ASTM E783-93

Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors

SCOPE
1.1 This test method provides a field procedure for determining the air leakage rates of installed exterior windows and doors.  
1.2 This test method is applicable to exterior windows and doors and is intended to measure only such leakage associated with the assembly and not the leakage through openings between the assemblies and adjacent construction. The test method can be adapted for the latter purpose, provided the potential paths of air movement and the sources of infiltration and exfiltration can be identified, controlled, or eliminated.  
1.3 This test method attempts to create and given set of natural environmental conditions. There is a strong possibility that the test method or the test apparatus may, by virtue of their design and use, induce air leakage that does not occur under natural environmental exposure.  
1.4 This test method is intended for the field testing of installed exterior windows or doors. Persons interested in laboratory testing of fenestration products should reference Test Method E283.  
1.5 Persons using this procedure should be knowledgeable in the area of fluid mechanics and instrumentation practices, and shall have a general understanding of fenestration products and components.  
1.6 Throughout this test method, SI units are listed first in accordance with E-6 metric policy, and shall be considered the primary units. Non-SI units are provided in parenthesis.  
1.7  This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, 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 precautionary statements, see Section 7.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Oct-2002
• 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

• Replaced By: ASTM E783-02 - Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2002
• Referred By: ASTM E283/E283M-19 - Standard Test Method for Determining Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Skylights, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the Specimen
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2002
• Referred By: ASTM E2357-23a - Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate of Air Barrier Assemblies
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2002
• Referred By: ASTM E2112-23 - Standard Practice for Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors and Skylights
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2002
• Referred By: ASTM C1642-20 - Standard Practice for Determining Air Leakage Rates of Aerosol Foam Sealants and Other Construction Joint Fill and Insulation Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2002
• Referred By: ASTM C1199-22 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Steady-State Thermal Transmittance of Fenestration Systems Using Hot Box Methods
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2002
• Referred By: ASTM E1424-22 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Skylights, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure and Temperature Differences Across the Specimen
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2002
• Referred By: ASTM C1401-23 - Standard Guide for Structural Sealant Glazing
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2002
• Referred By: ASTM E2319-22 - Standard Test Method for Determining Air Flow Through the Face and Sides of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the Specimen
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2002
• Referred By: ASTM E3223/E3223M-20 - Standard Guide for Specifying and Testing Field-Constructed Exterior Building Wall System Mockups in New Construction
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2002
• Referred By: ASTM E1423-21 - Standard Practice for Determining Steady State Thermal Transmittance of Fenestration Systems
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2002
• Referred By: ASTM E2813-18 - Standard Practice for Building Enclosure Commissioning
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2002

Standards Content (Sample)

An American National Standard
Designation:E783–93
Standard Test Method for
Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed
Exterior Windows and Doors
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E783; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors
Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the Speci-
1.1 This test method provides a field procedure for deter-
men
mining the air leakage rates of installed exterior windows and
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
doors.
1.2 This test method is applicable to exterior windows and
3. Terminology
doors and is intended to measure only such leakage associated
3.1 Definitions—Terms used in this test method are defined
with the assembly and not the leakage through openings
in Terminology E631.
between the assemblies and adjacent construction. The test
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
method can be adapted for the latter purpose, provided the
3.2.1 air leakage rate (q or q )—the air leakage per unit of
A L
potential paths of air movement and the sources of infiltration
specimen area (A) or per unit length of operable crack
and exfiltration can be identified, controlled, or eliminated.
3 2 3 2 3
perimeter (L), expressed as m/s−m (ft /min−ft ), or m /
1.3 This test method attempts to create and given set of
s−m(ft /min−ft).
natural environmental conditions. There is a strong possibility
3.2.2 extraneous air leakage (Q )—the volume of air flow-
e
thatthetestmethodorthetestapparatusmay,byvirtueoftheir
ing per unit of time through the test chamber and test
design and use, induce air leakage that does not occur under
apparatus, exclusive of the air flowing through the test speci-
natural environmental exposure.
men, under a test pressure difference and test temperature
1.4 This test method is intended for the field testing of
difference, converted to standard conditions, expressed in m /s
installed exterior windows or doors. Persons interested in
(ft /min).
laboratory testing of fenestration products should reference
3.2.2.1 Discussion—Extraneous leakage is the sum of all
Test Method E283.
leakage other than that intended to be measured by the test.
1.5 Persons using this procedure should be knowledgeable
3.2.3 specimen air leakage (Q )—the volume of air flowing
s
in the area of fluid mechanics and instrumentation practices,
per unit of time through the specimen, under a test pressure
andshallhaveageneralunderstandingoffenestrationproducts
difference and test temperature difference, converted to stan-
and components.
3 3
dard conditions, expressed in m /s (ft /min).
1.6 Throughout this test method, SI units are listed first in
3.2.4 specimen area (A)—theareadeterminedbytheoverall
accordance with E-6 metric policy, and shall be considered the
dimensions of the frame that fits into the rough opening,
primary units. Non-SI units are provided in parenthesis.
2 2
expressed as m (ft ).
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.5 test pressure differences—the specified differential
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
static air pressure across the specimen, expressed as Pa
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
(lbf/ft ).
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.2.6 test specimen—the assembled window or door unit as
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
installed in the exterior wall of a building. The test specimen
precautionary statements, see Section 7.
consistsofthemajorcomponentsoftheassembly,includingall
2. Referenced Documents joints, cracks, or openings between such components and any
panning, receptors, extenders, sills, mullions, or other parts or
2.1 ASTM Standards:
components used for assembly and installation. The test
E283 TestMethodforDeterminingtheRateofAirLeakage
specimen excludes any joints, cracks, or openings between the
assemblyandanyinteriororexteriortrimthatisnotanintegral
partofthesystem,andexcludesanyjoints,cracks,oropenings
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-6 on
between the assembly and the adjacent wall construction.
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.51
on Component Performance of Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors.
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 1993. Published April 1993. Originally
published as E783–81. Last previous edition E783–91. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.11.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E783
3.2.7 total air flow (Q)—the volume of air flowing per unit 5.5 Rates of air leakage, as determined by this test method
t
oftimethroughthetestchamberandtestapparatusinclusiveof may include air leakage that does not occur during normal
the air flowing through the test specimen, under a test pressure operation and exposure, or that does not contribute to the
difference and test temperature difference, converted to stan- overall air leakage for the structure.Air may be supplied to or
3 3
dard conditions, expressed in m /s (ft /min). exhausted from wall cavities or adjacent construction, or may
3.2.8 unit length of operable crack perimeter (L)—the sum bypass interior or exterior trim or components in a manner not
of all perimeters of operable ventilators, sash, or doors con- experienced during normal operation or exposure. Care must
tained in the test specimen, based on the overall dimensions of be taken to prevent such leakage from occurring, or consider-
such parts, expressed in m (ft). Where two suchoperable parts ation must be given that such leakage may have occurred
meet,thetwoadjacentlengthsofperimetershallbecountedas during the test.
only one length. 5.6 This test method addresses the issue of air leakage
through the high pressure face of the test specimen only. Air
4. Summary of Test Method
leakage from the adjacent wall cavity through sill, head, and
4.1 The test consists of sealing a chamber to cover the jambs of the window frame is considered extraneous air
interior or exterior face of a test specimen, supplying air to or leakage and, therefore, not a component of the measured
specimen air leakage. Such extraneous air leakage through the
exhausting air from the chamber at a rate required to maintain
the specified test pressure difference across the specimen, and perimeterframeofthetestspecimencanbeasignificantsource
of air leakage into, or out of, the building if the frame is not
measuring the resultant air flow across the specimen.
sealed against air infiltration from the adjacent wall cavity.
5. Significance and Use
6. Apparatus
5.1 Thistestmethodisastandardprocedurefordetermining
6.1 The description of the apparatus in this section is
theairleakagecharacteristicsofinstalledexteriorwindowsand
general in nature (see Fig. 1). Any suitable arrangement of
doors under specified static air pressure differences.
equipment capable of maintaining the required test tolerances
NOTE 1—Theairpressuredifferencesactingacrossabuildingenvelope
is permitted.
vary greatly. The factors affecting air pressure differences and the
6.1.1 test chamber—achamberformedbysealingasheetof
implicationsoftheresultingairleakagerelativetotheenvironmentwithin
, ,
plywood,plastic,orothersuitablematerialagainsttheframeof
buildings are discussed in the literature. These factors should be fully
considered in specifying the test pressure differences to be used. the test specimen.At no time during the test shall the sheet or
any other part of the testing assembly, come in contact with or
5.2 Rates of air leakage are sometimes used for comparison
restrict any point where air leakage may occur. At least one
purposes. Such comparisons may not be valid unless the
static air pressure tap shall be provided on each side of the
components being tested and compared are of essentially the
same size, configuration, and design.
5.3 Rates of air leakage of essentially identical windows or
doors,asdeterminedinthelaboratory(TestMethodE283)and
as measured in the field by this test method, have sometimes
been used for comparison purposes. The correlation between
thelaboratoryandfieldtestresults,andthecorrelationbetween
actual performance of in-service products and the response to
thesetestshasnotbeenestablishedbecauseofinsufficientdata.
5.4 Rates of air leakage, as determined by this test method
may be affected by: the age or physical condition of the test
specimen; the type or quality of installation; the care exercised
intheattachmentofthetestapparatusandthedeterminationof
extraneous leakage; and the actual conditions to which the test
specimenisexposedbeyondthoseimposedbythetestmethod,
that is temperature, relative humidity, wind impingement, etc.
Consideration must be given to the proper selection of test
specimens, the choice of appropriate test technique (when a
choiceisgivenwithinthistestmethod),andtheproperuseand
interpretation of the results obtained from this test to minimize
the effect of these conditions.
Available from American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-
Conditioning Engineers, 1791 Tullie Circle N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329. ASHRAE
Handbook of Fundamentals, 1989.
Fluid Meters—Their Theory and Application, 5th Edition, 1959.
Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 345 E. 47th St.,
NewYork,NY10017.PowerTestCode,2ndEdition,1956,Part5,Chapter4,“Flow
Measurements.” FIG. 1 General Arrangement of Air Leakage Test Apparatus
E783
specimen to measure the chamber pressure versus the ambient 8.3.2 Whetherthetest(s)willbeconductedusingpositiveor
(indoortooutdoor)airpressure,andshallbelocatedsothatthe negative static air pressure differences.
reading is unaffected by outdoor impinging wind, or by the air
supply to or exhaust from the test chamber. The air supply 9. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
opening to the chamber shall be located in an area in which it
9.1 Determinethenumberofspecimenstobetestedandthe
does not directly impinge upon the test specimen.
procedurestobeusedfortheselectionandidentificationoftest
6.1.2 supply air system—acontrollableblower,exhaustfan,
specimens according to the following:
or reversible blower designed to provide the required air flow
9.1.1 The intended use of the test results;
at the specified test pressure difference. The system should
9.1.2 The expected or estimated variation in results from
provide essentially constant air flow at the specified test
test specimen to test specimen;
pressure difference for a time period sufficient to obtain
9.1.3 The level of confidence desired in extrapolating the
readings of air flow.
test results to specimens not tested.
6.1.3 pressure measuring apparatus—a device to measure
9.2 Establish specific limitations or requirements for the
the differential test pressures to 62% of setpoint or 62.5 Pa
repair, adjustment, or modification of test specimens prior to
(60.01 inches of water column), whichever is greater.
testing.
6.1.4 air flow metering system—a device to measure the air
NOTE 4—Althoughthespecifyingauthorityisresponsibleforestablish-
flowintothetestchamberorthroughthetestspecimen.Theair
ing test specimen sampling, selection, and identification procedures, such
flow measurement error shall not exceed 65% when the air
procedures should be mutually agreed upon by all parties involved prior
−4 3 3
flow equals or exceeds 9.44 310 m /s (2 ft /min) or 610%
to testing.
−4 3 3
when the air flow is less than 9.44 310 m /s (2 ft /min).
(The reference listed in Annex A1 presents background infor-
10. Preparation of Test Specimen
mation on fluid metering practices.)
10.1 Select and identify the test specimen in accordance
NOTE 2—At lower flows a greater percentage of errors will be accept- with the procedures established in 8.1.1 and 9.
able. If higher precision is required, special flow metering techniques are
10.2 Conduct a detailed visual examination of the test
necessary. The accuracy of the specimen air leakage flow measurement is
specimen and the construction adjacent to the test specimen.
affectedbytheaccuracyoftheflowmeterandtheamountofextraneousair
Record all pertinent observations.
leakage. (See Annex A1).
NOTE 5—The purpose of this examination is to record the physical
7. Hazards
condition of the test specimen and adjacent construction at the time of
testing. Examples of pertinent observations to be recorded include: any
7.1 Glass breakage may occur at the test pressure differ-
damage or deterioration observed; missing or broken components; mis-
encesappliedinthistest.Adequateprecautionsshouldbetaken
alignment or misadjustment of weatherstrip or other components; clean-
to protect personnel, observers, and bystanders.
liness of the test specimen; out-of-square installation; etc.
NOTE 3—Additional precautions may be necessary to protect
10.3 Record any repairs, modifications, or adjustments
passers-bywhentestsareconductedtomeasureexfiltration.Thechoiceof
madetothetestspecimen,particularlythosethatmayaffectthe
whether the test chamber is affixed to the interior or exterior side of the
measured results.
test specimen, and whether the tests are conducted using positive or
10.4 Make certain that the test specimen, and specifically
negative static air pressure can aid in the protection.
that all weatherstrip, is thoroughly dried prior to testing.
8. Test Conditions
NOTE 6—The results of this test may be significantly affected by the
8.1 The specifying authority shall supply the following
presence of water within the test specimen. The test should not be
information: conducted immediately after a rain, window washing, or other condition
where water can be retained by the test specimen.
8.1.1 Test specimen sampling, selection, and identification
(see Section 9).
11. Preparation of Test Apparatus
8.1.2 Test pressure difference(s) if no value is designated,
11.1 Fit the test chamber to the perimeter of the test
75 Pa (1.57 lb/ft ).
8.1.3 Standard Test Conditions—Dry air at: specimen to cover the entire assembly through which air
leakage is to be determined. If possible, exclude from the test
Pressure —101.3 kPa (29.92 in. Hg)
Temperature—20.8°C (69.4°F)
chamberthosejoints,cracks,oropeningsforwhichairleakage
3 3
Air Density —1.202 kg/m (0.075 lbm/ft )
isnottobedetermined,ortapeorotherwisesealsuchopenings
8.1.4 Directionofairflow,exfiltrationorinfiltration.Ifnone to prevent leakage from occurring during the test. Provide
is specified, the test shall be infiltration. suitable support for the test chamber so that it does not contact
8.2 Air Leakage Rate—Basis for reporting air leakage rate orrestrictanyp
...