Standard Test Method for Insulating Glass Unit Performance

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is intended to provide a means for testing the performance of the sealing system and construction of insulating glass units.  
4.1.1 Insulating glass units tested in accordance with this method may be suitable for structurally glazed applications. However, factors such as sealant longevity when exposed to long term ultraviolet light and the structural properties of the sealant must be reviewed for these applications.  
4.1.2 Insulating glass units tested in accordance with this method are not intended for continuous exposure to high relative humidity conditions or long-term immersion in water.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers procedures for testing the performance of preassembled permanently sealed insulating glass units or insulating glass units with capillary tubes intentionally left open.  
1.2 This test method is applicable only to insulating glass units that are constructed with glass.  
1.3 This test method is applicable to both double-glazed and triple-glazed insulating glass units. For triple-glazed insulating glass units where both of the outer lites are glass and the inner lite is either glass or a suspended film.  
1.4 The unit construction used in this test method contains dimensions that are an essential component of the test. Different types of glass, different glass thicknesses, and different cavity sizes may affect the test results.  
1.5 This test method is not applicable to insulating glass units containing a spandrel glass coating due to testing limitations.  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
31-Mar-2019
Technical Committee
E06 - Performance of Buildings

Relations

Effective Date
01-Apr-2019
Effective Date
01-Oct-2023
Effective Date
01-May-2020
Effective Date
01-Mar-2019
Effective Date
01-Mar-2018
Effective Date
01-Nov-2017
Effective Date
01-Jan-2017
Effective Date
15-Nov-2016
Effective Date
01-Sep-2016
Effective Date
01-Nov-2015
Effective Date
01-Mar-2015
Effective Date
01-Dec-2014
Effective Date
01-Nov-2014
Effective Date
01-May-2014
Effective Date
01-Feb-2014

Overview

ASTM E2188-19, Standard Test Method for Insulating Glass Unit Performance, is a widely recognized international standard developed by ASTM International. This test method establishes consistent procedures for evaluating the performance and durability of insulating glass units (IGUs), focusing on the sealing system and structural construction. Insulating glass units are essential components in modern fenestration, playing a critical role in thermal performance, condensation prevention, and overall window durability.

The standard applies to preassembled, permanently sealed IGUs or units with capillary tubes intentionally left open. Testing includes double-glazed and triple-glazed IGUs constructed with glass, addressing crucial aspects such as frost/dew point measurements, response to high humidity, and accelerated weather cycling. ASTM E2188-19 does not apply to units incorporating spandrel glass coatings or to units intended for continuous exposure to high relative humidity or submerged conditions.

Key Topics

1. Sealing System and Construction:

  • Evaluates the long-term performance of IGU seals
  • Addresses durability against moisture ingress and temperature fluctuations
  • Considers sealant longevity and structural performance, particularly under structural glazing scenarios

2. Applicable Unit Types:

  • Double-glazed and triple-glazed glass IGUs
  • IGUs with capillary tubes open by design
  • Units may utilize clear, tinted, coated, annealed, tempered, or laminated glass

3. Testing Phases:

  • High humidity exposure at controlled temperature and relative humidity levels
  • Accelerated weather cycling simulating UV radiation, temperature extremes, and humidity stress
  • Frost/dew point determination, indicating moisture penetration and possible seal failure

4. Reporting and Precision:

  • Detailed reporting requirements for unit construction, test conditions, and results
  • Observations of glass breakage, visible deposits, and measured dew points
  • Precision and bias referenced according to established ASTM methodologies

Applications

1. Building Envelope and Window Industry

  • Widely used by manufacturers of windows, curtain walls, and skylights to assess IGU durability
  • Enables compliance with energy codes and sustainability requirements by ensuring reliable thermal performance

2. Product Development and Quality Control

  • Provides a benchmark for research and development of new insulating glass products and technologies
  • Used in quality assurance programs to maintain consistency and performance across production batches

3. Structural Glazing Projects

  • Assists specifiers and glazing contractors in determining IGU suitability for structural glazing applications, with special attention to sealant properties and longevity

4. Regulatory Compliance

  • Helps demonstrate compliance with international trade and building standards by referencing an internationally recognized method developed in line with WTO TBT principles

5. Lifecycle Assessment

  • Supports lifecycle cost analysis by predicting service life and durability in real-world conditions, reducing long-term maintenance and replacement costs

Related Standards

  • ASTM E2190: Specification for Insulating Glass Unit Performance and Evaluation - frequently referenced for extended testing requirements
  • ASTM E546: Test Method for Frost/Dew Point of Sealed Insulating Glass Units - specifies frost/dew point measurement procedures
  • ASTM C1036: Specification for Flat Glass - provides dimensional and quality requirements for glass substrates
  • ASTM C162: Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
  • ASTM C717: Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
  • ASTM E631: Terminology of Building Constructions

Practical Value

By adhering to ASTM E2188-19, manufacturers, architects, and specifiers can ensure that insulating glass units meet rigorous criteria for performance and durability. This improves building envelope reliability, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort, while enabling ease of market access internationally. ASTM E2188-19 is essential for anyone involved in the design, testing, or specification of high-performance glazing systems.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM E2188-19 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Insulating Glass Unit Performance". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This test method is intended to provide a means for testing the performance of the sealing system and construction of insulating glass units. 4.1.1 Insulating glass units tested in accordance with this method may be suitable for structurally glazed applications. However, factors such as sealant longevity when exposed to long term ultraviolet light and the structural properties of the sealant must be reviewed for these applications. 4.1.2 Insulating glass units tested in accordance with this method are not intended for continuous exposure to high relative humidity conditions or long-term immersion in water. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers procedures for testing the performance of preassembled permanently sealed insulating glass units or insulating glass units with capillary tubes intentionally left open. 1.2 This test method is applicable only to insulating glass units that are constructed with glass. 1.3 This test method is applicable to both double-glazed and triple-glazed insulating glass units. For triple-glazed insulating glass units where both of the outer lites are glass and the inner lite is either glass or a suspended film. 1.4 The unit construction used in this test method contains dimensions that are an essential component of the test. Different types of glass, different glass thicknesses, and different cavity sizes may affect the test results. 1.5 This test method is not applicable to insulating glass units containing a spandrel glass coating due to testing limitations. 1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This test method is intended to provide a means for testing the performance of the sealing system and construction of insulating glass units. 4.1.1 Insulating glass units tested in accordance with this method may be suitable for structurally glazed applications. However, factors such as sealant longevity when exposed to long term ultraviolet light and the structural properties of the sealant must be reviewed for these applications. 4.1.2 Insulating glass units tested in accordance with this method are not intended for continuous exposure to high relative humidity conditions or long-term immersion in water. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers procedures for testing the performance of preassembled permanently sealed insulating glass units or insulating glass units with capillary tubes intentionally left open. 1.2 This test method is applicable only to insulating glass units that are constructed with glass. 1.3 This test method is applicable to both double-glazed and triple-glazed insulating glass units. For triple-glazed insulating glass units where both of the outer lites are glass and the inner lite is either glass or a suspended film. 1.4 The unit construction used in this test method contains dimensions that are an essential component of the test. Different types of glass, different glass thicknesses, and different cavity sizes may affect the test results. 1.5 This test method is not applicable to insulating glass units containing a spandrel glass coating due to testing limitations. 1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM E2188-19 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 81.040.01 - Glass in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM E2188-19 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E2188-10, ASTM C162-23, ASTM E546-14(2020), ASTM C717-19, ASTM C717-18, ASTM C717-17a, ASTM C717-17, ASTM C717-16a, ASTM C717-16, ASTM C162-05(2015), ASTM E631-15, ASTM E546-14, ASTM E631-14, ASTM C717-14a, ASTM C717-14. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM E2188-19 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E2188 − 19
Standard Test Method for
Insulating Glass Unit Performance
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2188; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method covers procedures for testing the
C162Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
performance of preassembled permanently sealed insulating
C717Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
glass units or insulating glass units with capillary tubes
C1036Specification for Flat Glass
intentionally left open.
E631Terminology of Building Constructions
1.2 This test method is applicable only to insulating glass
E546Test Method for Frost/Dew Point of Sealed Insulating
units that are constructed with glass. Glass Units
E2190Specification for Insulating Glass Unit Performance
1.3 Thistestmethodisapplicabletobothdouble-glazedand
and Evaluation
triple-glazed insulating glass units. For triple-glazed insulating
glass units where both of the outer lites are glass and the inner
3. Terminology
lite is either glass or a suspended film.
3.1 Definition of Terms:
3.1.1 Fordefinitionsoftermsfoundinthisstandard,referto
1.4 The unit construction used in this test method contains
Terminologies C162, C717, and E631.
dimensions that are an essential component of the test. Differ-
ent types of glass, different glass thicknesses, and different
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
cavity sizes may affect the test results.
3.2.1 frost/dew point, n—the temperature at which water,
organic vapor, or other chemicals begin to appear on the
1.5 This test method is not applicable to insulating glass
interior glass surface of an insulating glass unit.
units containing a spandrel glass coating due to testing limita-
tions.
4. Significance and Use
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
4.1 This test method is intended to provide a means for
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
testing the performance of the sealing system and construction
providedforinformationonlyandarenotconsideredstandard.
of insulating glass units.
4.1.1 Insulating glass units tested in accordance with this
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
method may be suitable for structurally glazed applications.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
However, factors such as sealant longevity when exposed to
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
long term ultraviolet light and the structural properties of the
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
sealant must be reviewed for these applications.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1.2 Insulating glass units tested in accordance with this
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
method are not intended for continuous exposure to high
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
relative humidity conditions or long-term immersion in water.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5. Test Specimens
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1 Each test specimen shall measure 355 66mm by
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 1 1
505 66mm (14 6 ⁄4 in. by 20 6 ⁄4 in.) and shall be
composed of two or three lites of clear, tinted, coated,
annealed, heat-strengthened, tempered, or laminated glass.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.22
on Durability Performance of Building Constructions. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published May 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as E2188–10. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E2188–19. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2188 − 19
5.1.1 The double-glazed test samples shall be fabricated 5.5 Duringallstagesofexposureandstorage,theunitsshall
with at least one lite of clear, uncoated glass.The triple-glazed beheldinaverticalpositionwithequalsupporttoallpanesand
test samples shall be fabricated with at least one outer lite of no compression loading.
clear, uncoated glass. The other outer lite shall be fabricated
5.6 Selection of six specimens for testing shall be made at
with a glass which allows easy viewing of the frost point.
random from the submitted specimens except for specimens
5.1.2 The thickness of the glass lites shall be between
damaged in transit. Damaged specimens shall not be tested.
1 1
nominal 3.0mm ( ⁄8 in.) and a maximum of 6.0mm ( ⁄4 in.)
5.7 Test specimens representing insulating glass units that
nominal.
willbegasfilledshallbefabricatedusingthesameholesealing
5.1.3 The cavity for specimens with either two or three lites
and gas filling techniques as those used for manufacturing. For
1 1
of glass shall be a minimum of 6.0 60.8mm ( ⁄4 6 ⁄32 in.).
example, if a gas-filling plug is used in manufacturing then it
5.1.4 When testing to Specification E2190 the specimen
must be used in the test units.
construction shall be as defined in that document.
5.8 Test specimens representing insulating glass units that
5.1.5 Triple-pane units where the intermediate cavity di-
include tubes intended to be left open shall be fabricated with
vider is a plastic film are acceptable.
one tube. These tubes shall be left open during testing. Test
NOTE 1—Overall unit thickness has some limits. Testing laboratories
are usually able to accommodate 30 mm overall thickness. If testing samples representing units that include tubes intended to be
thicker units, contact the testing laboratory to ascertain their capabilities
closed off after shipping shall be fabricated with one tube.
for testing thicker units.
These tubes shall be closed at the exterior end prior to testing.
5.2 The thickness tolerance of the glass shall conform to
6. Apparatus
Specification C1036.
6.1 For Weather Cycle Phase:
5.3 Each specimen shall be legibly marked with the desig-
6.1.1 Weather Cycle Test Chamber —The weather cycle
nation of the manufacturer, the date of fabrication (month or
test chamber shall be essentially that shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to
quarterandyear)andorientationintendedinthefield(forunits
provide the required test conditions indicated in Section 8.
constructed with coated glass). This marking is recommended
Modificationstothistestchamberareacceptableprovidingthat
tobepositionedontheglasssurfacethatwillbeorientedonthe
the required test conditions are met.
room temperature side during the weather cycle phase (see
8.3).
The chamber is a modification of the device developed by the Institute for
5.4 At least nine specimens of identical component materi-
Research in Construction (IRC) of the National Research Council of Canada. One
als and construction shall be submitted for testing. modification was to expose each test specimen to two ultraviolet lamps.
Description: (1) Fog or mist spray; (2) Cooling coil; (3) Fluorescent ultraviolet lamp, F72T12BL/HO; (4) Heating coil; (5) Rubber pad; (6) Polystyrene insulation; (7) Rubber
washer; (8) Clamping device; (9) Test specimen; (10) Fan motor; (11) Air duct; (12) Insulation
FIG. 1 Schematic Drawing of Typical Accelerated Weathering Chamber
E2188 − 19
FIG. 2 Location of Fluorescent Ultraviolet Lamp Relative to the Test Specimen
6.1.1.1 Ultraviolet Light Source—(Warning—Ultraviolet test.Measuresshallbetakentohaveaclearviewoftheinterior
lightsourcesusedinthistestmethodareharmful,especiallyto glass surface for detection of frost. For example, place a mask
the eyes. Appropriate protective measures must be observed.) of plastic tape approximately 50by50mm (2 by 2 in.) on the
6.1.1.2 The source shall consist of fluorescent ultraviolet central region of both exterior glass surfaces before exposing
lamps, Type F72T12BL/HO.This designation defines an 1829 the unit to weathering conditions. Remove the mask for
mm (72 in.) long lamp, but a different length is acceptable as frost/dew point measurement.
long as the UV output matches that defined in 6.1.1.3.Two
7.2 The specimens are to be tested after a minimum of 4
lamps shall span either the long or short leg of each specimen
weeks from date of manufacture to allow for stabilization
to expose the edge seals of each specimen in four locations.
before testing. The manufacturer shall be permitted to waive
See Fig. 1.
this requirement.
...


This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2188 − 10 E2188 − 19
Standard Test Method for
Insulating Glass Unit Performance
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2188; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers procedures for testing the performance of preassembled permanently sealed insulating glass units
or insulating glass units with capillary tubes intentionally left open.
1.2 This test method is applicable only to sealed insulating glass units that are constructed with glass.
1.3 This test method is applicable to both double-glazed and triple-glazed insulating glass units. For triple-glazed insulating
glass units where both of the outer lites are glass and the inner lite is either glass or a suspended film.
1.4 The unit construction used in this test method contains dimensions that are an essential component of the test. Different
types of glass, different glass thicknesses, and different airspacecavity sizes may affect the test results.
1.5 This test method is not applicable to sealed insulating glass units containing a spandrel glass coating due to testing
limitations.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this The values
given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.7 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C162 Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
C1036 Specification for Flat Glass
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E546 Test Method for Frost/Dew Point of Sealed Insulating Glass Units
E2190 Specification for Insulating Glass Unit Performance and Evaluation
3. Terminology
3.1 Definition of Terms:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms found in this standard, refer to Terminologies C162, C717, and E631.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 frost/dew point, n—the temperature at which water, organic vapor, or other chemicals begin to appear on the interior glass
surface of a sealed an insulating glass unit.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.22 on Durability
Performance of Building Constructions.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2010April 1, 2019. Published February 2011May 2019. Originally approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 20022010 as
E2188 – 02.E2188–10. DOI: 10.1520/E2188-10.10.1520/E2188–19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’sstandard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2188 − 19
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method is intended to provide a means for testing the performance of the sealing system and construction of sealed
insulating glass units.
4.1.1 Sealed insulating Insulating glass units tested in accordance with this method may be suitable for structurally glazed
applications. However, factors such as sealant longevity when exposed to long term ultraviolet light and the structural properties
of the sealant must be reviewed for these applications.
4.1.2 Sealed insulating Insulating glass units tested in accordance with this method are not intended for continuous exposure
to high relative humidity conditions or long-term immersion in water.
5. Test Specimens
1 1
5.1 Each test specimen shall measure 355 6 6 mm by 505 6 6 mm (14 6 ⁄4 in. by 20 6 ⁄4 in.) and shall be composed of two
or three lites of clear, tinted or coated tinted, coated, annealed, heat-strengthened, tempered, or laminated glass.
5.1.1 The double-glazed test samples shall be fabricated with at least one lite of clear, uncoated glass. The triple-glazed test
samples shall be fabricated with at least one outer lite of clear, uncoated glass. The other outer lite shall be fabricated with a glass
which allows easy viewing of the frost point.
1 1
5.1.2 The thickness of the glass lites shall be between nominal 3.0 mm3.0 mm ( ⁄8 in.) and a maximum of 6.0 mm nominal.( ⁄4
in.) nominal.
5.1.3 The airspacescavity for unitsspecimens with either two or three lites of glass shall be a minimum of 6.0 6 0.8 mm.
1 1
6.0 6 0.8 mm ( ⁄4 6 ⁄32 in.).
5.1.4 When testing to Specification E2190 the specimen construction shall be as defined in that document.
5.1.5 Triple-pane units where the intermediate airspacecavity divider is a plastic film are acceptable.
NOTE 1—Overall unit thickness has some limits. Testing laboratories are usually able to accommodate 30 mm overall thickness. If testing thicker units,
contact the testing laboratory prior to manufacturing to ascertain their capabilities for testing thicker units.
5.2 The thickness tolerance of the glass shall conform to Specification C1036.
5.3 Each specimen shall be permanently and legibly marked with the designation of the manufacturer, the date of fabrication
(month or quarter and year) and orientation intended in the field (for units constructed with coated glass). This marking is
recommended to be positioned on the glass surface that will be oriented on the room temperature side during the weather cycle
phase (see 8.3).
5.4 At least nine specimens of identical component materials and construction shall be submitted for testing.
5.5 During all stages of exposure and storage, the units shall be held in a vertical position with equal support to all panes and
no compression loading.
5.6 Selection of six specimens for testing shall be made at random from the submitted specimens except for specimens damaged
in transit. Damaged specimens shall not be tested.
5.7 Test specimens representing insulating glass units that will be gas filled shall be fabricated using the same hole sealing and
gas filling techniques as those used for manufacturing. For example, if a gas-filling plug is used in manufacturing then it must be
used in the test units. The samples do not need to be filled with gas providing that the gas is classified as inert. Test samples
representing products that are normally filled with an inert gas in production, may be submitted air filled for this testing as long
as they have been manufactured with the same techniques as used in production.
5.8 Test specimens representing insulating glass units that include tubes intended to be left open shall be fabricated with one
tube. These tubes shall be left open during testing. Test samples representing units that include tubes intended to be closed off after
shipping shall be fabricated with one tube. These tubes shall be closed at the exterior end prior to testing.
6. Apparatus
6.1 For Weather Cycle Phase:
6.1.1 Weather Cycle Test ApparatusChamber —The weather cycle test apparatuschamber shall be essentially that shown in
Figs. 1 and 2 to provide the required test conditions indicated in Section 8. Modifications to this test apparatuschamber are
acceptable providing that the required test conditions are met.
6.1.1.1 Ultraviolet Light Source Source——((Warning—Ultraviolet light sources used in this test method are harmful,
especially to the eyes. Appropriate protective measures must be observed.)
6.1.1.2 The source shall consist of two fluorescent ultraviolet lamps, Type F72T12BL/HOF72T12BL/HO. This (designation-
Note 2), for defines an 1829 mm (72 in.) long lamp, but a different length is acceptable as long as the UV output matches that
defined in 6.1.1.3each test specimen located as shown in . Two lamps shall span either the long or short leg of each specimen to
expose the edge seals of each specimen in four locations. See Fig. 1.
The apparatuschamber is a modification of the device developed by the Institute for Research in Construction (IRC) of the National Research Council of Canada. One
modification was to expose each test specimen to two ultraviolet lamps.
E2188 − 19
Description: (1) Fog or mist spray; (2) Cooling coil; (3) Fluorescent ultraviolet lamp, F72T12BL/HO; (4) Heating coil; (5) Rubber pad; (6) Polystyrene insulation; (7) Rubber
washer; (8) Clamping device; (9) Test specimen; (10) Fan motor; (11) Air duct; (12) Insulation
FIG. 1 Schematic Drawing of Typical Accelerated Weathering ApparatusChamber
FIG. 2 Location of Fluorescent Ultraviolet Lamp Relative to the Test Specimen
NOTE 2—Rated average life at 3 h per start: 12 000 h. Rated average life at 12 h per start: 18 000 h. Useful length: 1625 mm. Wattage: 85 W. Relative
ultraviolet energy output is 190 % that of F40BL lamp (not high output), when measured at 340 nm.
6.1.1.3 Each lamp shall be replaced when its ultraviolet light intensity falls below 10 Whave an ultraviolet light output in the
2 2
range⁄m of 20 to 60 W/m (1000 μW (2000⁄cm to 6000 μW/cm ) when measured with a long-waveUVA ultraviolet
meterradiometer in direct contact with the lamp. The radiometer shall be calibrated with results traceable to a national or
international physical standards body (for example, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)).
6.1.2 Protect the accelerated weathering chamber from overheating and from overcooling with protective devices.
E2188 − 19
6.1.2 Equip the accelerated weather cycle chamber with one or more temperature sensors and a continuous temperature
recording device placed in an area that measures the representative air temperature at any time inside the chamber.
6.2 For High Humidity Phase:
6.2.1 High Humidity Test Chamber—A chamber of convenient dimensions capable of maintaining 60 6 3°C and
95 6 5 %60 6 3 °C (140 6 5 °F) and 95 +5 ⁄–10 % relative humidity.
6.2.2 The high humidity chamber shall be protected from overheating with a protective device.
6.2.2 Equip high humidity chamber with one or more sensors and
...

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