ASTM E283-04(2012)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determining Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the Specimen
Standard Test Method for Determining Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the Specimen
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method is a standard procedure for determining the air leakage characteristics under specified air pressure differences at ambient conditions.
Note 2—The air pressure differences acting across a building envelope vary greatly. The factors affecting air pressure differences and the implications or the resulting air leakage relative to the environment within buildings are discussed in the literature. , , These factors should be fully considered in specifying the test pressure differences to be used.
Rates of air leakage are sometimes used for comparison purposes. Such comparisons may not be valid unless the components being tested and compared are of essentially the same size, configuration, and design.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a standard laboratory procedure for determining the air leakage rates of exterior windows, curtain walls, and doors under specified differential pressure conditions across the specimen. The test method described is for tests with constant temperature and humidity across the specimen.
1.2 This laboratory procedure is applicable to exterior windows, curtain walls, and doors and is intended to measure only such leakage associated with the assembly and not the installation. The test method can be adapted for the latter purpose.
Note 1—Performing tests at non-ambient conditions or with a temperature differential across the specimen may affect the air leakage rate. This is not addressed by this test method.
1.3 This test method is intended for laboratory use. Persons interested in performing field air leakage tests on installed units should reference Test Method E783.
1.4 Persons using this procedure should be knowledgeable in the areas of fluid mechanics, instrumentation practices, and shall have a general understanding of fenestration products and components.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 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 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 hazard statement see Section 7.
FIG. 1 General Arrangement of the Air Leakage Apparatus
General Information
Relations
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:E283 −04 (Reapproved 2012)
Standard Test Method for
Determining Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows,
Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure
Differences Across the Specimen
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E283; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 Thistestmethodcoversastandardlaboratoryprocedure 2.1 ASTM Standards:
for determining the air leakage rates of exterior windows, E631Terminology of Building Constructions
curtain walls, and doors under specified differential pressure E783Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage
conditions across the specimen. The test method described is Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors
for tests with constant temperature and humidity across the
3. Terminology
specimen.
3.1 Definitions—Terms used in this standard are defined in
1.2 This laboratory procedure is applicable to exterior
Terminology E631.
windows, curtain walls, and doors and is intended to measure
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
only such leakage associated with the assembly and not the
2 3 2
3.2.1 air leakage rate (q or q), L/(s·m ) (ft /min·ft ), or
A l
installation. The test method can be adapted for the latter
L/(s·m) (ft /min·ft) —the air leakage per unit of specimen area
purpose.
(A) or per unit length of operable crack perimeter (l).
NOTE 1—Performing tests at non-ambient conditions or with a tem-
3 3
3.2.2 extraneous air leakage (Q ), m /s (ft /min)—the vol-
e
perature differential across the specimen may affect the air leakage rate.
ume of air flowing per unit of time through the test chamber
This is not addressed by this test method.
and test apparatus, exclusive of the air flowing through the test
1.3 This test method is intended for laboratory use. Persons
specimen, under a test pressure difference and test temperature
interestedinperformingfieldairleakagetestsoninstalledunits
difference, converted to standard conditions.
should reference Test Method E783.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—Extraneous leakage is the sum of all
1.4 Persons using this procedure should be knowledgeable
leakage other than that intended to be measured by the test.
in the areas of fluid mechanics, instrumentation practices, and
3.2.3 specimen—theentireassembledunitsubmittedfortest
shallhaveageneralunderstandingoffenestrationproductsand
as described in Section 7.
components.
3.2.4 specimen air leakage (Q ), L/s (ft /min)—the volume
s
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
of air flowing per unit of time through the specimen under a
standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
test pressure difference and test temperature difference, con-
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-
verted to standard conditions.
tion only and are not considered standard.
2 2
3.2.5 specimen area (A), m (ft )—the area determined by
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
the overall dimensions of the frame that fits into the rough
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
opening.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.6 standard test conditions—in this test method, dry air
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
at:
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
Pressure—101.3 kPa (29.92 in. Hg)
statement see Section 7.
Temperature—20.8°C (69.4°F)
3 3
Air Density—1.202 kg/m (0.075 lbm/ft )
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 April 1, 2012. Published May 2012. Originally contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. ForAnnual Book ofASTM
approved in 1965. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as E283–2004. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E0283-04R12. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E283−04 (Reapproved 2012)
E283−04 (2012)
FIG. 1 General Arrangement of the Air Leakage Apparatus
3.2.7 test pressure differences, Pa (lbf/ft )—the specified 6. Apparatus
differential static air pressure across the specimen.
6.1 The description of the apparatus in this section is
3.2.8 total air flow (Q), L/s (ft /min)—the volume of air
general in nature. Any suitable arrangement of equipment
t
flowing per unit of time through the test chamber and test
capableofmaintainingtherequiredtesttolerancesispermitted.
apparatus, inclusive of the air flowing through the test
6.2 Test Chamber—A well sealed box, wall, or other appa-
specimen, under a test pressure difference and test temperature
ratus into or against which the specimen is mounted and
difference, converted to standard conditions.
secured for testing.An air supply shall be provided to allow a
3.2.9 unit length of operable crack perimeter (l), m (ft)—the
positive or negative pressure differential to be applied across
sum of all perimeters of operable ventilators, sash, or doors
the specimen without significant extraneous losses. The cham-
containedinthetestspecimen,basedontheoveralldimensions
ber shall be capable of withstanding the differential test
of such parts. Where two such operable parts meet the two
pressures that may be encountered in this procedure. At least
adjacent lengths of perimeter shall be counted as only one
one static air pressure tap shall be provided on each side of the
length.
specimentomeasurethetestpressuredifferences.Thepressure
tapshallbelocatedinanareaofthechamberinwhichpressure
4. Summary of Test Method
readings will not be affected by any supply air. The air supply
4.1 The test consists of sealing a test specimen into or
opening to the chamber shall be located in an area in which it
against one face of an air chamber, supplying air to or
does not directly impinge upon the test specimen.
exhausting air from the chamber at the rate required to
6.2.1 Supply Air System—A controllable blower, exhaust
maintain the specified test pressure difference across the
fan, or reversible blower designed to provide the required air
specimen, and measuring the resultant air flow through the
flowatthespecifiedtestpressuredifference.Thesystemshould
specimen.
provide essentially constant air flow at the specified test
pressure difference for a time period sufficient to obtain
5. Significance and Use
readings of air flow.
5.1 Thistestmethodisastandardprocedurefordetermining
6.2.2 Pressure Measuring Apparatus—Adevice to measure
the air leakage characteristics under specified air pressure the differential test pressures to 62% of setpoint or 62.5 Pa
differences at ambient conditions.
(60.01 in. of water column), whichever is greater.
6.2.3 Air Flow Metering System—A device to measure the
NOTE 2—The air pressure differences acting across a building envelope
air flow into the test chamber or through the test specimen.
vary greatly. The factors affecting air pressure differences and the
implicationsortheresultingairleakagerelativetotheenvironmentwithin
3,4,5
7. Hazards
buildings are discussed in the literature. These factors should be fully
considered in specifying the test pressure differences to be used.
7.1 Precaution—Glass breakage may occur at the test
5.2 Rates of air leakage are sometimes used for comparison
pressure differences applied in this test. Adequate precautions
purposes. Such comparisons may not be valid unless the
should be taken to protect personnel.
components being tested and compared are of essentially the
8. Test Specimen
same size, configuration, and design.
8.1 Thetestspecimenforawallshallbeofsufficientsizeto
3 determine the performance of all typical parts of the wall
Available from American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-
system. For curtain walls or walls constructed with prefabri-
Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE), 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA
30329, http://www.ashrae.org.
cated units, the specimen width shall be not less than two
Fluid Meters—Their Theory and Application, 5th Edition, 1959.
typical units plus the connections and supporting elements at
Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
both sides, and sufficient to provide full loading on at least one
International Headquarters, Three Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
www.asme.org. typical vertical joint or framing member, or both. The height
E283−04 (2012)
equipment to be used for a variety of specimen sizes and chamber/wall
shallbenotlessthanthefullbuildingstoryheightortheheight
setups.
of the unit, whichever is greater, and shall include at least on
full horizontal joint, accommodating vertical expansion, such
NOTE 5—At test pressure other than 75 Pa (1.57 psf), the laboratory
jointbeingatornearthebottomofthespecimen,aswellasall shallcalibratetheairflowmeasuringequipmentwiththeapplicableorifice
plates and record the measurements at the specified pressure(s). Using
connections at top and bottom of the units.
pressures greater than 75 Pa (1.57 psf) may not permit reproducibility
8.1.1 All parts of the wall test specimen shall be full size
between laboratories, nor may it warrant meeting calibration tolerance
using the same materials, details, and methods of construction
requirements as specified at 75 Pa (1.57 psf).
and anchorage as used on the actual building.
9.5 The air flow measuring system shall be considered
8.1.2 Conditions of structural support shall be simulated as
within the limits of calibration when the maximum air flow
accurately as possible.
reading during testing does not exceed the highest calibrated
8.2 The test specimen for a window, door, or other compo-
airflowvalueby20%.Theairflowmeasuringsystemshallbe
nent shall consist of the entire assembled unit, including frame
considered to be all piping and test chamber elements from the
and anchorage as supplied by the manufacturer for installation
air flow measuring device to the orifice plate.
in the building. If only one specimen is to be tested the
9.6 The measured flow at each listed pressure for each
selection shall be determined by the specifying authority.
orifice plate shall be determined with an error not greater than
NOTE 3—The air leakage rate is likely to be a function of size and
65%whentheflowisgreaterthan0.944L/s(2ft /min)or 6
geometry of the specimen.
10 % when the flow is less than 0.944 L/s (2 ft /min) but
greater than 0.236 L/s (0.5 ft /min).
9. Calibration
NOTE 6—At lower flows, a greater percentage of error will usually be
9.1 Calibration shall be performed by mounting a plywood
acceptable. If higher precision is required, special flow measuring
or similar ridge blank to the test chamber in place of a test
techniques are necessary. The accuracy of the specimen leakage flow
specimen, using the same mounting procedures as used for
measurement is affected by the accuracy of the flowmeter and the amount
3 1
standard specimens. The blank shall be 19 63mm( ⁄4 6 ⁄8
of extraneous leakage of the apparatus (Annex A1).
in.) thick with a 150-mm (6-in.) diameter hole(s) over which
9.7 Alternatemeansmaybeusedforcalibratingtheairflow
NISTtraceableorificeplatesshallbemounted.Theblankshall
measuring system as long as they can be proven to provide the
be attached to a minimum 140 mm (5 ⁄2 in.) deep (nominal 2
same level of accuracy and are traceable to NIST.
× 6) pine test frame (buck) with dimensions 1220 mm wide by
9.8 Calibration shall be performed at least once every six
1830mmhigh(4ftwideby6fthigh).Thetestframeandblank
shall be sealed at all joints. months using the method described above. Alternative orifice
mounting conditions may be used during interim calibration
9.2 EachNISTtraceableorificeplateshallbeconstructedof
periods for air flow checking purposes.
3mm( ⁄8 in.) thick stainless steel having an outside diameter
of 200 mm (8 in.) and interior square edge diameters of 25.40
10. Test Conditions
mm (1.000 in.), 38.10 mm (1.500 in.), and 50.80 mm (2.000
in.). 10.1 The specifying authority shall supply the following
information:
9.3 Fasten the orifice plate to the blank, centered over a
10.1.1 Specimen test size,
150–mm (6–inch) diameter hole. Seal the hole in the orifice
10.1.2 Testpressuredifference(ifnovalueisdesignated,75
plate with a suitable adhesive tape so that an extraneous
Pa (1.57 lb/ft )), and
reading on the air flow system can be obtained. Measure the
10.1.3 Direction of air flow, exfiltration or infiltration. (If
amount of such leakage with the orifice plate sealed, at the air
none is specified, the test shall be infiltration.)
pressure difference to be applied during calibration. After
determining the extraneous leakage, remove the adhesive tape
10.2 Air Leakage Rate—Basis for reporting air leakage rate
from the hole in the orifice plate and repeat the process to 3
shall be total air leakage L/s (ft /min), per unit length of
determine the total measured flow. 3
operablecrackperimeter,L/(s·m)(ft /min·ft),andperunitarea
2 3 2
9.4 Calibration of the air leakage test equipment shall
of outside frame dimension, L/(s·m )(ft /min·ft ).
consist of determining the flow through the air flow system to
be calibrated using all applicable orifice plate sizes for the
11. Procedure
design range of the flow metering apparatus. The orifice plate
11.1 Removeanysealingmaterialorconstructionthatisnot
tobeusedforeachofthefollowingairflowrangesisindicated
normallyapartoftheassemblyasinstalledinoronabuilding.
in Table.
Fit the specimen into or against the chamber opening. Instal-
NOTE 4—Three orifice plates are used to allow the air flow measuring
lationshouldbesuchthatnopartsoropeningsofthespecimen
are obstructed.
NOTE 7—Nonhardening mastic compounds or pressure sensitive tape
Orifice Plate Nominal Differential Pressure
can be used effectively to seal the test specimen to the chamber, and to
Hole Sizes Flow Across Orifice Plate
3 achieve air tightness in the construction of the chamber. These materials
25.4mm(1.0in.) 3.47L/s (7.36ft /min) 75 Pa (1.57 psf)
canalsobeusedtosealaseparatemountingpaneltothechamber.Rubber
38.1 mm (1.5 in.) 7.66 L/s (16.24 ft /min) 75 Pa (1.57 psf)
...
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