ASTM E331-00(2009)

Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method is a standard procedure for determining the resistance to water penetration under uniform static air pressure differences. The air-pressure differences acting across a building envelope vary greatly. These factors should be fully considered prior to specifying the test pressure difference to be used.
Note 1—In applying the results of tests by this test method, note that the performance of a wall or its components, or both, may be a function of proper installation and adjustment. In service, the performance will also depend on the rigidity of supporting construction and on the resistance of components to deterioration by various causes, vibration, thermal expansion and contraction, etc. It is difficult to simulate the identical complex wetting conditions that can be encountered in service, with large wind-blown water drops, increasing water drop impact pressures with increasing wind velocity, and lateral or upward moving air and water. Some designs are more sensitive than others to this upward moving water.
Note 2—This test method does not identify unobservable liquid water which may penetrate into the test specimen.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the resistance of exterior windows, curtain walls, skylights, and doors to water penetration when water is applied to the outdoor face and exposed edges simultaneously with a uniform static air pressure at the outdoor face higher than the pressure at the indoor face.  
1.2 This test method is applicable to any curtain-wall area or to windows, skylights, or doors alone.
1.3 This test method addresses water penetration through a manufactured assembly. Water that penetrates the assembly, but does not result in a failure as defined herein, may have adverse effects on the performance of contained materials such as sealants and insulating or laminated glass. This test method does not address these issues.
1.4 The proper use of this test method requires a knowledge of the principles of pressure measurement.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.6 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see 7.1.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2009
• ICS: 91.060.10 - Walls. Partitions. Facades
• ICS: 91.060.50 - Doors and windows
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.51 - Performance of Windows, Doors, Skylights and Curtain Walls

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E331-00 - Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Referred By: ASTM E2128-20 - Standard Guide for Evaluating Water Leakage of Building Walls
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Referred By: ASTM E1677-23 - Standard Specification for Air Barrier (AB) Material or Assemblies for Low-Rise Framed Building Walls
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Referred By: ASTM E1646-95(2018) - Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Metal Roof Panel Systems by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Referred By: ASTM E3223/E3223M-20 - Standard Guide for Specifying and Testing Field-Constructed Exterior Building Wall System Mockups in New Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Referred By: ASTM E1105-15(2023) - Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls, by Uniform or Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Referred By: ASTM C1401-23 - Standard Guide for Structural Sealant Glazing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Referred By: ASTM E2273-18 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Drainage Efficiency of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) Clad Wall Assemblies
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Referred By: ASTM E2099-23 - Standard Practice for Specification and Evaluation of Pre-Construction Laboratory Mockups of Exterior Wall Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D7338-14(2023) - Standard Guide for Assessment Of Fungal Growth in Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Referred By: ASTM E2266-22 - Standard Guide for Design and Construction of Low-Rise Frame Building Wall Systems to Resist Water Intrusion
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Referred By: ASTM E2568-17a - Standard Specification for PB Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Referred By: ASTM E2570/E2570M-07(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Evaluating Water-Resistive Barrier (WRB) Coatings Used under Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) or EIFS with Drainage
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Referred By: ASTM E3054/E3054M-23 - Standard Guide for Characterization and Use of Hygrothermal Models for Moisture Control Design in Building Envelopes
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Referred By: ASTM C964-20 - Standard Guide for Lock-Strip Gasket Glazing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E331 − 00 (Reapproved2009)
Standard Test Method for
Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors,
and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure
Difference
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E331; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the resis- 2.1 ASTM Standards:
tance of exterior windows, curtain walls, skylights, and doors E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
to water penetration when water is applied to the outdoor face
3. Terminology
and exposed edges simultaneously with a uniform static air
pressure at the outdoor face higher than the pressure at the 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of general terms relating to
indoor face. buildingconstructionusedinthistestmethod,seeTerminology
E631.
1.2 Thistestmethodisapplicabletoanycurtain-wallareaor
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
to windows, skylights, or doors alone.
3.2.1 specimen, n—the entire assembled unit submitted for
1.3 This test method addresses water penetration through a
test as described in Section 8.
manufactured assembly. Water that penetrates the assembly,
3.2.2 test pressure difference, n—the specified difference in
but does not result in a failure as defined herein, may have
static air pressure across the closed and locked or fixed
adverse effects on the performance of contained materials such
specimen expressed as pascals (lbf/ft ).
as sealants and insulating or laminated glass. This test method
3.2.3 water penetration, n—penetration of water beyond a
does not address these issues.
plane parallel to the glazing (the vertical plane) intersecting the
1.4 The proper use of this test method requires a knowledge
innermost projection of the test specimen, not including
of the principles of pressure measurement.
interiortrimandhardware,underthespecifiedconditionsofair
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
pressure difference across the specimen. For products with
standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
non-planer glazing surfaces (domes, vaults, pyramids, etc.), the
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-
plane defining water penetration is the plane defined by the
tion only and are not considered standard.
innermost edges of the unit frame.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Summary of Test Method
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 This test method consists of sealing the test specimen
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
into or against one face of a test chamber, supplying air to or
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
exhausting air from the chamber at the rate required to
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
maintainthetestpressuredifferenceacrossthespecimen,while
statements, see 7.1.
spraying water onto the outdoor face of the specimen at the
required rate and observing any water penetration.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.51
on Performance of Windows, Doors, Skylights, and Curtain Walls. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2009. Published March 2009. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1967. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as E331 – 00. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E0331-00R09. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E331 − 00 (2009)
5. Significance and Use 6. Apparatus
5.1 Thistestmethodisastandardprocedurefordetermining 6.1 The description of apparatus in this section is general in
the resistance to water penetration under uniform static air
nature and any arrangement of equipment capable of perform-
pressure differences. The air-pressure differences acting across ing the test procedure within the allowable tolerances is
a building envelope vary greatly. These factors should be fully
permitted.
considered prior to specifying the test pressure difference to be
6.2 Major Components (Fig. 1):
used.
6.2.1 Test Chamber—A test chamber or box with an
NOTE 1—In applying the results of tests by this test method, note that
opening, a removable mounting panel, or one open side in
the performance of a wall or its components, or both, may be a function
which or against which the specimen is installed and sealed.At
of properinstallationand adjustment. In service, the performancewillalso
least one static pressure tap shall be provided to measure the
depend on the rigidity of supporting construction and on the resistance of
chamber pressure, and shall be so located that the reading is
components to deterioration by various causes, vibration, thermal expan-
sion and contraction, etc. It is difficult to simulate the identical complex unaffected by the velocity of the air supply to or from the
wetting conditions that can be encountered in service, with large wind-
chamber. The air supply opening into the chamber shall be
blown water drops, increasing water drop impact pressures with increas-
arranged so that the air does not impinge directly on the test
ing wind velocity, and lateral or upward moving air and water. Some
specimen with any significant velocity.Ameans of access into
designs are more sensitive than others to this upward moving water.
the chamber may be provided to facilitate adjustments and
NOTE 2—This test method does not identify unobservable liquid water
which may penetrate into the test specimen. observations after the specimen has been installed.
NOTE 1—For a negative pressure system, the water-spray grid would be located outside the chamber and the air supply would be replaced by an
air-exhaust system.
FIG. 1 General Arrangement of the Water Leakage Apparatus Positive Chamber System
E331 − 00 (2009)
6.2.2 Air System—A controllable blower, compressed air horizontal joint accommodating vertical expansion, such joint
supply, exhaust system, or reversible blower designed to being at or near the bottom of the specimen, and all connec-
provide the required maximum air-pressure difference across tions at the top and bottom of the units.
the specimen. The system must provide essentially constant 8.1.1 All parts of the test specimen shall be full size, using
airflow at a fixed pressure for the required test period. the same materials, details, and methods of construction and
6.2.3 Pressure-Measuring Apparatus—A device to measure anchorage as used on the actual building.
the test pressure difference within a tolerance of 62% or 8.1.2 Conditions of structural support shall be simulated as
62.5 Pa (60.01 in. of water column), whichever is greater. accurately as possible.
6.2.4 Water-Spray System—The water-spray system shall
8.2 Window, skylight, door, or other component test speci-
deliver water uniformly against the exterior surface of the test
mensshallconsistoftheentireassembledunit,includingframe
specimen at a minimum rate of 3.4 L⁄m · min
and anchorage as supplied by the manufacturer for installation
(5.0 U.S. gal⁄ft · h).
in the building.
6.2.4.1 The water-spray system shall have nozzles spaced
8.2.1 If only one specimen is to be tested, the selection shall
on a uniform grid, located at a uniform distance from the test
be determined by the specifying authority.
specimen, and shall be adjustable to provide the specified
NOTE 3—It should be recognized, especially with windows, that
quantity of water in such a manner as to wet all of the test
performance is likely to be a function of size and geometry. Therefore,
specimen uniformly and to wet those areas vulnerable to water
select specimens covering the range of sizes to be used in a building. In
penetration. If additional nozzles are required to provide
general, the largest size of a particular design, type, construction, and
uniformity of water spray at the edge of the test specimen, they
...

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:E331–96 Designation:E331–00(Reapproved 2009)
Standard Test Method for
Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Curtain
Walls,Skylights, Doors, and DoorsCurtain Walls by Uniform
Static Air Pressure Difference
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 331; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the resistance of exterior windows, curtain walls, skylights, and doors to water
penetration when water is applied to the outdoor face and exposed edges simultaneously with a uniform static air pressure at the
outdoor face higher than the pressure at the indoor face.
1.2 This test method is applicable to any curtain-wall area or to windows, skylights, or doors alone.
1.3 Thistestmethodaddresseswaterpenetrationthroughamanufacturedassembly.Waterthatpenetratestheassembly,butdoes
not result in a failure as defined herein, may have adverse effects on the performance of contained materials such as sealants and
insulating or laminated glass. This test method does not address these issues.
1.4The proper use of this test method requires a knowledge of the principles of pressure and deflection measurement.
1.5The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound equivalents of SI units may be approximate.
1.4 The proper use of this test method requires a knowledge of the principles of pressure measurement.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.6 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see 7.1.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E 631 Terminology of Building Constructions
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of general terms relating to building construction used in this test method, see Terminology
E 631.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 specimen, n—the entire assembled unit submitted for test as described in Section 8.
3.2.2 test pressure difference, n—the specified difference in static air pressure across the closed and locked or fixed specimen
expressed as pounds-force per square foot (newtons per square metre). —the specified difference in static air pressure across the
closed and locked or fixed specimen expressed as pascals (lbf/ft ).
3.2.3 water penetration, n—penetration of water beyond the vertical plane intersecting the innermost projection of the test
specimen, not including interior trim and hardware, under the specified conditions of air pressure difference across the specimen.
—penetration of water beyond a plane parallel to the glazing (the vertical plane) intersecting the innermost projection of the test
specimen, not including interior trim and hardware, under the specified conditions of air pressure difference across the specimen.
For products with non-planer glazing surfaces (domes, vaults, pyramids, etc.), the plane defining water penetration is the plane
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee E-6 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.51 on Component
Performance of Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors.
Current edition approved Sept. 10, 1996. Published November 1996. Originally published as E331–67. Last previous edition E331–93.
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.51 on Performance
of Windows, Doors, Skylights, and Curtain Walls.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2009. Published March 2009. Originally approved in 1967. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as E 331 – 00.
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
, Vol 04.07.volume information, refer to the standard’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.
E331–00 (2009)
defined by the innermost edges of the unit frame.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method consists of sealing the test specimen into or against one face of a test chamber, supplying air to or
exhausting air from the chamber at the rate required to maintain the test pressure difference across the specimen, while spraying
water onto the outdoor face of the specimen at the required rate and observing any water penetration.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Thistestmethodisastandardprocedurefordeterminingtheresistancetowaterpenetrationunderuniformstaticairpressure
differences. The air-pressure differences acting across a building envelope vary greatly. These factors should be fully considered
prior to specifying the test pressure difference to be used.
NOTE 1—In applying the results of tests by this test method, note that the performance of a wall or its components, or both, may be a function of proper
installation and adjustment. In service, the performance will also depend on the rigidity of supporting construction and on the resistance of components
to deterioration by various causes, vibration, thermal expansion and contraction, etc. It is difficult to simulate the identical complex wetting conditions
that can be encountered in service, with large wind-blown water drops, increasing water drop impact pressures with increasing wind velocity, and lateral
or upward moving air and water. Some designs are more sensitive than others to this upward moving water.
NOTE 2—This test method does not identify unobservable liquid water which may penetrate into the test specimen.
6. Apparatus
6.1 The description of apparatus in this section is general in nature and any arrangement of equipment capable of performing
the test procedure within the allowable tolerances is permitted.
6.2 Major Components (Fig. 1):
NOTE 1—For a negative pressure system, the water-spray grid would be located outside the chamber and the air supply would be replaced by an
air-exhaust system.
FIG. 1 General Arrangement of the Water Leakage Apparatus Positive Chamber System
E331–00 (2009)
6.2.1 Test Chamber—Atest chamber or box with an opening, a removable mounting panel, or one open side in which or against
which the specimen is installed and sealed.At least one static pressure tap shall be provided to measure the chamber pressure, and
shall be so located that the reading is unaffected by the velocity of the air supply to or from the chamber. The air supply opening
into the chamber shall be arranged so that the air does not impinge directly on the test specimen with any significant velocity. A
means of access into the chamber may be provided to facilitate adjustments and observations after the specimen has been installed.
6.2.2 Air System—A controllable blower, compressed air supply, exhaust system, or reversible blower designed to provide the
required maximum air-pressure difference across the specimen. The system must provide essentially constant airflow at a fixed
pressure for the required test period.
6.2.3 Pressure-Measuring Apparatus—A device to measure the test pressure difference within a tolerance of 6 2%.
6.2.4—A device to measure the test pressure difference within a tolerance of 62% or 62.5 Pa (60.01 in. of water column),
whichever is greater.
6.2.4 Water-Spray System—The water-spray system shall deliver water uniformly against the exterior surface of the test
2 2
specimen at a minimum rate of 3.4 L/m · min (5.0 U.S. gal/ft · h).
6.2.4.1The6.2.4.1 The water-spray system shall have nozzles spaced on a uniform grid, located at a uniform distance from the
test specimen, and shall be adjustable to provide the specified quantity of water in such a manner as to wet all of the test specimen
uniformly and to wet those areas vulnerable to water penetration. If additional nozzles are required to provide uniformity of water
spray at the edge of the test specimen, they shall be equally spaced around the entire spray grid.
7. Hazards
7.1 Warning—GlassWarning—Glass breakage will not normally occur at the small pressure differences applied in this test.
Excessive pressure differences may occur, however, due to error in operation or whe
...

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:E331–00 Designation:E331–00(Reapproved 2009)
Standard Test Method for
Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors,
and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure
Difference
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 331; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the resistance of exterior windows, curtain walls, skylights, and doors to water
penetration when water is applied to the outdoor face and exposed edges simultaneously with a uniform static air pressure at the
outdoor face higher than the pressure at the indoor face.
1.2 This test method is applicable to any curtain-wall area or to windows, skylights, or doors alone.
1.3 Thistestmethodaddresseswaterpenetrationthroughamanufacturedassembly.Waterthatpenetratestheassembly,butdoes
not result in a failure as defined herein, may have adverse effects on the performance of contained materials such as sealants and
insulating or laminated glass. This test method does not address these issues.
1.4 The proper use of this test method requires a knowledge of the principles of pressure measurement.
1.5The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound equivalents of SI units may be approximate.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.6 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see 7.1.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E 631 Terminology of Building Constructions
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of general terms relating to building construction used in this test method, see Terminology
E 631.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 specimen, n—the entire assembled unit submitted for test as described in Section 8.
3.2.2 test pressure difference, n—the specified difference in static air pressure across the closed and locked or fixed specimen
expressed as pascals (lbf/ft ).
3.2.3 water penetration, n—penetration of water beyond a plane parallel to the glazing (the vertical plane) intersecting the
innermost projection of the test specimen, not including interior trim and hardware, under the specified conditions of air pressure
difference across the specimen. For products with non-planer glazing surfaces (domes, vaults, pyramids, etc.), the plane defining
water penetration is the plane defined by the innermost edges of the unit frame.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method consists of sealing the test specimen into or against one face of a test chamber, supplying air to or
exhausting air from the chamber at the rate required to maintain the test pressure difference across the specimen, while spraying
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.51 on Performance
of Windows, Doors, Skylights and Curtain Walls.
Current edition approved Oct. 10, 2000. Published December 2000 . Originally published as E331–67. Last previous edition E331–96.on Performance ofWindows, Doors,
Skylights, and Curtain Walls.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2009. Published March 2009. Originally approved in 1967. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as E 331 – 00.
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
, Vol 04.11.volume information, refer to the standard’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.
E331–00 (2009)
water onto the outdoor face of the specimen at the required rate and observing any water penetration.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Thistestmethodisastandardprocedurefordeterminingtheresistancetowaterpenetrationunderuniformstaticairpressure
differences. The air-pressure differences acting across a building envelope vary greatly. These factors should be fully considered
prior to specifying the test pressure difference to be used.
NOTE 1—In applying the results of tests by this test method, note that the performance of a wall or its components, or both, may be a function of proper
installation and adjustment. In service, the performance will also depend on the rigidity of supporting construction and on the resistance of components
to deterioration by various causes, vibration, thermal expansion and contraction, etc. It is difficult to simulate the identical complex wetting conditions
that can be encountered in service, with large wind-blown water drops, increasing water drop impact pressures with increasing wind velocity, and lateral
or upward moving air and water. Some designs are more sensitive than others to this upward moving water.
NOTE 2—This test method does not identify unobservable liquid water which may penetrate into the test specimen.
6. Apparatus
6.1 The description of apparatus in this section is general in nature and any arrangement of equipment capable of performing
the test procedure within the allowable tolerances is permitted.
6.2 Major Components (Fig. 1):
6.2.1 Test Chamber—Atest chamber or box with an opening, a removable mounting panel, or one open side in which or against
which the specimen is installed and sealed.At least one static pressure tap shall be provided to measure the chamber pressure, and
shall be so located that the reading is unaffected by the velocity of the air supply to or from the chamber. The air supply opening
into the chamber shall be arranged so that the air does not impinge directly on the test specimen with any significant velocity. A
means of access into the chamber may be provided to facilitate adjustments and observations after the specimen has been installed.
NOTE 1—For a negative pressure system, the water-spray grid would be located outside the chamber and the air supply would be replaced by an
air-exhaust system.
FIG. 1 General Arrangement of the Water Leakage Apparatus Positive Chamber System
E331–00 (2009)
6.2.2 Air System—A controllable blower, compressed air supply, exhaust system, or reversible blower designed to provide the
required maximum air-pressure difference across the specimen. The system must provide essentially constant airflow at a fixed
pressure for the required test period.
6.2.3 Pressure-Measuring Apparatus—Adevice to measure the test pressure difference within a tolerance of 62%or 62.5 Pa
(60.01 in. of water column), whichever is greater.
6.2.4 Water-Spray System—The water-spray system shall deliver water uniformly against the exterior surface of the test
2 2
specimen at a minimum rate of 3.4 L/m · min (5.0 U.S. gal/ft · h).
6.2.4.1 The water-spray system shall have nozzles spaced on a uniform grid, located at a uniform distance from the test
specimen, and shall be adjustable to provide the specified quantity of water in such a manner as to wet all of the test specimen
uniformly and to wet those areas vulnerable to water penetration. If additional nozzles are required to provide uniformity of water
spray at the edge of the test specimen, they shall be equally spaced around the entire spray grid.
7. Hazards
7.1 Warning—GlassWarning—Glass breakage will not normally occur at the small pressure differences applied in this test.
Excessive pressure differences may occur, however, due to error in operation or when the apparatus is used for other purposes such
as structural testing; therefore, exercise adequate precautions to protect personnel.
8. Test Specimen
8.1 Test specimens shall be of sufficient size to determine the performance of all typical parts of the fenestration system. For
curtain walls or walls constructed with prefabricated units, the specimen width shall be not l
...