Water and Air Infiltration Test Questions Answered
Why does my spray rack have to be calibrated according to the ASTM E331 if I’m performing a spray test according to the ASTM E1105 or the AAMA 502 specifications?
The ASTM E1105 standard uses the same rules for spray apparatus calibration as the E331 does. The ASTM E547 does as well. The AAMA 502 refers to the ASTM E331 for this calibration too. Read on to find out more about the newest updates on the AAMA 502 standard.
How often does my spray rack have to be calibrated?
Every 6 months:
ASTM E 1105-00 “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” page #4 paragraph 9.1.1 “Recalibrate at intervals necessary in the judgment of the testing agency but not more than six months.”
ASTM E 331-00 “Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference” page #3 paragraph 9.1.1 “Recalibrate at intervals of not more than six months.”
ASTM E 547-00 “Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Cyclic Air Pressure Difference” page #3 paragraph 9.1.1 “Recalibrate at intervals of not more than 6 months.”
How often do I need to calibrate my air infiltration test kit?
Every 6 months:
(The ASTM E 783 refers to AAMA 204-98 page #4 FIG.1 for dimensions and guidelines of the field calibration box).
ASTM E 783-02 “Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors” Page #4 Paragraph 12.1 “All test apparatus shall be calibrated at a minimum of every six months”.
I ’ve heard that there have been updates to the AAMA standards. If I’ve been running the AAMA 502.02 spray test how do I need to adjust?
The AAMA 502.02 has been replaced by the AAMA 502.08 and the AAMA 511.08. The 502.08 can only be done on products less than 6 months old. When the product is older than 6 months you must now perform the AAMA 511.08.
Can I use your Rain Wand, (the AAMA 501.2 spray nozzle apparatus) on a residential window or for an 1105 test?
NO!! You could cause damage to the window. The Rain Wand is only to be used for the AAMA 501.2 test on curtain walls or storefront type windows.
Is changing the pressure in the whole room with a blower door sufficient when performing the ASTM E1105 or the AAMA 502.08 or 511.08 spray test?
No. You must have a specific pressure difference at the surface of the test specimen.
ASTM E1105-00, paragraph 6.2.1 Test Chamber—A test chamber or box made of
plywood, plastic, or other suitable material and sealed against
the test specimen. Test chambers mounted on the interior must
be made so that interior surfaces and joints of the specimen can
be easily observed for water penetration during the test…
Tags: AAMA 501.2, AAMA 502, Add new tag, ASTM E1105, ASTM E331, calibration, spray rack, spray test, test standards
October 7th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
In your comment on using a blower door to depressurize a room you state it cannot. You go on to suggest a specific pressure difference at the surface of the test specimen is required. “Is changing the pressure in the whole room with a blower door sufficient when performing the ASTM E1105 or the AAMA 502.08 or 511.08 spray test?
No. You must have a specific pressure difference at the surface of the test specimen.”
I’m still trying to understand the physics. Would not measuring the pressure difference at the surface of the window, both exterior and interior, and adjusting it to the specified pressure difference provide proper surface test pressure? A pressure difference between the room (test chamber or box) would be the same unless makeup air was providing a pressure variation on the surface. However, since you can monitor the pressure difference at the window surface verse the exterior, a uniform pressure over the window surface would be provided using either the room or a test chamber. Please help me understand the requirements for the test chamber verse room pressure difference. Thanks
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:20 pm
[...] Wood Says: October 7th, 2008 at 3:35 pm editIn your comment on using a blower door to depressurize a room you state it cannot. You go [...]
April 30th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Where can I purchase the equipment to perform the ASTM E-1105 test?
Thanks
June 12th, 2009 at 8:37 am
You can buy equipment to perform the 1105 test by calling us, The RM Group, directly:
952-220-5639.
For more information go to the main page of this web site: http://www.sprayrack.com