Designation: G 53 – 96

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS

100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM

Standard Practice for

Operating Light- and Water-Exposure Apparatus
(Fluorescent UV-Condensation Type) for Exposure of
Nonmetallic Materials1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation G 53; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This practice covers the basic principles and operating 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
procedures for using fluorescent ultraviolet (UV) and conden- 3.1.1 irradiance—the radiation incident on a surface ex-
sation apparatus to simulate the deterioration caused by sun- pressed in W/m2. Irradiance is the total of the incident radiation
light and water as rain or dew. at all wavelengths. Forty watt fluorescent lamps of the UV-B
1.2 This practice is limited to the method of obtaining, and UV-A types generate similar amounts of irradiance.
measuring, and controlling the conditions and procedures of However, since this irradiance is distributed at different wave-
exposure. It does not specify the exposure conditions best lengths, the photochemical effects caused by these different
suited for the material to be tested. Specimen preparation and lamps vary greatly. Therefore, irradiance should not be used to
evaluation of the results are covered in ASTM test methods or compare UV light sources.
specifications for specific materials. 3.1.2 spectral irradiance—distribution of irradiance as a
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the function of wavelength. It is expressed in W/m2 per wave-
standard. length band. The spectral irradiance of sunlight is often shown
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the as W/m2 per 10 nm band. The spectral irradiance of fluorescent
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the UV lamps should be shown in bands 1 or 2 nm wide. Spectral
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- irradiance is the proper method for comparing sources with
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- different energy distributions.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.1.3 spectral energy distribution (SED)—general term for
the characterization of the amount of radiation present at each
2. Referenced Documents wavelength. SEDs can be expressed by power in watts,
2.1 ASTM Standards: irradiance in W/m2, or energy in joules. The shape of the SED
E 220 Method for Calibration of Thermocouples by Com- would be identical in all of these units. Fluorescent lamps are
parison Techniques2 frequently described by relative SEDs which show the amount
E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study for of radiation at each wavelength as a percentage of the amount
Determining the Precision of a Test Method3 of radiation at the peak wavelength. Fig. 1 is a relative SED.
G 7 Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure 3.1.4 ultraviolet regions—CIE Publication No. 20 (1972)
Testing of Nonmetallic Materials4 divides the ultraviolet spectrum into three regions: UV-A,
2.2 CIE Standard: radiation in wavelengths between 315 nm and 400 nm; UV-B,
No. 20 Recommendations for the Integrated Irradiance and radiation in wavelengths between 280 nm and 315 nm; and
the Spectral Distribution of Simulated Solar Radiation for UV-C, radiation in wavelengths shorter than 280 nm.
Testing Purposes5 3.1.5 fluorescent UV lamp—lamp in which radiation at 254
nm from a low-pressure mercury arc is transformed to longer
1
wavelength UV by a phosphor. The spectral energy distribution
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee G-3 on Durability
of Nonmetallic Materials, and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee G03.03
of a fluorescent UV lamp is determined by the emission
on Simulated and Controlled Environmental Tests. spectrum of the phosphor and the UV transmission of the glass
Current edition approved Jan. 10, 1996. Published April 1996. Originally tube.
published as G 53 – 77. Last previous edition G 53 – 95.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.03. 4. Summary of Practice
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.01. 4.1 Specimens are alternately exposed to ultraviolet light
5
Available from Secretary, U.S. National Committee, CIE, National Institute of alone and to condensation alone in a repetitive cycle.
Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.

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6.1.1 Type A6: An exposure apparatus where the lamps shall
be mounted in two banks of four lamps each as shown in Fig.
2. The lamps in each bank shall be mounted parallel in a flat

FIG. 1 Typical Relative SED of UV-B Lamp

4.2 The UV source is an array of fluorescent lamps, with

lamp emission concentrated in the UV range.
4.3 Condensation is produced by exposing the test surface
to a heated, saturated mixture of air and water vapor, while the
reverse side of the test specimen is exposed to the cooling
influence of ambient room air.
4.4 The exposure condition may be varied by selection of:
the fluorescent UV lamp; the timing of the UV and condensa- FIG. 2 Lamp Placement Schematic—Type A Exposure Apparatus
tion exposure; the temperature of UV exposure; and the Cross Section
temperature of condensation exposure and, in the Type B
apparatus; the irradiance level. plane on 70 mm centers.
6.1.1.1 The test specimens shall be mounted in stationary
5. Significance and Use racks with the plane of the test surface parallel to the plane of
5.1 The use of the apparatus under this practice is intended the lamps at a distance of 50 mm from the nearest surface of
to simulate the deterioration caused by water as rain or dew and the lamps, as shown in Fig. 2.
the ultraviolet energy in sunlight. It is not intended to simulate 6.1.2 Type B7: An exposure apparatus, as shown in Fig. 3,
the deterioration caused by localized weather phenomena, such which is equipped with a radiometer and readout device
as atmospheric pollution, biological attack, and salt water
exposure.
5.2 Variation in results may be expected when operating 6
Apparatus and lamps from Q-Panel Co., 26200 First St., Cleveland, OH 44145,
conditions are varied within the accepted limits of this practice. and from Atlas Electric Devices Co., 4114 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60613,
have been found satisfactory.
Therefore, no reference shall be made to results from use of 7
Apparatus and lamps from Suga Test Instruments Co. Ltd. 4-14 Shinjuku
this practice unless accompanied by a report detailing the 5-chome, Shinjuku-ku, Tokoyo, 160, Japan, have been found satisfactory.
specific operating conditions in conformance with Section 11.
5.3 Any report correlating results from use of this practice
to results from a period of natural weathering shall specify in
detail the conditions of natural exposure, since sunlight and
water effects upon materials exposed to the weather will vary
from year to year and also vary with location, latitude, time of
year, temperature, proximity to water sources, etc.
NOTE 1—Practice G 7 lists the information required to describe a
particular condition of outdoor exposure.
5.4 Correlations established and reported in conformance
with 5.2 and 5.3 shall not be extrapolated to other test
conditions permitted by this practice, to other conditions of
natural exposure, or to materials other than those tested.

6. Apparatus
6.1 Test Chamber, The apparatus employed constructed of
corrosion-resistant materials enclosing eight fluorescent UV
lamps, a heated water pan, test specimen racks, and provisions
for controlling and indicating operating times and temperatures NOTE 1—Enclosure for apparatus not shown in Figs. 2 and 3.
and shall conform to either Type A or Type B apparatus, (e) the FIG. 3 Lamp Placement Schematic—Type B Exposure Apparatus
irradiance level. Cross Section

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capable of measuring and controlling the amount of radiant potable tap water are equally acceptable for purposes of the
exposure received by the test specimens. test, since the condensation process itself distills water onto the
6.1.2.1 The lamps shall be mounted in two bands of four test surface.
lamps each as shown in Fig. 3. 6.7 Cycle Timer, a continuously operating cycle time, for
6.1.2.2 The distance between the test specimen and the light programming the selected cycle of UV periods and condensa-
source varies, depending upon where in the sample mounting tion periods.
area the specimen is placed. 6.7.1 Hour meters shall be provided to record total time of
6.2 Lamps, shall be medium bipin fluorescent UV lamps operation and total time of UV exposure.
with a length of 1220 mm, and a nominal rating of 40 W when 6.8 Specimen Temperature Measurement:
operated from a ballast providing a controlled current of 430 6.8.1 Specimen temperature shall be measured by a ther-
mA at 102V. mometer with a remote sensor attached to a black aluminum
6.2.1 Unless otherwise specified, the lamps shall be UV-B panel 75 by 100 by 2.5 mm thick. The thermometer shall be
lamps with a peak emission at 313 nm and a spectral energy precise to 61°C through a range from 30° to 80°C. The
distribution as shown in Fig. 1. indicator dial shall be located outside the test chamber.
6.2.2 Other fluorescent UV lamps meeting the size and 6.8.2 The black aluminum panel with the thermometer
electrical characteristics in 6.2 may be used, provided that the sensor shall be positioned in the center of the exposure area so
lamp and spectral energy distribution are reported in conform- that the sensor is subject to the same conditions as the
ance with Section 11. Differences in lamp energy or spectrum specimens.
can cause significant differences in test results. Some applica- 6.9 Specimen Temperature Control:
tions (for example, behind glass) may require alternate lamp 6.9.1 During UV exposure, the selected equilibrium tem-
types. See Appendix X1 on Lamp Applications for further perature shall be maintained within 63°C by supplying heated
information on lamp selection. air to the test chamber.
6.3 Lamp Spacing and Arrangement—The lamps shall be 6.9.2 During condensation exposure, the selected equilib-
mounted in two banks of four lamps each as shown in Fig. 2. rium temperature shall be maintained within 63°C by heating
The lamps in each bank shall be mounted parallel in a flat plane the water in the water pan.
on 70-mm centers. 6.9.3 The UV and condensation temperature controls shall
6.4 Specimen Mounting and Arrangement—The test speci- be independent of each other.
mens shall be mounted in stationary racks with the plane of the 6.9.4 Doors shall be located on the room air side of the
test surface parallel to the plane of the lamps at a distance of 50 specimen racks to act as insulation during the UV exposure and
mm from the nearest surface of the lamps, as shown in Fig. 2. to minimize drafts. Such doors shall not interfere with the room
6.4.1 The test specimens shall be exposed within an area air cooling of the specimen during the condensation exposure.
210 mm in height by 900 mm wide on each side of the 6.10 Test Chamber Location:
apparatus located as shown in Fig. 4. 6.10.1 The apparatus shall be located in an area maintained
at a temperature between 20°C and 30°C. The room tempera-
NOTE 2—It is possible to mount specimens above, below, and beside
the 210 by 900 mm area, but specimens so mounted will be exposed to ture shall be measured by thermometers mounted on interior
lower UV intensities. walls or column approximately 1500 mm above the floor level
and at least 300 mm from any heated apparatus. Three or more
6.5 Condensation Mechanism—Water vapor shall be gener-
thermometers located at various points will show any tempera-
ated by heating a water pan extending under the entire sample
ture variation in the area.
area and containing a minimum water depth of 25 mm.
6.10.2 It is recommended that the apparatus be located at
Specimen racks and the test specimens themselves shall
least 300 mm from walls or other apparatus. Nearby heat
constitute the side walls of the chamber. The back side of the
sources, such as ovens or heated test apparatus, should be
specimens shall be exposed to cooling effects of ambient room
avoided or shielded, because such heat sources can reduce the
air. The resulting heat transfer causes water to condense on the
cooling required for condensation.
test surface.
6.10.3 The room where the apparatus is located shall be
6.5.1 The specimens shall be arranged so that condensate
ventilated to remove the heat and moisture produced and to
runs off the test surface by gravity and is replaced by fresh
maintain the temperatures specified in 6.10.1. Two to four air
condensate in a continuous process. Vents along the bottom of
changes per hour will normally provide sufficient ventilation.
the test chamber shall be provided to permit an exchange of
ambient air and water vapor to prevent oxygen depletion of the 7. Test Specimens
condensate. 7.1 Replicate specimens are desirable to provide a record of
6.6 Water Supply, with an automatic control to regulate the degradation at different time intervals. Retention of an unex-
level in the water pan shall be provided. Distilled, deionized, or posed specimen is recommended as it is difficult to mask a
specimen to prevent exposure to condensation.
7.2 For specimens of insulating materials, such as wood,
plastic, or porous laminates, maximum specimen thickness
should be 20 mm to allow adequate heat transfer for conden-
sation.
FIG. 4 Limits of Area of Uniform Intensity 7.3 To provide rigidity, flexible specimens may be attached

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to a backing panel made of aluminum or other noncorrosive condensation test temperature of 50°C is commonly used.
heat conductive material. 9.3.2 The following time cycles are widely used: 4 h UV/4
7.4 Cut edges of coated steel specimens shall be protected h CON, and 8 h UV/4 hr CON. Use UV and condensation
so that rust does not contaminate the test surface. periods of at least 2-h duration to allow sufficient time to reach
7.5 Holes in specimens and any openings larger than 1 mm equilibrium.
around irregularly shaped specimens shall be sealed to prevent 9.3.3 The severity of the UV exposure is influenced by test
loss of water vapor. Porous specimens, such as textiles or wood temperatures and time cycles. Photochemical reaction begins
shall be backed with a vapor barrier such as metal or plastic. as soon as the UV lamps are turned on. The rate of UV
degradation is proportional to the time of UV exposure or the
8. Calibration and Standardization
temperature of UV exposure, or both. UV exposures at
8.1 The thermometer or thermocouple which indicates test temperatures higher than those expected in the service envi-
temperature shall be calibrated by immersing the sensing ronment can cause abnormal thermal degradation.
element and a liquid-in-glass thermometer in water heated to 9.3.4 Water reactions during condensation exposure are
approximately 70°C and comparing the two temperatures as in affected by the permeability of the specimen and require time
Method E 220. to initiate.The rate of water degradation is increased by
8.2 The formation of condensation may be observed by increased temperature. However, long hot condensation expo-
using clear glass or plastic blanks in the specimen holders or sures can cause abnormal degradation. Four-hour condensation
rack. One large sheet of plastic may also be used for this exposures are often used for paints on metals, while conden-
purpose. The condensate that forms on a given area during a sation exposures of 20 h duration may be used on wood.
period of condensation may be collected and then measured. 9.4 Maintenance—Periodic maintenance is required to
8.3 The fading and other changes caused by the fluorescent maintain uniform exposure conditions.
UV lamps may be observed by exposing lightfastness stan- 9.4.1 Control of Irradiance—Because fluorescent UV
dards in the apparatus using UV alone without condensation. lamps, like all gas discharge lamps, have a progressive drop in
8.3.1 The AATCC Blue Wool Lightfastness reference ma- radiation output with continued use, provision shall be made to
terials7 may be used to measure the changes caused by UV. The compensate for lamp aging.
L2 Blue Wool has been found satisfactory for evaluating 9.4.1.1 Type A—After 400 to 450 h of lamp operating time,
fluorescent UV lamps. replace one lamp in each bank of lamps, and rotate the other
8.3.2 Other lightfastness reference materials may be used by lamps as shown in Fig. 5. This procedure provides a useful
agreement. lamp life of 1600 to 1800 h.
8.4 Reference standards for calibrating the operation of the
9.4.1.2 Type B:
apparatus in alternate exposure to UV light and condensation
operate the apparatus using the irradiance level of 20 W/sq.
may be prepared from painted metal, plastics, or other mate-
m (270 nm − 700 nm) which is equivalent to Type A apparatus.
rials. Painted metal specimens produced by the coil-coating
For other lamps having different spectral power distributions,
process have been found suitable for such reference standards.
the equivalent irradiance level can be obtained from the
8.5 In addition, for Type B apparatus, the irradiance control
manufacturer. Other irradiance levels specified upon agreement
system shall be calibrated to the manufacturer’s instructions
between concerned parties may be used. Provision is made in
once a year. The radiometer shall be recalibrated when chang-
the apparatus to compensate for lamp aging.
ing to fluorescent UV lamps having a different spectral power
9.4.1.3 To ensure uniform irradiation, pre-aged lamps must
distribution.
be used in the apparatus. Such lamps shall be supplied by the
9. Procedure manufacturer.
9.1 Mount the test specimens in the specimen racks with the 9.4.1.4 Discard and replace all eight lamps simultaneously
test surfaces facing the lamp. When the test specimens do not after 1600 hours of light-on time. If the lamps are operated at
completely fill the racks, fill the empty spaces with blank
panels to maintain the test conditions within the chamber.
9.2 Program the selected test conditions. Operate continu-
ously, repeating the cycle, except for servicing the instrument
and inspection of specimens.
9.3 Various test conditions may be used. If no conditions are
specified, the following cycle and temperatures are suggested:
4 h UV at 60°C, 4 h Condensation at 50°C.
NOTE 3—Prior versions of this practice recommended a condensation
temperature of 40°C in 9.3. When operating in room conditions that do not
comply with those set forth in 6.10, a 40°C condensation temperature can
result in inadequate condensation. Therefore, a 50°C condensation tem-
perature is now suggested.
9.3.1 Any test temperature that can be maintained within the
limits specified in 6.9.1 and 6.9.2 may be used. UV test
temperature of 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C are widely used. A FIG. 5 Lamp Rotation

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a higher irradiance level than recommended by the manufac- normal working hours, the following test durations are recom-
turer, the lamp life will be shortened. mended:
9.4.2 Drain water and clean water pan when conducting 96 h 5 4 days 672 h 5 4 weeks
lamp replacement and rotation procedure. Scum on the top of 168 h 5 1 week 1008 h 5 6 weeks
336 h 5 2 weeks 1512 h 5 9 weeks
the water can inhibit water vaporization. 504 h 5 3 weeks 2016 h 5 12 weeks
9.5 Sample Rotation—The samples’ positions within the
test area should be rotated on a regular basis in order to 10. Interpretation of Results
minimize any effects from horizontal or vertical variations in
10.1 This practice is intended to simulate the deterioration
UV or temperature. The sample rotation sequence should
caused by natural weathering. However, the rate of degradation
provide that all samples spend approximately the same amount
in natural weathering varies from year to year. Laboratory
of exposure time near the center of the exposure area and near
accelerated weathering is more consistent in rate. Therefore, in
the edges of the exposure area. The following rotation se-
comparing natural and laboratory weathering one should not
quence is recommended:
attempt to predict the number of hours of laboratory exposure
9.5.1 Horizontal Rotation—Once a day rotate the extreme
that might equal a year of natural weathering. Even if the
left hand and extreme right hand samples into the center as
details of the natural exposure are fully reported as required by
shown in Fig. 6.
5.3, any time to time comparison would apply only to a given
9.5.2 Vertical Rotation—Rotate the samples vertically so
year at a particular site.
that each sample spends the same amount of exposure time in
each vertical position in the sample holder. For instance, if two 10.2 It is possible to correlate the deterioration resulting
samples are stacked vertically in each sample holder, then the from a period of natural weathering, such as 1 year, to the
top and bottom sample should switch places halfway through deterioration resulting from a period of laboratory accelerated
the test method. If four samples are stacked vertically, then the weathering. Spearman rank correlation, which is discussed in
samples should be repositioned vertically three times during most basic statistical texts, has proved to be a useful method
the test method. for this. A minimum of seven variables must be ranked by both
9.5.3 Other sample rotation sequences may be used by test methods to obtain statistical validity from Spearman rank
agreement. correlation. Ranking 10 to 15 variables by both methods will
9.6 Inspect specimens daily in tests with a length of 1 week improve the reliability of such correlations.
or less. Tests for longer periods should be inspected weekly. 10.3 It is frequently not possible to predict how many hours
9.6.1 A permanent record of degradation at various times or weeks of accelerated testing will yield the best correlation to
may be obtained by using three replicate specimens and some period of outdoor testing. Therefore, laboratory tests
removing the replicates sequentially at intervals equal to one should be measured periodically, such as weekly or biweekly,
third of the test length. so that the correlation coefficient may be calculated at several
9.7 Conclude the test when either a mutually agreed-upon points during the accelerated test.
number of total test hours or a mutually agreed-upon change
has occurred in the test specimen or a standard test specimen. 11. Report
For convenience in inspecting and concluding tests during 11.1 Report the following information:

FIG. 6 Daily Horizontal Sample Rotation

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11.1.1 Manufacturer and model of fluorescent UV/ conden- practice, the specified property level shall be based on results
sation apparatus, obtained in a round-robin that takes into consideration the
11.1.2 Manufacturer’s designation for the fluorescent UV variability due to the exposure, and the test method used to
lamp, the wavelength (nm) at which peak emission occurs, and measure the property of interest. The round-robin shall be
the short wavelength at which 1 % of peak emission occurs (for conducted according to Practice E 691 and shall include a
example, FS-40 313/280 nm), statistically representative sample of all laboratories or orga-
11.1.3 Cycle of UV exposure time and temperature, conden- nizations who would normally conduct the exposure and
sation time and temperature (for example 4 h UV/60°C, 4 h property measurement.
CON/50°C), 12.1.1.2 If a standard or specification for use between two
11.1.4 Total exposure time, or three parties requires a definite property level after a specific
11.1.5 Special conditions of test, such as rotation of test time or radiant exposure in an exposure test conducted accord-
specimens, and ing to this practice, the specific property level shall be based on
11.2 A sample report form is shown in Fig. 7. statistical analysis of results from at least two separate,

FIG. 7 Sample Report Form

12. Precision and Bias independent exposures in each laboratory. The design of the
12.1 Precision: experiment used to determine the specification shall take into
12.1.1 The repeatability and reproducibility of results ob- consideration the variability due to the exposure, and the test
tained in exposures conducted according to this practice will method used to measure the property of interest.
vary with the materials being tested, the material property 12.1.2 The same round-robin studies demonstrated that the
being measured, and the specific test conditions and cycles that gloss values for a series of materials could be ranked with a
are used. In round-robin studies8 conducted by ASTM subcom- high level of reproducibility between laboratories. When re-
mittee G3.03, the 60° gloss values of replicate PVC tape producibility in results from an exposure test conducted
specimens exposed in different laboratories using identical test according to this practice have not been established through
devices and exposure cycles showed significant variability. The round-robin testing, performance requirements for materials
variability shown in these round-robin studies restricts the use shall be specified in terms of comparison (ranked) to a control
of “absolute standards” such as requiring a specific property specimen. The control specimen shall be exposed simulta-
level after a specific exposure period. neously with the test specimen(s) in the same device. The
12.1.1.1 If a standard or specification for general use re- specific control material used shall be agreed upon by the
quires a definite property level after a specific time or radiant concerned parties. Expose replicates of the test specimen and
exposure in an exposure test conducted according to this the control specimen so that statistically significant perfor-
mance difference can be determined.
8
Fischer, R. M., “Results of Round Robin Studies of Light- and Water-Exposure 12.2 Bias:
Standard Practices,” Accelerated and Outdoor Durability Testing of Organic
Materials, ASTM STP 1202, Warren D. Ketola and Douglas Grossman, Eds, 12.2.1 Bias can not be determined because no acceptable
American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, 1993. standard weathering reference materials are available.

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13. Keywords
13.1 condensation; cycles; environmental; exposure; fluo-
rescent; light; nonmetallic; simulation; ultraviolet; weathering
test

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. LAMP APPLICATIONS

X1.1 A variety of lamps can be used in fluorescent in their wavelength spectrum. Differences in lamp energy or
UV-condensation devices. The particular application deter- spectrum may cause significant differences in test results.
mines which lamp should be used. The lamps discussed in this Consequently it is extremely important to report lamp type in
appendix differ in the total amount of UV energy emitted and accordance with 11.1.2.

X2. DIRECT EXPOSURES

X2.1 UV-B Lamps: do not occur when materials are exposed to sunlight. This may
X2.1.1 The UV-B region (280–315 nm) includes the short- lead to anomalous results. Fig. X2.1 shows the spectral power
est wavelengths found in sunlight at the earth’s surface and is distribution (SPD) of typical UV-B lamps compared to the SPD
responsible for most polymer damage. UV-B lamps are com- of noon, summer sunlight.
monly used lamps in fluorescent UV-condensation devices. For
most applications, they produce the fastest polymer degrada- X2.2 UV-A Lamps:
tion. There are two commonly available types of UV-B lamps X2.2.1 For certain applications, the longer wavelength spec-
that meet the requirements of 6.2.1. They emit different
trum emitted by UV-A lamps is useful. Because UV-A lamps
amounts of total energy, but both peak at 313 nm and produce
typically have little or no UV output below 300 nm (which is
the same UV wavelengths in the same relative proportions. In
considered the “cut-on” wavelength for terrestrial sunlight),
tests utilizing the same cycles and temperatures, shorter times
to failure are observed when the lamp with higher UV they usually do not degrade materials as rapidly as UV-B
irradiance is used. Furthermore, tests using the same cycles and lamps, but they may allow enhanced correlation with actual
temperatures with these two lamps may exhibit differences in outdoor weathering. Tests using UV-A lamps have been found
ranking of materials, due to difference in the proportion of UV useful for comparing different polymers, textiles and UV
to moisture and temperature. stabilizers. Fig. X2.2 illustrates the SPD of one commonly used
X2.1.2 All UV-B lamps emit UV below the normal sunlight type of fluorescent UV-A lamp compared to noon, summer
cut-on. This short wavelength UV can produce rapid polymer sunlight. This lamp has a peak emission at 340 nm.
degradation and often causes degradation by mechanisms that X2.2.2 The other commonly used type of UV-A lamp has

NOTE 1—All SPD’s in this appendix are representative SPD’s only, and are not meant to be used to calculate or estimate total radiant exposure for
tests in fluorescent UV devices. SPD’s were measured using a spectroradiometer with a double grating monochromator (1 nm band pass) with a quartz
cosine receptor. Sunlight was measured in Phoenix, AZ at solar noon at the summer solstice with a clear sky, with the spectroradiometer on an equatorial
follow-the-sun mount. The fluorescent UV SPD’s were measured at the sample plane in the center of the allowed sample area.
FIG. X2.1 Typical UV-B Lamps versus Sunlight

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FIG. X2.2 UV-A Lamp with 340 nm Peak versus Sunlight

peak at 351 nm, and is mostly used for behind glass simula-
tions because it lacks some of the short UV-B wavelengths
found in sunlight. UV-A lamps with different SPD’s can
produce very different test results.

X3. SIMULATIONS OF EXPOSURES TO SUNLIGHT BEHIND GLASS

X3.1 For simulations of behind glass exposure applica- shows a UV-B lamp unfiltered, a UV-B lamp through window
tions, UV-A lamps are recommended. glass, and sunlight through window glass. Window glass filters
out 80 % of the total energy from UV-B lamps. As a result of
X3.2 Filtering Effect of Glass—Glass of any type acts as a attenuating the short wavelengths, it also shifts the peak
filter on the sunlight spectrum. Ordinary glass is essentially spectrum toward the longer wavelengths. The short wavelength
transparent to light above about 370 nm. However, the filtering cut-on for both sunlight through glass and the UV-B through
effect becomes more pronounced with decreasing wavelength. glass is at about 310 nm, depending on the glass lot.
The shorter, more damaging UV-B wavelengths are the most X3.3.2 UV-B lamps should not be used to test materials that
greatly affected. Window glass completely filters out the most are exposed to sunlight through glass. Unfiltered exposure to
damaging wavelengths below about 310 nm. For purposes of UV-B lamps is much too severe a test when compared to
illustration, only one type of window glass is used in the sunlight through glass.
accompanying graphs. It should be noted that glass transmis-
sion characteristics will vary due to manufacturer, production X3.4 UV-A Lamps:
lot, thickness, or other factors. X3.4.1 Most of the energy emitted from UV-A lamps is able
to pass through typical window glass. Fig. X3.2 compares the
X3.3 UV-B Lamps:
SPD’s for sunlight filtered through a typical window glass, a
X3.3.1 Most of the emission of UV-B lamps is in the shorter UV-A lamp with a peak output of 340 nm, and the same UV-A
wavelengths that are filtered very efficiently by glass. Because lamp filtered by the same window glass.
of this, very little energy from this type of lamp will reach X3.4.2 Fig. X3.3 compares the SPD’s for sunlight filtered
specimens mounted behind glass in the test chamber. Fig. X3.1 through a typical window glass, a UV-A lamp with a peak

FIG. X3.1 Sunlight Behind Glass versus UV-B Lamp and UV-B FIG. X3.2 Sunlight Behind Glass versus 340 nm Lamp and 340
Lamp Behind Glass nm Lamp Behind Glass

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X3.4.3 For many applications, exposure to unfiltered UV-A
lamps with a peak output at 351 nm provides a good simulation
for sunlight filtered through typical window glass. If specimens
must be exposed behind glass in the test chamber, tests using
lamps with a peak emission at 340 nm are recommended.

FIG. X3.3 Sunlight Behind Glass versus 351 nm Lamp and 351
nm Lamp Behind Glass

output of 351 nm, and the same UV-A lamp filtered by the
same window glass.

The American Society for Testing and Materials takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection
with any item mentioned in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such
patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
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