ANSI/AMCA

Standard 540-13
Test Method for Louvers
Impacted by Wind Borne Debris

An American National Standard

Approved by ANSI on June 14, 2013

AIR MOVEMENT AND CONTROL

ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL, INC.

The International Authority on Air System Components

ANSI/AMCA Standard 540-13

Test Method for Louvers

Impacted by Wind Borne Debris

Air Movement and Control Association International

30 W. University Drive
Arlington Heights, Illinois
60004

AMCA Publications
Authority

AMCA Standard 540-13 was approved by the membership of the Air Movement and Control Association
International, Inc. on May 15, 2013. It was approved by ANSI as an American National Standard on June
14, 2013.

Copyright

2013 by Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation of any part of this work beyond that permitted by Sections
107 and 108 of the United States Copyright Act without the permission of the copyright owner is unlawful.
Requests for permission or further information should be addressed to the Executive Director, Air Movement
and Control Association International, Inc. at 30 West University Drive, Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893
U.S.A.

Objections

Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. will consider and decide all written complaints
regarding its standards, certification programs, or interpretations thereof. For information on procedures for
submitting and handling complaints, write to:
Air Movement and Control Association International
30 West University Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893 U.S.A.
European Air Movement and Control Association
Nutkin Cottage
Barracks Road, Assington
Suffolk CO10 5LP
UK
Asia AMCA
27 Senoko Way (Level 2)
Singapore 758060

Disclaimer

AMCA uses its best efforts to produce standards for the benefit of the industry and the public in light of available information and accepted industry practices. However, AMCA does not guarantee, certify or assure
the safety or performance of any products, components or systems tested, designed, installed or operated in accordance with AMCA standards or that any tests conducted under its standards will be non-hazardous or free from risk.

Review Committee
Dan Rau
Committee Chair

Ruskin Company

Mike Astourian

Metal Industries

Bill Bailey

Nailor Industries Inc.

Jacob Carr

Architectural Louvers

Randal Geedey

The Airolite Company, LLC

Kenneth Moyer

Arrow United

Mike Steele

Greenheck Fan Corporation

Mike Traver

Arrow United

Bill Vincent

Construction Specialties, Inc.

Related AMCA Documents

Related
Publications

ANSI/AMCA Standard 500-L

Laboratory Methods of Testing Louvers for Rating

AMCA Publication 501

Application Manual for Louvers

AMCA Publication 511

Certified Ratings Program - Product Rating Manual for Air Control Devices

AMCA Publication 512

AMCA Listing Label Program

ANSI/AMCA Standard 550

Test Method for High Velocity Wind Driven Rain Resistant Louvers

Contents
1. Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2. Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
3. Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
4. Test Specimens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

4.1 Number of specimens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

4.2 Size of specimens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

5. Test Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

5.1 Specimens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

5.2 Missile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

5.3 Locations of impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

6. Missiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
7. Pass/Fail Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
8. Optional Cycling for High-Velocity Hurricane Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
9. Product Qualification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
10. Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
11. Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Annex A Test Specimen Reference Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Annex B Follow-up Service (Informative) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Annex C Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Test Method for Louvers Impacted by Wind Borne Debris

1. Purpose
The purpose of this standard is to establish uniform methods for laboratory testing of louvers that are impact tested
with the large missile described in ASTM E 1996-04 [1] and
E 1886-05 [2].

2. Scope
The scope of this standard is for impact testing of louvers
used on the outside of buildings as required by the ICC
International Building Code [3] and the ICC International
Residential Code [4].
The following precautionary statement pertains only to the
test method portion, Section 5, of this specification: This
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of
the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and
health practices and determine the applicability of the regulatory limitations prior to use.

3. Definitions
3.1 Enhanced protection (Essential Facilities)
Buildings and other structures designated as essential facilities, including, but not limited to, hospitals; other health
care facilities having emergency treatment facilities; jails
and detention facilities; fire, rescue and police stations, and
emergency vehicle garages; designated emergency shelters; communication centers and other facilities required
for emergency response; power generating stations; other
public utility facilities required in an emergency; and buildings and other structures having critical national defense
functions.
3.2 Basic protection
Any building or structure that is not an Essential Facility as
described in Section 3.1.
3.3 Horizontal/vertical-bladed louver
Louvers shall be designated horizontal or vertical-bladed
based on the orientation of the blades on the front or exterior side of the louver.
3.4 Specimen
A louver assembly for testing consisting of one or more louver sections.
3.5 Louver Section
A single louver panel. Panels can (but are not required to)

be connected to each other to make up larger assemblies

for testing purposes. For example, a 2-section wide louver
assembly is two panels wide.

4. Test Specimens
4.1 Number of specimens
4.1.1
Per ASTM E 1996-04 and ASTM E 1886-05, a minimum of
three sections shall be impacted. This requirement may be
satisfied by testing one single-section and one multi-section
unit or by testing three identical single-section units.
4.1.2
One additional specimen may be submitted for testing should
any original submitted specimen described in Section 4.1
fail any portion of the AMCA Standard 540 testing. This is
described in Section 9.2. If all specimens pass the AMCA
Standard 540, and then some or all of the same specimens
are then subjected to Cyclic testing as described in Section
8, and any one specimen fails any portion of the subsequent
test(s), then one additional specimen may be submitted to
re-test to the subsequent tests as long as the additional
specimen first passes the AMCA Standard 540 tests.

4.2 Size of specimens

The test specimen selected is intended to evaluate the critical failure area of the louver and provide guidance for blade
support requirements. The critical failure area for louvers is
the connection between the louver blade end and the perimeter louver frame. Failures in this area result in loose material that can result in projectiles in high wind events. The
most stringent test specimen for this connection is a section
where the blade has no additional support between these
end connections. Energy from the impact is transferred to
the connection with little absorption by blade flexure. This
test specimen also provides guidance regarding the maximum unsupported blade length that will not allow the projectile to pass through the louver blades. Louvers manufactured
with blade spans greater than that of the test specimen shall
have blade supports at a spacing that matches the tested
specimen blade length. These supports are typically located behind the blade running perpendicular to the axis of the
blade and are attached to the perimeter frame of the louver
or to the surrounding building structure. Due to the fact that
the test specimen is used to qualify support locations in this
way, the manufacturer may wish to test an additional specimen with a width narrower than desirable support spacing to
establish a smaller minimum section width.
ANSI/AMCA 540-13 | 1

The size of the test specimen shall be as defined in Section

4.2.1.1, 4.2.1.2, 4.2.1.3, or 4.2.1.4.
4.2.1 Single section louver qualification
4.2.1.1 Horizontal blade
The test specimen shall consist of a single section. The section width shall be equal to the maximum blade span the
manufacturer would supply without providing a blade support plus the added width of the specimen jamb frames.
The minimum height of the test specimen shall be 915 mm
(36 in.). The test specimen shall also contain a minimum of
five blades. This specimen shall qualify single sections of
widths greater than the specimen, provided the manufacturer supports the louver blades at a spacing equal to the
blade length of the specimen. The tested width becomes
the minimum section certified by the impact test. The specimen qualifies all single section heights. If the manufacturer wishes to certify a width narrower than the test specimen,
an additional test specimen shall be provided. The minimum
height of this narrower test specimen shall also be 915 mm
(36 in.), and it shall contain a minimum of five blades. See
Annex A, Figure A.1.
4.2.1.2 Vertical blade
The test specimen shall consist of a single section. The section height shall be equal to the maximum blade span the
manufacturer would supply without providing a blade support plus the added thickness of the specimen head and sill
frames. The minimum width of the test specimen shall be
36 inches. The test sample shall also contain a minimum of
five blades. This specimen shall qualify single sections of
heights greater than the specimen, provided the manufacturer supports the louver blades at a spacing equal to the
blade length of the specimen. The tested height becomes
the minimum section certified by the impact test. The specimen qualifies all single section widths. If the manufacturer wishes to certify a height less than the test specimen, an
additional test specimen shall be provided. The minimum
width of this smaller test specimen shall also be 915 mm
(36 in.), and it shall contain a minimum of five blades. See
Annex A, Figure A.2.
4.2.2 Multi-section louver qualification
4.2.2.1 Horizontal blade
The test specimen shall consist of a minimum of two sections. Each section width shall be equal to the maximum
blade span the manufacturer would supply without providing
a blade support plus the added width of the specimen jamb
frames. The height of the louver specimen shall be equal to
the maximum height the manufacturer desires to be certified
as impact resistant, or the maximum height allowed by the
testing facility (rotation of the test sample 90 is permissible to overcome lab width/height limitations). This specimen
shall qualify sections of widths greater than the specimen
2 | ANSI/AMCA 540-13

sections, provided the manufacturer supports the louver

blades at a spacing equal to the blade length of the specimen. The multi-section minimum allowable width shall be
based upon one of the following tests:
The multi-section sample described in this section
The narrowest single section tested sample
A narrow multi-section sample
See Annex A, Figure A.3.
4.2.2.2 Vertical blade
The test specimen shall consist of a minimum of two sections. Each section height shall be equal to the maximum
blade span the manufacturer would supply without providing a blade support plus the added thickness of the specimen head and sill frames. The width of the louver specimen shall be equal to the maximum width the manufacturer
desires to be certified as impact resistant, or the maximum
width allowed by the testing facility (rotation of the test sample 90 is permissible to overcome lab width/height limitations). This specimen shall qualify sections of heights greater than the specimen sections, provided the manufacturer
supports the louver blades at a spacing equal to the blade
length of the specimen.
The multi-section minimum allowable height shall be based
upon one of the following tests:
The multi-section sample described in this section
The smallest single section tested sample
A smaller multi-section sample with a shorter blade
length
See Annex A, Figure A.4.
4.2.2.3
Testing of a multi-section louver shall also qualify a single
section louver to the same blade span as the tested multisection louver. Each connection joint design needs to be
tested.

5. Test Methods
5.1 Specimens
The specimens shall be tested according to test method, ASTM E1886-05, for large-missile impact testing only,
and with taking exception to ASTM E1886-05 Section 8.2
regarding required size for testing and Section 11.1 regarding specimen mounting anchors to the test frame.

5.2 Missile
Determine the missile based upon building classification
according to Section 6.

5.3 Locations of impact

152 mm (6 in.) from the front interior edge of the head.

5.3.1 Single section impact locations

This third impact shall be adjacent to the jamb that is opposite of the jamb closest to the first impact. The impact shall
not contact the jamb or head frame.

The initial contact between the missile and louver shall be in

such a way that:
the entire leading face of the missile shall impact within a
222 mm (8.75 in.) diameter tolerance circle;

5.3.1.2 Vertical blade impact locations

Impact each louver three times as shown in Figure 2.

and

The first impact location shall be targeted on the front edge/

surface of a blade closest to a point:

any portion of the leading face of the missile shall impact

the exterior most edge or plane of the targeted blade.

152 mm (6 in.) from the plane of the cut end of the louver
blade;

The plane of the tolerance circle shall be on the same plane

as the impacted face of the louver with the center of the circle at the targeted location as described in Section 5.3.1.1
or 5.3.1.2. See Figure 4. Once the leading face of the missile passes through the tolerance circle, it is permissible for
the missile to make contact with the louver blades outside of
the tolerance circle.

and

If the exterior most part of the targeted blade is a plane (vs.

an edge), then the targeted location is adjusted after complying with Section 5.3.1.1 or 5.3.1.2 so that the targeted
location is centered on the front plane of the blade. See
Figure 4.
5.3.1.1 Horizontal blade impact locations
Impact each louver section three times as shown in Figure
1.
The first impact location shall be targeted on the front edge/
surface of a blade closest to a point:
152 mm (6 in.) from the plane of the cut end of the louver
blade;
and
152 mm (6 in.) from the front interior edge of the sill.
The impact shall not contact the jamb or sill frame.
The second impact location shall be targeted at the midspan of a center blade on the front edge/surface of the blade.
The third impact location shall be targeted on the front edge/
surface of a blade closest to a point:
152 mm (6 in.) from the plane of the cut end of the louver
blade;

152 mm (6 in.) from the front interior edge of the jamb.

The impact shall not contact the jamb or sill frame.
The second impact location shall be targeted at the midspan of a center blade on the front edge/surface of the blade.
The third impact location shall be targeted on the front edge/
surface of a blade closest to a point:
152 mm (6 in.) from the plane of the cut end of the louver
blade;
and
152 mm (6 in.) from the front interior edge of the jamb.
This third impact shall be adjacent to the jamb that is opposite of the jamb closest to the first impact. The impact shall
not contact the jamb or head frame.
5.3.2 Multi-section impact locations
5.3.2.1 Visible Mullions
The initial contact between the missile and louver shall be in
such a way that the entire leading face of the missile shall
impact within a 222 mm (8.75 in.) diameter tolerance circle.
The plane of this tolerance circle shall be on the same plane
as the impacted exterior mullion face of the louver, and the
center of the circle shall be at the targeted location at midspan and mid-width of the mullion as shown in Figure 3.
Once the leading face of the missile passes through the tolerance circle, it is permissible for the missile to make contact with the louver mullion and/or blades outside of the tolerance circle.
The missile shall also impact the exterior face of the mullion.

and

ANSI/AMCA 540-13 | 3

5.3.2.2 Recessed or Hidden Mullions

If a mullion is used that is recessed or hidden (exterior most
part of the mullion is behind a plane created by the exterior
face of the blades), then the 222 mm (8.75 in.) diameter tolerance circle is applied to the plane created by the plane of
the exterior most part of the louver blades. Once the leading face of the missile passes through the tolerance circle, it
is permissible for the missile to make contact with the louver
mullion and/or blades outside of the tolerance circle.
It is permissible for a missile to not make actual contact
with the parts used to create a recessed or hidden mullion
member.
5.4
The louvers shall be rigidly mounted to the test frame using
a continuous angle to support the louver perimeter. This
standard does not evaluate the fastening methods or fasteners used to attached the louver to the building structure.
5.5
Following the exact sequential order of impact locations during testing is not necessary as to facilitate the ease of testing (such as minimizing cannon re-positioning and setup).
5.6
It is permissible to impact a louver location in different yet
similar location if the initial impact fails to hit the specified
target area or if the missile was out of tolerance.

6. Missiles
The missile used shall be that described in Table 1. For
Basic Protection listings, the missile shall have an impact
speed of Missile Level D. For Enhanced Protection listings,
the missile shall have an impact speed of Missile Level E.

7. Pass/Fail Criteria
7.1
There shall be no penetration of the blade material by the
applicable missile(s) during the impact test(s), excepting
fragements defined in Section 7.1.1.
7.1.1 Individual fragments of the missile produced by the
impact that penetrate beyond the louver shall not exceed
5% of the original weight of the missile.
7.2
Louver components shall remain attached to adjacent parts
or components. Adjacent parts or components are defined
as attached as long as the component is connected to the
adjacent part or component by a fastener or part of a weld.
7.3
Upon completion of the missile impact(s), a cylinder, 76 mm
4 | ANSI/AMCA 540-13

(3 in.) in diameter oriented perpendicular to the front plane

of the louver, shall not pass through the impact location or
other areas affected by the impact.

8. Optional Cycling for High-Velocity

Hurricane Zones
8.1
Louvers located in High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ)
of Florida require cycle testing post-AMCA Standard 540
impact testing. Impact testing shall be conducted in accordance with this standard. Louvers shall be cycle tested to
all of the requirements in test standard TAS 203, Criteria for
Testing Products Subject to Cyclic Wind Pressure Loading
[6], with the exception of the TAS 201 [5] requirements and
the specimen sizes, which are outlined in Section 8.2 below.
The test requester shall be required to declare a design
pressure for the louver prior to testing.
8.2
A minimum of three louver sections shall be cycle tested
post-impact. When the only specimen provided is a single
section, three identical sections of the longest unsupported blade specimen shall be tested. When a multi-section
specimen and a single section specimen are provided, the
longest unsupported blade multi-section assembly and the
longest unsupported blade single section assembly shall be
tested. The two sections of the multi-section assembly and
the single section assembly will meet the requirement of
testing three louver sections.

9. Product Qualification
9.1
When all test specimens submitted have met the requirements of the specification based on the pass/fail criteria
described in Section 7, except in the case of Section 9.2,
the set of test specimens shall be accepted according to
the designated building classification (Basic Protection or
Enhanced Protection).
9.2
If any test specimen fails to meet the requirements as
described in Section 7, it shall be rejected. One additional,
identical test shall be performed on the additional specimen
specified in Section 4.1.1, if provided. Any additional failures
shall constitute failure of the entire set of test specimens
and product qualification according to Section 9.1 shall be
rejected.
9.3
A qualification to the Enhanced Protection speed automatically includes qualification to the Basic Protection speed.

10. Limitations
10.1
The maximum height of a horizontal bladed multi-wide section assembly or the maximum width of a vertical blade
multi-high section assembly is governed by the height tested of the horizontal bladed multi-wide section assembly or
by the width tested of the vertical blade multi-high section
assembly.
10.2
The minimum blade length tested is the narrowest blade
length that will be allowed to qualify to AMCA Standard 540.
The louver width or height qualified consists of the blade
length and frame width.
If a minimum section size with a blade length of 305 mm
(12 in.) or less is tested, shorter blade lengths and narrower
sections are qualified.

11.5.1 Description of missile(s) including dimensions and

mass (weight).

11.5.2 Missile speed and data recorded to determine speed.

11.5.3 Impact location and description of any damage of
.each impact

11.5.4 Pass / Fail Statement for each impact.
11.6 A statement that the tests were conducted in accordance with this test method.
11.7 A video recording of the test.
11.7.1 A statement that the laboratory is in possession of
a video recording of the test. The video recording shall be
retained by the laboratory for a minimum period of 5 years
from the test report date.

10.3
Shaped louvers shall be qualified, provided the mounting
method, material of construction and attachment are the
same as the tested configuration. If mounting attachments
or construction differ, the shape shall be tested. Construction
differences include methods of attachment and component
material grades, alloys, or tempers.

11.8 Signature of persons responsible for supervision of the

tests.

Blade lengths of shaped louvers shall not be less than the

minimum blade length tested. See Section 10.2 regarding
minimum blade length.

11.10 Any deviation from the drawings or any modifications

made to the test specimen to obtain the reported values
shall be noted on the drawings and in the report.

11. Report

11.11 For each sample the following items should be

checked on the test specimen versus the manufacturer supplied drawing:

11.1 Report for impact testing shall contain the

following information:
11.1 Date of test and date of report, and report number.
11.2 The name(s) of the author of the report.
11.3 Name and location of the facilities performing the test
and the name and address of the requester of the test.
11.3.1 Names of the individuals performing the test and any
witnesses.
11.4 Manufacturers model number or any other method of
identification.
11.4.1 A description of the test specimen, including all parts
and components and the number of specimens tested.
11.5 For each missile impact, provide the following:

11.9 Detailed drawings of the test specimen, showing dimensioned section profiles, blade to frame connection details,
frame to frame connection details (corners), fasteners and
any other pertinent construction details.

11.12.1 Full sample

Louver overall width

Louver overall height

Louver depth

Blade Spacing
11.12.2 Jamb Frame
Verify Material visual, weight verify aluminum components are aluminum, steel components are steel not
checking chemical composition
Verify Width of component
Verify Depth of component
Verify Thickness of component 2 locations
Visually verify features and shape of component matches drawing
11.12.3 Head Frame
Verify Material visual, weight verify aluminum compo-

ANSI/AMCA 540-13 | 5

nents are aluminum, steel components are steel not

checking chemical composition.
Verify Width of component
Verify Depth of component
Verify Thickness of component 2 locations
Visually verify features and shape of component matches drawing
11.12.4 Sill Frame
Verify Material visual, weight verify aluminum components are aluminum, steel components are steel not
checking chemical composition.
Verify Width of component
Verify Depth of component
Verify Thickness of component 2 locations
Visually verify features and shape of component matches drawing
11.12.5 Blade
Verify Material visual, weight verify aluminum components are aluminum, steel components are steel not
checking chemical composition.
Verify Width of component
Verify Depth of component
Verify Thickness of component 2 locations
Visually verify features and shape of component matches drawing
11.12.6 Other component details, such as Mullion details
Verify Material visual, weight verify aluminum components are aluminum, steel components are steel not
checking chemical composition.
Verify Width of component
Verify Depth of component
Verify Thickness of component 2 locations
Visually verify features and shape of component matches drawing
11.12.7 Connection details
Verify blade to frame connections
Verify sill to jamb connections
Verify head to jamb connections
Verification shall consist of visually inspecting weld sizes
and lengths
Verification shall consist of inspecting fastener diameters
and lengths
Verify other connections shown on manufacturers
drawings
11.13 All data not required herein, but useful to a better
understanding of the test results, conclusions or recommendations, should be appended to the report.

6 | ANSI/AMCA 540-13

6 (Typ.)

See Section 5.3.1.1

2x4
Impact location

Typical
impact location

Section Detail

See Section 5.3.1.1

6 (Typ.)
Figure 1
Impact Locations for Testing Single Section, Horizontal Blade Louver

See Section 5.3.1.2

Typical
impact location

2x4
6 (Typ.)

Section Detail

6 (Typ.)

Impact location
See Section 5.3.1.2
Figure 2
Impact Locations for Testing Single Section, Vertical Blade Louver
ANSI/AMCA 540-13 | 7

6 (Typ.)
See Section 5.3.2

2x4

Typical
impact location

Section Detail

See Section
5.3.2
6 (Typ.)

Impact location

Figure 3
Impact Locations for Testing Multi-Section, Horizontal Blade Louver

Table 1
Missiles
Missile Level

Missile

Impact Speed (m/s)

4100 g 100 g (9.0 lb .25 lb) 2x4 in.

2.4 m 100 mm (8 ft 4 in.) lumber

15.25 (50 ft/s) 2%

4100 g 100 g (9.0 lb .25 lb) 2x4 in.

2.4 m 100 mm (8 ft 4 in.) lumber

24.38 (80 ft/s) 1%

8 | ANSI/AMCA 540-13

Jamb

Plan View

Head

Head

222 mm (8.75 in.)

Tolerance circle

Blade

152 mm (6 in.)

Example of
initial impact
within tolerance

Measured location
per Section
5.3.1.1 or 5.3.1.2
152 mm (6 in.)

Blade
Example of
initial impact out
of tolerance (did
not hit front of
target blade)

Impact
location

Jamb

Blade
Measured location
per Section
5.3.1.1 or 5.3.1.2
Impact
location

Blade

View of Exterior Face

Section Cut View

Figure 4
Impact Location Details
ANSI/AMCA 540-13 | 9

Annex A
Test Specimen Reference Figures

Notes:
1. Support spacing (S) shall be designed for the wind pressure rating of the louver.
2. When stacking multiple horizontal blade sections vertically, blade supports shall be moment spliced at ship sections or
supported by other structures.
3. Qualification of widths smaller than test specimen requires additional test. See Section 4.2.1.1.

Figure A.1
Example of Single Section, Horizontal Blade Louver Qualification

10 | ANSI/AMCA 540-13

Notes:
1. Support spacing (S) shall be designed for the wind pressure rating of the louver.
2. When placing multiple vertical blade sections horizontally, blade supports shall be moment spliced at ship sections or
supported by other structures.
3. Qualification of heights smaller than test specimen requires additional test. See Section 4.2.1.2.

Figure A.2
Example of Single Section, Vertical Blade Louver Qualification

ANSI/AMCA 540-13 | 11

Notes:
1. Support spacing (S) shall be designed for the wind pressure rating of the louver.
2. When placing multiple horizontal blade sections horizontally, blade supports shall be moment spliced at ship sections or
supported by other structures.
3. Qualification of widths smaller than test specimen requires additional test. See Section 4.2.2.1.
4. Minimum two sections shown. Three or more sections may be tested to allow qualification of multiple mullion types with one
test. For example, when trying to obtain qualification for an architectural, recessed, and visible mullion types with a single
test.
Figure A.3
Example of Multi-Section, Horizontal Blade Louver Qualification

12 | ANSI/AMCA 540-13

Notes:
1. Support spacing (S) shall be designed for the wind pressure rating of the louver.
2. When stacking multiple vertical blade sections vertically, blade supports shall be moment spliced at ship sections or
supported by other structures.
3. Qualification of widths smaller than the test specimen requires an additional test. See Section 4.2.2.2.
4. Minimum two sections shown. Three or more sections may be tested to allow qualification of multiple mullion types with one
test.

Figure A.4
Example of Multi-Section, Vertical Blade Louver Qualification

ANSI/AMCA 540-13 | 13

Annex B
Follow-up Service (Informative)
If the intent of qualifying a louver to this standard is to
meet the requirements of the building code, AMCA 512,
or approved third party agency, then a listing and labeling
service shall be used. The reason for this is that the building code requires a third party follow-up service or annual
inspection of the product.

14 | ANSI/AMCA 540-13

Annex C
Bibliography
[1] ASTM E 1996-04
Standard Specification for Performance of Exterior
Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors and Impact Protective
Systems Impacted by Windborne Debris in Hurricanes
[2] ASTM E 1886-05
Standard Test Method for Performance of Exterior
Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Impact Protective
Systems Impacted by Missile(s) and Exposed to Cyclic
Pressure Differentials
[3] International Code Council
2012 International Building Code
[4] International Code Council
2012 International Residential Code
[5] TAS 201
Impact Test Procedures
[6] TAS 203
Criteria for Testing Products Subject to Cyclic Wind
Pressure Loading

ANSI/AMCA 540-13 | 15

AIR MOVEMENT AND CONTROL

ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL, INC.
30 West University Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893 U.S.A.

Tel: (847) 394-0150

E-Mail : [email protected]

Fax: (847) 253-0088

Web: www.amca.org

The Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. is a not-for-profit international association of the
worlds manufacturers of related air system equipment primarily, but limited to: fans, louvers, dampers, air
curtains, airflow measurement stations, acoustic attenuators, and other air system components for the industrial,
commercial and residential markets.