On Feb. 7, 2014, the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) spring 2014 ballot cycle opened for comment by current NFRC members. Results will be presented and discussed at the spring 2014 Committee Week meeting, which is being held March 24-26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn.
The items up for comment include the following:
Ventilation Ratings Ballot – for a new NFRC document, NFRC 401 which will specify a method for calculating a Ventilation Rating (VR) for fenestration products. The intent of this document is to allow an optional rating that can assist manufacturers to communicate the standardized potential of ventilation.
NFRC 100 Actual Size Ballot – proposes to remove references to actual size in the NFRC 100, section 5.9.3.1.3.D. and replace it with language indicated below. NFRC 100 does not define actual size making a direct reference to this term difficult.
NFRC 100 CMA Improved Algorithm Ballot – A recently completed research project titled, Improved Algorithms for CMA, indicated CMA simulations would better match WINDOW/THERM simulations by modifying algorithms in CMA and THERM. The research determined that the accuracy of the CMA methodology can be improved by modifying one of the keff values used in the CMA calculation (specifically, the keff value for the generic low conductivity spacer). The research showed that this modification reduced the calculation variance for low U-factor products in half, from 0.017 to 0.008 Btu/hr-ft2-F. This ballot makes the changes to the NFRC 100 to accomplish this recommendation. This change will result in CMA U-factor whole product ratings that are closer to traditional, site-built U-factor ratings.
NFRC 700 Composite Unit Ballot – modifies the NFRC 700: Product Certification Program document language to include and clarify the labeling requirements of composite unit products comprised of product types listed in NFRC 100, Table 4-3.
NFRC 700 Remove Commercial Site-Built Ballot – modifies the NFRC 700: Product Certification Program document for the purpose of identifying those products which cannot be rated in the NFRC 700 program, and those products which would need to be rated through the NFRC 705 program. The NFRC 705 is also being submitted to include language which identifies those products which are special cases and can only be rated through the 700 program for site-built products.
NFRC 705 Actual Size Ballot – modifies the NFRC 705: Component Modeling Approach-Product Certification Program document to modify the term “actual size” to a more appropriate term, “specified size.” The task group determined using the term specified size will more accurately describe the process CMAST allows where a user enters the specific dimensions of a fenestration product.
NFRC 705 SAP Qualifications Ballot – modifies the NFRC 705: Component Modeling Approach-Product Certification Program document for the purpose of removing the ACE Calculation Review from the NFRC 705.
NFRC 705 Section 4 1 3 Ballot – modifies the NFRC 705: Component Modeling Approach-Product Certification Program document for the purpose of identifying those products which cannot be rated in the NFRC 705 program, and those products which would need to be rated through the NFRC 700 program. The NFRC 700 is also being submitted to include language which identifies those products which are special cases and can only be rated through the 700 program for site-built products.
Though only NFRC members in good standing are eligible to vote on NFRC ballots, non-members are able to review the ballots to determine how possible changes may affect them.
Ballots are open for comment through close of business on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014. Non-members who would like to add their voice may contact Jessica Finn, NFRC Membership Coordinator, (240) 821-9512, for details.
In addition to the ballots, registration for the meeting is now open here. Discounted early-bird registration ends on March 7, 2014.
For the first time, NFRC is also offering the opportunity to “attend” the meeting virtually. Those who are unable to attend the meeting in Memphis will be able to follow the meeting online via GoTo. This option will allow observation only. Find more information on this virtual option, including registration. All meeting details and links are available by choosing “Meetings” from NFRC’s website. Registration for the virtual option must be received by March 21, 2014.
For more information on the NFRC ballots or the NFRC Spring Committee Week (including the full meeting schedule and designating a voting proxy), please visit the linked pages or contact NFRC Meeting Manager, Cheryl Gendron, at (240) 821-9501.