AAMA updates technical specification covering sash balances.
Press Release Summary:
The AAMA has revised AAMA 902-07, Voluntary Specification for Sash Balances, first published in 1992. According to John Lewis, AAMA Technical Director, changes include the addition of the term Manually Applied Force Ratio (MAFR) and the update of Table A4 to include the acryonym and requirements. Other changes require that the testing apparatus incorporate a means to attach the sash balance as well as the requirement of proper maintenance of the apparatus.
Original Press Release:
AAMA Updates Document Addressing Sash Balances
SCHAUMBURG, IL - AAMA 902-07, a technical specification covering sash balances, has been revised and released by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). According to John Lewis, AAMA Technical Director, the revamped 10-page document, first published in 1992 and titled Voluntary Specification for Sash Balances, includes several updates.
"In addition to various editorial changes, the most significant change was the addition of the term Manually Applied Force Ratio (MAFR), which is the ratio of the force used to operate a sash compared to the weight of the sash; the lower the MAFR, the less force required to operate the sash. The specification provides for five classes of balances, and the classes are determined by the MAFR. Balances with the lowest MAFR (and therefore those that provide the greatest ease of operation) are referred to as Class 5 balances, and balances with the highest MAFR are referred to as Class 1 balances. Table A4 was updated to include the new MAFR acronym and requirements," according to Lewis.
Other changes cover requiring that the testing apparatus incorporate a means to attach the sash balance, as well as requiring proper maintenance of the apparatus. In addition, the document updated references to the latest version of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S. 2/A440-05 and the inclusion of a 'Referenced Documents' section.
The Voluntary Specification for Sash Balances is available through download, CD or paper copy at a cost of $7.00 for non-members and $3.50 for members.
For copies of AAMA 902-07, visit the AAMA Online Publication Store; call 847-303-5664; or write the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, 1827 Walden Office Square, Suite 550, Schaumburg, IL 60173.
AAMA is the source of performance standards, product certification, and educational programs for the fenestration industry.SM
Janice Charletta, Director of Marketing & Membership, AAMA
(847) 303-5859 Ext. 230
E-mail: jcharletta@aamanet.org
