Media center Newton classification for lifejackets and buoyancy aids

All lifejackets and buoyancy aids must be CE-marked. The CE mark shows that the product is tested and approved to EU standards. These standards divide the products into different Newton classes. Each Newton class is a European standard with its own designated number, e.g. EN393.

Newton is the unit for force and the abbrevation for it is N. An adult needs 20-30N of buoyancy to float, with or without clothing. A 50N buoyancy aid will therefore keep you afloat with a great safety margin. However if you wish to be turned over in the water, you will need a greater force, i.e. more Newtons.

	50 Newton class Buoyancy aids and floatation clothing that hold a person afloat with a great safety margin. Must be used by swimmers only as they do not help you onto a safe back position in the water. For persons 30 kg up.
	100 Newton class Inherent foam lifejackets with the buoyancy concentrated to the front and to the collar. To help a person turn over to a safe back position. Suitable for swimmers and non swimmers.
	150 Newton class Inflatable lifejackets with good turning capacity when inflated. Can be inflated manually or automatically We recommend 150N lifejackets for swimmers as they only provide buoyancy when inflated. For persons 40 kg up.
	275 Newton class Inflatable lifejackets with extremely good turning capacity. For industrial use only. Manual or automatic inflation. We recommend 275N lifejackets for swimmers as they only provide buoyancy when inflated. For persons 40 kg up.