EP001Y: reusable silicone earplugs, SNR 32 dB

The EP001Y is a pre-moulded flanged silicone earplug. It belongs to the EP001 series, is not rolled but inserted directly, and is ready for use again after cleaning.

• Item number: EP001Y
• Colour: yellow
• Material: silicone, without cord
• Attenuation values: SNR 32 dB; H 32, M 29, L 28 dB
• Standard: EN 352-2:2020, PPE category III
• Packaging: 2,000 pairs, 200 per dispenser box
• Use: reusable, clean after every use (up to five uses according to the user instructions)

The EP001Y is the version without cord, in yellow. Where a cord could get caught, for example on running machines with exposed moving parts, this version is the obvious choice: there is no cord that can snag. In breaks the pair can be put in the storage box; the EPBOX case is also available separately.

The EP001Y is packed as 2,000 pairs, 200 per dispenser box. The corded version, EP001COB, is orange and comes as 1,000 pairs.

For selection, DGUV Rule 112-194 works with the M value and deducts a real-world deduction: M 29 dB minus 5 dB gives 24 dB. For mid- to high-frequency noise, the EP001Y then lets through at the ear:

• Noise level 90 dB(A): 66 dB(A) at the ear (Check for overprotection)
• Noise level 95 dB(A): 71 dB(A) at the ear (Recommended)
• Noise level 100 dB(A): 76 dB(A) at the ear (Recommended)
• Noise level 105 dB(A): 81 dB(A) at the ear (Not recommended)
• Noise level 110 dB(A): 86 dB(A) at the ear (Not permitted)

At the ear, 70 to 80 dB(A) is recommended. The EP001Y is therefore in the recommended range for workplace levels of about 94 to 104 dB(A). Below that it attenuates more than necessary and there is a risk of overprotection; above it, the attenuation is no longer enough. For predominantly low-frequency noise the L value applies (28 dB minus 5 dB equals 23 dB): the recommended range is then about 93 to 103 dB(A). Your own levels are calculated by the hearing protection finder; the calculation is shown in Calculating the residual level at the ear.

Clean after every use with a mild cleaning agent, let dry completely and keep in the storage box. Do not wring, do not use chemical cleaners. According to the user instructions, the earplugs can be used up to five times; damaged earplugs must be replaced immediately. More in Care, storage and checks.

The EP001Y is category III PPE under Regulation (EU) 2016/425; the notified body for the EarProtect products is SATRA Technology Europe (identification number 2777). Declaration of conformity, user instructions and data sheet are available above under downloads. What an EU type-examination certificate contains is explained in Reading an EU type-examination certificate.

Whether SATRA Technology Europe is notified for hearing protection can be checked in the European Commission’s NANDO database: the body is listed there under identification number 2777 for “Equipment providing hearing protection” and “Protective Equipment against harmful noise”, with EU type-examination (annex V) and the procedures of annexes VII and VIII of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 (checked on 18 October 2026). How a CE marking with an identification number is read is explained by the Commission’s Blue Guide in section 4.5.1.5; more in CE marking and PPE category III.

All documents for the EarProtect products are collected under data sheets. If a document shows a different address from the legal notice, the guide New company address: is the certificate still valid? helps.

The other version of the EP001 series: EP001COB (orange, with cord). The overview is on the page EP001. With H 33 dB the TPE earplug EP002B attenuates high frequencies slightly more. The materials are compared in Foam, silicone or TPE.