EN 14608:2004

Windows - Determination of the resistance to racking

This European Standard specifies the determination of resistance to racking of an open casement or sash
expressed as loads and the resulting maximum and residual deformations.
This European Standard applies to the opening modes specified in Figure A.1 to Figure A.6 and included in
EN 12519.

Fenster - Ermittlung der Widerstandsfähigkeit gegen Lasten in der Flügelebene (Racking)

Fenêtres - Détermination de la résistance à une charge verticale (contreventement)

La présente norme spécifie la détermination de la résistance au contreventement du vantail d'une fenêtre ouvrante, exprimée en termes de charges et de résultats maximaux et de déformations résiduelles.
La présente norme s'applique aux modes d'ouverture définis de la Figures A.1 à la Figure A.6 et inclus dans l'EN 12519.

Okna – Ugotavljanje odpornosti proti navpični obremenitvi

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 08-Jun-2004
• Withdrawal Date: 30-Dec-2004
• ICS: 91.060.50 - Doors and windows
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 33 - Doors, windows, shutters and building hardware
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 33/WG 1/2 - Windows and doors
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 10-Jan-2023
• Completion Date: 11-Feb-2026
• Directive: Harmonized Standard305/2011 - Regulation (eu) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 march 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing council directive 89/106/eec
• Directive:

  ---

  Not Harmonized89/106/EEC - Construction products
• Ref Project: SIST EN 14608:2004 - Windows - Determination of the resistance to racking

Relations

• Refers: EN 12519:2018 - Windows and pedestrian doors - Terminology
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN 14351-1:2006+A1:2010 - Windows and doors - Product standard, performance characteristics - Part 1: Windows and external pedestrian doorsets without resistance to fire and/or smoke leakage characteristics
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN 14351-1:2006+A2:2016 - Windows and doors - Product standard, performance characteristics - Part 1: Windows and external pedestrian doorsets
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN 13115:2020 - Windows - Classification of mechanical properties - Racking, torsion and operating forces
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026

Overview

EN 14608:2004 is a European standard developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) that specifies the method for determining the resistance to racking of open casement or sash windows. Racking resistance refers to the ability of a window to withstand loads that cause its frame to deform in-plane, which is critical for ensuring the durability, operational reliability, and safety of windows. The standard defines the procedures for testing, the apparatus required, and the assessment of maximum and residual deformations under applied loads.

EN 14608:2004 applies to the various window opening modes defined in EN 12519 and included in Figures A.1 to A.6 of the standard, covering side-hung, bottom-hung, top-hung, horizontal and vertical pivot, and sliding sash windows.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application
  EN 14608:2004 covers racking tests for a wide range of window opening mechanisms, ensuring the standard’s applicability across domestic, commercial, and industrial window types.

• Testing Apparatus and Preparation

  • Requires a surrounding steel frame with movable supports for mounting test specimens.
  • Load application systems and measuring instruments must meet specified accuracy standards.
  • Test specimens must be conditioned within set temperature and humidity ranges and prepared as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Test Procedure

  • Pre-conditioning: windows are operated open and shut multiple times before testing.
  • Racking load is gradually applied according to specified schemes.
  • Both maximum deformation under load and residual deformation after load removal are measured in millimeters.
  • Testing considers single and multi-leaf sash windows, and all functions of multi-function windows (e.g., tilt and turn) are independently assessed.

• Results and Reporting

  • Loads are expressed in Newtons (N) with precise measurement reporting.
  • The test report must include full identification and description of the test specimen, apparatus details, and documented results, including any permanent damage.

Applications

• Window Manufacturers
  The standard provides manufacturers with a clear and consistent method to evaluate and report the racking resistance of their window products. Compliance helps demonstrate product performance and safety to clients, specifiers, and regulatory bodies.

• Construction and Building Professionals
  Architects, engineers, and contractors use the results of EN 14608:2004 tests for window specification, building codes compliance, and to ensure windows are suitable for service conditions, especially in areas subject to wind loads or frequent use.

• Quality Assurance and Certification Bodies
  Certification organizations and quality assurance professionals reference EN 14608:2004 as part of product approval, CE marking, and third-party testing processes for windows.

• Standardization and Regulatory Compliance
  EN 14608:2004 supports harmonized assessment methods across the European Union, promoting trade and regulatory acceptance for windows by establishing transparent benchmarks for racking performance.

Related Standards

• EN 12519
  Defines terminology and classifications for windows and pedestrian doors, referenced directly in EN 14608:2004.

• EN 14351-1
  Specifies performance requirements for windows and external pedestrian doorsets, often used in conjunction with EN 14608:2004 for complete product evaluation.

• EN 107:1980
  The previous standard for racking, superseded by EN 14608:2004.

• Other Window Testing Standards
  EN 14608:2004 is part of a broader suite of European standards for windows, which also cover aspects such as air permeability, watertightness, and mechanical performance.

In summary, EN 14608:2004 offers a standardized approach to assessing the racking resistance of windows, ensuring safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance in the European construction industry.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2004
2NQD±8JRWDYOMDQMHRGSRUQRVWLSURWLQDYSLþQLREUHPHQLWYL
Windows - Determination of the resistance to racking
Fenster - Ermittlung der Widerstandsfähigkeit gegen Lasten in der Flügelebene
(Racking)
Fenetres - Détermination de la résistance a une charge verticale (contreventement)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 14608:2004
ICS:
91.060.50 Vrata in okna Doors and windows
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 14608
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
June 2004
ICS 91.060.50
English version
Windows - Determination of the resistance to racking
Fenetrês - Détermination de la résistance à une charge Fenster - Ermittlung der Widerstandsfähigkeit gegen
verticale (contreventement) Lasten in der Flügelebene (Racking)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1 September 2003.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2004 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 14608:2004: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents
1 Scope.4
2 Normative references.4
3 Terms and definitions .4
4 Apparatus.4
5 Test specimen.4
6 Conditioning and preparation of the test specimen .5
6.1 Conditioning.5
6.2 Preparation.5
7 Procedure.5
8 Expression of results.5
9 Test report.5
Annex A (normative) Figures .6

Foreword
This document (EN 14608:2004) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 33 “Doors, windows,
shutters, building hardware and curtain walling”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or
by endorsement, at the latest by December 2004, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest
by December 2004.
It is part of a series of standards for windows.
This document supersedes 8.2.2 Racking of EN 107:1980.
Annex A is normative.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
SIST EN
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