What is AMCA 500-L Water Penetration?

The AMCA 500-L Water Penetration standard is a static water test for louver products. The test standard simulates rain falling straight down in front of a louver test specimen at a rate of 4 in./hr. A fan attempts to pull water through the louver from a fully enclosed chamber behind the louver. The free area velocity whereby 0.01 oz of water per square foot of louver free area is measurable in the chamber behind the louvers is the Beginning Point of Water Penetration. It is always advisable to size conventional intake application louver comfortably below the Beginning Point of Water Penetration.