ASTM C1046-95(2013)

5.1 Traditionally, HFTs have been incorporated into laboratory testing devices, such as the heat flow meter apparatus (Test Method C518), that employ controlled temperatures and heat flow paths to effect a thermal measurement. The application of heat flux transducers and temperature transducers to building components in situ can produce quantitative information about building thermal performance that reflects the existing properties of the building under actual thermal conditions. The literature contains a sample of reports on how these measurements have been used (1-8).³

5.2 The major advantage of this practice is the potential simplicity and ease of application of the sensors. To avoid spurious information, users of HFTs shall: (5.3 The user of HFTs and TTs for measurements on buildings shall understand principles of heat flux in building components and have competence to accommodate the following:

1.1 This practice covers a technique for using heat flux transducers (HFTs) and temperature transducers (TTs) in measurements of the in-situ dynamic or steady-state thermal behavior of opaque components of building envelopes. The applications for such data include determination of thermal resistances or of thermal time constants. However, such uses are beyond the scope of this practice (for information on determining thermal resistances, see Practice C1155).

1.2 Use infrared thermography with this technique to locate appropriate sites for HFTs and TTs (hereafter called sensors), unless subsurface conditions are known.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 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 regulatory limitations prior to use.