ISO 15496-2018 PDF

Full title and description

Textiles — Measurement of water vapour permeability of textiles for the purpose of quality control. This International Standard specifies a comparatively simple test method intended to provide manufacturers and in-plant quality control laboratories with a recognized procedure for measuring the water‑vapour permeability (breathability) of textile materials.

Abstract

ISO 15496:2018 describes a comparatively simple method for testing the water vapour permeability of textiles for quality‑control purposes. The method is intended for routine manufacturing checks and is not intended for classifying water‑vapour resistance against physiological-effect thresholds used in product standards (for example those relating to personal protective equipment). The document notes limitations compared with ISO 11092 (sweating guarded‑hotplate method) and explains applicability in Annex A; Annex C discusses why results from certain dry desiccant methods do not correlate with this method.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 2018-06 (June 2018).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 59.080.01 (Textiles).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (ISO 15496:2018).
• Number of pages: 13 pages.

Scope

ISO 15496:2018 defines a relatively simple laboratory procedure for measuring the rate at which water vapour passes through a textile specimen for the purpose of quality control within a manufacturing environment. It is intended for routine, comparative checks rather than for physiological classification; where physiological water‑vapour resistance or comprehensive evaluation of breathability is required, ISO 11092 is the more appropriate method. The standard also highlights that results from certain dry desiccant (cup) methods are not directly comparable and provides explanatory annexes on applicability and correlation.

Key topics and requirements

• Defines a simple, repeatable laboratory test procedure for water‑vapour permeability aimed at production quality control.
• Specimen preparation and conditioning requirements to ensure repeatability (sample size, conditioning environment and handling).
• Test apparatus and measurement principles appropriate for routine permeability checks (including calculation and expression of results).
• Limitations and applicability statements (not suitable for physiological classification or PPE certification; differences from ISO 11092 and dry desiccant methods are explained in annexes).
• Guidance for interpretation of results for quality control rather than product performance ranking.

Typical use and users

Primary users are textile manufacturers, in‑plant quality control and testing laboratories, suppliers of functional and performance fabrics (sportswear, workwear, outdoor apparel), and contract testing services that perform routine batch checks. R&D teams and product engineers may also use the method for comparative material screening when a simple, fast evaluation of moisture‑vapour permeability is sufficient. Industry suppliers and equipment manufacturers reference the standard when offering breathability test services or instruments.

Related standards

Closely related standards include ISO 11092 (Textiles — Physiological effects — Measurement of thermal and water‑vapour resistance under steady‑state conditions, sweating guarded‑hotplate test), which provides a more comprehensive assessment for physiological and product performance purposes. The 2018 edition replaces ISO 15496:2004 (withdrawn). For other complementary test methods and descriptors of air permeability or desiccant cup tests, consult the relevant ISO and national textile testing standards.

Keywords

water vapour permeability; breathability; moisture vapour transmission; MVTR; textiles; quality control; textile testing; ISO 15496; production testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 15496:2018 is an international test method specifying a comparatively simple laboratory procedure to measure the water‑vapour permeability (breathability) of textile materials for quality control purposes.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen conditioning, test apparatus and measurement principles for a routine water‑vapour permeability test used in manufacture and in‑plant QC, and it includes annexes explaining applicability and differences compared with other methods. It explicitly states limits of applicability (not for physiological classification or PPE assessment).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Textile manufacturers, in‑house and independent testing laboratories, product developers and manufacturers of functional apparel who need a repeatable, simple method for batch or production quality checks.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The current edition is ISO 15496:2018 (Edition 2, published June 2018). It replaced ISO 15496:2004; at the time of publication the 2018 edition was published and confirmed as the active version. Users should check their national standards body or the ISO catalogue for any subsequent revisions or confirmation status.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It sits within the suite of ISO textile testing standards developed by ISO/TC 38 (and SC 2 for certain methods) and is related to other textile physiological and permeability tests, notably ISO 11092 (sweating guarded‑hotplate). The 2018 publication supersedes the 2004 edition.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Water vapour permeability, breathability, MVTR, textile quality control, moisture transmission, test method, ISO 15496.