What is BS EN 1279‑4 - Insulating Glass - Edge seal components and inserts about?
BS EN 1279‑4 is part four of a multi-series of European standards on insulating glass units in buildings that covers methods of test for the physical attributes of edge seal components and inserts.
BS EN 1279‑4 specifies the requirements and describes the test methods for edge seal components and inserts. This includes the identification, the determination of physical attributes and the evaluation of characteristics for use in substitution rules in accordance with EN 1279-1:2018.
For the purpose to demonstrate that edge seal components will allow the insulating glass unit to conform to the requirements given in EN 1279-1:2018, Clause 6, EN 1279-2:2018 and EN 1279-3:2018 also apply.
Who is BS EN 1279‑4 - Insulating Glass - Edge seal components and inserts for?
BS EN 1279‑4 on insulating Glass - edge seal components and inserts is useful for: 
- Insulating glass unit manufacturers
- Constructors
Why should you use BS EN 1279‑4 - Insulating Glass - Edge seal components and inserts?
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.
Edge seals consist of several components, including a spacer bar, a desiccant, and a sealant. These components are often combined and may serve more than one purpose.
With the use of BS EN 1279-4, you can understand the use of edge seal components and inserts 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BS EN 1279‑4:2018 supersedes BS EN 1279‑4:2002, which is withdrawn.
BS EN 1279‑4:2018 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 1279‑4:2002. These are:
- Terms and definitions have been transferred to EN 1279-1:2018
- For sealants physicochemical characterization have been added and requirements were changed
- For desiccants in bulk physicochemical characterization, test methods and requirements have been added
- For polymeric matrices incorporating desiccant and inserts requirements have been added
- The standard has been fully technically and editorially revised
