Learning BS EN 1279

Part 1: Generalities, system description, rules for substitution, tolerances and visual quality

• Generalities: Provides the scope of the standard and general information about insulating glass units.

• Definitions: Defines the terms used throughout the BS EN 1279 series, such as "insulating glass unit," "edge seal," "desiccant," etc.

• Requirements: Specifies the fundamental requirements for IGUs, including materials, construction, and essential characteristics.

• System Description: Outlines how the characteristics of an IGU are described and documented.

• Rules for Substitution: Establishes rules for substituting components within an IGU without affecting its performance characteristics.

• Tolerances: Specifies the permissible deviations in the dimensions and other physical properties of IGUs.

• Visual Quality: Defines the acceptable limits for visual defects in the glass panes of an IGU.

Part 2: Long-term test method and requirements for moisture penetration

• Test Method: Describes the procedure for a long-term test to assess the resistance of an IGU to moisture penetration. This involves exposing the IGU to controlled temperature and humidity cycles over an extended period.

• Requirements: Sets the limit values for moisture penetration that an IGU must meet after undergoing the long-term test to demonstrate its durability and resistance to failure due to moisture ingress.

Part 3: Long-term test method and requirements for gas leakage rate and for gas concentration tolerances

• Test Method: Specifies the procedure for determining the rate at which gas leaks from a gas-filled IGU over a long period. It also outlines how to verify the initial gas concentration within the unit.

• Requirements: Establishes the maximum permissible gas leakage rate and the acceptable tolerances for the initial gas concentration to ensure the IGU maintains its thermal and acoustic performance over time. This part is particularly important for IGUs filled with inert gases like argon or krypton to enhance insulation.

Part 4: Methods of test for the physical attributes of edge seal components and inserts

• Test Methods: Describes various test methods for evaluating the physical properties of the components used in the edge seals of IGUs, such as sealants, spacers, and desiccants. These tests assess characteristics like adhesion, cohesion, strength, and resistance to UV radiation and other environmental factors.

• Requirements: While this part primarily focuses on test methods, it also implicitly defines the required physical attributes of these components to ensure the overall durability and performance of the IGU.

Part 5: Product standard

• Requirements: This part specifies the overall requirements for insulating glass units, taking into account the findings from the test methods described in other parts of the standard. It covers aspects such as:

  • Mechanical Resistance: Resistance to wind load, snow load, and impact.

  • Thermal Properties: Thermal transmittance (U-value).

  • Acoustic Properties: Sound insulation.

  • Radiation Properties: Light transmission and solar factor.

  • Durability: Long-term performance and resistance to environmental factors.

• Evaluation of Conformity: Outlines the procedures for assessing whether an IGU conforms to the requirements of this standard.

• Marking and Labelling: Specifies the information that should be marked on the insulating glass unit or its packaging.

Part 6: Factory production control and periodic tests

• Factory Production Control (FPC): Specifies the requirements for a manufacturer's quality management system to ensure that IGUs are consistently produced to the specified quality. This includes procedures for process control, testing, and documentation.

• Periodic Tests: Outlines the tests that a manufacturer must carry out at regular intervals to verify the ongoing performance and conformity of their IGUs to the relevant parts of BS EN 1279. These tests typically include moisture penetration, gas leakage, and visual quality checks.