European standard EN779:2002 and EN779:2012

Important difference for F7, F8 and F9 filters

The European Standard EN779:2002 preceeds to the current release of EN779:2012 and the
variation between the two standards is significant. Especially for filters in the clases F7, F8 and F9.

Included in the 2002 release of the standard, is a test for the initial electrostatic potential of media or filter.
If tested, this result is included in the 2002 report, but has no effect on the filter grade. In the 2002 edition
only average arrestance or average efficiency defined the filtration classification.

The EN779:2012 introduces an air filter classification for fine filters F7, F8 and F9, based on Minimum
Efficiency (ME). ME is defined as the lowest value of three different tests for 0.4 µm particles: initial
efficiency, efficiency throughout the test’s loading procedure and discharged efficiency. Those air filters
that do not meet the ME requirements will lose their original efficiency classification and will
automatically drop one or more classes.

So, although the report output appears the same, the filter grade can alter drastically with the potential for
an F9 to EN779:2002 filter dropping to M6 to EN779:2012. If a filter, which has an Average Efficiency of
98%, making it F9 to EN779:2002, has an initial discharged efficiency of 30%, then it will be, according to
the new classification for EN779:2012, a M6.

The chart below explains graphically the difference between the two standard revisions.

With this revised methodology, the EN779:2012 standard addresses the negative effects, caused by
underperforming air filters. Some of these filters lose their particulate collection functionality over time
and therewith become a gateway for airborne contamination in the GT.