What is BS EN 1279-3 - Insulating glass - gas leakage and concentration tolerances about?
BS EN 1279‑3 is part three of a multi-series of European standards on insulating glass units in building which covers long term test method and requirements for gas leakage rate and for gas concentration tolerances.
BS EN 1279‑3 describes the test method for the determination of gas leakage rate and specifies the requirements for limit values for gas leakage rate and gas concentration for gas filled insulating glass units made
- In accordance with EN 1279-1:2018 and manufactured to EN 1279-6:2018
- For the purpose to demonstrate that components (e.g. edge seals or spacers) will allow the insulating glass unit to conform to the requirements given in EN 1279-1:2018, Clause 6
Who is BS EN 1279-3 - Insulating glass - gas leakage and concentration tolerances for?
BS EN 1279-3 on Insulating glass - gas leakage and concentration tolerances is useful for: 
- Insulating glass unit manufacturers
- Constructors
Why should you use BS EN 1279-3 - Insulating glass - gas leakage and concentration tolerances?
Insulated Glass combines two or more glass panes that are spaced apart and sealed with a sealant to appear as a single unit. Also called double glazing, IGUs are designed to reduce heat loss and solar heat gain entering the building, while reducing visible light transmittance. Hence they improve the thermal performance, and reduce energy costs. They can be fabricated to meet sound control requirements, seismic requirements, bullet resistance, hurricane and blast resistance requirements, impact resistance and state energy codes.
The leak rate is defined as the pV throughput of a gas through a leak. It is a function of the type of gas, pressure difference, and temperature.
With the use of BS EN 1279-3, you can evaluate the gas leakage rate and gas concentration tolerances in buildings, and with this information you make the necessary changes required to the production of glass so as to safeguard the users of your product. Ensuring this quality audit can help build credibility between your customers.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 1279-3:2018 supersedes BS EN 1279-3:2002, which is withdrawn.
BS EN 1279-3:2018 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 1279-3:2002. These are:
- The scope has been changed
- Terms and definitions and symbols have been split into two clauses
- Requirement for gas leakage rate has been significantly changed
- Gas leakage rate can be determined after ageing a minimum two and a maximum four test specimens. Durability of gas and interaction with IGU components has been added to requirements
- Precision of the test method has been moved to A.4.8 and updated following a new inter-laboratory test performed in 2009
