ASTM E331-00 (R2009) pdf free download.Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference.
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the resistance of exterior windows, curtain walls, skylights, and doors to water penetration when water is applied to the outdoor face and exposed edges simultaneously with a uniform static air pressure at the outdoor face higher than the pressure at the indoor face.
1.2 This test method is applicable to any curtain-wall area or to windows, skylights, or doors alone.
1.3 This test method addresses water penetration through a manufactured assembly. Water that penetrates the assembly. but does not result in a failure as de fiwd herein. may have adverse effects on the performance of contained materials such as sealants and insulating or laminated glass. This test method does not address these issues.
1.4 The proper use of this test method requires a knowledge of the principles of pressure measurement.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the 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 pulport to address all of the safety concerns, 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.
3.2.1 specimen, n —the entire assembled unit submitted br test as described in Section 8.
3.2.2 test pressure difference, in—the specified difference in static air pressure across the closed and locked or fixed specimen expressed as pascals.
3.2.3 water penetration. ii —penetration of water beyond a planc parallel to the glazing (the vertical plane) intersecting the innermost projection of the test specimen. not including interior trim and hardware, under the sped ltd conditions of air pressure difference across the specimen. For products with non-planer glazing surfaces (domes, vaults, pyramids, etc.), the plane de thing water penetration is the plane de thed by the innermost edges of the unit frame.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method consist.s of sealing the test specimen into or against one face of a test chamber, supplying air to or exhausting air from the chamber at the rate required to maintain the test pressure difference across the specimen, while spraying water onto the outdoor face of the specimen at the required rate and observing any water penetration.
5. Signi france and Use
5.1 This test method is a standard procedure for determining the resistance to water penetration under uniform static air pressure differences. The air-pressure differences acting across a building envelope vary greatly. These factors should he fully considered prior to specifying the test pressure difference to be used.ASTM E331 pdf download.