Designation: G 201 – 09

Standard Practice for

Conducting Exposures in Outdoor Glass-Covered Exposure
Apparatus with Air Circulation1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation G 201; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color

1.1 This practice covers the basic principles and operating Coordinates
procedures for using outdoor glass-covered exposure apparatus D5870 Practice for Calculating Property Retention Index of
with air circulation. This practice is limited to the procedures Plastics
for obtaining, measuring and controlling conditions of expo- E903 Test Method for Solar Absorptance, Reflectance, and
sure. A number of exposure procedures are listed in Appendix Transmittance of Materials Using Integrating Spheres3
X1; however, this practice does not specify the exposure E1084 Test Method for Solar Transmittance (Terrestrial) of
conditions best suited for the material to be tested. Sheet Materials Using Sunlight
1.2 For direct weathering exposures, refer to Practice G7. G7 Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure Test-
For exposures behind glass without air circulation, refer to ing of Nonmetallic Materials
Practice G24. G24 Practice for Conducting Exposures to Daylight Filtered
1.3 Test specimens are exposed to solar radiation filtered Through Glass
through glass under partially controlled environmental test G113 Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weath-
conditions. Different glass types and operating parameters are ering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
described. G141 Guide for Addressing Variability in Exposure Testing
1.4 Specimen preparation and evaluation of the results are of Nonmetallic Materials
covered in ASTM methods or specifications for specific G173 Tables for Reference Solar Spectral Irradiances: Di-
materials. More specific information for determining the rect Normal and Hemispherical on 37° Tilted Surface
change in properties after exposure and reporting these results G177 Tables for Reference Solar Ultraviolet Spectral Dis-
is described in Practices D5870, D2244 and Test Method tributions: Hemispherical on 37° Tilted Surface
D523. G179 Specification for Metal Black Panel and White Panel
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as Temperature Devices for Natural Weathering Tests
standard. G183 Practice for Field Use of Pyranometers, Pyrheliom-
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the eters and UV Radiometers
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 2.2 Other Document:4
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- WMO No. 8 Guide to Meteorological Instruments and
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- Methods of Observation, Fifth Edition
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 2.3 ISO Standard:5
ISO 9060 Solar energy — Specification and classification of
2. Referenced Documents instruments for measuring hemispherical solar and direct
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 solar radiation
D523 Test Method for Specular Gloss
3. Terminology
D2244 Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and
3.1 The definitions given in Terminology G113 are appli-
cable to this practice.
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee G03 on Weathering
and Durability and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee G03.02 on Natural
3
and Environmental Exposure Tests. Withdrawn. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2009. Published May 2010. DOI: 10.1520/ on www.astm.org.
4
G0201–09. Available from World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 7bis, avenue de la
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Paix, Case postale 2300, CH-1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland, http://www.wmo.int.
5
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on la Voie-Creuse, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://
the ASTM website. www.iso.ch.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 G 201 – 09
3.2 Other Definitions:
3.2.1 limit temperature, n—For enclosures operated in tem-
perature control mode, the specified black panel temperature at
which the circulating fan switches on in order to prevent or
minimize black panel temperature readings above the set
temperature.

4. Summary of Practices
4.1 Specimens are exposed to light, moisture (in the form of
humidity) and heat in an outdoor glass-covered enclosure with
air circulation.
4.2 The exposure conditions may be varied by selection of:
4.2.1 Glass Type:
4.2.2 Operation of the circulating fan (whether constantly
on during daylight hours or only on when a specific limit
temperature is reached).
4.2.3 Temperature level at which the fan operates.
4.2.4 Orientation of the test fixture.

5. Significance and Use

5.1 As with any accelerated test, the increase in rate of
weathering compared to in-service exposure is material depen-
dent. Results from exposures conducted to this practice may
provide good rank correlation to results from actual use FIG. 1 Diagram of Typical Enclosure with Air Circulation
conditions for one type of material or product. It should not be
assumed that this will be true for other materials or products. It
is always best to verify the ability of an accelerated exposure prevent outside air from circulating over specimens. Option-
test to properly rank the durability of materials with actual use ally, vents covered with air filter material may be installed in
conditions. Guide G141 provides information about using rank the bottom of the test fixture if required to limit the black panel
correlation. temperature to a specified maximum.
5.2 Variation in results may be expected when operating 6.1.2 The enclosure shall be located where it will receive
conditions are varied within the accepted limits of this practice. solar radiation throughout the day with no shadow on any
Therefore, no reference shall be made to results from the use of specimen when the sun’s angle of elevation is greater than 20
this practice unless accompanied by a report detailing the degrees. When the enclosure is installed over grass, the
specific operating conditions in conformance with Report distance between the bottom of the enclosure and the ground
Section 8. shall be sufficient to prevent contact with plant growth, or to
5.3 The durability of materials in outdoor use can be very minimize damage that might occur during maintenance.
different depending on the location of the exposure because of 6.1.3 The enclosure shall be equipped with a rack which
differences in solar radiation, moisture, heat, pollutants, and supports the specimens in a plane parallel to the glass.
other factors. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that results from Alternately, the specimens can be mounted in an in-service
exposure in a single location will be useful for determining position. Unless otherwise specified, the distance between the
durability ranking of materials in a different location. exposed surface of flat specimens shall be 75 6 25 mm from
5.4 It is strongly recommended that at least one control the back surface of the glass cover.
material be exposed with each test. The control material should 6.1.4 Formed specimens with irregular dimensions may
be of similar composition and construction and be chosen so require custom mounting with varying distances from the glass
that its failure modes are the same as that of the material being cover. In such cases, mount the test specimen surface of major
tested. It is preferable to use two control materials, one with interest parallel to the glass cover at a distance of 75 6 25 mm
relatively good durability, and one with relatively poor dura- from the glass cover. The mounting frame or plate shall be
bility. If control materials are included as part of the test, they constructed of a material that is compatible with the test
shall be used for the purpose of comparing the performance of specimens. In order to minimize shadowing from the top and
the test materials relative to the controls. sides of the enclosure, the usable exposure area under the glass
shall be limited to that of the glass cover reduced by twice the
6. Apparatus distance from the cover to the specimens as shown in Fig. 2.
6.1 Enclosure: The effective width of the specimen mounting area is L-4X and
6.1.1 Exposures shall be conducted in a glass-covered the effective height of the mounting area is W-4X, where L is
enclosure of any convenient size (see Fig. 1). The enclosure the width of the glass cover, W is the height of the glass cover,
shall be constructed of a corrosion-resistant metal, such as and X is the distance between the glass cover and the
anodized aluminum or stainless steel, and be designed to specimens.

2
 G 201 – 09

Legend: L = length of glass cover; W = width of glass cover; X = distance between glass cover and specimens

FIG. 2 Sample Exposure Area Diagram

6.1.5 The enclosure shall be capable of being oriented in a 6.3.1 For enclosures with a temperature-controlled circulat-
manner mutually agreed upon between interested parties. The ing fan, one of the following black panel thermometer types
test report shall contain the orientation used. Possible exposure shall be installed in the enclosure:
orientations are: 6.3.1.1 Automotive Black Panel—The black panel ther-
6.1.5.1 Fixed tilt angle, typically in the range of 5 to 45 mometer shall be constructed of 0.60 6 0.06 mm (24 gauge)
degrees, with cabinet facing equator. sheet steel with dimensions of approximately 100 by 125 mm
6.1.5.2 Fixed tilt angle, typically 51 degrees, with tracking (4 by 5 in.). The exposed surface of the black panel shall be
in rotation (azimuth). primed and painted with black high heat spray paint.
6.1.5.3 Tracking azimuth and elevation in order to maintain 6.3.1.2 Specification G179 Black Panel—The black panel
the exposure plane normal to the sun’s direct beam. thermometer shall be constructed in accordance with the
6.1.5.4 Any other angle that is mutually agreed on by all requirements of Specification G179 with dimensions of ap-
interested parties may be used. In some instances, exposures proximately 100 by 125 mm (4 by 5 in.).
facing directly away from the equator or some other specific 6.3.1.3 The type of black panel thermometer used shall be
direction may be desired. described in the test report. Regardless of which type of black
6.2 Glass Cover: panel is used, the black panel is exposed parallel to the glass at
6.2.1 The glass cover shall be flat glass of one of the the same respective depth from the surface of the glass as the
following types: exposed surface of the test specimen. The panel must be
6.2.1.1 Clear Tempered Glass—The glass cover shall be mounted on 13 mm (1⁄2 in.) thick plywood, painted black,
non-laminated, tempered, clear flat glass having a nominal whose dimensions are at least 110 by 135 mm (43⁄8 by 53⁄8 in.)
thickness of 3 to 4 mm. The glass thickness used shall be with a machined recess to allow space for the temperature
included in the test report. sensor, thermocouple and their respective lead wires attached
6.2.1.2 Clear Laminated Glass—The glass cover shall be to the back of the black panel. The black panel must be
laminated, clear flat glass having a nominal thickness of 5.8 fastened to the plywood with small screws near the corners of
mm and containing a PVB (polyvinyl butyral) inner layer with the panel. The black panel assembly shall be mounted in the
an approximate thickness of 0.76 mm (.030 in.). This type of plane of the test samples near the top edge of the sample
glass is typically used in automotive applications. mounting area no closer than 200 mm from the left or right
6.2.1.3 Any other glass type as agreed upon between inter- edge of the glass cover as shown in Fig. 3.
ested parties. 6.4 Circulating Fan:
6.2.2 Wash the exterior and interior surfaces of the glass 6.4.1 The test enclosure shall be equipped with a circulating
cover every month (or more frequently, if required) to remove fan which directs air between the top surface of specimens and
dust particles and other undesirable material. the glass cover. This fan can be set to operate continuously
6.2.3 It is recommended that the spectral transmittance of during daylight hours, or based on the temperature reading
representative glass samples be measured. If transmittance is from a black panel thermometer. Unless otherwise specified,
measured, report the average for at least three representative when the circulating fan is switched off and on based on the
pieces of the lot of glass being used. Follow the instructions of temperature of a black panel thermometer, set the controller to
the UV-visible spectrophotometer used for measurement of the turn on at the desired limit temperature and off at a temperature
glass. If a spectrophotometer with an integrating sphere is used, that is 3°C less than the limit temperature.
the measurements shall be performed in accordance with Test 6.5 Over Temperature Protection:
Method E903. 6.5.1 Unless otherwise specified, test enclosures shall be
6.3 Black Panel Thermometer: equipped with over temperature protection to prevent specimen

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 G 201 – 09
at least three measurements in different locations if possible.
Mount test specimens in the test enclosure. For specimens that
come in direct contact with plywood, it is recommended that
plywood be covered with white card stock to shield specimens
from exudation from plywood.
7.5 If test enclosures are used in tracking mode, set the
enclosures to follow the sun between sunrise and sunset. If the
circulating fan is set to non temperature control mode, the fan
shall be switched on at sunrise and switched off at sunset.
Other start and stop times may be used for daylight operations.
If the circulating fan is set to a specified limit temperature, the
control can be set to operate 24 hours per day, or while
enclosures are following the sun.
7.6 Expose the test specimens and control specimens in the
FIG. 3 Black Panel Location glass-covered test enclosure continuously 24 hours a day and
remove from the cabinet only for inspection, return of speci-
mens, or to protect specimens from possible damage during
overheating in the event of a fan failure. The over temperature
severe weather events.
protection shall be set to operate at a temperature no greater
7.7 Measure the black panel temperature in the test enclo-
than 6°C above the limit temperature. The over temperature
sure.
protection shall cover the test enclosure or change the enclo-
sure orientation in order to prevent damage to specimens being 7.8 Optionally, measure and record daily the maximum,
exposed. minimum, and average air temperature and relative humidity in
6.6 Climatological Instruments: the vicinity of the test enclosure.
6.6.1 Within 1000 m of test enclosures shall be an area 7.9 Remove the test specimens and control specimens, if
designated for measuring climatological conditions such as used, from the enclosure based on one of the following:
ambient temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation. 7.9.1 Amount of Solar Radiant Exposure—Expose the test
6.6.2 Optionally, ambient air temperature and relative hu- specimens for a specified solar radiant exposure dose, either
midity can be measured in a shielded, elevated location. total (all wavelengths) or a selected wavelength band.
6.6.3 Solar Radiation: 7.9.2 Amount of Temperature Normalized Solar Radiant
6.6.3.1 Instrumental means of measuring full-spectrum so- Exposure—Expose the test specimens for a specified tempera-
lar radiant exposure shall consist of a pyranometer connected ture normalized solar radiant exposure dose, measured using
to an integrating device to indicate the total energy received total solar radiation (all wavelengths) or solar radiation mea-
over a given period. The pyranometer shall be sensitive to solar sured in a selected wavelength band.
radiation received at a geometry similar to that over which 7.9.3 Predetermined Property Change—Expose the test
solar radiation is received by the test specimens. The pyranom- specimens (and any specified control specimen, if used) until a
eter shall meet the requirements of an ISO 9060 Second Class specified amount of property change has occurred in either the
instrument or better. The pyranometer shall be calibrated and test materials or control specimens.
operated in accordance with requirements in Practice G183. 7.9.4 Duration of Exposure—Expose the test specimens for
6.6.3.2 Instrumental means of measuring solar radiant ex- a specified time period.
posure in specific wavelength regions (such as all or a portion 7.9.5 Any Other Specified Environmental Parameter.
of the ultraviolet spectrum) shall consist of a wavelength-band 7.10 Two methods can be used to determine solar radiant
specific global irradiance radiometer connected to an integrat- exposure under glass. Only record solar radiation while the
ing device to indicate the energy received in a specified instruments are in operation.
wavelength band over a given period (optional). The radiom- 7.10.1 Under Glass Measurement Method—Mounting the
eter shall be calibrated and operated in accordance with pyranometer under the glass produces a direct measurement of
requirements in Practice G183. solar radiant exposure under glass, RUG. The pyranometer or
UV-radiometer shall be mounted under glass having the
7. Procedure characteristics specified in 6.2.1. The glass shall be mounted
7.1 Select the test conditions for exposure using conditions parallel to the surface of the pyranometer or UV-radiometer
listed in Appendix X1, or any other condition agreed upon by sensor, 75 6 10 mm above it, and at the same orientation (tilt
interested parties. angle) as the glass cover and test specimens as specified in
7.2 If the enclosure is operated in temperature control mode, 6.1.5. For fixed tilt exposures without rotation, the glass shall
set the controller to the specified limit temperature. be at least 600 by 600 mm in size. For tracking exposures, the
7.3 Optionally, perform initial measurements on specimens glass cover shall be at least 375 by 375 mm in size.
prior to exposure using any agreed upon test method. 7.10.2 Under Glass Calculation Method—Mounting the
7.4 It is strongly recommended that at least three replicate pyranometer outside the enclosure produces a measurement of
specimens be used to allow for statistical evaluation of results. solar radiant exposure without glass (unfiltered), RS. The
If only one specimen is available, it is recommended to make transmission (t) of the glass is applied after measurement to

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 G 201 – 09
obtain RUG. The pyranometer or UV-radiometer shall be TNRi = Temperature Normalized Radiation calculated for
mounted outside the enclosure at the same orientation as a specific calculation period (expressed in TNR
specimens being tested. The radiant exposure shall be calcu- MJ/m2) using measurements of irradiance and
lated using the following equation: temperature. The calculation period used for deter-
RUG 5 RS 3 t (1) mining TNRi shall be one hour or less.
RUGi = Solar radiant exposure under glass (MJ/m2). Un-
where: less otherwise specified, RUGi shall be the accumu-
RUG = solar radiant exposure under glass lated solar radiant exposure during the calculation
RS = solar radiant exposure outside the enclosure period based on measurements performed at least
t = glass solar transmittance every 5 min..
The glass solar transmittance shall be determined using Test Ti = Temperature (°C) of the black panel placed in the
Method E1084. Test Method E1084 is a method for directly enclosure. Unless otherwise specified, Ti shall be
measuring the solar transmittance of the glass using the sun as the average of temperature measurements during
the source and a pyranometer as the sensor. The measurements the calculation period, based on measurements
shall be performed on at least three representative pieces of performed at least every 5 min.
glass. The pyranometer or UV-radiometer used to determine TNR = Temperature Normalized Radiation for the dura-
the glass solar transmittance must be of the same type and tion of the exposure test (expressed in
TNR MJ/m2). TNR is the summation of TNRi over
wavelength sensitivity as the pyranometer or UV-radiometer
the time of the exposure test.
used to determine radiant exposure.
Start = beginning of the exposure test.
7.10.3 The transmittance of the glass can also be determined End = end of the exposure test.
based on spectrophotometer measurements using Test Method
E903 (1996). If spectrophotometer measurements are used, the NOTE 1—Langleys (g-cal/cm2) is a non SI metric term for measuring
radiant exposure. The preferred units for measuring solar radiant exposure
measurements shall be performed on three representative
are J/m2.
pieces of glass. The calculated solar transmittance for Eq 1
shall be based on the spectral irradiance distributions in Tables 7.12 Sample Calculation for Temperature Normalized
G177 of UV only or in Tables G173 for total solar radiation. Radiation—Table 1 presents data from a 1 hr. period to show
7.11 Determination of Temperature Normalized Radiation the calculation of temperature normalized radiation based on
(TNR)—This calculation is typically used in automotive appli- TNR calculation interval of 5 min. The columns in this table
cations. Determine temperature normalized radiation using the are as follows:
following equations: (1) Date and Time
(2) Solar Radiant Exposure under glass for the incremental
TNRi 5 RUGie13.643– F 5000
Ti 1 273.15 G (2) 5-min. period
end (3) Black panel temperature measured during the incre-
TNR 5 ( TNRi
start
(3) mental 5-min. period
(4) Calculated Temperature Normalized Radiation for the
where: 5-min. period using Eq 2 and 3 in 7.11

TABLE 1 Sample TNR Calculation Table

Date and Time (1) Ri(mJ/m2) (2) Ti(°C) (3) TNRi(MJ/m2(4)
9/22/2008 1:05 pm 0.267 100.3 0.344
9/22/2008 1:10 pm 0.268 100.3 0.346
9/22/2008 1:15 pm 0.268 100.4 0.347
9/22/2008 1:20 pm 0.269 100.4 0.348
9/22/2008 1:25 pm 0.270 100.3 0.348
9/22/2008 1:30 pm 0.272 100.4 0.352
9/22/2008 1:35 pm 0.271 100.4 0.351
9/22/2008 1:40 pm 0.271 100.5 0.352
9/22/2008 1:45 pm 0.271 100.3 0.349
9/22/2008 1:50 pm 0.271 100.3 0.349
9/22/2008 1:55 pm 0.271 100.3 0.349
9/22/2008 2:00 pm 0.271 100.5 0.352
Total 4.187

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 G 201 – 09
7.12.1 For the first line in this table, the following represents 8.2 The Report may optionally contain the following infor-
a calculation of the temperature-normalized radiation: mation:
8.2.1 Applicable physical property or appearance data for
TNRi 5 ~0.0267!e 13.643– F 5000
100.3 1 273.15 G (4) each specimen obtained prior to exposure and after each
TNRi 5 0.344 (5) exposure increment, if measured. If replicate specimens are
7.13 Optionally, perform final measurements using any used, report the mean and standard deviation of each property
agreed upon test method. It is recommended if only one measured.
specimen, take three measurements. Take measurements at the 8.2.2 Methods used for measuring physical or appearance
same location as initial measurements. properties of test and control specimens.
8.2.3 Solar radiant exposure data expressed in SI units, if
8. Report measured.
8.1 The report shall include the following: 8.2.4 Maximum, minimum, and average daily temperatures,
8.1.1 Dates and location of exposure, including the latitude as well as cabinet air and specimen temperatures, if recorded.
of the exposure site. 8.2.5 Maximum, minimum, and average daily relative hu-
8.1.2 Type and thickness of glass used for the exposure. midity, as well as cabinet humidity, if recorded
8.1.3 Type of black panel thermometer used for the expo- 8.2.6 Any other specified environmental parameter.
sure.
8.2.7 Any variations from the specified conditions.
8.1.4 Orientation of the enclosure during the test.
8.1.5 Orientation of the specimens within the test enclosure,
such as parallel to glass, at an in-service orientation. 9. Keywords
8.1.6 Duration of exposure in terms of solar radiant expo- 9.1 cumulative spectral sensitivity curve; degradation; du-
sure, temperature normalized solar radiant exposure, or elapsed rability; exposure; light exposure; ultraviolet radiation;
time. weathering

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. EXPOSURE CONDITIONS

X1.1 Any exposure conditions may be used, as long as the

exact conditions are detailed in the report. Following are some
representative exposure conditions. These are not necessarily
preferred and no recommendation is implied. These conditions
are provided for reference only (see Table X1.1).

TABLE X1.1 Common Exposure Conditions

Orientation Orientation Operation of
Cycle Glass Type Max. BPT °C
(Azimuth) (Elevation) Circulating Fan
1 clear tempered N/A facing equator 5° during daylight hours
2 clear laminated 102°C tracking 51° when required to maintain BPT
3 clear tempered 102°C tracking 51° when required to maintain BPT
4 clear tempered 93°C tracking 51° when required to maintain BPT
5 clear tempered 85°C tracking 51° when required to maintain BPT

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