NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.

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Designation: G154 − 06

StandardPractice for
Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of
Nonmetallic Materials1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation G154; 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.
Note—A footnote was added to Table X2.1, Table X2.3 was added, a new Note X2.8 was added, and the year date was
changed on June 5, 2006.

1. Scope 1.6 This standard is technically similar to ISO 4892-3 and

1.1 This practice covers the basic principles and operating ISO DIS 11507.
procedures for using fluorescent UV light, and water apparatus 2. Referenced Documents
intended to reproduce the weathering effects that occur when
materials are exposed to sunlight (either direct or through 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
window glass) and moisture as rain or dew in actual usage. D3980 Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of Paint and
This practice is limited to the procedures for obtaining, Related Materials (Withdrawn 1998)3
measuring, and controlling conditions of exposure. A number E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
of exposure procedures are listed in an appendix; however, this Determine the Precision of a Test Method
practice does not specify the exposure conditions best suited G53 Practice for Operating Light-and Water-Exposure Ap-
for the material to be tested. iTeh Standards paratus (Fluorescent UV-Condensation Type) for Expo-
sure of Nonmetallic Materials (Withdrawn 2000)3

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NOTE 1—Practice G151 describes performance criteria for all exposure G113 Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weath-
devices that use laboratory light sources. This practice replaces Practice
G53, which describes very specific designs for devices used for fluores-
ering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
G151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accel-
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cent UV exposures. The apparatus described in Practice G53 is covered by
this practice. erated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
1.2 Test specimens are exposed to fluorescent UV light 2.2 CIE Standard:
under controlled environmental conditions. Different types of CIE-Publ. No. 85: Recommendations for the Integrated
fluorescent UV light sources are described. ASTM G154-06 Irradiance and the Spectral Distribution of Simulated
Solar Radiation for Testing Purposes4
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1.3 Specimen preparation and evaluation of the results are 2.3 ISO Standards:
covered in ASTM methods or specifications for specific ISO 4582 Plastics—Determination of the Changes of Colour
materials. General guidance is given in Practice G151 and and Variations in Properties After Exposure to Daylight
ISO 4892-1. More specific information about methods for Under Glass, Natural Weathering or Artificial Light5
determining the change in properties after exposure and ISO 4892-1 Plastics—Methods of Exposure to Laboratory
reporting these results is described in ISO 4582. Light Sources, Part 1, Guidance5
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the ISO 4892-3 Plastics—Methods of Exposure to Laboratory
standard. Light Sources, Part 3, Fluorescent UV lamps5
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the ISO DIS 11507 Paint and Varnishes—Exposure of Coatings
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the to Artificial Weathering in Apparatus—Exposure to Fluo-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- rescent Ultraviolet and Condensation Apparatus5
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
1 3
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee G03 on Weathering The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
and Durabilityand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee G03.03 on Simulated www.astm.org.
4
and Controlled Exposure Tests. Available from Secretary, U.S. National Committee, CIE, National Institute of
Current edition approved June 5, 2006. Published June 2006. Originally Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
5
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as G154 – 05. DOI: Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/G0154-06. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

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

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 G154 − 06
3. Terminology 6. Apparatus
3.1 Definitions—The definitions given in Terminology G113 6.1 Laboratory Light Source—The light source shall be
are applicable to this practice. fluorescent UV lamps. A variety of fluorescent UV lamps can
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard—As used be used for this procedure. Differences in lamp intensity or
in this practice, the term sunlight is identical to the terms spectrum may cause significant differences in test results. A
daylight and solar irradiance, global as they are defined in detailed description of the type(s) of lamp(s) used should be
Terminology G113. stated in detail in the test report. The particular testing
application determines which lamp should be used. See Ap-
4. Summary of Practice pendix X1 for lamp application guidelines.
4.1 Specimens are exposed to repetitive cycles of light and NOTE 3—Do not mix different types of lamps. Mixing different types of
moisture under controlled environmental conditions. lamps in a fluorescent UV light apparatus may produce major inconsis-
4.1.1 Moisture is usually produced by condensation of tencies in the light falling on the samples, unless the apparatus has been
specifically designed to ensure a uniform spectral distribution.
water vapor onto the test specimen or by spraying the speci-
NOTE 4—Many fluorescent lamps age significantly with extended use.
mens with demineralized/deionized water. Follow the apparatus manufacturer’s instructions on the procedure neces-
4.2 The exposure condition may be varied by selection of: sary to maintain desired irradiance (1,2).
4.2.1 The fluorescent lamp, 6.1.1 Actual irradiance levels at the test specimen surface
4.2.2 The lamp’s irradiance level, may vary due to the type or manufacturer of the lamp used, or
4.2.3 The type of moisture exposure, both, the age of the lamps, the distance to the lamp array, and
4.2.4 The timing of the light and moisture exposure, the air temperature within the chamber and the ambient
4.2.5 The temperature of light exposure, and laboratory temperature. Consequently, the use of a radiometer
4.2.6 The temperature of moisture exposure, and to monitor and control the radiant energy is recommended.
4.2.7 The timing of a light/dark cycle. 6.1.2 Several factors can affect the spectral power distribu-
4.3 Comparison of results obtained from specimens exposed tion of fluorescent UV lamps:

iTeh Standards
in same model of apparatus should not be made unless
reproducibility has been established among devices for the
6.1.2.1 Aging of the glass used in some types of lamps can
result in changes in transmission. Aging of glass can result in
material to be tested. a significant reduction in the short wavelength UV emission of
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4.4 Comparison of results obtained from specimens exposed
in different models of apparatus should not be made unless
some lamp types,
6.1.2.2 Accumulation of dirt or other residue on lamps can
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correlation has been established among devices for the material
to be tested.
affect irradiance,
6.1.2.3 Thickness of glass used for lamp tube can have large
effects on the amount of short wavelength UV radiation
5. Significance and Use ASTM G154-06 transmitted, and
5.1 The use of this apparatus is intended to induce property 6.1.2.4 Uniformity and durability of phosphor coating.
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changes associated with the end use conditions, including the 6.1.3 Spectral Irradiance:
effects of the UV portion of sunlight, moisture, and heat. These
NOTE 5—Fluorescent UVA lamps are available with a choice of spectral
exposures may include a means to introduce moisture to the power distributions that vary significantly. The more common may be
test specimen. Exposures are not intended to simulate the identified as UVA-340 and UVA-351. These numbers represent the
deterioration caused by localized weather phenomena, such as characteristic nominal wavelength (in nm) of peak emission for each of
atmospheric pollution, biological attack, and saltwater expo- these lamp types. The actual peak emissions are at 343 and 350 nm,
sure. Alternatively, the exposure may simulate the effects of respectively.
sunlight through window glass. Typically, these exposures 6.1.3.1 Spectral Irradiance of UVA-340 Lamps for Daylight
would include moisture in the form of condensing humidity. UV—The spectral power distribution of UVA-340 fluorescent
NOTE 2—Caution: Refer to Practice G151 for full cautionary guidance lamps shall comply with the requirements specified in Table 1.
applicable to all laboratory weathering devices.
NOTE 6—The main application for UVA-340 lamps is for simulation of
5.2 Variation in results may be expected when operating the short and middle UV wavelength region of daylight.
conditions are varied within the accepted limits of this practice. 6.1.3.2 Spectral Irradiance of UVA-351 Lamps for Daylight
Therefore, no reference shall be made to results from the use of UV Behind Window Glass—The spectral power distribution of
this practice unless accompanied by a report detailing the UVA-351 lamp for Daylight UV behind Window Glass shall
specific operating conditions in conformance with the Section comply with the requirements specified in Table 2.
10.
5.2.1 It is recommended that a similar material of known NOTE 7—The main application for UVA-351 lamps is for simulation of
performance (a control) be exposed simultaneously with the the short and middle UV wavelength region of daylight which has been
filtered through window glass (3).
test specimen to provide a standard for comparative purposes.
It is recommended that at least three replicates of each material 6.1.3.3 Spectral Irradiance of UVB-313 Lamps—The spec-
evaluated be exposed in each test to allow for statistical tral power distribution of UVB-313 fluorescent lamps shall
evaluation of results. comply with the requirements specified in Table 3.

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 G154 − 06
TABLE 1 Relative Ultraviolet Spectral Power Distribution TABLE 2 Relative Spectral Power Distribution Specification for
Specification for Fluorescent UVA-340 Lamps for Daylight UVA,B Fluorescent UVA-351 Lamps for Daylight UV Behind Window
Spectral Bandpass Minimum Benchmark Solar Maximum GlassA,B
Wavelength λ in nm PercentC Radiation PercentD,E,F PercentC Spectral Bandpass Minimum Window Glass Filtered Maximum
λ < 290 0.01 Wavelength λ in nm PercentC Daylight PercentD,E,F PercentC
290 # λ # 320 5.9 5.8 9.3 λ < 300 0.0 0.2
320 < λ # 360 60.9 40.0 65.5 300 # λ # 320 1.1 # 0.5 3.3
360 < λ # 400 26.5 54.2 32.8 320 < λ # 360 60.5 34.2 66.8
A
Data in Table 1 are the irradiance in the given bandpass expressed as a 360 < λ # 400 30.0 65.3 38.0
percentage of the total irradiance from 290 to 400 nm. The manufacturer is A
Data in Table 2 are the irradiance in the given bandpass expressed as a
responsible for determining conformance to Table 1. Annex A1 states how to percentage of the total irradiance from 300 to 400 nm. The manufacturer is
determine relative spectral irradiance. responsible for determining conformance to Table 1. Annex A1 states how to
B
The data in Table 1 are based on the rectangular integration of 65 spectral power determine relative spectral irradiance.
distributions for fluorescent UV devices operating with UVA 340 lamps of various B
The data in Table 2 are based on the rectangular integration of 21 spectral power
lots and ages. The spectral power distribution data is for lamps within the aging distributions for fluorescent UV devices operating with UVA 351 lamps of various
recommendations of the device manufacturer. The minimum and maximum data lots and ages. The spectral power distribution data is for lamps within the aging
are at least the three sigma limits from the mean for all measurements. recommendations of the device manufacturer. The minimum and maximum data
C
The minimum and maximum columns will not necessarily sum to 100 % because are at least the three sigma limits from the mean for all measurements.
they represent the minimum and maximum for the data used. For any individual C
The minimum and maximum columns will not necessarily sum to 100 % because
spectral power distribution, the calculated percentage for the bandpasses in Table they represent the minimum and maximum for the data used. For any individual
1 will sum to 100 %. For any individual fluorescent UVA-340 lamp, the calculated spectral power distribution, the calculated percentage for the bandpasses in Table
percentage in each bandpass must fall within the minimum and maximum limits of 2 will sum to 100 %. For any individual fluorescent UV device operating with UVA
Table 1. Test results can be expected to differ between exposures using devices 351 lamps, the calculated percentage in each bandpass must fall within the
with fluorescent UVA-340 lamps in which the spectral power distributions differ by minimum and maximum limits of Table 2. Test results can be expected to differ
as much as that allowed by the tolerances. Contact the manufacturer of the between exposures using fluorescent UV devices in which the spectral power
fluorescent UV devices for specific spectral power distribution data for the distributions differ by as much as that allowed by the tolerances. Contact the
fluorescent UVA-340 lamp used. manufacturer of the fluorescent UV devices for specific spectral power distribution
D
The benchmark solar radiation data is defined in ASTM G177 and is for data for the lamps used.
atmospheric conditions and altitude chosen to maximize the fraction of short D
The window glass filtered solar radiation data is for a solar spectrum with
wavelength solar UV. While this data is provided for comparison purposes only, it atmospheric conditions and altitude chosen to maximize the fraction of short
is desirable for the laboratory accelerated light source to provide a spectrum that wavelength solar UV (defined in ASTM G177) that has been filtered by window
is a close match to the benchmark solar spectrum. glass. The glass transmission is the average for a series of single strength window

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E
Previous versions of this standard used solar radiation data from Table 4 of CIE glasses tested as part of a research study for ASTM Subcommittee G3.02.9 While
Publication Number 85. See Appendix X3 for more information comparing the this data is provided for comparison purposes only, it is desirable for the laboratory
solar radiation data used in this standard with that for CIE 85 Table 4. accelerated light source to provide a spectrum that is a close match to this

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F
For the benchmark daylight spectrum, the UV irradiance (290 to 400 nm) is 9.8 % benchmark window glass filtered solar spectrum.
and the visible irradiance (400 to 800 nm) is 90.2 % expressed as a percentage of E
Previous versions of this standard used window glass filtered solar radiation data
the total irradiance from 290 to 800 nm. Because the primary emission of based on Table 4 of CIE Publication Number 85. See Appendix X3 for more
fluorescent UV lamps is concentrated in the 300 to 400 nm bandpass, there are

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information comparing the solar radiation data used in the standard with that for
limited data available for visible light emissions of fluorescent UV lamps. CIE 85 Table 4.
F
For the benchmark window glass filtered solar spectrum, the UV irradiance (300
to 400 nm) is 8.2 % and the visible irradiance (400 to 800 nm) is 91.8 % expressed
as a percentage of the total irradiance from 300 to 800 nm. Because the primary
emission of fluorescent UV lamps is concentrated in the 300 to 400 nm bandpass,
ASTM G154-06
NOTE 8—Fluorescent UVB lamps have the spectral distribution of
there are limited data available for visible light emissions of fluorescent UV lamps.
radiation peaking near the 313-nm mercury line. They emit significant
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amounts of radiation below 300 nm, the nominal cut on wavelength of
global solar radiation, that may result in aging processes not occurring
outdoors. Use of this lamp is not recommended for sunlight simulation.
See Table 3. require periodic calibration to ensure repeatability of test
6.2 Test Chamber—The design of the test chamber may results. Whenever possible, calibration should be traceable to
vary, but it should be constructed from corrosion resistant national or international standards. Calibration schedule and
material and, in addition to the radiant source, may provide for procedure should be in accordance with manufacturer’s in-
means of controlling temperature and relative humidity. When structions.
required, provision shall be made for the spraying of water on 6.4 Radiometer—The use of a radiometer to monitor and
the test specimen for the formation of condensate on the control the amount of radiant energy received at the sample is
exposed face of the specimen or for the immersion of the test recommended. If a radiometer is used, it shall comply with the
specimen in water. requirements in Practice G151.
6.2.1 The radiant source(s) shall be located with respect to 6.5 Thermometer—Either insulated or un-insulated black or
the specimens such that the uniformity of irradiance at the white panel thermometers may be used. The un-insulated
specimen face complies with the requirements in Practice thermometers may be made of either steel or aluminum.
G151. Thermometers shall conform to the descriptions found in
6.2.2 Lamp replacement, lamp rotation, and specimen repo- Practice G151.
sitioning may be required to obtain uniform exposure of all 6.5.1 The thermometer shall be mounted on the specimen
specimens to UV radiation and temperature. Follow manufac- rack so that its surface is in the same relative position and
turer’s recommendation for lamp replacement and rotation. subjected to the same influences as the test specimens.
6.3 Instrument Calibration—To ensure standardization and 6.5.2 Some specifications may require chamber air tempera-
accuracy, the instruments associated with the exposure appa- ture control. Positioning and calibration of chamber air tem-
ratus (for example, timers, thermometers, wet bulb sensors, dry perature sensors shall be in accordance with the descriptions
bulb sensors, humidity sensors, UV sensors, and radiometers) found in Practice G151.

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 G154 − 06
TABLE 3 Relative Spectral Power Distribution Specification for 6.6.3 Relative Humidity—The test chamber may be
Fluorescent UVB 313 lampsA,B equipped with a means to measure and control the relative
Spectral Bandpass Minimum Benchmark Solar Maximum humidity. Such instruments shall be shielded from the lamp
Wavelength λ in nm PercentC Radiation PercentD,E,F PercentC
radiation.
λ < 290 1.3 5.4
290 # λ # 320 47.8 5.8 65.9 6.7 Specimen Holders—Holders for test specimens shall be
320 < λ # 360 26.9 40.0 43.9
360 < λ # 400 1.7 54.2 7.2
made from corrosion resistant materials that will not affect the
A
test results. Corrosion resistant alloys of aluminium or stainless
Data in Table 3 are the irradiance in the given bandpass expressed as a
percentage of the total irradiance from 250 to 400 nm. The manufacturer is steel have been found acceptable. Brass, steel, or copper shall
responsible for determining conformance to Table 3. Annex A1 states how to not be used in the vicinity of the test specimens.
determine relative spectral irradiance.
B
The data in Table 3 are based on the rectangular integration of 44 spectral power 6.8 Apparatus to Assess Changes in Properties—Use the
distributions for fluorescent UV devices operating with UVB 313 lamps of various apparatus required by the ASTM or other standard that
lots and ages. The spectral power distribution data is for lamps within the aging
recommendations of the device manufacturer. The minimum and maximum data describes determination of the property or properties being
are at least the three sigma limits from the mean for all measurements. monitored.
C
The minimum and maximum columns will not necessarily sum to 100 % because
they represent the minimum and maximum for the data used. For any individual
spectral power distribution, the calculated percentage for the bandpasses in Table
7. Test Specimen
3 will sum to 100 %. For any individual UVB 313 lamp, the calculated percentage 7.1 Refer to Practice G151.
in each bandpass must fall within the minimum and maximum limits of Table 3. Test
results can be expected to differ between exposures conducted in fluorescent UV
devices using UVB 313 lamps in which the spectral power distributions differ by as 8. Test Conditions
much as that allowed by the tolerances. Contact the manufacturer of the
fluorescent UV device for specific spectral power distribution data for the device 8.1 Any exposure conditions may be used as long as the
operated with the UVB 313 lamp used. exact conditions are detailed in the report. Appendix X2 shows
D
The benchmark solar radiation data is defined in ASTM G177 and is for some representative exposure conditions. These are not neces-
atmospheric conditions and altitude chosen to maximize the fraction of short
wavelengthsolar UV. This data is provided for comparison purposes only. sarily preferred and no recommendation is implied. These
E
Previous versions of this standard used solar radiation data from Table 4 of CIE conditions are provided for reference only.
Publication Number 85. See Appendix X3 for more information comparing the

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solar radiation data used in this standard with that for CIE 85 Table 4.
F 9. Procedure
For the benchmark solar spectrum, the UV irradiance (290 to 400 nm) is 9.8 %
and the visible irradiance (400 to 800 nm) is 90.2 % expressed as a percentage of
9.1 Identify each test specimen by suitable indelible
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the total irradiance from 290 to 800 nm. Because the primary emission of
marking, but not on areas used in testing.
fluorescent UV lamps is concentrated in the 300 to 400 nm bandpass, there are
limited data available for visible light emissions of fluorescent UV lamps.
9.2 Determine which property of the test specimens will be

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evaluated. Prior to exposing the specimens, quantify the
appropriate properties in accordance with recognized ASTM or
international standards. If required (for example, destructive
testing), use unexposed file specimens to quantify the property.
NOTE 9—Typically, these devices control by black panel ASTM G154-06
temperature
only. See ISO 4582 for detailed guidance.
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9.3 Mounting of Test Specimens—Attach the specimens to
6.6 Moisture—The test specimens may be exposed to mois-
ture in the form of water spray, condensation, or high humidity. the specimen holders in the equipment in such a manner that
the specimens are not subject to any applied stress. To assure
6.6.1 Water Spray—The test chamber may be equipped with
uniform exposure conditions, fill all of the spaces, using blank
a means to introduce intermittent water spray onto the test
panels of corrosion resistant material if necessary.
specimens under specified conditions. The spray shall be
uniformly distributed over the samples. The spray system shall NOTE 10—Evaluation of color and appearance changes of exposed
be made from corrosion resistant materials that do not con- materials shall be made based on comparisons to unexposed specimens of
the same material which have been stored in the dark. Masking or
taminate the water used. shielding the face of test specimens with an opaque cover for the purpose
6.6.1.1 Spray Water Quality—Spray water shall have a of showing the effects of exposure on one panel is not recommended.
conductivity below 5 µS/cm, contain less than 1-ppm solids, Misleading results may be obtained by this method, since the masked
and leave no observable stains or deposits on the specimens. portion of the specimen is still exposed to temperature and humidity that
in many cases will affect results.
Very low levels of silica in spray water can cause significant
deposits on the surface of test specimens. Care should be taken 9.4 Exposure to Test Conditions—Program the selected test
to keep silica levels below 0.1 ppm. In addition to distillation, conditions to operate continuously throughout the required
a combination of deionization and reverse osmosis can effec- number of repetitive cycles. Maintain these conditions
tively produce water of the required quality. The pH of the throughout the exposure. Interruptions to service the apparatus
water used should be reported. See Practice G151 for detailed and to inspect specimens shall be minimized.
water quality instructions. 9.5 Specimen Repositioning—Periodic repositioning of the
6.6.2 Condensation—The test chamber may be equipped specimens during exposure is not necessary if the irradiance at
with a means to cause condensation to form on the exposed the positions farthest from the center of the specimen area is at
face of the test specimen. Typically, water vapor shall be least 90 % of that measured at the center of the exposure area.
generated by heating water and filling the chamber with hot Irradiance uniformity shall be determined in accordance with
vapor, which then is made to condense on the test specimens. Practice G151.

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 G154 − 06
9.5.1 If irradiance at positions farther from the center of thevariability shown in these round-robin studies restricts the use
exposure area is between 70 and 90 % of that measured at the of “absolute specifications” such as requiring a specific prop-
center, one of the following three techniques shall be used for erty level after a specific exposure period (4,5).
specimen placement. 11.1.2 If a standard or specification for general use requires
9.5.1.1 Periodically reposition specimens during the expo- a definite property level after a specific time or radiant
sure period to ensure that each receives an equal amount of exposure in an exposure test conducted according to this
radiant exposure. The repositioning schedule shall be agreed practice, the specified property level shall be based on results
upon by all interested parties. obtained in a round-robin that takes into consideration the
9.5.1.2 Place specimens only in the exposure area where the variability due to the exposure and the test method used to
irradiance is at least 90 % of the maximum irradiance. measure the property of interest. The round-robin shall be
9.5.1.3 To compensate for test variability randomly position conducted according to Practice E691 or Practice D3980 and
replicate specimens within the exposure area which meets the shall include a statistically representative sample of all labo-
irradiance uniformity requirements as defined in 9.5.1. ratories or organizations that would normally conduct the
9.6 Inspection—If it is necessary to remove a test specimen exposure and property measurement.
for periodic inspection, take care not to handle or disturb the 11.1.3 If a standard or specification for use between two or
test surface. After inspection, the test specimen shall be three parties requires a definite property level after a specific
returned to the test chamber with its test surface in the same time or radiant exposure in an exposure test conducted accord-
orientation as previously tested. ing to this practice, the specified property level shall be based
9.7 Apparatus Maintenance—The test apparatus requires on statistical analysis of results from at least two separate,
periodic maintenance to maintain uniform exposure conditions. independent exposures in each laboratory. The design of the
Perform required maintenance and calibration in accordance experiment used to determine the specification shall take into
with manufacturer’s instructions. consideration the variability due to the exposure and the test
method used to measure the property of interest.
9.8 Expose the test specimens for the specified period of
exposure. See Practice G151 for further guidance. 11.1.4 The round-robin studies cited in 11.1.1 demonstrated

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9.9 At the end of the exposure, quantify the appropriate
properties in accordance with recognized ASTM or interna-
that the gloss values for a series of materials could be ranked
with a high level of reproducibility between laboratories. When
reproducibility in results from an exposure test conducted
Practice G151. (https://standards.iteh.ai)
tional standards and report the results in conformance with according to this practice have not been established through
round-robin testing, performance requirements for materials
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NOTE 11—Periods of exposure and evaluation of test results are
addressed in Practice G151.
shall be specified in terms of comparison (ranked) to a control
material. The control specimens shall be exposed simultane-
ously with the test specimen(s) in the same device. The specific
10. Report
control material used shall be agreed upon by the concerned
ASTM G154-06
10.1 The test report shall conform to Practice G151. parties. Expose replicates of the test specimen and the control
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specimen so that statistically significant performance differ-
11. Precision and Bias
ences can be determined.
11.1 Precision:
11.1.1 The repeatability and reproducibility of results ob- 11.2 Bias—Bias can not be determined because no accept-
tained in exposures conducted according to this practice will able standard weathering reference materials are available.
vary with the materials being tested, the material property
being measured, and the specific test conditions and cycles that 12. Keywords
are used. In round-robin studies conducted by Subcommittee 12.1 accelerated; accelerated weathering; durability; expo-
G03.03, the 60° gloss values of replicate PVC tape specimens sure; fluorescent UV lamps; laboratory weathering; light;
exposed in different laboratories using identical test devices lightfastness; non-metallic materials; temperature; ultraviolet;
and exposure cycles showed significant variability (3). The weathering

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 G154 − 06
ANNEX

A1. DETERMINING CONFORMANCE TO RELATIVE SPECTRAL POWER DISTRIBUTION TABLES

(Mandatory Information for Equipment Manufacturers)

A1.1 Conformance to the relative spectral power distribu- wavelength measured shall be no greater than 270 nm. For
tion tables is a design parameter for fluorescent UV device with determining conformance to the relative spectral irradiance
the different lamps that can be used. Manufacturers of equip- requirements for a fluorescent UVB-313 lamp, measurement
ment claiming conformance to this standard shall determine from 250 nm to 400 nm is required. The total irradiance in each
conformance to the spectral power distribution tables for all wavelength bandpass is then summed and divided by the
fluorescent lamps provided, and provide information on main- specified total UV irradiance according to Eq A1.1. Use of this
tenance procedures to minimize any spectral changes that may equation requires that each spectral interval must be the same
occur during normal use. (for example, 2 nm) throughout the spectral region used.
A1.2 The relative spectral power distribution data for this λ i 5B

standard were developed using the rectangular integration (λ i 5A

E λi
technique. Eq A1.1 is used to determine the relative spectral I R 5 λ i 5400 3 100 (A1.1)
irradiance using rectangular integration. Other integration tech- (
λ i 5C
E λi
niques can be used to evaluate spectral power distribution data,
but may give different results. When comparing relative where:
spectral power distribution data to the spectral power distribu- IR = relative irradiance in percent,

iTeh Standards
tion requirements of this standard, use the rectangular integra- E = irradiance at wavelength λi (irradiance steps must be
tion technique. equal for all bandpasses),
A = lower wavelength of wavelength bandpass,
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A1.3 To determine whether a specific fluorescent UV lamp
for a fluorescent UV device meets the requirements of Table 1,
B = upper wavelength of wavelength bandpass,
C = lower wavelength of total UV bandpass used for calcu-

from 250 nm to 400 nm. Typically,Documentthis is done at 2 nm Preview

Table 2, or Table 3, measure the spectral power distribution lating relative spectral irradiance (290 nm for UVA 340
lamps, 300 nm for UVA 351 lamps, or 250 nm for UVB
increments. If the manufacturer’s spectral measurement equip- 313 lamps), and
ment cannot measure wavelengths as low as 250 nm, the λi = wavelength at which irradiance was measured.
ASTM
lowest measurement wavelength must be reported. The G154-06
lowest
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APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. APPLICATION GUIDELINES FOR TYPICAL FLUORESCENT UV LAMPS

X1.1 General: specimen surface will vary due to the type and/or manufacturer
of the lamp used, the age of the lamps, the distance to the lamp
X1.1.1 A variety of fluorescent UV lamps may be used in
array, and the air temperature within the chamber.
this practice. The lamps shown in this section are representa-
tive of their type. Other lamps, or combinations of lamps, may NOTE X1.1—All SPDs in this appendix were measured using a
be used. The particular application determines which lamp spectroradiometer with a double grating monochromator (1-nm band pass)
with a quartz cosine receptor. The fluorescent UV SPDs were measured at
should be used. The lamps discussed in this Appendix differ in the sample plane in the center of the allowed sample area. SPDs for
the total amount of UV energy emitted and their wavelength sunlight were measured in Phoenix, AZ at solar noon at the summer
spectrum. Differences in lamp energy or spectrum may cause solstice with a clear sky, with the spectroradiometer on an equatorial
significant differences in test results. A detailed description of follow-the-sum mount.
the type(s) of lamp(s) used shall be stated in detail in the test X1.2 Simulations of Direct Solar UV Radiation Exposures:
report.
X1.2.1 UVA-340 Lamps—For simulations of direct solar
X1.1.2 All spectral power distributions (SPDs) shown in UV radiation the UVA-340 lamp is recommended. Because
this section are representative only and are not meant to be UVA-340 lamps typically have little or no UV output below
used to calculate or estimate total radiant exposure for tests in 300 nm (that is considered the “cut-on” wavelength for
fluorescent UV devices. Actual irradiance levels at the test terrestrial sunlight), they usually do not degrade materials as