What's the difference between EN182, EN779 and ASHRAE52.2

  EN 182, EN 779 and ASHRAE 52.2 are commonly used international air filter test standards to evaluate the efficiency, performance level and application scenarios of filters.

  The article will focus on their core differences and key points.

1. EN 182 (European Standard)

Scope of application:

Specifically for high efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA/ULPA), for cleanrooms, medical, pharmaceutical and other areas requiring high filtration efficiency.

Test method:

Testing with the most permeable particle size (MPPS, 0.1 to 0.25 microns) ensures efficient capture of even the most difficult particles to filter.

Evaluate filter integrity through local and global leak testing.

Efficiency level:

H13~H14 (HEPA, efficiency for MPPS ≥99.95%~99.995%).

U15 to U17 (ULPA, the efficiency for MPPS ≥99.9995% to 99.99995%).

2. EN 779 (abolished, replaced by EN ISO 16890)

Historical role:

Used to evaluate intermediate to sub-efficient filters (e.g. commercial/industrial ventilation systems).

Test method:

The initial efficiency (for dust loads) is measured with 0.4 micron particles.

The effect of electrostatic attenuation on efficiency is introduced (new filters may be temporarily efficient due to electrostatic adsorption, but decrease with use).

Efficiency level (old version) :

G1~G4 (coarse effect, efficiency < 65%).

M5~M6 (medium effect, 60%~80%).

F7~F9 (sub-high efficiency, 80%~95%).

Status: Replaced by EN ISO 16890 after 2018, the new standard is closer to the actual PM particulate matter filtration effect (such as PM1, PM2.5).

3. ASHRAE 52.2 (US standard)

Scope of application:

Widely used in the North American market, covering crude efficiency to high efficiency filters (such as building air conditioning systems).

Test method:

The minimum efficiency (MERV) was tested using particles of 0.3 to 10 microns divided into 12 groups by size.

By comprehensive rating of capture efficiency and dust capacity.

Efficiency Rating (MERV) :

MERV 1~4 (coarse effect, such as window air conditioning).

MERV 5~13 (medium high efficiency, commonly used in commercial buildings).

MERV 14~16 (high efficiency, close to HEPA, ≥90% efficiency for 0.3 micron particles).

a maintenance technician is replacing HVAC filters

Summary of key differences (list in the tabulation below)

How to choose?

Hepa-grade filtration is required (e.g. laboratory, hospital) :

refer to EN 182 or MERV 17+ (ASHRAE).

General ventilation systems:

Priority is given to EN ISO 16890 (PM1/PM2.5 efficiency) or ASHRAE 52.2 (MERV value).

If there is a specific application scenario (such as industrial, medical or domestic), it can be further combined with the standard recommendation rating filter.

Side-by-side comparison of a clogged vs. new filter

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