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AAMA 1503 Thermal Testing and CRF
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NFRC100 and 200 for windows, doors and skylights
INTRODUCTION:
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) was established in 1989 to develop a national, uniform energy rating system for windows, doors, skylights and other fenestration products. The original membership was composed of representatives from window manufacturer’s, government codes and energy departments, consumer groups, utilities and testing /technical organizations. NFRC was in the right place at the right time when the Energy Policy Act of 1992 was passed. This act mandated the establishment of a voluntary national energy rating system for windows and window systems and NFRC was designated the lead organization for this task. If the NFRC was unable to do the job it was required that the DOE do the job itself.
Recognizing that a voluntary, independent, non-governmental body was preferable to a program created and administered by a government body, the membership was able to present an acceptable program to DOE within a year. Since that time the NFRC program has expanded to include special programs for slab doors and site-built products. NFRC Certification has been adopted by code jurisdictions nation wide for inclusion in Energy performance codes.
The basic NFRC process is a three step system; the first step is to have a computer generated simulation done by an accredited simulator. The second step is to have a physical test performed by an accredited laboratory to verify the accuracy of the simulation. The third step is to have certification Authorization for the product by an independent third party who reviews both the simulation and the test for technical accuracy and issues a Certification Authorization Report (CAR) for the product.
What products does it apply to?
Who is responsible for Certification and Labeling?
What if I'm buying my extrusions from a linear supplier?
What is NFRC 100 and NFRC 200?
NFRC 100 is the base document for the entire NFRC process which applies to all fenestration products. Additional sub-documents have been developed for some special products. NFRC 200 is the equivalent document dealing with Solar Heat Gain..
What products does it apply to?
NFRC 100 and 200 apply to all fenestration products of all operating types and sizes, all frame materials and all glass/glazing and spacer types. Special procedures have been developed for slab type swing doors and site built products.
Who requires it?
NFRC 100 and 200 certifications are part of the Washington, Oregon, and California State Energy Codes on the West Coast. Many other states also include NFRC 100 and 200 references as well as the Model Energy Code, International Energy Conservation Code and the ASHRAE/IES Energy Code for Commercial and High-Rise Residential Buildings and may be required by any jurisdiction adopting these codes. In all at least 21 states have adopted some reference to the NFRC procedure in their codes. As you can see, these procedures are rapidly spreading across the United States. Efforts are also underway to harmonize the US and Canada codes to make it easier and more cost effective to sell products across the border
Who is responsible for Certification and Labeling?
For the typical factory assembled product the original manufacturer/ fabricator is responsible for Certification and Labeling.
The U-Factors and Solar Heat Gain Values obtained from the NFRC Certification Program are usually lower than the values in the default tables contained in the codes, which can result in lower job costs. On a major project, the cost of the simulations and validation tests should be much less than the potential cost savings. Keep in mind that in some codes the default values are definitely punitive.
What if I'm buying my extrusions from a linear supplier?
In some cases the supplier of the linear frame extrusions may have already done much, if not all the work to certify the product. In this case it is usually possible to use this work for your products at a very small cost. If the preliminary work has already been done you may only need to supply your specific glazing and spacer options to your simulator.
If you have any questions so far Phone, Fax or e-mail Quality Testing for additional information.
If you have a product that is subject to certification requirements under the building codes we suggest the following steps:
1) Check the codes for the required U-Factors and Solar Heat Gain. Also check the code for any special exemptions which may be included. For example the Washington State Residential code includes an exception for Small Businesses which allows them to use a specific default table which is not as punitive.
2) Check for default tables under the applicable code, if the default table value meets the specification you are done except for any documentation required.
3) If the default table does not meet the specified value and you are a fabricator buying your extrusions from a linear supplier, check with your supplier to see if the system you use has been simulated or tested. If so, it may be possible to add the specified glass to that simulation.
4) If you need to join the program you will need to complete the following steps. Quality Testing's simulation and thermal performance staff is experienced in guiding you through the process, call us for details and our simulation and test check sheets.
The process:
A) Phone, Fax or e-mail Quality Testing for a free consultation to help you determine the number of product lines and products you will need to include.
B) Have your products simulated by an NFRC accredited Simulation Laboratory. In order to simulate our staff needs detailed drawing including die drawings and cross sections. We will also need glass and spacer details. Our Simulation Check List contains the detailed information you need.
C) Have a validation test performed by an NFRC accredited Test Laboratory for each product line. Only one test is required to validate your simulation. Your QTI simulator or thermal advisor can help you determine the best configuration (s) to send.
D) You will also need to become a licensee of the NFRC and an NFRC approved Certification Program in order to label your products. Additional information and help with this part of the process is available from the NFRC web site.
ã Quality Testing, Inc. 2000
Quality Testing, Inc. Updated10/15/2001
3310 Hill Ave WEBMASTER
Everett, WA 98201
Phone: 425-259-6799
Fax: 425-259-4936
e-mail: Quality Testing