The protection that filters provide against unwanted substances and allergens is indicated in filter classes, with filters classified as G, M and F according to the EN779 filter standard. As of 2017, this filter standard has been replaced by the ISO16890 filter standard, which indicates more specifically which substances the filters protect against. Gradually, the old filter classes will give way to the new standard.
Comparison between the old and new regulations
Filters used to be classified based on their ability to stop particles as small as 0.4 micrometers. With the new filter standard, it now looks at different sizes of dust particles, giving a more detailed understanding of air filter performance. Because we understand that the old filter standard is more familiar to most people, we list it with all filters. However, the new filter standard can also be found in the specifications.
Want an overview comparison of how the old and known filter standard compares to the new filter standard or know how effective filters can filter? Then take a look at the clear explanation of the filter classes.
How does the new filter standard work?
According to the new ISO16890 regulations, filters must specify the following values:
- ISO Coarse: the percentage of coarse dust retained by the filter.
- ISO ePM1: the percentage of fine dust with a size of < 1 µm that the filter stops.
- ISO ePM2.5: the percentage of fine dust with a size of < 2.5 µm that the filter stops.
- ISO ePM10: the percentage of fine dust with a size < 10 µm that the filter retains.
The smaller the number of micrometers (µm) is, the smaller the filtered substances are.