ANSI/NFRC 500-2023[E0A0]

Procedure for Determining

Fenestration Product Condensation
Index Ratings
An American National Standard

© 2013, 2023 National Fenestration

Rating Council, Inc.

Prepared by:
National Fenestration Rating Council
6305 Ivy Lane, Suite 410
Greenbelt, MD 20770
P: 301-589-1776
F: 301-589-3884
E: [email protected]
W: www.nfrc.org
 FOREWORD
The National Fenestration Rating Council, Incorporated (NFRC) has developed and
operates a uniform rating system for energy and energy-related performance of
fenestration products. The Rating System determines the U-factor, Solar Heat Gain
Coefficient (SHGC) and Visible Transmittance (VT) of a product, which are mandatory
ratings for labeling NFRC certified products, are mandatory ratings for inclusion on label
certificates, and are supplemented by procedures for voluntary ratings of products for Air
Leakage (AL), and Condensation Resistance. Together, these rating procedures, as set
forth in documents published by NFRC, are known as the NFRC Rating System.
The NFRC Rating System employs computer simulation and physical testing by NFRC-
accredited laboratories to establish energy and related performance ratings for fenestration
product types. The NFRC Rating System is reinforced by a certification program under
which NFRC-licensed responsible parties claiming NFRC product certification shall label
and certify fenestration products to indicate those energy and related performance ratings,
provided the ratings are authorized for certification by an NFRC-licensed certification and
Inspection Agency (IA).
The requirements of the rating, certification, and labeling program (Certification Program)
are set forth in the most recent versions of the following as amended, updated, or
interpreted from time to time:
 NFRC 700 Product Certification Program (PCP).
 NFRC 705 Component Modeling Approach (CMA), Product Certification Program
(CMA-PCP).
Through the Certification Program and the most recent versions of its companion programs
as amended, updated, or interpreted from time to time:
 The laboratory accreditation program (Accreditation Program), as set forth in the
NFRC 701 Laboratory Accreditation Program (LAP).
 The IA licensing program (IA Program), as set forth in NFRC 702 Certification Agency
Program (CAP).
 The CMA Approved Calculation Entity (ACE) licensing program (ACE Program), as
set forth in the NFRC 708 Calculation Entity Approval Program (CEAP).

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© 2013, 2023. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
NFRC intends to ensure the integrity and uniformity of NFRC ratings, certification, and
labeling by ensuring that responsible parties, testing and simulation laboratories, and IAs
adhere to strict NFRC requirements.
In order to participate in the Certification Program, a Manufacturer/Responsible Party shall
rate a product whose energy and energy-related performance characteristics are to be
certified in accordance with mandatory NFRC rating procedures. At present, a
Manufacturer/Responsible Party may elect to rate products for U-factor, SHGC, VT, AL,
Condensation Resistance, or any other procedure adopted by NFRC, and to include those
ratings on the NFRC temporary label affixed to its products, or on the NFRC Label
Certificate. U-factor, SHGC and VT, AL, and Condensation Resistance rating reports shall
be obtained from a laboratory that has been accredited by NFRC in accordance with the
requirements of the NFRC 701.
The rating shall then be reviewed by an IA which has been licensed by NFRC in
accordance with the requirements of the NFRC 702. NFRC-licensed IAs also review label
format and content, conduct in-plant inspections for quality assurance in accordance with
the requirements of the NFRC 702, and issue a product Certification Authorization Report
(CAR), or approve for issuance an NFRC Label Certificate for site-built or CMA products
and attachment products. The IA is also responsible for the investigation of potential
violations (prohibited activities) as set forth in the NFRC 707 Compliance and Monitoring
Program (CAMP).
Ratings for products that are labeled with the NFRC Temporary and Permanent Label, or
products that are listed on an NFRC Label Certificate in accordance with NFRC
requirements, are considered to be NFRC-certified. NFRC maintains a Certified Products
Directory (CPD), listing product lines and individual products selected by the
manufacturer/responsible party for which certification authorization has been granted.
NFRC manages the Rating System and regulates the Product Certification Program (PCP),
Laboratory Accreditation Program (LAP) and Certification Agency Program (CAP) in
accordance with the NFRC 700 (PCP), the NFRC 701 (LAP), the NFRC 702 (CAP), the
NFRC 705 (CMA-PCP), and the NFRC 708 (CEAP) procedures, and conducts compliance
activities under all these programs as well as the NFRC 707 (CAMP). NFRC continues to
develop the Rating System and each of the programs.
NFRC owns all rights in and to each of the NFRC 700, NFRC 701, NFRC 702, NFRC 705,
NFRC 707, NFRC 708 and each procedure, which is a component of the Rating System,
as well as each of its registration marks, trade names, and other intellectual property.
The structure of the NFRC program and relationships among participants are shown in
Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3. For additional information on the roles of the IAs and
laboratories and operation of the IA Program and Accreditation Program, see the NFRC
700 (PCP), NFRC 701 (LAP), and NFRC 702 (CAP) respectively.

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© 2013, 2023. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
 Figure 1

Figure 2

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© 2013, 2023. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
 Figure 3

Questions on the use of this procedure should be addressed to:

National Fenestration Rating Council

6305 Ivy Lane, Suite 410
Greenbelt, MD 20770
Voice: (301) 589-1776
Fax: (301) 589-3884
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nfrc.org

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© 2013, 2023. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
 DISCLAIMER
NFRC certification is the authorized act of a Manufacturer/Responsible Party in: (a) labeling
a fenestration or related attachment product with an NFRC Permanent Label and NFRC
Temporary Label, or (b) generating a site built or CMA label certificate, either of which
bears one or more energy performance ratings reported by NFRC-accredited simulation
and testing laboratories and authorized for certification by an NFRC-licensed IA. Each of
these participants acts independently to report, authorize certification, and certify the
energy-related ratings of fenestration and related attachment products.
NFRC does not certify a product and certification does not constitute a warranty of NFRC
regarding any characteristic of a fenestration or fenestration-related attachment product.
Certification is not an endorsement of or recommendation for any product or product line or
any attribute of a product or product line. NFRC is not a merchant in the business of selling
fenestration products or fenestration-related products, and therefore cannot warrant
products as to their merchantability or fitness for a particular use.
NFRC THEREFORE DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY THAT MAY ARISE FROM OR
IN CONNECTION WITH SERVICES PROVIDED BY, DECISIONS MADE BY OR
REPORTS OR CERTIFICATIONS ISSUED OR GRANTED BY ANY NFRC-ACCREDITED
LABORATORY, NFRC-LICENSED IA OR ANY PRODUCT MANUFACTURER/
RESPONSIBLE PARTY; RELIANCE ON ANY NFRC PRODUCT DESCRIPTION,
SPECIFICATION, RATING, TEST OR CERTIFICATION, WHETHER APPEARING IN A
REPORT, A PRODUCT CERTIFICATION AUTHORIZATION OR A PRINTED OR
ELECTRONIC DIRECTORY, OR ON A LABEL, OR ON A LABEL CERTIFICATE; OR THE
SALE OR USE OF ANY NFRC-RATED OR CERTIFIED PRODUCT OR PRODUCT LINE;
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DAMAGES FOR PERSONAL OR OTHER INJURY,
LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS OR OTHER CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL
DAMAGES.
NFRC program participants are required to indemnify NFRC from and against such liability.

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© 2013, 2023. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
This standard is maintained by the Continuous Maintenance Process.
Approval of ANSI/NFRC 500 as an American National Standard is maintained using
the continuous maintenance process. Comments or proposals for revisions on any
part of this standard may be submitted to National Fenestration Rating Council at
any time. Written comments or proposals must be in writing and be submitted to the
NFRC Accredited Standards Developer at [email protected].
Any written comments or proposals submitted to NFRC as provided above shall be
submitted by NFRC to its consensus body for consideration within a reasonable
timeframe not to exceed one year. The submitter will be notified by NFRC of the
expected time frame for consideration of the proposal or comments. NFRC shall
apply for reaffirmation of this standard regardless any comment or proposals every
three years.

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© 2013, 2023. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
 Table of Contents
Foreword ................................................................................................................... i
Disclaimer ................................................................................................................. v
Table of Contents................................................................................................... vii
1. Preface ........................................................................................................... 1
2. Scope ............................................................................................................. 1
2.1 FENESTRATION PRODUCTS COVERED BY ANSI/NFRC 500 ....................... 1
2.2 FENESTRATION PRODUCTS AND EFFECTS NOT COVERED BY ANSI/NFRC
500 ....................................................................................................... 2
3. Terminology................................................................................................... 3
4. Simulation Method for Determining Fenestration Product Condensation
Index Values .................................................................................................. 4
4.1 SIGNIFICANCE AND USE ........................................................................... 4
4.2 SIMULATION METHOD .............................................................................. 5
4.2.1 Product Simulation Requirements ............................................. 5
4.2.2 Determination of Surface Segments .......................................... 5
4.2.3 Condensation Index Rating ....................................................... 5
4.3 CONDENSATION INDEX CALCULATIONS ..................................................... 5
4.3.1 Determine Condensation Index of the Frame, CIf ...................... 6
Figure 3-1 ............................................................................................. 6
4.3.2 Determine Condensation Index of the Glazing Portion CIc and
CIe. ........................................................................................ 7
4.3.2.1 Center-of-Glazing (CIc)................................................ 7
4.3.2.2 Edge-of-Glazing (CIe) .................................................. 7
4.3.3 Determine Condensation Index of the Total Product, CI. ........... 8
4.4 ADDING INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT OPTIONS TO EXISTING TRENDLINES ............. 8
4.5 SIMULATION REPORT .............................................................................. 9
5. Physical Test Method for Determining Fenestration Product
Condensation Index Values ......................................................................... 9
5.1 SIGNIFICANCE AND USE ........................................................................... 9

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 5.2 TEST METHOD ...................................................................................... 10
5.2.1 Test Specimen Testing Requirements ..................................... 10
5.2.2 Temperature Measurement ..................................................... 10
5.3 TEST PROCEDURE CALCULATIONS ......................................................... 11
5.3.1 Determine Condensation Index of the Frame, CIf .................... 11
5.3.2 Determine Condensation Index of the Glazing Portion, CIc and
CIe. ...................................................................................... 11
5.3.2.1 Center-of-Glazing ...................................................... 11
5.3.2.2 Edge-of-Glazing ........................................................ 12
5.3.3 Determine Condensation Index of the Total Product, CI. ......... 13
5.4 TEST REPORT....................................................................................... 13
6. Referenced Documents .............................................................................. 14
6.1 NFRC DOCUMENTS .............................................................................. 14
6.2 ASTM STANDARDS ............................................................................... 14
6.3 CSA STANDARDS ................................................................................. 14
Appendix A Background on the NFRC Condensation Index Rating ...... 15
Appendix B Predetermined Temperature Measurement Locations ....... 16
Figure 6-1 Casement, Awning, and Dual Action Windows, plus Side-
Hinged Doors Thermocouple Placement ................................. 17
Figure 6-2 Fixed Window, Sidelite, and Transom Thermocouple
Placement ................................................................................ 18
Figure 6-3 Vertical Sliding Window Thermocouple Placement ........... 19
Figure 6-4 Horizontal Sliding Window and Sliding Glass Door
Thermocouple Placement ........................................................ 20
Figure 6-5 Glazed Wall Systems (Vision or Spandrel) Thermocouple
Placement ................................................................................ 21
Figure 6-2 Divider Thermocouple Placement ................................. 22
Index ...................................................................................................................... 23

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© 2013, 2023. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
1. PREFACE
This edition of the NFRC Condensation Index procedure includes information
from ASTM C 1199, ASTM E 1423, NFRC round robin testing data, and technical
interpretations by NFRC. The Condensation Index procedure includes a
Simulation Method and a Test Method.
The NFRC Simulation Method is presented in Section 4. The Simulation Method
is based upon the NFRC-approved software tools and is to be used in
conjunction with ANSI/NFRC 100, LEAFF Trendline Simulation Manual, and the
THERM7 / WINDOW7 NFRC Simulation Manual.
The Test Method references NFRC 102 which contains many aspects of ASTM
C 1199, as well as modifications adopted by NFRC.
The Test Method has been developed to be a supplement to the Simulation
Method. Those products that cannot be simulated for Condensation Index shall
use the test procedure to determine a Condensation Index rating. The Test
Method replicates, as closely as possible, the Simulation Method for
Condensation Index, but simulated and tested Condensation Index values may
not be identical. The simulations are being validated with tested U-Factors, as
obtained using the ANSI/NFRC 100 procedure and not with tested Condensation
Index values.
This procedure may involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment.
This procedure does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated
with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this procedure to establish
appropriate health and safety practices and to determine the applicability of any
regulatory limitations prior to use.
The values stated in metric (SI) units are to be regarded as the standard. The
inch-pound (IP) units shown in parenthesis are for reference only.

2. SCOPE

2.1 Fenestration Products Covered by ANSI/NFRC 500

The following products and effects are within the scope of the ANSI/NFRC
500 and shall be permitted to be rated in accordance with this procedure.
A. This procedure provides a Condensation Index rating for windows,
fully glazed doors, curtain wall systems, site-built products, sloped
glazing systems, skylights, Dynamic Glazing Products, and other
fenestration products.

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 i. Dynamic Glazing Products that utilize a shading system
exposed to the interior or exterior air can only be rated for
Condensation Index by using the test method specified in
Section 5;
ii. Fenestration products containing fritted glazing, etched
glazing, or sandblasted glazing shall be rated by computer
simulation using clear glass properties.
B. This procedure refers to the Condensation Index rating of a
fenestration system installed in the absence of solar and air
leakage effects.
C. The Condensation Index rating is determined for a single set of
environmental conditions (See Section 4.1.B). The Condensation
Index value is a comparative rating that indicates a product's ability
to resist the formation of condensation. Since the Condensation
Index rating is a comparative rating, it may not be appropriate for
the determination of the actual occurrence of condensation under a
given set of environmental conditions.

2.2 Fenestration Products and Effects Not Covered by ANSI/NFRC 500

The following products and effects are beyond the scope of ANSI/NFRC
500 and shall not be rated in accordance with this procedure.
A. Fenestration products with shading or diffusing systems other than
those listed in Section 2.1;
B. Exterior glazing condensation or between glazing layer
condensation;
C. Thermal performance changes of a fenestration product over the
course of time, i.e., long term energy performance;
D. The impact of air leakage and degradation in performance of
fenestration products; and
E. Condensation potential of products with attachments.

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3. TERMINOLOGY

Condensation Index (CI):

A relative indicator of a fenestration product's ability to resist the formation of

condensation at a specific set of environmental conditions. The higher the
Condensation Index value the greater the resistance to the formation of
condensation and the potential for condensation decreases.

Center-of-glazing Condensation Index (CI):

The Condensation Index for the central portion of the glazing (i.e., part of glazing
where 1-D heat transfer effects dominate). The central glazing portion is the area
outside the first 63.5 mm (2.5 in) of the sightline of any part of a primary sash,
and/or frame, and/or divider; or any part of a primary door, and/or frame, and/or
divider. The CIc also includes divider and edge-of-divider portions of the product.

Dew point temperature:

Temperature at which water vapor condenses to liquid water at a given relative

humidity (RH).

Edge-of-glazing Condesation Index (CIe):

The Condensation Index for the edge portion of the glazing (i.e., part of glazing
where 2-D heat transfer effects dominate). The edge glazed portion is
represented by a point on the glass that is 25mm (1.0 in) above the frame-to-
glass junction, excluding any divider or edge of divider.

Frame Condensation Index (CIf):

The Condensation Index for the frame portion of the fenestration product.

Frame-to-Glass Junction:

This is the point on the product where the glazing touches the fenestration
product's frame, sash, door lite frame, gasket, and/or wet seal. This junction may
be at or below the sightline (See sightline definition).

Product Condensation Index (CI):

The lower of the CIf, CIc, and CIe.

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 Sightline:

The line formed by the highest opaque member (frame, sash, spacer, divider, or
shading system) that is interior, exterior, or within the glazing system cavity of the
fenestration cross-section and the glazing in a plane perpendicular to the
surface. A change in sightline will result in a change in the projected frame
dimension (PFD) between frame cross-sectional profiles of individual products
within a product line (see Figure 4-4 of ANSI/NFRC 100).

4. SIMULATION METHOD FOR DETERMINING FENESTRATION

PRODUCT CONDENSATION INDEX VALUES

4.1 Significance and Use

A. This simulation method shall consist of 2-D heat transfer simulation
of the same cross-sections used for U-Factor determination as
specified by ANSI/NFRC 100, or the latest applicable procedures.
B. Since both temperature and surface air film conditions affect
results, this simulation method requires the use of standardized
environmental conditions. The standardized NFRC simulation
conditions for determining the Condensation Index are specified
below.
i. Interior ambient temperature of 21 ºC (69.8ºF).
ii. Exterior ambient temperature of –18 ºC (-0.4ºF).
iii. Wind speed of 5.5 m/s (12.3 mph)
iv. Mean radiant temperature equal to the exterior ambient air
temperature.
Note 1: The environmental simulation conditions stipulated above
are for the purpose of comparative ratings between products.
C. The Condensation Index of a specimen shall be determined at the
sizes specified in Table 4-3 of ANSI/NFRC 100.
D. This simulation method shall be used to determine the
Condensation Index, provided the simulations have been validated
under ANSI/NFRC 100. If the product has been deemed a test only
product under ANSI/NFRC 100, Section 5 shall be used to
determine the Condensation Index.

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 E. Calculations of the Condensation Indices CIf, CIe, and CIc shall only
be conducted from the products simulated in the U-factor
trendline(s) per ANSI/NFRC 100, Section 5.11.4.1. The U-factor
trendline(s) required a straight-line criteria, the two (2) endpoints
and mid-point used in the U-factor trendline shall be used to obtain
the temperatures to calculate CIf, CIe, and CIc The Indices will be
plotted on the U-factor graph for determining the product's total
Condensation Index (CI) based on the lower of CIf, CIe, and CIc.

4.2 Simulation Method

4.2.1 Product Simulation Requirements

The fenestration system shall be simulated in accordance with
NFRC-approved software tools that include a detailed gray-body
diffuse radiation model and detailed convection modeling inside all
glazing cavities.

4.2.2 Determination of Surface Segments

For each 2-D cross-section, identification of the frame, sash, and
panel (where applicable) shall be used to obtain the coldest
temperature along each of the surface segments. The coldest point
segments shall be used to compute the Condensation Index rating
calculations.

4.2.3 Condensation Index Rating

The Condensation Index (CI) shall be determined for the total
fenestration product from the lower of the Condensation Index
rating for the frame (CIf), edge-of-glazing (CIe) and center-of-
glazing (CIc). For opaque doors, panel-edge shall be substituted for
edge-of-glazing. For the frame (CIf) calculation, the coldest
temperature from all applicable framing segments shall be used
(examples of framing segments are the frame, sash, glazing bead,
door slab panel, etc.).

4.3 Condensation Index Calculations

The following section defines the method of calculating the Condensation
Index from simulation data.
A. Determination of the resistance of the fenestration product to the
formation of condensation in any form, referred to as the
Condensation Index, shall be accomplished using the conditions
listed in Section 4.1.B.
B. The Condensation Index shall be determined using only the models
to calculate the U-factor trendline points per ANSI/NFRC 100

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 Section 5.11.4.1 and calculating the applicable CI per Equation 4-1,
Equation 4-2, and Equation 4-3.

4.3.1 Determine Condensation Index of the Frame, CIf

The coldest temperatures shall be determined from all of THERM
model(s) from the fenestration system’s frame, sash, door panel or
door panel edge. The measurement shall be obtained by
traversing the entire interior wetted surface beginning 13mm (0.5”)
from the frame-to-glazing junction or meeting point of the frame and
gasket/sealant, whichever is greater. No measurement shall be
taken at the frame-to-glazing junction or on any interior glazing
seal, weatherstripping or air cavity. (See example in Figure 3-1
below).

Temperature shall not be

taken at this frame-to-glass
junction.

13mm (0.5 in.)

Temperature shall not be

taken on this interior
glazing seal.

Figure 3-1

The CI of the frame shall be calculated per Equation 4-1 and is only
needed from the models that were used to calculate the trendline
points determined per ANSI/NFRC 100.
CIf = ((Tframe - Tc) / (Th – Tc)) x 100; Equation 4-1
Where:
Tframe = Coldest Temperature from the surfaces of Frame, Sash,
Panel or Panel Edge
Tc = Ambient Exterior Cold Air Temperature of -18 ºC
Th = Ambient Interior Warm Air Temperature of 21 ºC

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 4.3.2 Determine Condensation Index of the Glazing Portion CIc and
CIe.
The glazing Condensation Index shall be split into two components:
the edge-of-glazing and the center-of-glazing

4.3.2.1 Center-of-Glazing (CIc)

The center-of-glazing shall include the divider, and edge-
of-divider when applicable. Glazing systems that contain
true divided lites (TDL), simulated divided lites (SDL) or
between glass dividers that require modeling (e.g. gap
between divider and glass is less than 3 mm, or 1/8 in.),
the divider and divider-edge coldest temperatures shall
be obtained along the "Frame" and "Edge" U-factor
surface tags of the THERM model(s). In the scenario that
the glazing has only grids-between-glazing, the glass
directly in front, or in same plane as the grid, is the
"Frame" surface to obtaining the divider temperature.
The representative temperature to be used for the CIc
value shall be determined from the coldest temperature
between Berkeley Lab WINDOW's COG result, divider
frame THERM result, or divider-edge THERM result. That
temperature shall be entered in Equation 4-2.
CIc = ((Tcog - Tc) / (Th – Tc)) x 100; Equation 4-2
Where:
Tcog = Coldest temperature from Center-of-Glass ,
divider, divider-edge
Tc = Ambient Exterior Cold Air Temperature of -18 ºC
Th = Ambient Interior Warm Air Temperature of 21 ºC

4.3.2.2 Edge-of-Glazing (CIe)

Temperature of the edge-of-glazing (including edge-of-
lite for doors) shall be determined on the glazing at a
distance of 25mm (1 in.) from the frame-to-glass junction.
The CI of the edge-of-glazing shall be calculated per
Equation 4-3 and is only needed from the THERM
models that were used to calculate the trendline points
determined per ANSI/NFRC 100. The final CIe shall be
the coldest temperature obtained from the THERM
models.

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 CIe = ((Te - Tc) / (Th – Tc)) x 100; Equation 4-3
Where:
Te = Coldest Temperature of all the glazing edges
Tc = Ambient Exterior Cold Air Temperature of -18 ºC
Th = Ambient Interior Warm Air Temperature of 21 ºC

4.3.3 Determine Condensation Index of the Total Product, CI.

A. Develop a matrix of all individual product options according
to the trendline category.
B. To ascertain the total fenestration product CI for all entries in
the trendline matrix, three (3) y=mx+b equations shall be
determined (one each for CIf, CIe, and CIc) on the same
graph as the three (3) points established for the U-factor
(Ucog versus Utotal) trendline(s). The three (3) CI y=mx+b
equations determined shall be based on the Ucog versus
each of the CIf, CIe, and CIc values.
i. The “m” is the slope
ii. The “b” is the intercept
iii. The “x” is the individual product option’s center-of-
glass U-factor(cog).
iv. The “y” represents CIf, CIe, and CIc, respectively.
C. Apply “x" (or the Ucog value) to each of the following indices
to obtain the CIf, CIe, and CIc values for every individual
product.
D. Total Product Condensation Index = Lower of the CIf, CIc,
and CIe

4.4 Adding Individual Product Options to Existing Trendlines

A. Addition of new individual product options where the Ucog is within
an existing trendline’s endpoint range, shall be permitted to use the
existing CIf, CIe, and CIc trendlines.
B. Addition of new individual product options, where the Ucog falls
outside an existing trendline’s endpoint range, shall not use the
existing CIf, CIe, and CIc trendlines and shall create new trendlines
using the new three (3) Ucog point values established per section
ANSI/NFRC 100, Section 5.11.4.1.

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 4.5 Simulation Report
The simulation report shall include all requirements specified in the NFRC
701.07 and subsequent NFRC LAP Bulletins.
The report shall include the total product Condensation Index rating value,
CI.
The following statement shall be included in the simulation report directly
after the above results are reported:
The Condensation Index results obtained from this procedure are for
controlled laboratory conditions and do not include the effects of air
movement through the specimen, solar radiation, and the thermal bridging
that may occur due to the specific design and construction of the
fenestration system opening.

5. PHYSICAL TEST METHOD FOR DETERMINING FENESTRATION

PRODUCT CONDENSATION INDEX VALUES

5.1 Significance and Use

A. This test method shall only be used when the product cannot have
the Condensation Index simulated using the simulation method per
Section 4 of this procedure.
B. This test method references the calibration and testing procedures
as defined in the NFRC 102 and necessary additional temperature
instrumentation required for the NFRC test procedure to measure
the Condensation Index of fenestration systems in the vertical
orientation only. Skylights are simulated at a 20º tilt and since no
NFRC-accredited chamber exists to physically test products less
than vertical, skylights shall not use Section 5 to determine
Condensation Index.
C. Since both temperature and surface air film conditions affect
results, this test method requires the use of standardized
environmental conditions. The test conditions for the NFRC test
procedure to measure Condensation Index shall be identical to
those used in the NFRC 102.
D. This test method does not include procedures to measure the
condensation potential due to either air movement through the test
specimen or solar radiation effects.

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 E. The Condensation Index of a test specimen may be affected by its
size and three-dimensional geometry. If the test specimen size is
non-standard [± 12.7 mm (0.5 in)] in width and/or height from the
model size referenced in Table 4-3 of ANSI/NFRC 100, then the
text "non-standard size" shall be indicated in the final report as per
Section 5.4.

5.2 Test Method

5.2.1 Test Specimen Testing Requirements

The fenestration system shall be tested in accordance with NFRC
102.

5.2.2 Temperature Measurement

The fenestration system shall be instrumented in accordance with
Section 7 of NFRC 102.
A. All required air and surface temperature measurements
specified in NFRC 102 shall be made.
B. Additional thermocouples for the CI rating shall be applied to
the interior surface of the product as defined in Appendix B
of this procedure by operator types.
i. The attachment of thermocouples shall be performed
using a nominal 25 mm wide by 100 mm long (4 in. by
1 in.) masking tape or aluminum foil tape, with a
surface emittance as close as possible to the surface
finish to which the thermocouple is to be applied.
ii. Thermocouple tips located on the frame or sash shall
not be closer than 13mm (0.5 in.) from the frame-to-
glass junction surface. Glazing thermocouple tips
shall not be greater than 2mm in length and shall be
oriented parallel to the glazing sightline.
iii. Three thermocouples shall be placed at the bottom of
each glazing unit, at 25mm (1 in.) from the frame-to-
glass junction, as shown in Appendix B.
C. For Dynamic Glazing Products that utilize a shading or
diffusing system, thermocouples shall be applied to the most
indoor glazing surface. They shall not be applied to any
shade or blind component which may be present on the
indoor side of the product.

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 5.3 Test Procedure Calculations
This section defines the method of calculating the Condensation Index
from test data.
A. Determination of the Index of the fenestration product to the
formation of condensation in any form, referred to as the
Condensation Index, shall be accomplished using the conditions
listed in Section 5.1.B.
B. The Condensation Index using this procedure shall be determined
as follows.
i. Record interior surface temperature for each individual
thermocouple location.
ii. Determine Condensation Index of the frame, CIf, center-of-
glazing, CIc, and of the edge-of-glazing, CIe, using Equation
5-1, Equation 5-2, and Equation 5-3:

5.3.1 Determine Condensation Index of the Frame, CIf

The coldest temperature recorded from the attachment of
thermocouples on the frame and sash (when applicable) shall be
used to determine the CIf. The CI of the frame shall be calculated
per Equation 5-1.
CIf = ((Tframe - Tc) / (Th – Tc)) x 100; Equation 5-1
Where:
Tframe = Coldest Temperature from the thermocouple on the
surfaces of Frame, Sash, Panel or Panel Edge, ºC
Tc = Ambient Exterior Cold Air Temperature of -18 ºC
Th = Ambient Interior Warm Air Temperature of 21 ºC

5.3.2 Determine Condensation Index of the Glazing Portion, CIc and CIe.

5.3.2.1 Center-of-Glazing
The center-of-glazing condensation resistance shall
include the divider and edge-of-divider, and edge-of-lite
(doorlite) areas, if applicable.
If test specimen does not contain dividers, the coldest
temperature of the center-of-glazing determined from the
thermocouples placed on the glazing center per
Appendix B shall be used in Equation 5-2 for calculating
the CIc.
If the test specimen contains grids, the lowest
temperature between the center-of-glazing, divider or

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 divider-edge shall be centered in Equation 5-2 for
calculating CIc.
For fenestration products with dividers, thermocouples
shall be placed on the divider and divider-edge.
The divider and divider-edge surfaces of the following
divider types shall have the placement of thermocouples
as follows:
 Dividers (a.k.a. Grids/Muntins) Between-the-Glass:
Place thermocouple on glass directly in front, or in
same plane, of the grid.
 Simulated Divided Lites (SDL) with dividers applied
outside the glazing: Place thermocouples on any
material outside the glazing and also on the divider-
glass edge 25mm (1 in) from the frame-to-glass
junction.
 True divided lites (TDL): Place thermocouples on any
material outside the glazing and also on the divider-
glass edge 25mm (1 in) from the frame-to-glass
junction.
CIc = ((Tcog - Tc) / (Th – Tc)) x 100; Equation 5-2
Where:
Tcog = Center-of-Glass Temperature or divider or divider-edge
temperature (lowest of the three), ºC
Tc = Ambient Exterior Cold Air Temperature of -18 ºC
Th = Ambient Interior Warm Air Temperature of 21 ºC

5.3.2.2 Edge-of-Glazing
Temperature of the edge-of-glazing (including edge-of-
lite for doors) shall be determined at a distance of 25mm
(1 in.) from the sightline of the frame-to-glass junction.
The final CIe shall be the coldest temperature of all the
edge-of-glazings for a given individual product.
CIe = = ((Te - Tc) / (Th – Tc)) x 100; Equation 5-3
Where:
Te = Coldest Temperature of all the glazing edges, ºC
Tc = Ambient Exterior Cold Air Temperature of -18 ºC
Th = Ambient Interior Warm Air Temperature of 21 ºC

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 5.3.3 Determine Condensation Index of the Total Product, CI.
Condensation Index = Lower of the CIf, CIc, and CIe from Equations
5-1, 5-2, and 5-3.

5.4 Test Report

The report shall include all of the requirements specified in NFRC 102,
NFRC 701.04 and subsequent NFRC LAP Bulletins. The test specimen
size and design shall also be reported. If the test specimen size is non-
standard [± 12.7 mm (0.5 in.)] in width and/or height from the model size
referenced in Table 4-3 of ANSI/NFRC 100, then the text "non-standard
size" shall be inserted immediately following the size everywhere the size
is listed, both in the full report and in any summary.
The report shall include the total product Condensation Index rating value,
CI; the frame Condensation Index, CIf; the center-of-glazing Condensation
Index, CIc and the edge-of-glazing Condensation Index, CIe, and if
applicable the CIep in the case of an embossed or raised panel door. In
addition, the report shall include, if applicable, information required in
Section 10 of NFRC 102.
The following statement shall be included in the test report directly after
the above results are reported:
The Condensation Index results obtained from this
procedure are for controlled laboratory conditions and do not
include the effects of air movement through the specimen,
solar radiation, and the thermal bridging that may occur due
to the specific design and construction of the fenestration
system opening.

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6. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

6.1 NFRC Documents

ANSI/NFRC 100 Procedures for Determining Fenestration
Product U-Factors.
NFRC 102 Procedure for Measuring the Steady-State
Thermal Transmittance of Fenestration
Systems
THERM7 / WINDOW7 NFRC Simulation Manual

Linear Energy Analysis for Fenestration (LEAFF): Trendline Approach

Component Based Calculation and Condensation Index Simulation
Manual

6.2 ASTM Standards

C 1199 Standard Test Method for Measuring the
Steady State Thermal Transmittance of
Fenestration Systems Using Hot Box Methods
C 1363 Standard Method of Test for the Thermal
Performance of Building Assemblies by Means
of a Hot Box Apparatus
E 1423 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-
State Thermal Transmittance of Fenestration
Systems

6.3 CSA Standards

CSA A440.2:22/ Fenestration energy performance/User Guide
CSA A440.3:22 to CSA A440.2:22, Fenestration energy
performance

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APPENDIX A BACKGROUND ON THE NFRC CONDENSATION
INDEX RATING
Reducing or eliminating condensation is one of many fenestration product
selection criteria, but an especially important one in cold climates. In addition to
the aesthetic issue of reduced visibility or window view, condensation can cause
damage to curtains, carpets and wall finishes, cause mold and wood rot, lift paint
and plaster, and eventually result in damage to building materials. Water contact
with insulating glass sealant may result in premature failure of the edge seals.
The formation of condensation on the interior surfaces of fenestration products is
dependent on a number of factors including the outdoor temperature, and the
relative humidity inside the building. As the outside temperature falls, the indoor
surface temperature of the fenestration product may fall below the interior dew
point temperature. The interior dew point temperature is a function of the relative
humidity of the interior air; such that, the higher the relative humidity the higher
the dew point temperature. This means that with the same fenestration product
surface temperature conditions, condensation will occur sooner in a space with a
higher indoor relative humidity. Measured winter relative humidity levels in
buildings vary between 20 and 70 percent.
The NFRC Condensation Index scale is 1-100, with a higher number being
better. The Condensation Index rating is determined using the coldest frame,
sash, glazing, and glazing edge (or panel edge as applicable) temperatures
based on outside conditions of -18 ºC (-0.4 ºF) with a 5.5 m/s (12.3 mph) wind
and inside conditions of 21 ºC (69.8 ºF). . The Condensation Index rating is the
lower of the frame, edge-of-glazing, center-of-glazing, and/or door panel edge
values.
The Condensation Index rating is determined for very specific conditions. When
installed in a building, there are numerous uncontrolled, site specific factors that
may affect the condensation formation on the fenestration product, including
installation details, site geometry, wind speed and direction, air circulation and
fenestration product coverings, to name a few. In this procedure, the
Condensation Index rating is meant to apply only to interior fenestration product
surfaces under cold winter conditions. The procedure does not address the issue
of condensation on the exterior fenestration product surface as can occur during
seasons other than winter.

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APPENDIX B PREDETERMINED TEMPERATURE
MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS
This appendix indicates the correct placement of thermocouples when testing for
Condensation Index rating in accordance with Section 5. All thermocouples
intended to measure center-of-glazing temperature shall be placed at the center-
of-glazing of each unit in the fenestration product. All thermocouples intended to
measure the edge-of-glazing temperature of the frame, sash, divider, or frame-
lite shall be placed on the glazing at a distance of 25 mm (1 in.) from the frame-
to-glass junction along the centerline of the fenestration product. All
thermocouples intended to measure a door’s panel-edge shall be placed at the
thinnest section of the embossment or raised panel pattern but no greater than
13 mm (0.5 in.) from the panel edge. All thermocouples intended to measure
frame, sash, divider frame and or door slab panel temperatures shall be placed
along the centerline of the fenestration product profile at a location that will be
representative of the area weighted average temperature of the frame segment
represented by the thermocouple. There are many different kinds of fenestration
products covered by this procedure, including many different frame materials and
designs. The exact placement of frame thermocouples will require the operator to
make some judgment in the position of the thermocouples. The following Figures
(6-1 through 6-6) show the number of thermocouples required for the various
operator types and required locations to aid the test operator.

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© 2013, 2023. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
 Figure 6-1 Casement, Awning, and Dual Action Windows, plus Side-Hinged
Doors Thermocouple Placement

Notes:
1. Thermocouples on glass (#8, #9, and #10) are located 25mm (vertically and horizontally) from the
frame-to-glass junction.
2. Thermocouple #7 and #11 shall not be applied on a gasket or weatherstrip.

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 Figure 6-2 Fixed Window, Sidelite, and Transom Thermocouple Placement

Notes:
1. Thermocouples on glass (#8, #9, and #10) are located 25mm (vertically and horizontally) from the
frame-to-glass junction.
2. Thermocouples #4, #5, and #6 shall not be applied on a gasket or weatherstrip.

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 Figure 6-3 Vertical Sliding Window Thermocouple Placement

Notes:
1. Thermocouples on glass (#7, #8, #9, #13, #14, and #15) are located 25mm (vertically and horizontally)
from the frame-to-glass junction.
2. Thermocouples #10 and / or #11 shall be placed no closer than 25mm from any locking hardware. If
the surface for either #10 and/or #11 is not exposed or too thin to secure a thermocouple, then apply
the thermocouple(s) as close as possible to that location.

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 Figure 6-4 Horizontal Sliding Window and Sliding Glass Door Thermocouple
Placement

Notes:

1. Thermocouples on glass (#11, #12, #13, #14, #15, and #16) are located 25mm (vertically and
horizontally) from the frame-to-glass junction.
2. Thermocouples #17 and #18 shall be placed inside the track where the sash/panel slide.

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 Figure 6-5 Glazed Wall Systems (Vision or Spandrel) Thermocouple Placement

This area can be

vison (glazing
system) or opaque
(spandrel panel)
This area can be
vison (glazing
system) or opaque
(spandrel panel)

Notes:
1. Thermocouples on glass or spandrel (#10, #11, #12, #13, #14, and #15) are located 25mm (vertically
and horizontally) from the frame-to-glass junction.
2. Thermocouples on surfaces adjacent to the glass / spandrel (#5, #6, #7, #8, and #9) shall be placed in
the middle, but no closer than 25 mm from the glass or spandrel.
3. For glazed wall systems with a spandrel infill that is flush with interior plane of the frame, then ignore
#5, #6, #7, #8, and #9.

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 Figure 6-6 Divider Thermocouple Placement

25mm (1 in) 25mm (1 in)

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© 2013, 2023. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
 Film ........................................... 11, 17
Frame ................. 12, 13, 18, 19, 21, 23
INDEX G
Glass ............................................... 22
Glazing 8, 9, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21,
A 22
Accreditation Program ........................ ii Sloped ..................................... 8, 28
Air Leakage ................................ i, ii, 9 Glazing System ............................... 14
Area................................................. 23 I
Edge-of-divider ...................... 14, 19
IA v
Attachment ...................................... 17
Independent Certification and Inspection
C Agency
CAP .................................................... ii IA i, ii
CAR.................................................... ii L
Center-of-Glazing12, 14, 18, 19, 21, 22
Laboratory Accreditation Programi, ii, 16
Certified Products Directory ............... ii
LAP .............................................. i, ii
Compliance and Monitoring Program . ii
Computer Simulation ......................... 9 M
Condensation Resistancei, 8, 9, 11, 12, Model Size ................................ 17, 20
13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,
23 N
Center-of-glazing .12, 14, 15, 18, 19, NFRC Label ....................................... ii
20, 21
CR .................................................. ii P
Edge-of-glazing12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, Product Certification Program ......... i, ii
21 PCP ............................................. i, ii
Frame ....... 12, 13, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21
R
Product .................................. 11, 16
Curtain Wall ....................................... 8 Radiation ......................................... 12
Rating ............... 8, 9, 12, 16, 21, 22, 23
D
Rating System ................................. i, ii
Dew Point Temperature .................. 22 Relative Humidity ............................ 22
Diffuse ............................................. 12
S
Divider ..................................14, 19, 29
Dynamic Glazing ......................... 8, 17 Sealant ............................................ 22
Dynamic Glazing Product ............ 8, 17 Sidelite ............................................ 25
Sightline .......................................... 23
F
Site-Built Products ............................. 8
Fenestration8, 9, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 21, Solar .................................9, 16, 17, 21
22 Solar Radiation .....................16, 17, 21
System....................9, 12, 16, 17, 21

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T W
Temporary Label ................................ v Wall
Thermal Transmittance ................... 21 Glazed ......................................... 28
Transom .......................................... 25 Window ........................................... 22
Fixed ............................................ 25
V
Wood ............................................... 22
Visible Transmittance .......................... i
VT ................................................ i, ii

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