This american national standard ansi smacna 016 2012 covers revised leakage criteria and builds on the proven methods for testing ductwork for air leaks from the first edition.
Duct air leak test procedure.
Contains updates to the expected leakage rates for ductwork constructed to the smacna hvac duct construction standards metal flexible duct leakage test procedures recommendations on use of leakage testing types.
1 blower with speed control vfd to generate range of pressure flowrange of pressure flow 2 flow measuring devices flow grid flow station high flow flow grid flow station high flow orifice plate low flow.
The basic idea behind using a duct leakage tester to test for duct leakage is.
If any supply or return duct chases flexible lines or air handler units are in these areas by iecc 2015 code a duct leakage test is required.
Potential accuracy of flow measurements should be evaluated.
A third test method.
Use the line tap to access the system to diagnose problem.
For more information see the real zero guide to the 13 most common leaks.
Test apparatustest apparatus duct leakage test system consists of duct leakage test system consists of.
The only time duct testing is required is when parts of the hvac system are outside of the conditioned envelope.
Apparent differences of about ten percent between fan delivery and sum of airflow measurements at terminals do not necessarily mean poor sealing and excess leakage.
Leakage class can be calculated using equation 3 but needs to be specified if duct air leakage tests are required.
Ensure all valves are capped.
To find the total duct leakage that s basically all you do.
Conduct multi zone pressurization leakage test.
Another form of duct leakage to outside uses a blower door to measure the total amount of.
Measure the airflow through the fan with the duct system at pressure.
This includes areas like unconditioned attics garages and crawlspaces.
The above test procedure describes how to determine total duct leakage or how much leakage there is.
Use a calibrated fan to pressurize the duct system.
First you need to determine if a duct leakage test is required.
Total duct leakage test in the previous page on the basic duct leakage testing procedure we said that you pressurize the duct system and measure the airflow through the fan.
Figure 5 1l from the 2012 smacna hvac air duct leakage test manual shows the allowable leakage as a function of duct leakage classification and static pressure in the duct.
The hvac air duct leakage test manual provides practical and detailed procedures for conducting leakage tests.