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AAMA 513-14
Standard Laboratory Test
Method for Determination
of Forces and Motions
Required to Activate
Operable Parts of Operable
Windows and Doors in
Accessible Spaces
M A N U F A C T U R E R S A S S O C I A T I O N
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AAMA 513-14
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 2012
PRECEDING DOCUMENT: 513-12
PUBLISHED: 6/14
0.2 The purpose of this test method is to demonstrate that the product, as designed, is capable of being operated with forces
and motions consistent with ICC A117.1 limitations, if properly installed, adjusted, and maintained.
0.3 Sash, vent, and door leaf hardware options in manufacturers’ window and door offerings present a large array of possible
combinations. Testing requirements must be reasonable, with optional grouping based on engineering judgment allowed to
qualify a range of standard products.
0.4 It is the intent of this test method to group accessibility of “hardware and weather seal packages,” used across a range of
individual products such that one test assembly shall be permitted to qualify multiple individual products.
1.0 SCOPE
1.1 Included in Scope of this test method:
• All types of operable windows and doors installed in a vertical orientation, within the scope of AAMA/WDMA/CSA
101/I.S.2/A440, including any operable screens or screen components such as wickets, associated with those
products.
• ICC A117.1 requirements for operating force and motion, in both opening and closing directions, including force to
operate push buttons on power-assisted operable sash and vents.
• Manually-operated, and power-operated or power-assisted sash, vents and door leafs.
• Newly-fabricated laboratory test specimens only.
• Commercial aluminum entrances, interior doors, operable storefront, ventilating mullions, unit skylights, roof
windows and product types not addressed in AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440.
• Field testing (see Appendix A), field conditions, environmental conditions, use and abuse conditions, and special
conditions such as custodial use.
• Approach area, protrusion, reach and sill height or sill configuration.
• Test sizes other than the “gateway” minimum test sizes or alternative minimum test sizes for R Class windows only
in AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440.
• Long-term wear or degradation.
• Operating force(s) or motion(s) necessary to operate release mechanisms on window fall prevention devices or
window opening control devices as prescribed by the local building code(s).
• Operating force(s) or motion(s) necessary to operate shades, blinds, or other similar window/door coverings.
• Force-to-latch for side-hinged doors and terrace doors.
1.3 This test method does not include the effect(s) that AAMA 910 testing (required to achieve AW Class) may have on
forces and motions required to activate operable parts of fenestration products in accessible space. In order to represent this
option as AW Class, it shall be subsequently cycled per AAMA 910 or have been previously tested to comply with AW Class
requirements.
1.4 The primary units of measurement in this document are metric. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values given in parentheses are for reference only.
1.5 This document was developed in an open and consensus process and is maintained by representative members of AAMA
as advisory information.
“Accessibility: As indicated on architectural drawings or project specifications, operable windows and doors as required in
occupied spaces shall meet the operating force limits and motion restrictions of ICC A117.1, Section 309.4, when tested by
an AAMA-accredited lab in accordance with AAMA 513-14.”
AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-11, North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors and skylights
AAMA 502-12, Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Fenestration Products
AAMA 910-10, Voluntary “Life Cycle” Specifications and Test Methods for AW Class Architectural Windows and Doors
ASTM E29-13, Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
ASTM E283-04(2012), Standard Test Method for Determining Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain
Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the Specimen.
ASTM E330/E330M-14, Standard Test Method for Structural Performance of Exterior Windows, Doors, Skylights and
Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference
ASTM E331-00(2009), Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain
Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference
ASTM E547-00(2009), Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain
Walls by Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference
ASTM E2068-00(2008), Standard Test Method for Determination of Operating Force of Sliding Windows and Doors
4.1.1 ACCESSIBLE WINDOW AND DOOR UNITS: Operable window and door assemblies, including frame, infill,
hardware, and all other appurtenances, required by project specifications and/or applicable codes, to be “accessible to and
usable by people with such physical disabilities as the inability to walk, difficulty walking, reliance on walking aids,
blindness and visual impairment, deafness and hearing impairment, in coordination, reaching and manipulation disabilities,
lack of stamina, difficulty interpreting and reacting to sensory information, and extremes of physical size.” (Portion in italics
is from ICC A117.1.)
4.1.2 HARDWARE AND WEATHERSEAL “PACKAGE”: A unique combination of locks, strikes, hinges, operators
(push bars, rotos, etc.), limited opening devices, stay bars, friction adjusters, rollers, counter-balances, snubbers, and/or
weather seals, used across a range of individual products.
4.1.3 SASH OPERATING MODE: The direction and movement of the operable portion of a window assembly. Sash
operating modes include, but are not limited to, project-out awning, project-in hopper, outward-projecting casement,
horizontal sliding or rolling, vertical sliding or hung, etc.
4.1.4 SNUBBER: An inter-locking alignment component or feature, used at the “hinge side” of a projected or casement sash,
to ensure proper seating of weather seals, or for structural integrity. Also known as a snug bar, or bevel block.
4.1.5 TIGHT GRASPING, PINCHING OR TWISTING MOTION: The application of forces that require more than
22.2 N (5 lbf) to be exerted by the fingers, hands, wrists, arms, or other body part(s). Furthermore, the rotational movement of
the wrist, shoulder, or other body part(s) should not exceed 95 degrees. Grasping is the act of wrapping one's hand around an
object, such that the opposing finger(s) and thumb contact one another.
5.1.1 Operable parts shall be operable with one hand, and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.
5.1.2 The maximum force required to activate operable parts through the normal range of operation shall be 22.2 N (5 lbf)
unless otherwise specified in ICC A117.1 (see Section 7.5.2).
5.2.1 Unless specifically noted as “reductions”, all products shall meet the applicable requirements of AAMA/WDMA/CSA
101/I.S.2/A440, for the type and class tested.
NOTE 1: The amount of this allowance, which may be necessitated by reduced compression or operating force, is similar to
field testing allowances per AAMA 502.
Design load shall not necessarily be based on the performance requirements of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440
applicable to optional performance grade ratings, unless specified otherwise.
5.2.5 Hand-operated project-out awning vents, top-hinged in-swing vents, and hung window sash shall not close under their
own weight.
NOTE 2: Stay-bars may be necessary to prevent hand-operated project-out awning and casement vents from blowing shut
due to forces imparted by wind. In addition, free opening dimensions may be limited by the hardware location necessary for
accessible operation.
5.3 If a specific project or Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has requirements over and above those outlined in this test
method, such requirements shall be clearly noted in contract documents, specifically Division 8 specifications available at the
time of bid.
6.3 Testing of a specific glass infill weight shall be permitted to qualify all lighter-weight glazing options (i.e., testing of
double glazing shall be permitted to qualify single glazing, and testing of triple glazing shall be permitted to qualify double
glazing and single glazing).
6.4.1 Force limitations shall apply only up to and including the limited opening position, which may be affected by sash size.
6.5 Each sash operating mode shall be tested individually, e.g. hung, rolling, awning, hopper, etc. Outward-projecting
casement and inward-projecting casements require separate tests.
6.6 Lock, roller, and snubber spacing and quantity shall be manufacturer’s standard for the AAMA/WDMA/CSA
101/I.S.2/A440 “gateway” minimum test size or alternative minimum test size in the sash mode being tested.
6.7 Sash, vent and/or frame profiles shall be permitted to vary from that tested, as long as the hardware and weather seal
package has been qualified. Where the force to open/close a product with an operator is affected by the relative location of the
operator, hinges, operator track, etc., and the profile variation affects the relative location of these components, a separate test
shall be required to verify that the operating force limitations of Section 5.1 are not exceeded.
7.2.1 Mount the test sample per manufacturer’s instructions, in a plumb, square, and level condition, without twist, bow, or
racking.
7.2.2 The test sample shall rest in the closed and locked position for at least 12 hours prior to the start of testing, at an ambient
“soak” temperature of between 10 - 27°C (50 - 80°F).
Storing the test sample at room temperature for a minimum of 12 hours prior to installation shall be acceptable.
7.2.3 Cycle each component a minimum of 20 times at the operating rate prescribed in Table 1 of AAMA 910 prior to
measurement of operating force. For any product type not included in Table 1 of AAMA 910, the operating rate shall be
specified by the product manufacturer.
7.2.4 Measure forces as outlined in Section 7.5 and make necessary adjustments.
7.2.6.1 For R and LC Class products, test in accordance with ASTM E547.
7.2.6.2 For CW and AW Class products, test in accordance with ASTM E331 and/or E547.
7.2.7 For CW and AW Class products only, conduct the remainder of AAMA 910 cycling (if conducted), starting at Section
3.1.4 of the referenced standard. Post-cycling operating force requirements are those referenced in AAMA/WDMA/CSA
101/I.S.2/A440.
7.2.7.1 If the AW Class product being tested will also be offered with hardware and weather-seal packages for normal (non-
accessible) operating forces as required in AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, cycling shall be conducted with hardware
adjusted at normal operating forces, to replicate expected “worst-case” wear characteristics.
7.2.10 Optional: Adjust hardware to normal operating forces meeting the requirements of AAMA/WDMA/CSA
101/I.S.2/A440.
NOTE 3: All test results reported per 8.1.6 should be presented in the context of hardware adjustment, so users can
differentiate between accessible and non-accessible hardware and weather-seal packages.
7.3 Hardware adjustment and/or lubrication shall be allowed at any time during the test sequence, and shall be noted in the
test report, starting over at 7.2.3.
7.4 Weather seal replacement or substitution shall be allowed at any time during the test sequence, and shall be noted in the
test report, starting over at 7.2.2.
7.5 Measure forces utilizing a maximum-read force gage with wire harness, or other suitable device, attached to each
operating component (pull handles, locks, keepers, etc.) within no greater than 13 mm (½ in) of the handle tip. Holes can be
drilled in sash, vents, and/or handles to secure the harness, but shall be properly sealed for air and water testing.
NOTE 4: Some hardware types will require customized apparatus for accurate and repeatable operating force measurement
(see Figure 1). Testing laboratories should make appropriate provisions in both apparatus and methodology to ensure
accurate and repeatable measurements. This includes, but is not limited to: out-of-plane loads, eccentricity, friction at
attachment points, visual access to the output scale, etc.
7.5.1 Apply load in the direction of direct disengagement or engagement, without inducing excess friction by introducing
resultant loads in an out-of-plane direction.
7.5.2 Measure the maximum operating force required for each component and assembly which must be manipulated, in
moving the sash, vent or door leaf through one complete operating cycle, at the operating rate prescribed in 7.2.3, from
“closed and locked” to “open” and back to “closed and locked.” Cycles are to be as defined in AAMA/WDMA/CSA
101/I.S.2/A440 or AAMA 910, modified as appropriate for limited opening devices employed.
7.5.2.1 Apply loads in a manner closely simulating occupant operation, avoiding asymmetrical loading whenever possible.
7.5.2.2 For consistency with ASTM E2068, for each test method conduct a minimum of three trials for each component or
assembly. Measurements shall be taken to the nearest 0.44 N (0.1 lbf). If the results of three trials are all within 10 % or 2.2 N
(0.5 lbf), whichever is greater, of the average of the three trials, no additional trials are required. If any of the results of the
NOTE 5: Test technicians may note interactions between operating forces. For example, an aggressive “force to close” may
result in somewhat lower subsequent “force to lock” than that which would result from a gentle “force to close.” Every
attempt should be made during testing to keep all sequential operating forces within allowable limits.
8.1 The name and address of the testing laboratory, location of test site, date when test was completed and date of issuance of
report.
8.1.1 Identification of the specimen(s) – manufacturer, source of supply, dimensions, model number(s), type, materials of
construction of the product and wall system.
8.1.1.1 AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 Type and Class tested (R, LC, CW or AW).
8.1.1.2 Quantification of any reductions from standard AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 performance requirements (see
Section 5.2).
8.1.4 Type, materials and location of all sealing systems and devices.
8.1.5 Tabulation of all specific conditions utilized where test method conditions are variable.
8.1.6 Complete description of test measurements, results and visual characterization of system and components. Report
average operating force load to the nearest 4.4 N (1 lbf) per ASTM SI10 and ASTM E29.
8.1.7 Complete description of test measurements, photographs and visual characterization of system components.
8.2 The manufacturer shall provide the test laboratory a “manufacturer certified” list of those product lines (series) for which
the tested hardware package(s) are applicable, for inclusion in the test report.
8.2.1 The manufacturer shall also provide “cut sheets” for all hardware and weather seal components for inclusion in the test
report.
8.3 DISCLAIMERS
At a minimum, the test report shall contain the following disclaimer statements to minimize misinterpretation:
8.3.1 The purpose of this test method is to demonstrate that the product’s hardware and weather seal package, as designed, is
capable of being operated with forces and motions consistent with ICC A117.1, Section 309.4 limitations, if properly
installed, adjusted, and maintained, when tested in the laboratory at the AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 gateway
minimum test size or alternative minimum test size.
NOTE 7: Accessible operating products can be expected to require added care in installation and final adjustment, and
more frequent maintenance. Install in a plumb, square, and level condition, without twist, bow or racking, and per
manufacturer’s instructions.
8.3.2 With properly designed building conditions and correct installation, gateway minimum test size or alternative minimum
test size products complying with requirements of this test method will meet ICC A117.1 accessibility criteria. However,
neither AAMA, nor the AAMA-accredited test laboratory, nor the manufacturer, can make any claim relative to ADA or Fair
Housing Act compliance, or lack thereof, applicable to the total product installation, including but not limited to, hardware,
approach area, reach, force(s), motion, etc.
9.0 REPRESENTATIONS
This AAMA laboratory test method provides insufficient basis for a manufacturer to represent an individual component,
product or product line, as “ADA-certified,” “ADA-approved,” or “ADA-compliant,” as the Americans with Disabilities Act
makes no provisions for, nor outlines any requirements for, such certification, approval or compliance verification.
A1.1 The provisions of this appendix are intended to apply only to product operability as indicated in Section A2.0. If field
testing for air infiltration resistance or water penetration resistance is desired, the use of AAMA 502 is recommended. No
other aspects of the AAMA 513 test method are suitable for evaluation through field testing techniques.
A1.2 Environmental conditions that could affect operating forces and motions include but are not limited to, wind,
precipitation, building pressure, obstructions, dirt and debris, maintenance, and installation variables.
A2.1 To the extent possible, products to be measured should be tested under steady state environmental conditions, at
constant temperature and minimal wind. Testing should be scheduled accordingly and as soon as feasible after installation.
A2.2 Products to be measured should be properly adjusted, maintained and in proper service condition. Consult the
fenestration manufacturer to provide instructions for adjustments, maintenance or repairs as may be needed. Installation
conditions that are not plumb, square, or level, or that are twisted, bowed or racked can affect results and should be addressed
prior to testing as appropriate (see Note 7.)
A2.3 Prior to conducting operating force measurements, each operable component of the window or door should be fully
operated a minimum of five times.
A2.4 Operating force measurements should be conducted substantially in accordance with Section 7.5 of AAMA 513, with
the exception of drilling holes in sash, vents, hardware, etc.
A2.5 Unless otherwise specified, the requirements of Section 5.1 of AAMA 513 are recommended as appropriate acceptance
criteria.
A2.5.1 If compliance verification through field testing is unable to be achieved after all adjustments, maintenance or repair
options are exhausted, a comparison to an AAMA 513 laboratory report should be performed for any differences in the
hardware and weather seal packages, operable vent size, glass infill, or other items that could cause a difference in operable
force. If the above comparison cannot establish the cause and / or remediation, a laboratory test per AAMA 513 is
recommended. Upon successful completion of laboratory testing, units in the field required to be accessible should be
remediated as necessary to match laboratory test samples to the extent technically feasible.
A2.6 A written report of all results and observations should be prepared by those who conducted the measurements. The
report should include:
A2.6.1 The full street address of the building where the measurements were conducted.
A2.6.2 The location within the building, and full description, of the windows and doors that were measured, including at a
minimum:
Include as much pertinent information about the windows and doors as is available. Photographs and drawings are
recommended.
A2.6.5 The names and contact information of those present when the measurements were conducted.
A2.6.10 Any other information deemed pertinent by those present when the measurements were conducted.
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