5.1 The use of this apparatus is intended to induce property changes consistent with the end use conditions, including the effects of the UV portion of sunlight, moisture, and heat. Typically, these exposures would include moisture in the form of condensing humidity. Exposures are not intended to simulate the deterioration caused by localized weather phenomena, such as atmospheric pollution, biological attack, and saltwater exposure. Alternatively, the exposure may simulate the effects of sunlight through window glass. (Warning—Refer to Practice G151 for full cautionary guidance applicable to all laboratory weathering devices.)

5.2 This practice provides general procedures for operating fluorescent UV lamp weathering devices that allow for a wide range of exposure conditions. Therefore, no reference shall be made to results from the use of this practice unless accompanied by a report detailing the specific operating conditions in conformance with Section 10.

5.2.1 It is recommended that a similar material of known performance (a control) be exposed simultaneously with the test specimen to provide a standard for comparative purposes. Generally, two controls are recommended: one known to have poor durability and one known to have good durability. It is recommended that at least three replicates of each material evaluated be exposed in each test to allow for statistical evaluation of results.

5.2.2 Comparison of results obtained from specimens exposed in the same model of apparatus should not be made unless reproducibility has been established among devices for the material to be tested.

5.2.3 Comparison of results obtained from specimens exposed in different models of apparatus should not be made unless correlation has been established among devices for the material to be tested.

Note 5: See Guide D6631 for guidance.

1.1 This practice is limited to the basic principles for operating a fluorescent UV lamp and water apparatus; on its own, it does not deliver a specific result.

1.2 It is intended to be used in conjunction with a practice or method that defines specific exposure conditions for an application along with a means to evaluate changes in material properties. This practice is intended to reproduce the weathering effects that occur when materials are exposed to sunlight (either direct or through window glass) and moisture as rain or dew in actual usage. This practice is limited to the procedures for obtaining, measuring, and controlling conditions of exposure.

Note 1: Practice G151 describes general procedures to be used when exposing nonmetallic materials in accelerated test devices that use laboratory light sources.

Note 2: A number of exposure procedures are listed in an appendix; however, this practice does not specify the exposure conditions best suited for the material to be tested.

1.3 Test specimens are exposed to fluorescent UV light under controlled environmental conditions. Different types of fluorescent UV lamp sources are described.

Note 3: In this standard, the terms UV light and UV radiation are used interchangeably.

1.4 Specimen preparation and evaluation of the results are covered in ASTM methods or specifications for specific materials. General guidance is given in Practice G151 and ISO 4892-1.

Note 4: General information about methods for determining the change in properties after exposure and reporting these results is described in ISO 4582 and Practice D5870.

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

1.6 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This standard is technically similar to ISO 4892-3 and ISO 16474-3.