What is product testing?
Product testing is a means of assessing a particular product for its ability to achieve specific requirements. These requirements are set out in British Standards, their European equivalents or PAS (Publicly Available Specifications). The BWF can help you with a range of tests for doors and windows covering operation, weather performance and security. The tests available include BS6375 Part 1 & 2, BS7950, PAS23 and PAS24.
Why test your products?
Successfully passing a recognised test with a UKAS approved test facility will give your product credibility and your company a distinct advantage when competing against a company without the same test evidence. Testing is viewed as proof of your products performance in a particular area, such as operation, security, weathertightness and energy efficiency. Testing also forms the basis for accreditation or certification of product schemes such as the Wood Window Alliance, Secured by Design and the BRFC’s Energy Ratings.
How can the BWF help?
The BWF has arranged exclusive testing rates with UKAS approved test facilities to offer flexibility and competitive rates. You will not be able to get the agreed rates by going directly to the test facility.
DOWNLOAD OUR PRODUCT TESTING QUOTATION FORM HERE
Through the BWF you can also arrange for experts to visit your factory to offer advice on what products to test, and address the concerns you might have on getting through the test.
What sort of tests can be carried out on my products?
Below you can find information on these types of test, including the scope of the tests and what is involved.
BS6375 Part 1 – Weathertightness of Windows and External Doors
BS6375 Part 2 – Operation and Strength of Windows
BS7950 – Enhanced Security of Windows for Domestic Applications
PAS 23 – Performance Requirements for Door Assemblies
PAS24 – Enhanced Security Performance for Door Assemblies
BS6375 Part 1 – Weathertightness of Windows and External Doors
What is the scope of the test?
BS6375-1 will test the air permeability, watertightness and wind resistance for windows and external doors.
What is involved?
Air Permeability: Varying levels of both positive and negative air pressure is applied to the product testing the amount of air leakage. A measure of the average leakage per metre square of window area is made, measured in pascals (Pa).
Watertightness: Water is sprayed at a 45 degree angle on to the products at varying levels of pressure. The test is stopped when water first penetrates the product setting a maximum resistance to water pressure measured in pascals (Pa).
Resistance to wind: Varying levels of wind pressure are applied to the product. The test is completed when the deflection of any timber component exceeds 1/150 of its length or the glass breaks for the second time giving a maximum resistance to wind measured in pascals (Pa).
Why do this test?
This test is a requirement to undertake an Energy Rating and will give the end user confidence in the weather performance of the product you have tested.
BS6375 Part 2 – Operation and Strength of Windows
What is the scope of this test?
BS6375 – 2 specifies the performance requirements for the operation and strength of glazed, fully finished windows.
What is involved?
Test 1 ensures that window can be closed, fastened in place and then released within the maximum allowed levels of force, measured in Newtons (N).
Test 2 measures the maximum forces required to open and close the window measured in Newtons (N)
Test 3 measures the deflection of the frame components when a force equal to 20% greater than the maximum required opening and closing force is applied when the window is in an open position and held in place by stops.
Test 4 measures the variation in test 1 after clamping the window in a closed position and then applying a 300N force in an opening direction.
Test 5 measures the variation in tests 1 & 2 after jamming the hinge with a prop when the window is in an open position and applying a force of up to 300N in a closing direction.
Test 6 measures the ability of the window to handle a 600N force being applied in an opening direction when the window is in a fully opened position.
Test 7 measures the variation in test 1 when a downward force of 500 Newtons is applied to a window in an open position.
Why do this test?
This test will give the end user confidence in the operating performance of the product you have tested.
BS7950 – Enhanced Security of Windows for Domestic Applications
What is the scope of this test?
BS7950 tests windows, used in domestic situations, for their ability to withstand unauthorised forced entry.
What is involved?
Manipulation test: This test is designed to determine that there is no inherent vulnerability in the window of someone outside operating the locking system located on the inside of the window. The test allows the use of wire, credit cards, scrapers, knives and screwdrivers to try to unlock the window from the outside.
Glazing removal test: The manual section of this test allows the test operator 3 minutes to try and remove the glazing by removing the gaskets, beads and security devices. The mechanical test involves a force of 2kN being applied to each corner of the window, without shock, to try and remove the glazing system.
Mechanical loading test: This test measures the ability of the window to withstand both parallel and perpendicular to plane loads being applied for up to 5 minutes. An additional mechanical loading test is required after the manual check test.
Manual check test: This test allows the test operator to use screwdrivers and nail bars to try and gain entry by levering any location of the window in any direction for a maximum of 15 minutes.
Why do this test?
This test will give the end user confidence in the security performance of the product you have tested.
PAS 23 – Performance Requirements for Door Assemblies
What is the scope of this test?
PAS23 is a product assessment specification that sets out the testing requirements for the general performance of a single leaf, single acting door.
What is involved?
Test sequence 1
This sequence has 13 different parts that test the performance of the door assembly. These parts are:
Operating forces
Air permeability
Weathertightness
Wind resistance
Repeat air permeability
Repeat watertightness
Resistance to vertical loads
Resistance to static torsion
Slamming resistance
Closure against obstruction
Abusive forces on handles
Resistance to soft and heavy body impact
Resistance to hard body impact
Test Sequence 2
This sequence has 5 parts:
Operating forces
Cyclic operation test
Resistance to thermal variation
Resistance to humidity
Basic security test
Why do this test?
This test is a requirement of Secured by Design and will give the end user confidence in the security performance of the door you have tested.
PAS24 – Enhanced Security Performance for Door Assemblies
What is the scope of this test?
PAS24 is a product assessment specification that sets out the testing requirements for the enhanced security performance of a single leaf, single acting door.
What is involved?
Infill medium removal test: The manual section of this test allows the test operator 3 minutes to try and remove the glazing by removing the gaskets, beads and security devices. The mechanical test involves a force of 2kN being applied to each corner of the window, without shock, to try and remove the glazing system.
Mechanical loading test: This test measures the ability of the door to withstand both parallel and perpendicular to plane loads being applied for up to 5 minutes. An additional mechanical loading test is required after the manual check test.
Manual check test: This test allows the test operator to use screwdrivers and nail bars to try and gain entry by levering any location of the window in any direction for a maximum of 15 minutes.
Soft body impact test: This test assesses the doors ability to withstand soft body impacts between 800mm and 1700mm from floor level.
Hard body impact test: A hard body impact is made to vulnerable areas of the door assembly to test its ability to withstand the impact. The impact will be focused on areas such as the lock, hinges, corners of the door, the mid rail and any no-glass infills.
Why do this test?
This test is a requirement of Secured by Design and will give the end user confidence in the security performance of the door you have tested.
