The standard performance test for weather louvres in Europe is EN 13030:2001 ‘Ventilation for buildings — Terminals — Performance testing of louvres subjected to simulated rain’.
The test results enable specifiers to directly compare the performance of different rain defence louvre models. A single louvre design classification should be accompanied by the limiting core velocity, e.g. Class A 2 up to 2m/s.
NOTE:
Two aspects of performance are measured during the test:
1. PENETRATION CLASSIFICATION
The ability of the louvre to prevent wind driven rain ingress (expressed as a rating at each face velocity)
| Class | Effectiveness | Max. allowed rain penetration (l/h/m2) |
|---|---|---|
| A | 1 to 0.99 | 0.75 |
| B | 0.989 to 0.95 | 3.75 |
| C | 0.949 to 0.80 | 15.00 |
| D | Below 0.80 | Greater than 15.00 |
Water penetration effectiveness is measured for each of eight face velocities between 0m/s and 3.5m/s. Louvre penetration class should always be expressed in the context of the face velocity it was measured at.
2. DISCHARGE LOSS COEFFICIENT CLASSIFICATION
The airflow characteristic of the louvre (expressed as Discharge and Entry Loss Coefficient Class)
| Class | Discharge Loss Coefficient | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.4 to 1 | Excellent |
| 2 | 0.3 to 0.399 | Very Good |
| 3 | 0.2 to 0.299 | Good |
| 4 | 0.199 & below | Fair |
Discharge/entry loss coefficient is expressed as a single class, based on an average result over five air velocities. Class 1 indicates the least and Class 4 the most resistance to airflow. The higher the value, the lower the energy usage.
Compare our
To help you find the right Louvre within our comprehensive range, we've put together a comparison sheet, highlighting key performance and aesthetic information for each of our models.
Custom
Creating custom louvres is nothing new. Neither is testing them. But doing both? That’s our specialty.
IN-HOUSE TESTING
We can verify how our products will perform in real-life conditions by testing them in our own, AMCA-accredited test chamber.
This allows us to work with you to create custom louvre systems and ensure they will meet your specific performance requirements.
SETTING THE STANDARD
Our louvre test chamber has the ability to replicate the AMCA test standards for airflow, still air water penetration and wind-driven rain.
- Our wind generator can simulate extreme weather conditions, with wind-driven rain speeds reaching up to 110km/hour (70mph) and producing up to 230mm of water per hour.
- An intake fan runs constantly to simulate the building’s air-handling equipment. So if water does get through to the collection chamber, we can make on-the-spot blade adjustments to increase water removal.
By evaluating a louvre’s resistance to water penetration at incremental speeds, we can ensure that it will deliver the air intake and water removal performance you require.
