EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 362
December 2004
ICS 13.340.99 Supersedes EN 362:1992
English version
Personal protective equipment against falls from a height -
Connectors
Équipement de protection individuelle contre les chutes de
hauteur - Connecteurs
Persönliche Schutzausrüstung gegen Absturz -
Verbindungselemente
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 20 October 2004.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
C O M I T É E U R O P É E N D E N O R M A LI S A T I O N
EUR OP ÄIS C HES KOM ITEE FÜR NOR M UNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels
© 2004 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Ref. No. EN 362:2004: E
EN 362:2004 (E)
2
Contents
page
Foreword..............................................................................................................................................................3
1 Scope ......................................................................................................................................................4
2 Normative references ............................................................................................................................4
3 Terms and definitions ...........................................................................................................................4
4 Requirements .........................................................................................................................................7
4.1 General....................................................................................................................................................7
4.2 Static strength........................................................................................................................................8
4.3 Gate function..........................................................................................................................................8
4.4 Gate resistance (not for class Q-connectors).....................................................................................8
4.4.1 Gate face.................................................................................................................................................8
4.4.2 Gate side.................................................................................................................................................8
4.5 Corrosion resistance.............................................................................................................................9
4.6 Marking and information.......................................................................................................................9
5 Test methods..........................................................................................................................................9
5.1 Examination of design ..........................................................................................................................9
5.1.1 General....................................................................................................................................................9
5.1.2 Verification of the gate opening ...........................................................................................................9
5.2 Static strength test ................................................................................................................................9
5.2.1 Apparatus ...............................................................................................................................................9
5.2.2 Preparation of test samples..................................................................................................................9
5.2.3 Method ..................................................................................................................................................10
5.3 Gate function test ................................................................................................................................12
5.4 Gate resistance tests...........................................................................................................................12
5.4.1 Gate face...............................................................................................................................................12
5.4.2 Gate side...............................................................................................................................................13
5.5 Corrosion test ......................................................................................................................................14
6 Marking .................................................................................................................................................14
7 Information supplied by the manufacturer .......................................................................................15
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 89/686/EEC........................................................................................16
EN 362:2004 (E)
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Foreword
This document (EN 362:2004) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 160 “Protection against
falls from height including working belts”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by June 2005, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at
the latest by June 2005.
This document supersedes EN 362:1992.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive 89/686/EEC.
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this document.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
and United Kingdom.
EN 362:2004 (E)
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1 Scope
This document specifies the requirements, test methods, marking and information supplied by the
manufacturer for connectors. Connectors conforming to this document are used as connecting elements in
personal fall protection systems, i.e. fall arrest, work positioning, rope access, restraint and rescue systems.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 363, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — Fall arrest systems.
EN 364:1992, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — Test methods.
EN 365, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — General requirements for instructions
for use, maintenance, periodic examination, repair, marking and packaging.
EN 20139:1992, Textiles — Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing (ISO 139:1973).
ISO 9227, Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres — Salt spray tests.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 363 and the following apply.
3.1
connector
openable device used to connect components, which enables the user to assemble a system in order to link
himself/herself directly or indirectly to an anchor
3.2
self-closing connector
connector with a self-closing gate
3.3
basic connector (class B)
self-closing connector intended to be used as a component, see Figure 1
3.4
multi-use connector (class M)
basic or screw link connector intended to be used as a component, which may be loaded in the major and
minor axis
3.5
termination connector (class T)
self-closing connector designed to allow the fixing as an element of a sub-system in such a way that the
loading is in a predetermined direction, see Figure 2
3.6
anchor connector (class A)
connector which closes automatically, designed to be linked directly to a specific type of anchor as a
component, see Figure 3
NOTE Types of anchors are e.g. an eye-bolt, a pipe or a beam.
EN 362:2004 (E)
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3.7
screwlink connector (class Q)
connector which is closed by a screw-motion gate, which is a load bearing part of the connector when fully
screwed up (see Figure 4), intended to be used only for long-term or permanent connections
3.8
gate
part of the connector which can be moved to open it
NOTE The gate can, for example, move by pivoting about a hinge (hinged gate), or by a sliding motion (sliding gate)
or by a screw motion (screw-motion gate).
3.9
self-closing gate
gate which moves automatically to the closed position when released from any open position
3.10
self-locking gate
self-closing gate with an automatic gate-locking feature
3.11
manual-locking gate
self-closing gate with a manually operated gate-locking feature
3.12
gate-locking feature
mechanism which, when in position, prevents the closed gate being opened inadvertently. A gate-locking
feature may operate automatically (to the locked position) or be operated manually
3.13
gate opening
maximum gap for the passage of an element or a component into the connector and which allows the correct
functioning of the gate-locking feature, see Figure 5
EN 362:2004 (E)
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Figure 1 — Example of basic connector (class B)
a) Manual locking b) Automatic locking
Figure 2 — Example of termination connectors (class T)
Figure 3 — Example of anchor connectors (class A)
EN 362:2004 (E)
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Figure 4 — Example of a screwlink connector (class Q)
Key
a gate opening
Figure 5 — Example of a gate opening
4 Requirements
4.1 General
4.1.1 Connectors shall not have sharp edges or burrs that may cause injury to the user, or that may cut,
abrade or otherwise damage webbing or rope.
4.1.2 Materials, which may come into contact with the skin of a user, shall not be known to cause irritating
and sensitization effects during normal use of the connector.
4.1.3 Connectors with a gate shall have a gate-locking feature, either automatic or manual.
EN 362:2004 (E)
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4.1.4 Connectors with a self-locking gate shall lock the gate automatically when the gate shuts, and shall
require at least two different deliberate manual actions to open the gate.
4.1.5 Connectors with a manual-locking gate, except screwlink connectors, shall require a deliberate
manual action to lock the gate, and shall require at least two different deliberate manual actions to open the
gate.
4.1.6 Screwlink connectors shall require at least four complete rotations of the screw-motion gate from the
fully screwed up position to disengagement of the threads. The threads shall not be visible when the gate is
locked.
4.1.7 The gate opening a shall be determined as described in 5.1.2 and verified that it is not less than that
given by the manufacturer.
4.2 Static strength
When tested in accordance with 5.2, connectors shall withstand the load specified in Table 1 for a period of
3 min ± 3 s. At the end of the test, the gate shall still be closed.
Table 1 — Minimum static strength requirement for connectors
Description Major axis
Gate closed and
unlocked
kN
Major axis
Gate closed and
locked
kN
Minor axis
Gate closed kN
Basic connector (class B) 15 20 7
Multi-use connector (class M) 15 20 15
Termination connector (class T) 15 20 Not applicable
Anchor connector (class A) 15 20 Not applicable
Screwlink connector (class Q) Not applicable 25 10
4.3 Gate function
When tested as described in 5.3, with the gate closed and locked, connectors with the exception of anchor
connectors (class A) shall still open after being loaded to 6 kN.
4.4 Gate resistance (not for class Q-connectors)
4.4.1 Gate face
After testing with a force of (1 ± 0,02) kN in accordance with 5.4.1, the gate-locking feature of connectors shall
still function correctly.
Where the gate locking feature does not encircle the connector body, e.g. Figure 2b) and Figure 3, the gate-
locking feature shall withstand a force of (1 ± 0,02) kN without separating from the latch by more than 1 mm.
4.4.2 Gate side
When tested in accordance with 5.4.2, connectors with a gate locking feature that does not encircle the
connector body, e.g. Figure 2b) and Figure 3, shall withstand a force of (1,5 ± 0,03) kN without any partial
fracture. After this test the gate-locking feature shall still function correctly.
EN 362:2004 (E)
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4.5 Corrosion resistance
When tested in accordance with 5.5, connector gates shall still function in accordance with 4.1.4. Evidence of
corrosion of the base metal is not acceptable. The presence of tarnishing and white scaling is acceptable.
NOTE Conformity to this requirement does not imply suitability for use in a marine environment.
4.6 Marking and information
4.6.1 Marking of connectors shall be in accordance with Clause 6.
4.6.2 Information shall be supplied with connectors in accordance with Clause 7.
5 Test methods
5.1 Examination of design
5.1.1 General
One sample may be used for these tests.
Check that the connectors, in accordance with the definitions in Clause 3, meet the requirements of 4.1.1 to
4.1.7 by visual examination and simple check measurements.
5.1.2 Verification of the gate opening
Verify the gate opening a by using a calibrated rod which has a diameter corresponding to the gate opening
specified in the information supplied by the manufacturer, see Figure 5. Pass the rod through the gate opening
and check that it allows the correct closure and locking of the gate and free movement of the rod within the
connector.
5.2 Static strength test
5.2.1 Apparatus
The static strength test apparatus is a conventional tensile testing machine. The force measuring apparatus
for static testing shall conform to EN 364:1992, 4.1.1.The rate of loading shall lie within the range of
50 mm/min to 200 mm/min if the connector contains a textile element subject to stress during the test; or
20 mm/min to 50 mm/min otherwise.
5.2.2 Preparation of test samples
a) Test samples containing a textile element shall be conditioned in accordance with EN 20139 at the
standard temperate atmosphere for testing and shall include the relevant pre-conditioning specified in
Clause 3 of that document. The static strength tests can be performed outside the conditioning room, but
the temperature shall be (23 ± 5) °C and the tests shall begin within 5 min of removal from conditioning.
b) Test samples without a textile element may be tested without conditioning.
c) Each test shall be carried out on a new sample.
EN 362:2004 (E)
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5.2.3 Method
5.2.3.1 Major axis testing
Mount the connector in the tensile testing machine and apply the load by means of two bars with a radius of
(6 ± 0,1) mm, which are arranged to be perpendicular to the major axis. It is important that the connector is
free to locate itself on the bars at the start of the test and as the load is applied. The bars shall be well coated
with molybdenum based grease where they come into contact with a metal part of the test sample.
If the connector is tested in a horizontal axis test machine, the connector shall be positioned in a vertical plane
with the gate being the lower of the two major axis sides.
If the connector is tested in a vertical axis test machine, apply a small force to the connector at right angles to
the direction of loading to bias the gate away from the bars initially. The bias force shall be approximately
equal to the gravitational weight of the connector.
Apply the required minimum force in accordance with Table 1 or in accordance with the claims of the
manufacturer, if higher. Observe that the requirements of 4.2 or the claims of the manufacturer are met.
If a connector has a lanyard incorporated, which is intended to be loaded directly, apply the force to the
lanyard by a bar with a radius of (5 ± 0,1) mm.
NOTE If the lanyard fails at the bar, the test is not counted.
5.2.3.2 Minor axis testing
Mount the connector in the tensile testing machine by clamping or fixing it in such way that the centre line of
the gate is perpendicular to the direction of the load lying in the plane of the connector. Examples of load
directions are shown in Figure 6.
EN 362:2004 (E)
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Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 6 — Minor axis test
Carry out the minor axis test in a similar manner to 5.2.3.1, but the loading bars shall have a radius of
(5 ± 0,1) mm and they shall not be coated with grease.
EN 362:2004 (E)
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In order to avoid movement of the loading bars during the test, grooves can be made in the body, the gate
and/or the gate-locking feature of sufficient depth to ensure location of the bars (in accordance with Figure 6).
These grooves shall not be subsequently the cause of failure. Alternatively clamps may be used to ensure the
location of the bars.
Connectors fitted with manually operated gate-locking feature shall be tested in the unlocked position. If this is
not practicable, the gate-locking feature may be removed.
Apply the required minimum force in accordance with Table 1 or in accordance with the claims of the
manufacturer, if higher. Observe that the requirements of 4.2 or the claims of the manufacturer are met.
5.3 Gate function test
The test shall be carried out on a new sample.
With the connector in the tensile machine apply the specified force along the major axis for a period for
(10 ± 1) s. Unload and check that the gate opens as intended.
5.4 Gate resistance tests
5.4.1 Gate face
Each test shall be carried out on a new sample.
Insert the connector into a fixture with the gate uppermost, so that the specified force is applied
perpendicularly to the direction in which the gate opens. By means of a rigid bar (see Figure 7), apply the
specified force for (90 ± 1) s to the gate at a point as close to the nose as possible. The rate of loading shall
be within the range of 50 N/s to 150 N/s. Where required by 4.4.1, after (60 ± 1) s and with the force still
applied