO 16890-4:2022 together with these parts for a complete, harmonized approach to air filter testing and classification.