EN 1279-5:2005/FprA2

Overview

EN 1279-5:2005/FprA2 is an important European standard developed by CEN (European Committee for Standardization) concerning glass in building, specifically insulating glass units (IGUs). This part 5 of the EN 1279 series focuses on the evaluation of conformity for insulating glass units used in construction. The amendment FprA2 introduces modifications to the conformity assessment procedures to enhance reliability and facilitate mutual recognition of testing results between manufacturers.

This standard supports manufacturers, authorities, and notified bodies in ensuring that IGUs meet stringent quality and safety requirements. It aligns with EU directives governing construction products, thereby enabling compliance with European regulations and promoting trade within the internal market.

Key Topics

• Evaluation of Conformity
  EN 1279-5:2005/FprA2 outlines rules for assessing whether insulating glass units conform to specified performance characteristics. This involves verifying compliance through testing and factory production controls.

• Introduction of ‘Other Party ITT Results’
  A major update is the allowance for IGU manufacturers to use Initial Type Testing (ITT) results obtained by third parties-such as other manufacturers or system developers-to justify conformity, provided that the design matches exactly. This promotes efficiency by reducing redundant testing.

• System Description and Agreement Requirements
  To use ‘other party ITT results’, a formal agreement must be established between involved parties. The supplying manufacturer must provide a detailed system description, product characteristics, relevant test reports, and documented factory production controls.

• Responsibilities of Manufacturers
  The manufacturer using external ITT data must produce units strictly according to the agreed system description, maintain appropriate quality controls, place products with their own declaration of conformity, and keep comprehensive records of testing and compliance.

• Factory Production Control (FPC)
  Both suppliers and users of ITT results are required to maintain a documented FPC system ensuring ongoing compliance during manufacturing, as detailed in EN 1279-6.

• Testing and Documentation
  Test reports must meet procedural requirements, including detailed information on sampling, personnel, methods, results, and certification by notified bodies or laboratories.

• Limitations
  Any changes to the insulated glass unit design or components invalidate the use of ‘other party ITT results’. In this case, the manufacturer must conduct their own type testing.

Applications

• Manufacturers of Insulating Glass Units
  Enables manufacturers to streamline product conformity assessment by leveraging existing testing data from recognized third parties, reducing costs and time to market.

• Construction Industry Professionals
  Architects, builders, and specifiers benefit from assured product quality and performance of IGUs used in energy-efficient and safety-conscious building designs.

• Regulatory Authorities and Notified Bodies
  Supports harmonized conformity assessment protocols and facilitates market surveillance activities ensuring compliance with EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR).

• Supply Chain Transparency
  Enhances traceability and accountability through rigorous documentation and agreements, ensuring reliability of glass products across different manufacturers and suppliers.

Related Standards

• EN 1279-2: Insulating Glass Units - Long-term Properties and Durability Testing
  Defines procedures for initial type testing related to mechanical, physical, and impermeability properties.

• EN 1279-3: Insulating Glass Units - Additional Tests
  Covers supplementary tests applicable to IGUs for enhanced safety and performance.

• EN 1279-4: Materials and Components
  Specifies requirements for spacer bars and sealants used in insulating glass construction.

• EN 1279-6: Factory Production Control (FPC)
  Details monitoring systems and controls necessary at the manufacturing facility to ensure product conformity.

• EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR)
  This regulation mandates CE marking for construction products and is supported by adherence to standards like EN 1279-5.

Keywords: EN 1279-5:2005, insulating glass units, evaluation of conformity, Initial Type Testing, ITT results, factory production control, insulating glass standard, glass in building, construction product standards, CEN, EU directives compliance, notified bodies, glazing conformity assessment.