ASTM E1258-23

Standard Test Method for Airflow Calibration of Fan Pressurization Devices

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The fan pressurization procedure provides a relatively fast evaluation of the airtightness of building envelopes. In order for the accuracy of the test results to be known, the airflow rate measurement technique of the fan pressurization system must be calibrated.  
5.2 This test method is applicable to fan pressurization systems that are installed in an opening in the building envelope, as opposed to pressurization techniques involving the mechanical ventilation system of the building.  
5.3 The technique of pressurization testing of buildings puts specific requirements on the calibration of fan pressurization systems. The calibration must cover the range of fan pressure differences (approximately 12.5 Pa to 75 Pa) that is induced during pressurization tests. The calibration must also cover a range in fan airflow rates corresponding to the range in building size and airtightness that the fan pressurization system will encounter in the field.  
5.4 The fan pressurization system must be calibrated in both directions of airflow used to pressurize and depressurize a building if the system airflow direction is reversible. These two calibrations can be conducted using the various setups described in this test method; however some of the setups can be combined such that a single calibration facility can be used to calibrate the fan in both directions. Such a single setup may involve moving the fan pressurization system from one end of the chamber to the other, reversing the orientation of the system at the same end of the chamber, or it may not require moving the system at all.  
5.5 The calibration technique is applicable to the two basic types of fan pressurization systems in use, r/min doors and signal doors.  
5.6 For fan pressurization systems that operate in multiple ranges of airflow rate, the system must be calibrated in each range.  
5.7 The calibration technique is intended to provide a complete calibration of a fan pressurization system. After calibra...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the airflow measurement calibration techniques for fan pressurization systems used for measuring air leakage rates through building envelopes.  
1.2 This test method is applicable to systems used for air leakage measurement as described in Test Methods E779, E1827, E3158, and ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380.  
1.3 This test method involves the installation of the fan pressurization system in a calibration chamber. Use of the fan pressurization system in an actual building may introduce additional errors in the airflow measurement due to operator influence, interference of internal partitions and furnishings, weather effects, and other factors.  
1.4 The proper use of this test method requires a knowledge of the principles of airflow and pressure measurement.  
1.5 This standard includes two basic procedures, a preferred procedure, based on ASHRAE 51/AMCA 210, and an optional procedure based on a nonstandard airflow measurement technique, commonly used by manufacturers of fan pressurization devices, but which has not been compared with standard airflow measurement techniques.  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2023
• ICS: 23.120 - Ventilators. Fans. Air-conditioners
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.41 - Air Leakage and Ventilation Performance

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1258 − 23
Standard Test Method for
1
Airflow Calibration of Fan Pressurization Devices
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1258; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2
1.1 This test method covers the airflow measurement cali- 2.1 ASTM Standards:
bration techniques for fan pressurization systems used for
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
measuring air leakage rates through building envelopes.
E779 Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan
Pressurization
1.2 This test method is applicable to systems used for air
E1827 Test Methods for Determining Airtightness of Build-
leakage measurement as described in Test Methods E779,
ings Using an Orifice Blower Door
E1827, E3158, and ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380.
E3158 Test Method for Measuring the Air Leakage Rate of
1.3 This test method involves the installation of the fan
a Large or Multizone Building
pressurization system in a calibration chamber. Use of the fan
2.2 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-
pressurization system in an actual building may introduce
3
Conditioning Engineers Standard:
additional errors in the airflow measurement due to operator
ASHRAE 51 ⁄AMCA 210 Laboratory Methods for Testing
influence, interference of internal partitions and furnishings,
Fans for Rating
weather effects, and other factors.
4
2.3 American Society of Mechanical Engineers Standard:
1.4 The proper use of this test method requires a knowledge
ASME MFC-3M Standard Measurement of Fluid Flow in
of the principles of airflow and pressure measurement.
Pipes Using Orifice, Nozzle, and Venturi
1.5 This standard includes two basic procedures, a preferred
2.4 Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) Stan-
procedure, based on ASHRAE 51 ⁄AMCA 210, and an optional
5
dard:
procedure based on a nonstandard airflow measurement
ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380 Standard for Testing Airtightness
technique, commonly used by manufacturers of fan pressur-
of Building, Dwelling Unit and Sleeping Unit Enclosures;
ization devices, but which has not been compared with
Airtightness of Heating and Cooling Air Distribution
standard airflow measurement techniques.
Systems, and Airflow of Mechanical Ventilation Systems
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
3. Terminology
standard.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions used in this test method,
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
see Terminology E631.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 3.2.1 ambient conditions, n—conditions in the space from
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. which air is drawn into the calibration chamber and into which
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor- the chamber air is expelled.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
the ASTM website.
3
Available from American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-
Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE), 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on 30329, http://www.ashrae.org.
4
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.41 Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
on Air Leakage and Ventilation Performance. International Headquarters, Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
Current edition approved July 1, 2023. Published August 2023. Originally www.asme.org.
5
approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as E1258 – 88 (2018). Available from Residential Energy Services Network, Inc, P.O. Box 4561
DOI: 10.1520/E1258-23. Oceanside, CA 92052-4561, https://www.resnet.us/
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E1258 − 88 (Reapproved 2018) E1258 − 23
Standard Test Method for
1
Airflow Calibration of Fan Pressurization Devices
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1258; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the airflow measurement calibration techniques for fan pressurization systems used for measuring air
leakage rates through building envelopes.
1.2 This test method is applicable to systems used for air leakage measurement as described in Test MethodMethods E779., E1827,
E3158, and ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380.
1.3 This test method involves the installation of the fan pressurization system in a calibration chamber. Use of the fan
pressurization system in an actual building may introduce additional errors in the airflow measurement due to operator influence,
interference of internal partitions and furnishings, weather effects, and other factors.
1.4 The proper use of this test method requires a knowledge of the principles of airflow and pressure measurement.
1.5 This standard includes two basic procedures, a preferred procedure, based on ASHRAE 51 ⁄AMCA 210, and an optional
procedure based on a nonstandard airflow measurement technique, commonly used by manufacturers of fan pressurization devices,
but which has not been compared with standard airflow measurement techniques.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E779 Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization
E1827 Test Methods for Determining Airtightness of Buildings Using an Orifice Blower Door
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.41 on Air Leakage
and Ventilation Performance.
Current edition approved July 1, 2018July 1, 2023. Published July 2018August 2023. Originally approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 20122018 as
E1258 – 88 (2012).(2018). DOI: 10.1520/E1258-88R18.10.1520/E1258-23.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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E1258 − 23
FIG. 1 Static Pressure Tap Specifications
E3158 Test Method for Measuring the Air Leakage Rate of a Large or Multizone Building
3
2.2 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers Standard:
ASHRAE 51 ⁄AMCA 210 Laboratory Methods for Testing Fans for Rating
4
2.3 American Society of Mechanical Engineers Standard:
ASME MFC-3M Standard Measurement of Fluid Flow in Pipes Using Orifice, Nozzle, and Venturi
5
2.4 Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) Standard:
ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380 Standard for Testing Airtightness of Building, Dwelling Unit and Sleeping Unit Enclosures;
Airtightness of Heating and Cooling Air Distribution Systems, and Airflow of Mechanical Ventilation Systems
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions used in this test method, see Terminology E631.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 ambient conditions, n—conditions in the space from which air is drawn into the calibration chamber and into which the
chamber air is expelled.
3.2.2 chamber, n—an enclosure of rectangular or circular cross section to simulate the entrance a
...