1279 myths de-mystified: Ulmke man explodes the myths of new sealed unit standard

Manufacturers of Insulating Glass Units (IGU) will be able to claim compliance with EN 1279, the forthcoming product standard for IGUs, during 2006.

It is a sad fact that 1279 is surrounded by myths. This article sets out to debunk some of the popular myths of 1279. For details of the standard itself please visit www.ulmke.co.uk

Myth 1: Only the larger manufacturers can survive

1279 has been perceived to be both complicated and costly. This implies that the smaller manufacturer has neither the wit nor the wallet to comply. In fact, 1279 is a simple and relatively cheap standard with which to comply. Any thoughtfully operated IG manufacturer, (and some that are not), should have no problems with evidencing compliance with 1279. One of the few areas where 1279 does favour the larger manufacturer is in terms of a lower cost of compliance per unit but the important point is that 1279 will not impact the demand side of the IGU trade.

Myth 2: You need lots of kit to pass

It has been proven that typical IGU manufacture methods and components are capable of passing the standard. Passing 1279 requires capital expenditure in rare cases only. The real key to passing the Type Tests is robust control of the operation. Evidence shows that both large and small companies have experienced problems in this area.

Myth 3: Don’t even bother with gas

Passing the Part 3 Type Test for gas concentration and gas leakage is not a black art as some have claimed. The manufacturer needs to identify and claim a ‘reasonably achievable’ fill under typical manufacturing conditions only after assessing the capability of the system to consistently deliver that fill. Passing Part 3 is an issue of controlling fill and preventing leakage through the design and execution of effective processes.

Myth 4: I’ll only comply when it is law

The manufacturer that takes the view that he only needs to comply with 1279 once it is a legally enforceable product standard is taking a big risk. The date at which 1279 becomes legally enforceable is not the date to start beginning the compliance process; it is the date when compliance must be evidenced. Because the process of evidencing compliance can take anything up to five or six months and because available test cabinets are filling up rapidly, the IGU manufacturer must be planning for compliance at least 10 months before the standard is legally enforced.

The real key to passing the Type Tests is robust control of the operation. Evidence shows that both large and small companies have experienced problems in this area.

Myth 5: I need a 1279 consultant

There is no requirement for the IGU manufacturer to spend money on employing a 1279 consultant to develop a FPC (Factory Process Control) system. The requirements of 1279 are publicly available and it takes just a bit of time, thought and imagination to develop a method of representing how the factory complies with the standard. Buying a consultant has many benefits such as avoiding ‘reinventing the wheel’ and exploiting a wealth of experience but at the end of the day buying a consultant buys convenience, not necessarily compliance.

Myth 6: EN 1279 will not happen

1279 will happen. Windows, after all, are covered as an element of the Construction Products Directive. The CPD is like the TV licence – you may not agree with it but you can’t avoid it. So now is the time to develop a compliance plan and to set the compliance wheels in motion because 1279 will happen.

In summary

1279 is not a hard or expensive standard with which to comply. Compliance has a cost, but the potential cost of evidencing compliance can be reduced.

Ulmke Metals has developed an innovative, simple and free compliance mechanism that can be applied to any glass shop using virtually any IG components. Rather than giving away a giveaway CD, the Ulmke team support manufacturers throughout the implementation process to modify the system so that it becomes ‘your own – not a clone’.

Many manufacturers have found Ulmke’s help invaluable in fulfilling compliance with 1279 and have found the commitment Ulmke shows to their businesses a refreshing change. Indeed Ulmke supports its clients from initial system audit through system design to system implementation and future system audits.