02 Jul Class 1000 Cleanrooms: Definition, Standards, & Requirements

Class 1000 cleanrooms are built to meet particle count limits in many industries, and correspond to ISO Class 6 in the current standard system. In this article, we will define class 1000 cleanrooms, discuss where they’re used, outline some of their requirements and features, and more.

What Is a Class 1000 Cleanroom? Understanding the Standards

A class 1000 cleanroom is a controlled environment that allows no more than 1,000 particles (that are 0.5 micrometers or larger) per cubic foot of air. This classification, and similar ones you may see that come as powers of ten, comes from the now defunct Federal Standard 209E. Although this standard is no longer used, the term is still used in many fields.

These days, cleanrooms follow the ISO classifications, formally known as the ISO 14644-1 standard. It uses particles per cubic meter rather than per cubic foot; or, in other words, uses the metric system rather than the imperial system. But a class 1000 cleanroom is the same as an ISO 6 cleanroom, even if the numbers may seem different.

A class 1000 cleanroom (ISO 6) does not only limit particles that are 0.5 micrometers or bigger but also tinier sizes such as 0.1 and 0.3 micrometers. This of course makes them much stricter than class 10000 and the more lenient classifications. (See the chart above for the specific sizes measured in each class.)

What Industries Use Class 1000 Cleanrooms?

Class 1000 cleanrooms are used in many different applications, but are most often found in manufacturing or research. Here are a few of the main industries in which you can find them:

• Semiconductors
• Pharmaceutical compounding and production
• Medical devices
• Biotechnology
• Optical manufacturing
• Aerospace
• Electronics

Class 1000 Cleanroom Design and Requirements

To meet class 1000 standards, there are many requirements that must be met and design features that must be added. Here are a few of the most important elements in these spaces.

1. Materials and Layout

Cleanroom materials and layouts are chosen in order to limit particle buildup, protect certain areas, make cleaning easy, and also stand tough against various kinds of damage. Some common features in these spaces include:

• Non-shedding wall and ceiling panels (PVC, FRP).
• Seamless floors (vinyl, epoxy, rubber).
• Gowning rooms, airlocks, and pass-through chambers (as needed).

2. Airflow and Pressure

Further, to keep suspended particles within the right levels, class 1000 cleanrooms may require:

• 150-240 air changes per hour.
• Turbulent airflow (mostly).
• Laminar airflow (to be used in the most vulnerable places).
• Positive pressure.

3. Filtration

As far as filtration is concerned, class 1000 cleanrooms may use:

• HEPA filters (99.97% efficient at 0.3 microns).
• Ceiling-mounted fan filter units (FFUs).
• ULPA filters for delicate processes (optional).

4. Environmental Conditions & Monitoring

In just about all cleanrooms, environmental conditions will need to be tightly controlled and monitored, and this includes:

• Temperature (usually 68-72°F).
• Humidity (often 40-60% relative humidity).
• Particle counts and air pressure.

The Bottom Line

In summary, class 1000 cleanrooms are controlled environments that allow no more than 1,000 particles (of 0.5 micrometers or larger) per cubic foot of air. Though the Federal Standard 209E is no longer in use, the term is commonly used, and equivalent to ISO 6. These spaces are usually found in manufacturing and research, including in pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and other highly technical industries.

Interested in setting up class 1000 (ISO 6) cleanrooms at your location? Reach out to the experts at Allied Cleanrooms today for a quote on new spaces.

FAQs About Class 1000 Cleanrooms

1. What is the typical ceiling coverage in a class 1000 cleanroom?

Class 1000 cleanrooms often have 25 to 40% ceiling coverage. Of course, the exact number will depend on the application as well as the layout. High ceiling coverage helps make the airflow consistent, and creates cleaner spaces.

2. Is it possible to convert an existing space into a class 1000 cleanroom?

Yes, it is. With modular construction, spaces can be converted/upgraded with relative ease. A site evaluation will be necessary before any exact determination can be made, but it can be done.

3. What kind of clothing is required in a class 1000 cleanroom?

The exact gowning can vary depending on what work is being performed in the cleanroom, but personnel may wear coveralls, hoods, boot covers, gloves, face masks, and goggles.