April 28, 2021 | yourfilter GmbH
What different filter classes are there and what is behind the standards?
Part I - Two standards in comparison
DIN EN 779: 2012 vs. DIN EN ISO 16890: 2017
The filter classes of the standard DIN EN 779:2012 are very well known and still often used:
- G1-G4 (Grobstaubfilter)
- M5-M6 (middle dust filter)
- F7-F9 (Feinstaubfilter)

Abb. 1: Norm: DIN EN 779: 2012
This classification was replaced by the DIN ISO 16890 standard at the beginning of 2017. When dividing the filter classes according to the "old" standard, it was only tested how many particles with a size of 0.4 µm were filtered. However, this does not correspond to real conditions. Because: Dusts have different particle sizes.
This is exactly what the new classification according to DIN EN ISO 16890:2017 reflects. There is a subdivision according to the particle sizes 1 µm, 2.5 µm and 10 µm.
For comparison: A hair has a diameter of about 50-70 µm, a fine grain of sand is about 90 µm in size.
Fig. 2: Comparison of particle sizes 1 - 60 µm
The filter classes according to the new standard
A complete comparison of the filter classes between the old and new standard is therefore not possible. The filters must have been retested according to the new standard and then receive a new filter class that states how high the separation efficiency of the respective particle size is:
- ePM1 ≥ 50%
- ePM2.5 ≥ 50 %
- ePM10 50%
- or "Coarse"
Abb. 3: Standard: DIN ISO 16890: 2017