This article explains the key standards and regulations governing insulating gas measurement in insulating glass units (IGUs), including EN 1279, ASTM E2649, NFRC, and ISO guidelines. It is intended for IGU manufacturers, window producers, and quality professionals who need to verify gas fill levels, meet compliance requirements, and ensure consistent thermal performance. Read also our articles on ENERGY STAR gas fill requirements, and Australian National Construction Code window requirements.
Why Insulating Gas Measurement Matters for IGU Standards and Performance
Insulating gases, such as argon, krypton, and xenon, enhance the energy efficiency of windows. These gases are used to fill the space between glass panes, reducing heat transfer and improving thermal performance. As the demand for energy-efficient building solutions grows, so does the need for reliable and standardized methods to measure and verify the performance of insulating gases.
Key Standards for Insulating Gas Measurement in IGUs
ASTM E2649: Gas Concentration Measurement in IGUs
ASTM International has developed standards specific to IGUs, such as E2649-20. This standard outlines procedures for determining the argon and krypton concentrations within sealed IGUs. Compliance with ASTM standards is crucial for manufacturers and builders to meet industry expectations and ensure the efficacy of gas fill, directly impacting thermal performance.
Read more: ASTM E2649-20 Explained: Determining Argon Concentration in Insulating Glass Units (IGUs)
NFRC Requirements for Gas Fill Verification
In the United States, the NFRC plays a vital role in establishing IGU standards for windows, doors, and skylights. The NFRC label shows information about the energy-efficiency of windows by providing energy performance ratings in multiple categories. One of the categories is u-value and the label therefore addresses the measurement and verification of gas fills level in IGUs. Adherence to NFRC standards is essential for products seeking NFRC certification and to meet energy code requirements, ensuring Gas-Fill Standards Compliance and optimizing thermal performance.
EN 1279-3: European Standard for Gas Leakage and Gas Concentration
For a European perspective, gas-fill standards compliance is achieved through the EN 1279-3 standard “Glass in building – Insulating glass units – Part 3: Long term test method and requirements for gas leakage rate and for gas concentration tolerances”. This European standard outlines the methods for the determination of gas leakage rate and gas concentration of IGUs under standardized conditions. Compliance with EN 1279-3 is essential for manufacturers and practitioners operating in the European market to meet regulatory requirements and ensure the performance of gas fill in IGUs.
Read more: Key Takeaways from EN 1279-3 2018
ISO Standards for Insulating Gas Measurement
The ISO has established Standards Compliance to ensure the accuracy and consistency of insulating gas measurements and gas-fill. ISO/DIS 20492-3 provides guidelines for determining the gas content in Insulating Glass Units (IGUs). Adhering to these standards ensures that measurements are conducted uniformly across the industry, promoting reliability and comparability in thermal performance.
GB/T 11944: Gas Concentration Measurement Under the Chinese Insulating Glass Standard
The Chinese insulating glass standard GB/T 11944 defines technical requirements for the manufacturing, testing, and performance evaluation of insulating glass units (IGUs) in the Chinese market. Among its key focus areas is the measurement and verification of insulating gas concentration, which directly affects thermal performance and long-term IGU quality.
GB/T 11944 specifies methods for determining gas composition within sealed IGUs to ensure that gas-filled units meet defined performance expectations under Chinese building regulations. These requirements support consistent quality control across production lines and provide traceable verification of gas fill levels.
Read more: Understanding Gas Concentration Measurement in Accordance with Chinese Insulating Glass Standard GB/T 11944.
Importance of Gas Fill and Thermal Performance:
- Performance Assurance:
- Strict adherence to standards ensures that insulating gases perform as intended, providing the expected level of thermal insulation and energy efficiency in IGUs.
- Consumer Confidence:
- Compliance with recognized standards enhances consumer confidence in the reliability and effectiveness of gas fill, directly impacting the thermal performance of IGUs and contributing to overall customer satisfaction.
- Regulatory Compliance:
- Many regions have adopted building codes and energy efficiency regulations that reference specific standards for insulating gas measurement. Compliance is essential to meet these regulatory requirements and achieve optimal thermal performance in IGUs.
- Consistent Measurement Practices:
- Standardized measurements about gas fill rate and energy efficiency facilitate consistent measurement practices within the industry. Builders, manufacturers, and testing laboratories can confidently rely on comparable measurement methods, ensuring uniform thermal performance in IGUs.
Do IGU Standards Require Measuring Gas Concentration?
Insulating glass unit (IGU) standards do not always explicitly mandate that gas concentration must be measured for every unit. However, most major standards and regulatory frameworks indirectly require verification of gas fill levels in order to demonstrate compliance with defined performance criteria.
Standards such as EN 1279, ASTM E2649, ISO guidelines, and GB/T 11944 set requirements for thermal performance, gas concentration tolerances, leakage rates, or long-term durability. To confirm that these requirements are met, manufacturers must be able to verify the actual gas concentration inside the sealed IGU cavity. In practice, this makes gas measurement a necessary part of quality control and compliance processes.
Without measurement, there is no reliable way to confirm that the insulating gas has been filled at the correct concentration or retained as intended. For this reason, gas concentration measurement is widely recognized as the only dependable method for verifying gas fill performance, supporting both standards compliance and consistent IGU quality.
Challenges and Future Developments:
While current standards provide a robust framework, ongoing research and technological advancements may lead to updates in measurement techniques. Ensuring that industry stakeholders stay informed and adapt to these changes will be crucial for maintaining gas fill standards compliance and advancing the field of insulating gas technology, ultimately improving the thermal performance of IGUs.
Read more about the Sparklike measuring technology.
Conclusion:
As the glass and construction industries continue to prioritize energy efficiency, insulating gases in windows play a central role in achieving these goals. Adhering to established standards and regulations for insulating gas measurement, including the European perspective outlined in EN 1279-3, is paramount for ensuring performance, building consumer trust, and meeting regulatory requirements. By embracing and upholding these standards, the industry can contribute to a sustainable and energy-efficient future.
Sparklike devices to measure insulating gas concentration:
To meet insulating gas measurement standards, manufacturers require reliable and repeatable measurement methods. Measurement options used to verify compliance:
- Sparklike Handheld™ – for double glazed insulating glass units
- Sparklike Laser Portable™ – for double and triple glazed insulating glass units with coatings and lamination
- Sparklike Laser Integrated™ insulating gas measurement station integrated to the IG-line – for double and triple glazed insulating glass units with coatings and lamination.
Sparklike is the world’s leading expert for measuring the gas content of insulating glass with non-invasive technology. If you have any questions, please contact us.
