The certification of frames that are available on the Greek and international market is a mandatory EU directive. and we are referring, of course, to the CE marking, which is mandatory for doors and windows since 2010. Along with the CE marking, the manufacturers of frames have the appropriate certificates from the companies designing and producing systems for frames (extrusion).
A brief overview of the current legislation – ignoring the details – we believe that will contribute to a better understanding of the concept and requirements of the CE Marking on Frames, applicable from 1 February 2010 in the countries of the European Union.

Purpose

The purpose of the CE marking is to provide transparency regarding the performance of frame for the protection of the end user and the manufacturer: therefore the perception that the manufacturer knows what he/she sells and what he/she produces – and for the market – what it buys.

Application

The CE marking applies to doors and windows, both externally and internally, in accordance with the following reference standards:
EN 14351-1: Windows and doors – Product standard, performance characteristics – Part 1: Windows and external pedestrian doorsets without resistance to fire and/or smoke leakage characteristics. This standard will be completed with Part 2 and Part 3 which is in its inception phase (pr EN 14351-2: Internal pedestrian doorsets without resistance to fire and/or smoke leakage characteristics and pr EN 14351-3: Windows and pedestrian doorsets with resistance to fire and/or smoke leakage characteristics).
But for now, we refer only to reference standard EN 14351-1.

It is not a label of origin or quality

• The CE marking does not indicate the origin or the quality of a product.
• The CE marking is the declaration of conformity to the minimum levels of performance declared by the manufacturer of frames.

Entry into force

All frames manufactured and sold within European Union must mandatory bear the CE marking from 1 February 2010, while by 31 January 2010 it was optional.

A frame with the CE marking:

• Complies with the Construction Products Directive CEE 89/106 (CPD) and Guidance Paper M.
• It meets the requirements of standard EN 14351-1.

Marking of frames

The ‘label’ must indicate manufacturer’s details u954 and product’s performance, ‘as described in EN 14351-1’, and must therefore confirm that the final product meets the predefined requirements and has specific declared performance for which the manufacturer of the frame is fully responsible. The “labels” may be put on the frame or its packaging, or may accompany the frame as justifying document.

In addition to the “label”, the manufacturer must provide to the end user the Declaration of Conformity – stating that the frame complies with the standards and reference guidelines.

Required conditions

The manufacturer of the frame, in order to be entitled to the CE marking, must acquire:

• ITT- Initial-Type Testing (ITT). The results of the tests (test report) carried out on sample frames in a notified laboratory and indicate the performance characteristics of the frame.
• Control of the Production Process (FPC). Specific plan for the control of the production process(FPC) in order to guarantee compliance of all frames with the declared test characteristics and verifications of the notified laboratory measurements.

Requirements

Performance characteristics of a frame. The declared characteristics of a frame can be of 4 types:

• General mandatory requirements.
• Specific mandatory requirements.
• General optional requirements.
• Special optional requirements

General mandatory requirements

• Resistance to wind load (ELOT EN 12211)
• Waterproofing (ELOT EN 1027)
• Air permeability (ELOT EN 1026)
• Sound insulation performance (ELOT EN 14351)
• Thermal insulation performance (ELOT EN 12412.02, ELOT EN ISO 10077.02)
• Optical and thermal properties of glass panes
• Carrying capacity of safety devices (EN14609 / EN 948 or by calculation methods).

When manufacturing a frame, substances and materials which are potentially harmful to health shall not be used and the above standards classify the test methods and categorize the results.

Specific mandatory requirements

• Snow load resistance (skylights, roof windows)
• Shock-resistance (where required by national law)

General optional requirements

• Resistance to violation
• Bulletproof
• Resistance to explosion
• Mechanical resistance
• Mechanical durability
• Stress handling

Special optional requirements

• Ventilation (ventilation devices, if any)
• Flatness of sheets

Initial-Type Testing (ITT)

The manufacturer can obtain the reports that indicate the results of the initial-type tests of the frame – sample in three ways:

1. The manufacturer shall do the tests by his own in a notified laboratory and choose the typology and dimensions of the frame-sample.
   It is feasible to test u956, which is a frame typology that results in other typologies. For example, according to ELOT EN 14351 –1 Annex F.1, the results of tests on a recessed frame also cover the typologies of the fixed frame, the single-leaf opening, the reclining and the projected.
2. Using cascading ITTs. Tests are carried out by a supplier (extrusion companies, parts, commercial company or other) at his own expenses and at his own choice of typology and frame-sample dimensions. Provides test reports to the manufacturer through a contract to which the following are attached:

• The detailed instructions of constructing the frame in order to ensure repeatability of performance,
• the limits for the use of results concerning the dimensions, materials and composition of the frame,
• the controls, drawings and codes of materials and components used. The manufacturer may sign more than one contract with several suppliers and exercise his right to initial type tests.

3. Using shared ITT’s

The manufacturer uses the results of the initial-type tests performed by someone else and shares the cost of the Initial-type test and the methodology of constructing (materials and procedures). It is usually implemented by manufacturers that have more than one machine or between manufacturers with similar outputs that share costs.

Control of the production process (FPC)

The control of the production process is the system according to which the manufacturer declares and guarantees the homogeneity of its production and the long-term preservation of the performance of the frame-sample. The control of the production process is the sole responsibility of the manufacturer and no verification is required by any entity. It should include:

• Documents declaring the results of Initial-Type Tests (measurement reports).
• The attached documents accompanying the contract made between the supplier and manufacturer if the manufacturer exercise the right to apply consecutive initial-type tests.
• A written description of the process of checking the materials, the processes of the status of machines and tools at intervals specified by the manufacturer.
• Written procedures for managing products not in compliance.
• Keep the documentation for the delivered orders for 5years while the deadline of the reports of the initial-type tests are kept until the date of frame typologies covered are constructed.

If the manufacturer has ISO 9000 or subsequent, the control of manufacturing process provided for shall comply with the requirements of the CE Marking.

Replacement of parts

EN 14351-1 standard provides for the possibility of using components other than those used in the initial-type tests, without the need to repeat the tests, provided that they are at least equivalent to those used in the frame-sample (principle of “functional equivalence”).

In case of functional equivalence, the initial-type tests don’t need to be repeated. The functional equivalence of frame is achieved with components that, after testing according to the respective standards, seem to have operating performance equal to or higher than the performance of the components being replaced.

The assessment of functional equivalence shall be carried out under the responsibility of the manufacturer who shall incorporate in the control of the production process the documentation relating to the parts that have been replaced (codes, products, assembly instructions, test reports, etc.) and shall may continue to use the results of the Initial-Type Test and put the CE marking on the final product.

Manufacturer’s obligation

The responsibility for the proper CE marking is always at the sole responsibility of the manufacturer of frames. He/She is therefore obliged, in any case, to provide the end user with the CE declaration of conformity for frames along with the relevant operating and maintenance instructions. In case the manufacturer is not the same as the installer, he/she should draw up and give instructions to the personnel regarding the proper installation.