Meaning and use
5.1 The use of the equipment is intended to cause changes in performance consistent with the conditions of final use, including the effects of the ultraviolet portion of sunlight, moisture and heat. Typically, these exposures will include moisture in the form of condensing humidity. Exposure is not intended to simulate deterioration caused by local weather phenomena such as atmospheric pollution, biological attacks, and salt water exposure. Alternatively, exposure can simulate the effects of sunlight passing through a window pane. (Warning – See Practice G151 for a complete warning guide for all laboratory aging equipment.

5.2 This practice provides general procedures for operating fluorescent UV lamp aging devices that allow for a wide range of exposure conditions. Consequently, no reference to the results of the use of this approach may be made unless accompanied by a report detailing the specific operating conditions of section 10.

5.2.1 It is recommended that similar materials (controls) with known properties be exposed at the same time as the sample to provide a standard for comparison purposes. In general, it is recommended to use two controls: one known to have poor durability and the other known to have good durability. It is recommended that at least three replicates of each evaluated material be performed in each test to allow for statistical evaluation of the results.

5.2.2 Results obtained from exposed specimens in the same model of equipment should not be compared unless repeatability of the material to be tested has been established between devices.

ASTM G154-2016 Standard Practice for the Operation of Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Equipment for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials

5.2.3 Results obtained from exposed specimens from different models of equipment should not be compared unless a correlation of the material to be tested has been established between the devices.

Note 5: For guidance, see Guide D6631.

Radius
1.1 This practice is limited to the basic principles of operating fluorescent UV lamps and water installations; By itself, it does not provide specific results.

1.2 It is intended to be used in conjunction with practices or methods that define specific exposure conditions for applications and methods for assessing changes in material properties. This practice aims to reproduce the weathering effects that occur when the material is exposed to sunlight (directly or through window glass) and moisture (such as rain or dew) during actual use. This practice is limited to procedures for obtaining, measuring, and controlling exposure conditions.

Note 1: Practice G151 describes general procedures to be used when exposing non-metallic materials in accelerated test equipment using laboratory light sources.

Note 2: A number of exposure procedures are listed in the Appendix; However, this practice does not specify the appropriate exposure conditions for the material to be tested.

ASTM G154-2016 Standard Practice for the Operation of Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Equipment for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials

1.3 Test samples are exposed to fluorescent UV light under controlled environmental conditions. Different types of fluorescent UV lamp sources are described.

Note 3: In this standard, the terms ultraviolet and ultraviolet radiation are used interchangeably.

1.4 Sample preparation and result evaluation are covered in ASTM methods or specifications for specific materials. General guidance is given in Practice G151 and ISO 4892-1.

Note 4: ISO 4582 and Practice D5870 describe general information on methods for determining post-exposure performance changes and reporting these results.

1.5 Values expressed in SI units shall be treated as standard values. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 This standard is not intended to address all safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of users of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory restrictions prior to use.

1.7 This standard is technically similar to ISO 4892-3 and ISO 16474-3.