4.1 This test method can be used to quantify and compare the cooling provided by different personal cooling systems (PCS) worn with a common base ensemble. Any base ensemble can be selected based on the intended end use of the PCS.

4.1.1 The test method is intended to allow garments based on various cooling technologies to be evaluated fairly and objectively, by taking into account both dry and evaporative heat transfer.

4.2 The measurements of heat removal rates and duration of cooling provided by the PCS depend on the apparatus, the base ensemble, and the techniques used.

4.2.1 Departures from the instructions in this test method will potentially lead to significantly different test results.

4.2.2 Technical knowledge concerning the theory of heat transfer, temperature, air motion measurement, humidity, evaporative cooling, and testing practices is needed to evaluate which departures from the instructions given in this test method are significant. Report any departures with the results.

1.1 This test method uses a sweating manikin in an environmental chamber to measure the heat removal rate and cooling duration provided by a personal cooling garment worn with a base ensemble.2

1.1.1 The use of a sweating heated manikin is essential because of the potentially large amount of heat dissipation from the body associated with evaporative cooling.

1.2 The experimental values obtained for the cooling rates and cooling duration apply only to the particular PCS and additional garments worn during the test and for the environmental conditions used.

1.2.1 It is feasible that this test method will yield unrealistically high cooling rates for ambient air circulation systems since the manikin’s surface stays continuously saturated during the test and the relative humidity in the chamber is relatively low; consequently the convective and evaporative heat loss rates from the body to the environment are probably higher from the manikin than they would be from a human, particularly in environments with higher levels of humidity.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.