prEN 12608-1

Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and doors - Classification, requirements and test methods - Part 1: Non-covered PVC-U profiles

This European Standard specifies the classifications, requirements and test methods for non-covered unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles intended to be used for the fabrication of windows and doors.
NOTE 1   For editorial reasons in this document the term "window" is used for window/door.

Profile aus weichmacherfreiem Polyvinylchlorid (PVC-U) zur Herstellung von Fenstern und Türen – Klassifizierung, Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren – Teil 1: Nicht beschichtete PVC-U-Profile

Dieses Dokument legt die Klassifizierungen, Anforderungen an und Prüfverfahren für nicht beschichtete Profile aus weichmacherfreiem Polyvinylchlorid (PVC-U) zur Herstellung von Fenstern und Türen fest.
ANMERKUNG Aus redaktionellen Gründen wird in diesem Dokument die Benennung 'Fenster' für Fenster und Türen angewendet.

Profilés de poly(chlorure de vinyle) non plastifié (PVC-U) pour la fabrication des fenêtres et des portes - Classification, exigences et méthodes d'essai - Partie 1 : Profilés en PVC-U non revêtus

Le présent document spécifie les classifications, les exigences et les méthodes d’essai des profilés de poly(chlorure de vinyle) non plastifié (PVC-U) non revêtus destinés à être utilisés pour la fabrication des fenêtres et des portes.
NOTE Pour des raisons éditoriales, dans ce document le terme « fenêtre » est utilisé pour « fenêtre/porte ».

Profili iz trdega polivinilklorida (PVC-U) za izdelavo oken in vrat - Razvrščanje, zahteve in preskusne metode - 1. del: Neprevlečeni PVC-U profili

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 10-Dec-2026
• ICS: 83.140.99 - Other rubber and plastics products
• ICS: 91.060.50 - Doors and windows
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 249 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 249/WG 21 - Profiles for windows and doors
• Current Stage: 4060 - Closure of enquiry - Enquiry
• Start Date: 05-Jun-2025
• Due Date: 17-Oct-2025
• Completion Date: 05-Jun-2025
• Ref Project: oSIST prEN 12608-1:2025 - Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and doors - Classification, requirements and test methods - Part 1: Non-covered PVC-U profiles

Relations

• Revises: EN 12608-1:2016+A1:2020 - Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and doors - Classification, requirements and test methods - Part 1: Non-coated PVC-U profiles with light coloured surfaces
• Effective Date: 29-May-2024

Overview

The prEN 12608-1:2025 standard, developed by CEN, defines the classification, requirements, and test methods for non-covered unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles used in the fabrication of windows and doors. Specifically addressing PVC-U profiles without surface coverings such as laminates or paint, this standard ensures consistent quality and performance for manufacturers and stakeholders across Europe. It updates and supersedes the previous EN 12608:2016+A1:2020 and aligns with current market and technological demands.

This comprehensive standard covers technical aspects from material composition and visual appearance to mechanical properties and environmental resistance, tailored to aid the design and manufacturing of durable PVC-U window and door profiles.

Key Topics

• Classification of Profiles
  Profiles are categorized as main profiles and auxiliary profiles depending on their role in window or door construction. This classification helps in specifying performance criteria relevant to structural and non-structural parts.

• Climatic Zone Classification
  The standard divides Europe into two climatic zones - Moderate (M) and Severe (S) - to reflect different weathering conditions. This ensures profiles are tested and rated based on expected exposure to temperature and solar radiation.

• Material Requirements
  Requirements specify the composition and physical properties of PVC-U profiles, referencing EN 17508 for detailed terminology and characteristics. It covers chemical composition, ash content, and impact resistance to ensure profiles withstand weathering and mechanical stress.

• Dimensional Tolerances and Appearance
  Precise dimensional tolerances are defined for nominal profile shapes, wall thickness, straightness, and linear weight to guarantee fit and function in window and door assemblies. Appearance criteria include visual inspection rules to maintain product consistency.

• Mechanical and Thermal Performance Tests
  The standard outlines test methods to assess impact resistance (using falling mass and Charpy impact tests), heat reversion, and behavior under elevated temperature conditions (150 °C). These tests confirm the durability and safety of PVC-U profiles in real-world installations.

• Weldability
  Since fabrication often involves welding profile corners, the standard includes test procedures for tensile bending and compression bending of welded joints to ensure they meet mechanical strength requirements.

• Traceability and Documentation
  To ensure product accountability, the standard emphasizes robust traceability systems, enabling verification of material batches and production data.

Applications

This standard is critical for manufacturers, fabricators, and suppliers in the window and door industry using unplasticized PVC profiles. It ensures:

• Quality assurance of PVC-U profiles used in residential and commercial window and door production.
• Compliance with national and European building codes by meeting durability and safety performance criteria.
• Optimization of product design through clear guidance on material properties and testing, enabling better resistance to weathering and mechanical stress.
• Support for sustainable building practices by promoting profiles with predictable lifespans and reduced failure rates.
• Facilitation of international trade within Europe by aligning specifications under a harmonized standard.

Related Standards

Compliance with prEN 12608-1 is supported by references to complementary European and international standards, including:

• EN 17508 - Terminology of unplasticized PVC window and door profiles.
• EN 477/478/479 - Test methods for impact resistance, heat exposure, and heat reversion in PVC profiles.
• EN ISO 178/179-1/8256 - Determination of mechanical properties including flexural and impact strength.
• EN ISO 306 - Vicat softening temperature testing for thermoplastic materials.
• EN ISO 3451-5 - Ash content determination specific to PVC materials.
• EN 514 - Strength testing of welded corners and T-joints critical for fabrication integrity.
• Colorimetry standards EN ISO/CIE 11664-1/2/4 - Color measurement and consistency for profile appearance.

Understanding and implementing prEN 12608-1 within the framework of these related standards empowers stakeholders to produce high-quality, durable PVC-U profiles tailored to diverse climatic and performance requirements.

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By adhering to prEN 12608-1:2025, manufacturers and fabricators can confidently deliver unplasticized PVC profiles optimized for windows and doors, meeting stringent European quality benchmarks and enhancing product reliability and market acceptance.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2025
Profili iz trdega polivinilklorida (PVC-U) za izdelavo oken in vrat - Razvrščanje,
zahteve in preskusne metode - 1. del: Neprevlečeni PVC-U profili
Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and
doors - Classification, requirements and test methods - Part 1: Non-covered PVC-U
profiles
Profile aus weichmacherfreiem Polyvinylchlorid (PVC-U) zur Herstellung von Fenstern
und Türen – Klassifizierung, Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren – Teil 1: Nicht
beschichtete PVC-U-Profile
Profilés de poly(chlorure de vinyle) non plastifié (PVC-U) pour la fabrication des fenêtres
et des portes - Classification, exigences et méthodes d'essai - Partie 1 : Profilés en PVC-
U non revêtus
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 12608-1
ICS:
83.140.99 Drugi izdelki iz gume in Other rubber and plastics
polimernih materialov products
91.060.50 Vrata in okna Doors and windows
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
March 2025
ICS 91.060.50 Will supersede EN 12608-1:2016+A1:2020
English Version
Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles for the
fabrication of windows and doors - Classification,
requirements and test methods - Part 1: Non-covered PVC-
U profiles
Profilés de poly(chlorure de vinyle) non plastifié (PVC- Profile aus weichmacherfreiem Polyvinylchlorid (PVC-
U) pour la fabrication des fenêtres et des portes - U) zur Herstellung von Fenstern und Türen -
Classification, exigences et méthodes d'essai - Partie 1 : Klassifizierung, Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren -
Profilés en PVC-U non revêtus Teil 1: Nicht beschichtete PVC-U-Profile
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 249.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, 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.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN 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 CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 12608-1:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Classifications. 9
4.1 General . 9
4.2 Classification of climatic zones . 9
4.3 Classification of material to the resistance to artificial weathering . 10
4.4 Classification of main profiles according to the resistance to impact by falling mass . 10
4.5 Classification of main profiles according to the wall thickness of the external walls . 10
5 Requirements . 11
5.1 Material . 11
5.2 Appearance . 12
5.3 Dimensions and tolerances . 12
5.3.1 General . 12
5.3.2 Nominal shape. 12
5.3.3 Wall thickness of main profiles . 13
5.3.4 Tolerances on other dimensions . 13
5.3.5 Deviation from straightness of the main profiles . 13
5.4 Linear weight of the main profiles . 13
5.5 Heat reversion. 13
5.5.1 Main profile . 13
5.5.2 Auxiliary profiles . 13
5.6 Resistance to impact of main profiles by falling mass . 13
5.7 Behaviour after heating at 150 °C . 14
5.8 Weldability . 14
5.8.1 General . 14
5.8.2 Tensile bending test . 14
5.8.3 Compression bending test . 14
6 Test methods . 14
6.1 Visual inspection . 14
6.2 Determination of dimensions . 14
6.2.1 Measuring devices . 14
6.2.2 Test specimen. 14
6.2.3 Conditioning . 14
6.2.4 Procedure . 15
6.3 Determination of the linear weight of the profile . 15
6.3.1 Apparatus . 15
6.3.2 Test specimen. 15
6.3.3 Conditioning . 15
6.3.4 Procedure . 16
6.4 Determination of the thickness of a coextruded layer . 16
6.5 Determination of colorimetric coordinates . 16
6.6 Determination of the ash content . 16
7 Traceability . 16
Annex A (informative) Requirements for materials . 17
Annex B (normative) Calculation method for the determination of the radiant exposure and
exposure time to be used for artificial weathering . 21
Bibliography . 24

European foreword
This document (prEN 12608-1:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 249 “Plastics”,
the secretariat of which is held by SIS.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 12608:2016+A1:2020.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— the restriction of profile colour and the exclusion of fibre reinforced material in Clause 1 have
been deleted;
— material definitions in Clause 3 have been deleted and replaced by reference to EN 17508;
— requirements for materials have been summarized in new Annex A;
— the use of RUVM for non-sight visible surface has been permitted;
— the determination of the ash content has been added as an additional test method to Clause 6;
— editorial changes have been made and normative references have been updated.
EN 12608, Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and doors —
Classification, requirements and test methods consists of the following parts:
— Part 1: Non-covered PVC-U profiles
— Part 2: PVC-U profiles with laminated foils bonded with adhesives
— Part 3: PVC-U profiles covered with paint (in preparation)
— Part 4: PVC-U profiles with thermo-laminated foils
— Part 5: PVC-U profiles with coextruded coloured top-layer (in preparation)
1 Scope
This document specifies the classifications, requirements and test methods for non-covered unplasticized
poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles intended to be used for the fabrication of windows and doors.
NOTE For editorial reasons in this document the term “window” is used for window/door.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 477, Plastics — Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) based profiles — Determination of the resistance to impact of
profiles by falling mass
EN 478, Plastics — Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) based profiles — Determination of the appearance after
exposure at 150 °C
EN 479, Plastics — Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) based profiles — Determination of heat reversion
EN 513, Plastics — Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) based profiles — Determination of the resistance to artificial
weathering
EN 514, Plastics — Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) based profiles — Determination of the strength of welded
corners and T-joints
EN 17508, Plastics — Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and
doors — Terminology of PVC based materials
EN 20105-A02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour
EN ISO 105-A01:2010, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part A01: General principles of testing
(ISO 105-A01:2010)
EN ISO 178, Plastics — Determination of flexural properties
EN ISO 179-1, Plastics — Determination of Charpy impact properties — Part 1: Non-instrumented impact
test
EN ISO 306, Plastics — Thermoplastic materials - Determination of Vicat softening temperature (VST)
EN ISO 3451-5:— Plastics — Determination of ash — Part 5: Poly(vinyl chloride)
EN ISO 8256, Plastics — Determination of tensile-impact strength
EN ISO 21306-2:2019, Plastics — Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) moulding and extrusion
materials — Part 2: Preparation of test specimens and determination of properties (ISO 21306-2:2019)
EN ISO/CIE 11664-1, Colorimetry — Part 1: CIE standard colorimetric observers
EN ISO/CIE 11664-2, Colorimetry — Part 2: CIE standard illuminants

Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: prEN ISO 3451-5:2024.
EN ISO/CIE 11664-4, Colorimetry — Part 4: CIE 1976 L*a*b* Colour space
ISO 18314-1, Analytical colorimetry — Part 1: Practical colour measurement
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 17508 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
profile
product produced by extrusion
3.2
non-covered profile
profile without any surface covering and without coextruded layer(s)
EXAMPLE Profiles without laminated foils or painted surfaces.
3.3
main profile
profile, which defines the structure of the window
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 1.
3.4
auxiliary profile
profile intended to be used for the fabrication of a window which is not a main profile
Note 1 to entry: Main and auxiliary profiles can be different according to the window construction techniques in
the individual countries.
Note 2 to entry: See Figure 1.
Key
1 transom
2 sash
3 frame
4 mullion
Figure 1 —Illustration of main profiles
3.5
external wall (of a main profile)
wall of a main profile corresponding to its sight and non-sight surfaces
3.6
sight surface
surface of a profile exposed to view when the installed window is closed
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 2.
3.7
visible surface
any surface or parts of surface of a profile which can be exposed to UV radiation after installation of the
window, open or closed (sight surface and non-sight visible surface)
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 2.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 + 2 sight surfaces
3 non-sight visible surface (rebate that is visible when the window is open)
4 non-visible surface
5 frame profile
6 sash/casement profile
NOTE Dimensions of grooves are given as examples only.
Figure 2 — Designation of profile surfaces by the example of frame profile and sash profile
3.8
coextruded profile
profile produced by using more than one extruder with different PVC-U materials according to EN 17508
in one production process without mixing them
3.9
nominal profile shape
shape and dimensions of a profile, as specified by the manufacturer
3.10
deviation from straightness
deviation of the longitudinal axis of a profile from the straight line
3.11
depth (of a profile)
d
dimension, measured at right angles to the glazing plane, between the front and back face surfaces of a
profile
Note 1 to entry: See “d” in Figure 3.
3.12
overall width (of a profile)
w
largest dimension, measured in the direction of the glazing plane, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of a profile
Note 1 to entry: See “w” in Figure 3.

Key
d depth of a profile
w overall width of a profile
Figure 3 — Cross-section of a typical profile
4 Classifications
4.1 General
The selection of appropriate classes necessary to fulfil national requirements may be given in a national
foreword of EN 12608-1.
4.2 Classification of climatic zones
For the purposes of this document, geographical Europe is divided in two climatic zones M (moderate
climate) and S (severe climate) as defined in Table 1. These climatic zones do not cover climates outside
of geographical Europe.
Table 1 — Classification of climatic zones in Europe
Class Moderate climate M Severe climate S
2 2
a
< 5 GJ/m ≥ 5 GJ/m
Annual total solar radiant exposure on horizontal
surface
and or
a
Average temperature of the warmest month per year < 22 °C ≥ 22 °C
NOTE For the purpose of this document, “moderate climate” refers in general to warm and humid weathering
conditions and “severe climate” to hot and dry weathering conditions. The relevant moderate and severe test
methods for artificial weathering can be found in EN 513.
a
Values measured according to the specifications of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Profiles which are designed to be used in a severe climate (S) may also be used in a moderate climate (M).
In those countries where the two climatic zones exist, care should be taken that profiles designed for a
moderate climate (M) are not used in the severe climate (S).
4.3 Classification of material to the resistance to artificial weathering
For the resistance to artificial weathering, the material used for the surface of the profile shall be
classified according to Table 2. For calculation of the exposure time see Annex B.
Table 2 — Classification of material according to the resistance to artificial weathering
Class RUVM M S
Method 1 Method 1 Method 2
Test method according to EN 513
(climate type M) (climate type M) (climate type S)
Radiant exposure in wavelength
2 2 2
1 GJ/m 8 GJ/m 12 GJ/m
range (300 to 800) nm
approximate exposure time (for
500 h 4 000 h 6 000 h
information)
4.4 Classification of main profiles according to the resistance to impact by falling mass
For the resistance to impact by falling mass at –10 °C, the main profiles shall be classified according to
Table 3.
Table 3 — Classification of main profiles according to the resistance to impact by falling mass
Class 0 I II
Falling mass (g) NPD 1 000 1 000
Falling height (mm) NPD 1 000 1 500
NPD: No Performance Determined.
NOTE This property is assessed to ensure the extrusion process is carried out correctly.
It is recommended that class 0 is applied only when the profile geometry dictates that this test cannot be
performed.
4.5 Classification of main profiles according to the wall thickness of the external walls
For the wall thickness of the external walls, the main profiles shall be classified according to Figure 4 and
Table 4.
Figure 4 shows the areas of typical main profiles where the wall thicknesses of external walls shall satisfy
the requirements given in Table 4.
Dimensions in millimetres
NOTE The types of walls are explained in Table 4.
Figure 4 — Areas of two typical main profiles with required wall thicknesses
Table 4 — Classification of main profiles according to wall thickness
Type of wall (see Figure 4) Class A Class B Class C
sight surface ≥ 2,8 mm ≥ 2,5 mm No requirement

non-sight surface ≥ 2,5 mm ≥ 2,0 mm No requirement

seal groove ≥ 2,0 mm ≥ 2,0 mm No requirement

not to consider No requirement No requirement No requirement

NOTE The classification of main profiles according to the wall thickness is intended to represent the wide
variations in profile and window design for the various systems which are in use in Europe. It is not intended
to imply differences in profile quality or in the performance of windows provided that the relevant
performance requirements for both profiles and windows are met.
In order to be classified for either class A or B both minimum requirements for the wall thickness shall
be fulfilled.
5 Requirements
5.1 Material
All requirements for materials are given in Annex A.
Materials of type rPVC may be re-stabilized and/or enhanced with additives (e.g. modifiers, pigments,
lubricants) before use to fulfil requirements according to Annex A.
The use of permitted materials on surfaces of profiles is given in Table 5.
Table 5 — Use of materials on surfaces of profiles
Visible surface Non-visible surface
Sight surface Non-sight visible surface
Any UV resistant material Any UV resistant material (class Any material defined in Annex A
(class M or S) M or S) or reduced-UV resistant
material (class RUVM)
...