Understanding EN166: The European Standard for Protective Eyewear

1. What is EN166?

EN166 is the European standard that governs personal eye protection equipment. Issued by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), EN166 outlines the essential safety requirements for protective eyewear used in industrial and hazardous environments. This includes general-purpose safety glasses, chemical splash goggles, and high-performance impact-resistant face shields.

Compliance with EN166 is a legal requirement for selling protective eyewear within the European Union. Compared to ANSI Z87.1 in the United States, EN166 features a more detailed classification and labeling system.

 

 

2. Testing Categories and Procedures under EN166

The EN166 standard includes a wide range of tests to ensure that eye protection products meet performance requirements. These tests are conducted under controlled laboratory conditions and simulate real-world hazards.

A. Mechanical Strength Tests

Mechanical resistance is categorized into four impact levels:

• S (Increased Robustness): Basic resistance, not subjected to projectile impact.
• F (Low Energy Impact): Steel ball at 45 m/s.
• B (Medium Energy Impact): Steel ball at 120 m/s.
• A (High Energy Impact): Steel ball at 190 m/s.

The test is performed by firing a steel projectile at the lens or frame and observing for cracks, fractures, or dislodgement.

Check Out Our Low-Energy Impact Test :

B. Optical Classifications

There are three optical classes defined by EN166:

• Class 1: High optical quality, suitable for continuous wear.
• Class 2: Moderate optical quality, suitable for intermittent wear.
• Class 3: Low optical quality, not suitable for long-term use.

These are tested for spherical refractive power, prismatic deviation, and optical clarity.

C. Surface Coating and Lens Performance

• K (Scratch Resistance): Assesses surface durability under repeated cleaning or abrasive exposure.
• N (Anti-Fog Coating): Tested in humid environments to ensure clear vision during condensation.

 

D. Chemical and Thermal Resistance

Products are tested for specific hazards, and coded accordingly:

• 3: Protection against liquid splashes
• 4: Protection against coarse dust
• 5: Protection against gas and fine dust particles
• 8: Protection against short-circuit electric arc
• 9: Protection against molten metals and hot solids

Each test simulates hazardous workplace conditions such as liquid jets, fog chambers, or molten metal spray.

 

3. EN166 Product Markings and Classification System

One of the unique features of EN166 is its comprehensive labeling system. The markings on lenses and frames indicate optical class, impact resistance, and functional coatings.

Example Code:

2C-1.2 3M 1FTKN

 

Note: Lenses and frames must both meet the same impact standard (e.g., "F") to be labeled accordingly.

 

4. How to Verify if a Product Meets EN166

A. Check the Markings

Make sure both the lens and the frame are marked with codes that indicate their level of protection. If only the lens is marked, it means only the lens has passed the test—not the complete product.

B. Request Third-Party Test Reports

Legitimate suppliers can provide EN166-compliant test reports from EU Notified Bodies. These documents include the test results, standards met, and product identification.

C. Look for CE and EN166 Labels

All EN166-compliant eyewear must carry the CE mark along with the EN166 designation and other performance ratings. The markings should be durable and clearly legible.

D. Choose Trusted Manufacturers or Distributors

Work with experienced manufacturers who follow ISO guidelines and comply with EU’s PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425.

 

5. EN166 vs ANSI Z87.1: Key Differences

EN166 offers a more comprehensive and detailed labeling system, making it suitable for specialized and high-risk environments.

 

6. Summary and Consumer Advice

EN166 is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s a critical measure for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of eye protection equipment. Products tested under EN166 offer verified performance in areas like optical clarity, impact resistance, and environmental protection.

When choosing EN166-certified eyewear:

• Always check for detailed markings on the lens and frame
• Ask for official EU test reports from your supplier
• Match the protective rating with your specific work conditions
• Prefer Class 1 optical quality if the eyewear will be worn for long periods
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7. Our recommendations that meet EN166

If you are interested in EN166-certified safety glasses, we recommend the following hot sale products:

Model No. Ｊ178

Model No. Ｊ181

Model No. Ｊ185

Model No. Ｊ129BP

Model No. Ｊ175

All these models have undergone third-party laboratory testing and come with official test reports to verify their compliance with EN166 safety standards. Or you can  REACH OUT TO US  for further assistance and personalized advice, BJ EYEWEAR is here to help!

- BOR JYE EYEWEAR