What is the main focus when testing a CW system according to ASTM standards?

The primary focus when testing a CW (Curtain Wall) system according to ASTM standards is on the fire resistance between rated floors and non-rated walls. This aspect is crucial because it assesses the ability of the CW system to prevent the spread of fire from one area of a building to another, specifically between different floor levels and walls that do not have a fire-resistance rating.

In practice, ensuring adequate fire resistance is integral to building safety and compliance with fire codes, as it helps to protect occupants and property by containing a fire within a localized area for a set period, allowing for safe evacuation and intervention by emergency services. Testing under ASTM standards provides a standardized method to quantify this fire resistance, ensuring that the materials and constructions used will perform adequately in the event of a fire.

The focus of testing on this interaction helps builders, architects, and safety professionals understand how the CW system contributes to overall fire safety in a structure.