National

Fenestration
Rating Council
Incorporated
NFRC 500-2017[E0A0]
Procedure for
Determining Fenestration Product Condensation Resistance
Values

© 2013 NATIONAL FENESTRATION RATING COUNCIL, INC.

PREPARED BY:
National Fenestration Rating Council
6305 Ivy Lane, Suite 140
Greenbelt, MD 20770
Voice: (301) 589-1776
Fax: (301) 589-3884
Email: info@nfrc.org
Website: www.nfrc.org
 © 2016. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved. NFRC
publications and documents are protected by copyright. Any use of NFRC publications and
documents, including reproduction or dissemination, in whole or in part, requires authorization by
NFRC pursuant to NFRC’s terms of use located at http://www.nfrc.org/terms-of-use.aspx.

© 2016. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved. NFRC’s
Certified Products Directory is protected by copyright. Any use of the NFRC Certified Products
Directory, including reproduction or dissemination, in whole or in part, requires authorization by NFRC
pursuant to NFRC’s terms of use located at http://www.nfrc.org/terms-of-use.aspx.

NFRC 500-2017[E0A0] page ii

© 2013. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
 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 and are mandatory ratings for inclusion on
label certificates, and are supplemented by procedures for voluntary ratings of products for
Air Leakage (AL), Ventilation Rating (VR), and Condensation Resistance. Together, these
rating procedures, as set forth in documents published by NFRC, are known as the NFRC
Rating System.
The Rating System employs computer simulation and physical testing by NFRC-accredited
laboratories to establish energy and related performance ratings for fenestration product
types. The 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 (the 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 Programs and the most recent versions of its companion
programs as amended, updated or interpreted from time to time:
 The laboratory accreditation program (Accreditation Program), set forth in the
NFRC 701 Laboratory Accreditation Program (LAP)
 The IA licensing program (IA Program), 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),

NFRC 500-2017[E0A0] page iii

© 2013. 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 Programs, 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, Air
Leakage, 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, VR, and Condensation Resistance rating
reports shall be obtained from a laboratory, which 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 Certificate of Authorization (CA), 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.
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 Compliance and Monitoring
Program (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.

NFRC 500-2017[E0A0] page iv

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

Figure 2

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© 2013. 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 140
Greenbelt, MD 20770
Voice: (301) 589-1776
Fax: (301) 589-3884
Email: info@nfrc.org
Website: www.nfrc.org

NFRC 500-2017[E0A0] page vi

© 2013. 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.

NFRC 500-2017[E0A0] page vii

© 2013. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
 Table of Contents
Foreword .......................................................................................................................... iii
Disclaimer ......................................................................................................................... vii
1. Preface ......................................................................................................................... 1
2. Scope ........................................................................................................................... 1
2.1 FENESTRATION PRODUCTS COVERED BY NFRC 500 .......................................... 1
2.2 FENESTRATION PRODUCTS AND EFFECTS NOT COVERED BY NFRC 500 ............ 2
3. Terminology................................................................................................................. 2
4. Simulation Method for Determining Fenestration Product Condensation
Resistance Values ...................................................................................................... 3
4.1 SIGNIFICANCE AND USE ...................................................................................... 3
4.2 SIMULATION METHOD ......................................................................................... 4
4.2.1 Product Simulation Requirements ........................................................... 4
4.2.2 Determination of Surface Segments ....................................................... 4
4.2.3 Condensation Resistance Rating ............................................................ 4
4.3 CONDENSATION RESISTANCE CALCULATIONS ..................................................... 4
4.3.1 Determine Condensation Resistance of the Frame, CRf ........................ 4
4.3.2 Determine Condensation Resistance of the Glazing portion, CRc and
CRe. ....................................................................................................... 5
4.3.2.1 Center-of-Glazing...................................................................... 5
4.3.2.2 Dividers ..................................................................................... 5
4.3.2.3 Edge-of-Glazing ........................................................................ 7
4.3.3 Determine Condensation Resistance of the Total Product, CR. ............ 8
4.3.4 Condensation Resistance Variables ....................................................... 8
4.4 SIMULATION REPORT .......................................................................................... 9
5. Test Method for Determining Fenestration Product Condensation Resistance
Values ......................................................................................................................... 10
5.1 SIGNIFICANCE AND USE .................................................................................... 10
5.2 TEST METHOD .................................................................................................. 10
5.2.1 Test Specimen Testing Requirements .................................................. 10
5.2.2 Determination of Total Exposed Surface Area ...................................... 11

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 5.2.3 Temperature Measurement ................................................................... 11
5.3 TEST PROCEDURE CALCULATIONS .................................................................... 11
General Calculations ...................................................................................... 11
5.3.1 Determine Condensation Resistance of the Total Product, CR. .......... 12
5.3.2 Condensation Resistance Variables ..................................................... 12
5.4 TEST REPORT ................................................................................................... 13
6. Referenced Documents............................................................................................ 14
6.1 NFRC DOCUMENTS .......................................................................................... 14
6.2 ASTM STANDARDS ........................................................................................... 14
Appendix A Background on the NFRC Condensation Resistance Rating.................. 15
Appendix B Predetermined Temperature Measurement Locations ............................. 16
Figure 6-1 Casement and Awning Thermocouple Placement
(Awning - rotate 90 degrees).......................................... 17
Figure 6-2 Fixed Window, Sidelite, and Transom Thermocouple
Placement ....................................................................... 18
Figure 6-3 Swinging Patio Door Thermocouple Placement ............ 19
Figure 6-4 Horizontal Slider, Vertical Slider, and Sliding Patio Door
Thermocouple Placement (Vertical Slider – rotate 90
degrees).......................................................................... 20
Figure 6-5 Glazed Wall and Sloped Glazing Thermocouple
Placement ....................................................................... 21
Figure 6-6 Divider Thermocouple Placement .................................. 22
Index ......................................................................................................................... 23

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© 2013. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
1. PREFACE
This edition of the NFRC Condensation Resistance procedure includes information from
ASTM C 1199, ASTM E 1423, NFRC round robin testing data, and technical interpretations
by NFRC. The Condensation Resistance 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 and the NFRC Simulation Manual.
The Test Method references NFRC 102 which contains many aspect 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 Resistance shall use the test procedure
to determine a Condensation Resistance rating. The Test Method replicates, as closely as
possible, the Simulation Method for Condensation Resistance, but simulated and tested
Condensation Resistance 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 Resistance 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 NFRC 500

The following products and effects are within the scope of the NFRC 500 and
shall be permitted to be rated in accordance with this procedure.
A. This procedure provides a Condensation Resistance rating for
windows, fully glazed doors, curtain wall systems, site-built products,
sloped glazing systems, skylights, Dynamic Glazing Products, and
other fenestration products.
i. Dynamic Glazing Products that utilize a shading system
between glazing layers can only be rated for Condensation
Resistance 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.

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© 2013. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
 B. This procedure refers to the Condensation Resistance rating of a
fenestration system installed vertically in the absence of solar and air
leakage effects.
C. The Condensation Resistance rating is determined for a single set of
environmental conditions. The Condensation Resistance value is a
comparative rating that indicates a product's ability to resist the
formation of condensation. Since the Condensation Resistance 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 NFRC 500

The following products and effects are beyond the scope of 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 Resistance of non-fully glazed doors and products with
attachments.

3. TERMINOLOGY
Condensation Resistance (CR): 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 Resistance value the greater the resistance to the formation of
condensation.
Center-of-glazing Condensation Resistance (CRc): the Condensation Resistance for the
central portion of the glazing (i.e., part of glazing where 1-D heat transfer effects dominate).
The CRc also includes divider and edge-of-divider portions of the product.
Condensation reference point temperature (tdpp): the dew point temperature plus 0.3ºC
(0.5ºF).
Dew point temperature (tdp): temperature at which water vapor condenses to liquid water at
a given relative humidity (RH).
Edge-of-glazing Condensation Resistance (CRe): the Condensation Resistance for the
edge portion of the glazing (i.e., part of glazing where 2-D heat transfer effects dominate).
Frame Condensation Resistance (CRf): the Condensation Resistance for the frame
portion of the fenestration product.
Product Condensation Resistance (CR): the lower of the CRf, CRc, and CRe.

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 [Note 1: The term ‘CR’ is being used as an abbreviation for Condensation
Resistance for simplification purposes in equations and reference to specific terms,
and shall only be used in its abbreviated form in this document and in test and
simulation reports. The term ‘CR’ shall not be used as an acronym for the
Condensation Resistance rating for certification and labeling purposes.]

4. SIMULATION METHOD FOR DETERMINING FENESTRATION

PRODUCT CONDENSATION RESISTANCE 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 Resistance of vertical fenestration
systems are specified below.
i. Interior ambient temperature of 21ºC (69.8ºF).
ii. Exterior ambient temperature of –18ºC (-0.4ºF).
iii. Relative humidities of 30 percent, 50 percent, and 70 percent
RH providing condensation reference point temperatures of
approximately 2.9ºC, 10.3ºC and 15.4ºC (37.3ºF, 50.6ºF and
59.8ºF)
iv. Wind speed of 5.5 m/s (12.3 mph)
v. Mean radiant temperature equal to the exterior ambient air
temperature.
[Note 2: The environmental simulation conditions stipulated above are
for the purpose of comparative ratings between products.]
C. The Condensation Resistance 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
Resistance, 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 Resistance.
E. If any grouping has been done under ANSI/NFRC 100 to simplify the
number of individual products in a product line, the same grouping
shall be used to simplify the number of individual products for
Condensation Resistance.

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 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, the developed boundary at the interior
surface shall be subdivided into smaller segments, no larger than
the size of mesh or grid used by the simulation program. These
segments shall be used to compute the product of segment lengths
and temperature difference used in the Condensation Resistance
rating calculations. In addition, the total length for each 2-D cross-
section shall be calculated.

4.2.3 Condensation Resistance Rating

The Condensation Resistance (CR) shall be determined for the
total fenestration product from the lower of the Condensation
Resistance rating for the frame (CRf), edge-of-glazing (CRe) and
center-of-glazing (CRc).

4.3 Condensation Resistance Calculations

The following section defines the method of calculating the Condensation
Resistance 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 Resistance, shall be accomplished using the conditions
listed in Section 4.1.B.
B. The Condensation Resistance using this procedure shall be
determined using Equation 4-1, Equation 4-2, and Equation 4-3.

4.3.1 Determine Condensation Resistance of the Frame, CRf

Temperatures of the frame sections shall be determined for each
subdivided segment (see Section 4.2.2), as an average for that
segment, using the approved 2-D simulation program. For each
condensation reference point temperature, the product of each
segment length and the temperature difference (tdpp-tf), shall be
determined and summed for all positive values. This sum shall be
divided by the product of total frame segment lengths, Lf and the
difference between the condensation reference point temperature
and the outside temperature (tdpp-to) and calculated for the three
relative humidities (i.e., condensation reference point
temperatures) for each cross-section. The final CRf for each
relative humidity shall be calculated by area weighting these non-

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© 2013. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
 dimensional numbers for the whole frame area as given in
Equation 4-1.

  SS A 1/ 3 
  fk fk
 
CR f  1   k
  100
  Af  
    Equation 4-1
k=frame section

Where for each frame cross-section, k:

S  f j  RH @ 30%,50%,70%
SS fk 
j

Where for each relative humidity:

 t  L

dpp  t fi fi
Sf  i

t dpp t L
o f

i=subdivided element
+=positive values only

4.3.2 Determine Condensation Resistance of the Glazing Portion,

CRc and CRe.
The glazing Condensation Resistance shall be split into two
components: the edge-of-glazing and the center-of-glazing. The
center-of-glazing Condensation Resistance also includes the
divider and edge-of-divider areas, if applicable.

4.3.2.1 Center-of-Glazing
Determine if the interior glass surface of the center-
of-glazing area is above or below the three prescribed
condensation reference point temperatures at 30%
(j=1), 50% (j=2) and 70% (j=3) relative humidity. If the
interior glass surface is at or below the condensation
reference point temperature, use the entire center-of-
glazing area for Acog,j. If the interior glass surface
temperature is above the condensation reference
point temperature then use 0 for Acog,j.

4.3.2.2 Dividers
True divided lites, simulated divided lites and
between glass dividers are included in the center-of-
glazing Condensation Resistance, CRc. If the glazing
system contains between glass dividers, and the
space between the divider and glass is less than 3

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© 2013. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
 mm (1/8 in.), divider and edge-of-divider values shall
be calculated. Temperatures of the divider and edge-
of-divider sections shall be determined for each
subdivided segment (see Section 4.2.2), as an
average for that segment, using the approved 2-D
simulation program. For each condensation reference
point temperature, the product of segment length, L
and the temperature difference (tdpp-td) and (tdpp-tdeog)
shall be determined and summed for all positive
values. This sum shall be divided by the product of
the divider width, Ld or edge-of-divider width, Ldeog
(i.e., 63.5 mm [2.5 in.]) and difference between the
condensation reference point temperature and the
outside temperature (tdpp-to). These calculated
quantities shall be reported for the three relative
humidities (i.e., condensation reference point
temperatures) for each unique divider cross-section.
The final CRc shall be calculated by area weighting
these non-dimensional numbers for the center-of-
glazing, divider, and edge-of-divider areas as given in
Equation 4-2.

  SS A  SS 
  k deogk Adeogk  k SScogk Acogk
1/ 3

dk dk
 
CRc  1   k
  100
 

k Adk  k Adeogk  k Acogk 


 

Equation 4-2
k=center-of-glazing, divider, edge-of-divider sections, respectively

Where for each frame cross-section, k:

S  d j  RH @ 30%,50%,70%
SSdk  j

S  deog j  RH @ 30%,50%,70%

SSdoegk 
j

S  cog j  RH @ 30%,50%,70%

SScogk 
j

where for each relative humidity, j

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© 2013. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
  t  L

dpp  t di di
Sd  i

t dpp t L
o d

i=subdivided element
+=positive values only

 t 

dpp  tdeogi Ldeogi
Sdeog  i

t dpp  to  Ldeog
i=subdivided element
+=positive values only

 t 

dpp  tcogi
Scog  i

t dpp  to 
i=subdivided element
+=positive values only

4.3.2.3 Edge-of-Glazing
Temperatures of the edge-of-glazing sections shall be
determined for each subdivided segment (see
Section 4.2.2), as an average for that segment, using
the approved 2-D simulation program. For each
condensation reference point temperature, the
product of segment length and temperature difference
(tdpp-teog) shall be determined and summed for all
positive values. This sum shall be divided by the
product of total edge-of-glazing length (i.e., 63.5 mm
[2.5 in.]) and difference between the condensation
reference point temperature and the outside
temperature (tdpp-to) and calculated for three relative
humidities (i.e., condensation reference point
temperatures) for each cross-section.
The final CR e shall be calculated by area weighting
these non-dimensional numbers for the edge-of-
glazing areas as given in Equation 4-3.

  SS A 
   eogk eogk
1/ 3

 
CRe  1   k  100 
   Aeogk  
  k  
Equation 4-3
k=edge-of-glazing sections, respectively

Where for each cross-section, k:

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© 2013. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
 S  eog j  RH @ 30%,50%,70%
SSeogk 
j

where for each relative humidity, j

 t  L

dpp  teogi eogi
Seog  i

t dpp t L
o eog

i=subdivided element
+=positive values only

4.3.3 Determine Condensation Resistance of the Total Product, CR.

Condensation Resistance = Lower of the CRf, CRc, and CRe

4.3.4 Condensation Resistance Variables

tdp = Dew point temperatures at the given relative
humidity (RH);
tdp,1 = 2.9ºC (37.3ºF) @ RH = 30%
tdp,2 = 10.3ºC (50.6ºF) @ RH = 50%
tdp,3 = 15.4ºC (59.8ºF) @ RH = 70%
tdpp = condensation reference point temperatures
tdpp = tdp+0.3ºC (tdpp = tdp+0.5ºF)
tdpp,1 = 3.2ºC (37.8ºF)
tdpp,2 = 10.6ºC (51.1ºF)
tdpp,3 15.7ºC (60.3ºF)
to = exterior ambient temperature –18ºC(0ºF)
tfi = average temperature of the frame segments i,
subdivided as per Section 4.2.2
teogi = average temperature of the edge-of-glazing
segments i, subdivided as per Section 4.2.2
tcogi = average temperature of the center-of-glazing area i
tdeogi = average temperature of the edge-of-divider area i
tdi = average temperature of the divider area i
∆Lfi = length of subdivided segments on each modeled
frame cross-section
∆Leogi = length of subdivided segments on each modeled
edge-of-glazing cross-section
∆Ldeogi = length of subdivided segments on each modeled
edge-of-divider cross-section

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© 2013. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
 ∆Ldi = length of subdivided segments on each modeled
divider cross-section
Lf = total (wetted) length of each modeled frame cross-
section
Leog = total length of each modeled edge-of-glazing cross-
section
Ldeog = total length of each modeled edge-of-divider cross-
section
Ld = total length of each modeled divider cross-section
Acogk = center-of-glazing area of section, k
Afk = projected frame area of each modeled section on the
interior surface
Aeogk = edge-of-glazing area of each modeled cross-section
on the interior surface
Acogk = center-of-glazing area of each modeled center-of-
glazing section on the interior surface
Adk = divider area of each modeled divider cross-section
on the interior surface
Adeogk = edge-of-divider area of each modeled divider section
on the interior surface
Af = Total projected area of the frame on the interior
surface
i = Index denoting divided sub-segments on indoor
boundary
j = Index denoting relative humidity considered
j = 1; RH=30%
j = 2; RH=50%
j = 3; RH=70%
k = Index denoting edge-of-glazing, frame (i.e. jamb, sill,
head, meeting rail, etc.), or center-of-glazing
sections
CRf = Condensation Resistance of the frame
CRc = Condensation Resistance of the center-of-glazing
area, including divider and edge-of-divider
CRe = Condensation Resistance of the edge-of-glazing
area
CR = Condensation Resistance of the specimen

4.4 Simulation Report

The simulation report shall include all of the information specified in the
NFRC LAP and subsequent NFRC LAP Bulletins.
The report shall include the total product Condensation Resistance rating
value, CR.

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© 2013. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
 The following statement shall be included in the simulation report directly
after the above results are reported:
The Condensation Resistance 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. TEST METHOD FOR DETERMINING FENESTRATION PRODUCT

CONDENSATION RESISTANCE VALUES

5.1 Significance and Use

A. 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 Resistance of vertical fenestration systems.
B. 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 Resistance shall be identical to those used in
the NFRC 102.
C. This test method does not include procedures to measure the
Condensation Resistance due to either air movement through the test
specimen or solar radiation effects.
D. The Condensation Resistance 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.
E. This test method shall only be used when the product cannot have the
Condensation Resistance simulated using an NFRC Condensation
Resistance Simulation Method per Section 4 of this procedure.

5.2 Test Method

5.2.1 Test Specimen Testing Requirements

The fenestration system shall be tested in accordance with Section 6
of the NFRC 102 with the additional thermocouples applied to the
interior surface of the product as defined in Appendix B of this
procedure.

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© 2013. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
 5.2.2 Determination of Total Exposed Surface Area
The fenestration total wetted surface area shall be used. The wetted
surface area shall be the same as that used in NFRC 102.

5.2.3 Temperature Measurement

The fenestration system shall be instrumented in accordance with
Section 6 of NFRC 102.
A. All measurements specified in NFRC 102 shall be made.
B. The attachment of thermocouples shall be performed using a
nominal 25 mm wide by 100 mm long (4 in. by 1 in.) adhesive-
backed aluminum foil tape, with a surface emittance equal to
that of the base surface (± 0.1). The 100 mm (4 in.) dimension
parallel to the thermocouple wire.
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.

5.3 Test Procedure Calculations

General Calculations
This section defines the method of calculating the Condensation Resistance
from test data.
A. Determination of the resistance of the fenestration product to the
formation of condensation in any form, referred to as the
Condensation Resistance, shall be accomplished using the conditions
listed in Section 5.1.B.
B. The Condensation Resistance using this procedure shall be
determined as follows.
i. Record interior surface temperature for each individual
thermocouple location.
ii. Calculate the wetted area assigned to each individual surface
thermocouple sensor.
iii. Calculate the total interior wetted area of frame and glazing.
iv. Determine Condensation Resistance of the frame, CRf, center-
of-glazing, CRc, and of the edge-of-glazing, CRe, using
Equation 5-1, Equation 5-2, and Equation 5-3:

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© 2013. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
     
 
1/ 3


  3   dpp, j fi
t  t A fi   
   i   
  j 1   tdpp , j  to  Af   
    j  RH @30%,50%,70%  
CR f  1     100
  3  
   
   
   
    Equation 5-1
i=frame thermocouples

    
 
1/ 3


  3   dpp, j eogi
t  t Aeogi   
   i   
  j 1   tdpp , j  to  Aeog   
    j  RH @30%,50%,70%  
CRe  1     100
  3  
   
   
   
    Equation 5-2
i=center-of-glazing, divider and edge-of-divider thermocouples

    
 
1/ 3


  3   dpp, j eogi
t  t Aeogi   
   i   
  j 1   tdpp , j  to  Aeog   
    j  RH @30%,50%,70%  
CRe  1     100
  3  
   
   
   
    Equation 5-3
i= edge-of-glazing thermocouples

5.3.1 Determine Condensation Resistance of the Total Product, CR.

Condensation Resistance = Lower of the CRf, CRc, and CRe

5.3.2 Condensation Resistance Variables

tdp,jv = Dew point temperatures at the given relative
humidity (RH);
tdp,1 = 2.9ºC (37.3ºF) @ RH = 30%
tdp,2 = 10.3ºC (50.6ºF) @ RH = 50%
tdp,3 = 15.4ºC (59.8ºF) @ RH = 70%

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© 2013. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
 tdpp, j = condensation reference point temperatures
tdpp = tdp+0.3ºC (tdpp = tdp+0.5ºF)
tdpp,1 = 3.2ºC (37.8ºF)
tdpp,2 = 10.6ºC (51.1ºF)
tdpp,3 = 15.7ºC (60.3ºF)
to = exterior ambient temperature [-18ºC (-0.4ºF)]
tfi = individual frame thermocouple temperatures.
tgi = individual glazing (center-of-glazing, divider, and
edge-of-divider) thermocouple temperatures.
teogi = individual edge-of-glazing thermocouple
temperatures.
Afi = wetted interior area represented by the frame
thermocouples
Aci = interior area represented by the central part of
glazing (i.e., center-of-glazing, divider, and edge-of-
divider) thermocouples
Aeogi = interior area represented by the edge-of-glazing
thermocouples
Af = Total (wetted) area of the frame on the interior
surface
Ac = Total area of the central part of glazing (i.e., center-
of-glazing, divider, and edge-of-divider) on the
interior surface
Aeog = Total area of the edge-of-glazing on the interior
surface
i = Index denoting frame, or glazing thermocouple
section
j = Index denoting relative humidity considered
j = 1; RH=30%
j = 2; RH=50%
j = 3; RH=70%
CRf = Condensation Resistance of the frame
CRc = Condensation Resistance of the center-of-glazing
area, including divider and edge-of-divider
CRe = Condensation Resistance of the edge-of-glazing
area
CR = Condensation Resistance of the Specimen

5.4 Test Report

The report shall include all of the information specified in NFRC 102, and the
NFRC LAP 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

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© 2013. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
 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 Resistance rating
value, CR; the frame Condensation Resistance, CRf; the center-of-glazing
Condensation Resistance, CRc and the edge-of-glazing Condensation
Resistance, CRe, as determined using this test procedure. In addition, the
report shall include, if applicable, information required in the Section 9 of
NFRC 102.
The following statement shall be included in the test report directly after the
above results are reported:
The Condensation Resistance 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.

6. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

6.1 NFRC Documents

ANSI/NFRC 100- Procedures for Determining Fenestration Product
2014 U-Factors.

NFRC 102-2014 Procedure for Measuring the Steady-State Thermal

Transmittance of Fenestration Systems

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

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© 2013. National Fenestration Rating Council Incorporated (NFRC). All rights reserved.
APPENDIX A BACKGROUND ON THE NFRC
CONDENSATION RESISTANCE 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 Resistance scale is 1-100, with a higher number being better. The
Condensation Resistance rating is determined based on outside conditions of -18ºC
(-0.4ºF) with a 5.5 m/s (12.3 mph) wind and inside conditions of 21ºC (69.8ºF) with indoor
relative humidities of 30 percent, 50 percent, and 70 percent. The Condensation Resistance
rating is a value that considers the relative area of condensation at the three humidities and
the degree to which the surface temperatures are below the dew point for the frame and for
the glazing. The Condensation Resistance rating specified in the NFRC rating is based on
the lower of the frame, edge-of-glazing or center-of-glazing values.
The Condensation Resistance 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 Resistance 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 Resistance 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
edge-of-glazing temperature shall be placed 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) from the sightline of the
frame along the centerline of the fenestration product. All thermocouples intended to
measure frame temperatures shall be placed along the centerline of the fenestration
product 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.

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 Figure 6-1 Casement and Awning Thermocouple Placement
(Awning - rotate 90 degrees)

NFRC 500-2017[E0A0] page 17

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

NFRC 500-2017[E0A0] page 18

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 Figure 6-3 Swinging Patio Door Thermocouple Placement

NFRC 500-2017[E0A0] page 19

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 Figure 6-4 Horizontal Slider, Vertical Slider, and Sliding Patio Door
Thermocouple Placement (Vertical Slider – rotate 90 degrees)

NFRC 500-2017[E0A0] page 20

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 Figure 6-5 Glazed Wall and Sloped Glazing Thermocouple Placement

NFRC 500-2017[E0A0] page 21

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 Figure 6-6 Divider Thermocouple Placement

NFRC 500-2017[E0A0] page 22

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INDEX

Glazing System.............................................. 5
A Grid ................................................................ 4
Air Leakage .................................................. 2
Area ........................ 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16
Center-of-glazing..........................5, 8, 9, 13 Grouping ........................................................ 3
Divider ....................................................8, 9
Edge-of-divider ...............................5, 6, 8, 9
H
Edge-of-glazing ................................7, 9, 13
Frame ...............................................5, 9, 13 Head .............................................................. 9
Attachment .................................................. 11
I
C
Individual Product ......................................... 3
Center-of-Glazing ... 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13,
14, 15, 16 J
Certification.................................................... 3
Jamb .............................................................. 9
Computer Simulation ..................................... 1
Condensation Resistance.. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9,
10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 L
Center-of-glazing 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, Laboratory Accreditation Program .......... 9, 13
14
Edge-of-glazing .. 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, M
14
Frame .................... 2, 4, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14 Model Size ............................................. 10, 13
Product ............................................ 2, 3, 10
Curtain Wall ................................................... 1 P
Product Line................................................. 3
D
Dew Point Temperature ............2, 8, 12, 13, 15 R
Diffuse ........................................................... 4 Radiation........................................................ 4
Divider ........................ 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 22 Rail ................................................................ 9
Dynamic Glazing ......................................1, 11 Rating ....................... 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 14, 15, 16
Dynamic Glazing Product .........................1, 11 Relative Humidity ......2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15

F S
Fenestration......... 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16 Sealant ........................................................ 15
System ............................. 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 14 Sidelite ....................................................... 18
Film...........................................................3, 10 Sightline ....................................................... 16
Frame .... 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 Sill .................................................................. 9
Site-Built Products ......................................... 1
G Solar ................................................. 2, 10, 14
Glass ........................................................5, 15 Solar Radiation ...................................... 10, 14

T
Glazing .. , 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, Thermal Transmittance ................................ 14
16 Transom...................................................... 18
Sloped ..................................................1, 21

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 W Wetted Area ................................................. 11
Window ........................................................ 15
Wall
Fixed...................................................... 18
Glazed ..................................................... 21
Wood ........................................................... 15

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