EN 15426 – the specification for candle sooting behavior was revised in November 2018. The revised standard provides clarity on the test method and descriptions of the equipment.

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EN 15426 has been updated. Its 2018 version and was published last November and supersedes EN 15426: 2007. All conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn by May 10, 2019, at the latest.

EN 15426 specifies requirements and test method for evaluating the sooting behavior of candles intended for burning indoors. It is applicable to single wick candles with a diameter up to 100 mm or having an equivalent cross-sectional area.

Table 1 lists a comparison of significant changes between the 2018 version of the standard and its predecessor.

Significant changes Brief
2007 edition New edition
Improved terms and definitions

Candle

One or more combustible wicks supported by a material that constitutes a fuel, which is solid, semisolid or quasi-rigid at room temperature (20°C to 27°C)

Candle

One or more combustible wicks supported by a material that constitutes a fuel, which is solid or semisolid at room temperature (20°C to 27°C) with the main function of sustaining a light-producing flame, including any coatings on and articles or substances in the fuel

Tea light

Cylindrical candle that is burned in a container, which may be suitable for keeping vessels containing coffee, tea or other liquids warm, by using a warming stove

Tea light

Candle that is produced and used in the same container
Simplified requirement for sooting behavior The average soot index from three tests (samples) shall be less than 1.0/h, no individual sample shall exceed 2.0/h The average soot index per hour from three tests (samples) shall be less than 1.0/h
Clearer description of test equipment and apparatus Measurement unit 

Consisting of an indication instrument and a measuring chamber. The measuring chamber consists of the light source, fixture for the heat resisting glass plate, a cover with light reflecting interior coating with a photodiode integrated in it, which is connected with the indication instrument.

Calibration disk

No specific requirement

 Measurement unit

Consisting of an indication instrument and a measuring chamber. The measuring chamber consists of the light source, fixture for the heat resistant glass plate, a cover with light reflecting interior coating (at least 90 % reflectivity) with a photodiode integrated in it, which is connected with the indication instrument.

Calibration disk

Made of dark neutral density glass (e.g. NG43) having a wavelength independent optical absorption coefficient of (1.20 ± 0.10) mm−1 and dimensions(20 ± 0.3) × (20 ± 0.3) × (2.4 ± 0.3) mm3
Clearer description of the test method including improved illustration for setting up the equipment and new illustrated guidance for selecting the wire mesh cylinder SGS CRS SafeGuardS 01319 Figure 1
 SGS CRS SafeGuardS 01319 Figure 2
Modified characteristics of the candles for selecting the soot test cycles

Type of candle:

a) Mass below 40
b) Tea lights / container candles less than 40 g (net)
c) Mass above 40 g and a diameter less than 70 mm
d) Mass above 40 g and a diameter equal or over 70 mm

Type of candle:

a) Mass below 25 g
b) Container candles less than 25 g
c) Mass above 25 g and a diameter less than 70 mm
d) Container candles above 25 g and a diameter less than 70 mm
e) Mass above 25 g and a diameter equal or over 70 mm
New informative Annex B for the calculation of the hourly fuel consumption NIL Evaluation of hourly Fuel Consumption, help to improve the candle

Table 1

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