4.1 EC glazings perform a number of important functions in a building envelope including: minimizing the solar energy heat gain; providing for passive solar energy gain; controlling a variable visual connection with the outside world; enhancing human comfort (heat gain), illumination, and glare control; and providing for architectural expression. It is therefore important to understand the relative serviceability of these glazings.

4.2 This test method is intended to provide a means for evaluating the relative serviceability of EC Glazings as described in Section 1.

4.3 The procedures in this test method include (a) rapid but realistic current-voltage cycling tests emphasizing the electrical properties, and (b) environmental test parameters that are typically used in weatherability tests by standards organizations and are realistic for the intended use of large-area EC IGUs.

1.1 This test method covers the accelerated aging of electrochromic devices (ECD) integrated in insulating glass units.

1.2 The test method is applicable for any electrochromic device incorporated into sealed insulating glass units (IGUs) fabricated for vision glass (superstrate and substrate) areas for use in buildings, such as sliding doors, windows, skylights, and exterior wall systems. The layers used for constructing the EC device and electrochromically changing the optical properties may be inorganic or organic materials.

1.3 The electrochromic (EC) glazings used in this test method are exposed to environmental conditions, including solar radiation. They are employed to control the amount of transmitted radiation by absorption and reflection and, thus, limit the solar heat gain and amount of solar radiation that is transmitted into the building.

1.4 The test method is not applicable to other chromogenic devices, such as, photochromic and thermochromic devices which do not respond to electrical stimulus.

1.5 The test method is not applicable to electrochromic (EC) glazings that are constructed from superstrate or substrate materials other than glass.

1.6 The test method referenced herein is a laboratory test conducted under specified conditions. The test is intended to simulate and, in some cases, to also accelerate actual in-service use of the electrochromic glazing. Results from these tests cannot be used to predict the performance with time of in-service units unless actual corresponding in-service tests have been conducted and appropriate analyses have been conducted to show how performance can be predicted from the accelerated aging tests.

1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.8 This standard does not purport 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.