ASTM E1554/E1554M-13(2023)
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Determining Air Leakage of Air Distribution Systems by Fan Pressurization
Standard Test Methods for Determining Air Leakage of Air Distribution Systems by Fan Pressurization
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Air leakage between an air distribution system and unconditioned spaces affects the energy losses from the distribution system, the ventilation rate of the building, and the entry rate of air pollutants.
5.2 The determination of infiltration energy loads and ventilation rates of residences and small commercial buildings are typically based on the assumption that the principal driving forces for infiltration and ventilation are the wind and indoor/outdoor temperature differences. This can be an inappropriate assumption for buildings that have distribution systems that pass through unconditioned spaces, because the existence of relatively modest leakage from that system has a relatively large impact on overall ventilation rates. The air leakage characteristics of these exterior distribution systems are needed to determine their ventilation, energy, and pollutant-entry implications.
5.3 Air leakage through the exterior air distribution envelope may be treated in the same manner as air leakage in the building envelope as long as the system is not operating (see Test Method E779). However, when the system blower is on, the pressures across the air distribution system leaks are usually significantly larger than those driving natural infiltration. Depending on the size of the leaks, these pressures can induce much larger flows than natural infiltration. Thus, it is important to be able to isolate these leaks from building envelope leaks. The leakage of air distribution systems must be measured in the field, because it has been shown that workmanship and installation details are more important than design in determining the leakage of these systems.
5.4 For codes, standards, and other compliance or quality control applications, the precision and repeatability at meeting a specified target (for example, air flow at reference pressure) is more important than air leakage flows at operating conditions. Some existing codes, standards, and voluntary programs require ...
SCOPE
1.1 The test methods included in this standard are applicable to the air distribution systems in low-rise residential and commercial buildings.
1.2 These test methods cover four techniques for measuring the air leakage of air distribution systems. The techniques use air flow and pressure measurements to determine the leakage characteristics.
1.3 The test methods for two of the techniques also specify the auxiliary measurements needed to characterize the magnitude of the distribution system air leakage during normal operation.
1.4 A test method for the total recirculating air flow induced by the system blower is included so that the air distribution system leakage can be normalized as is often required for energy calculations.
1.5 The proper use of these test methods requires knowledge of the principles of air flow and pressure measurements.
1.6 Three of these test methods are intended to produce a measure of the air leakage from the air distribution system to outside. The other test method measures total air leakage including air leaks to inside conditioned space.
1.7 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.8 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. For specific hazard statements, see Section 7.
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Developme...
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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: E1554/E1554M − 13 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Methods for
Determining Air Leakage of Air Distribution Systems by Fan
Pressurization
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1554/E1554M; 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 1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 The test methods included in this standard are applicable
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
to the air distribution systems in low-rise residential and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
commercial buildings.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.2 These test methods cover four techniques for measuring
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
the air leakage of air distribution systems. The techniques use
air flow and pressure measurements to determine the leakage
2. Referenced Documents
characteristics.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.3 The test methods for two of the techniques also specify
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
the auxiliary measurements needed to characterize the magni-
E779 Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan
tude of the distribution system air leakage during normal
Pressurization
operation.
E1258 Test Method for Airflow Calibration of Fan Pressur-
ization Devices
1.4 A test method for the total recirculating air flow induced
2.2 ASME Standard:
by the system blower is included so that the air distribution
MFC-3M Measurement of Fluid Flow in Pipes Using Orifice
system leakage can be normalized as is often required for
Nozzle and Venturi
energy calculations.
1.5 The proper use of these test methods requires knowl-
3. Terminology
edge of the principles of air flow and pressure measurements.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of general terms related to
1.6 Three of these test methods are intended to produce a
building construction used in these test methods, refer to
measure of the air leakage from the air distribution system to
Terminology E631.
outside. The other test method measures total air leakage
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
including air leaks to inside conditioned space.
3.2.1 building envelope—the boundary or barrier separating
the interior volume of a building from the outside environment.
1.7 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
Even when a garage is conditioned, for this standard it is
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
considered to be outside the building envelope.
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
3.2.2 blower—the air moving device for a forced air space
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
conditioning and/or ventilation system.
with the standard.
4. Summary of Test Methods
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1 Four alternative measurement and analysis methods are
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- specified and labeled A through D, Test Methods A and B give
separate values for supply and return leakage to outside. Test
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Methods C and D do not separate supply and return leakage.
For specific hazard statements, see Section 7.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Performance of Buildings and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.41 Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
on Air Leakage and Ventilation Performance. the ASTM website.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2023. Published October 2023. Originally Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as E1554/E1554M – 13 International Headquarters, Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
(2018). DOI: 10.1520/E1554_E1554M-13R23. www.asme.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1554/E1554M − 13 (2023)
Test Methods A, B, and C determine leakage to outside, but operating conditions, but measures the total system leakage at
Test Method D measures total leakage, including leakage to a uniform reference pressure of 25 Pa [0.1 in. of water]. The
inside. Test Method A is based upon changes in flow through schematic in Fig. 3 applies to Method D.
distribution system leaks to outside due to blower operation
4.2 These test methods also include specifications for the
over a range of envelope pressure differences. The envelope
auxiliary measurements to interpret the air leakage measure-
pressure differences are generated by a separate air moving fan
ments.
and both pressurization and depressurization measurements are
performed. Test Methods B and C are based upon pressurizing
5. Significance and Use
the distribution system at the same time as the building in order
5.1 Air leakage between an air distribution system and
to isolate the leaks that are outside the building envelope. For
unconditioned spaces affects the energy losses from the distri-
Test Method B, measured system operating pressures are then
bution system, the ventilation rate of the building, and the entry
used to estimate leakage under operating conditions. Test
rate of air pollutants.
Method C determines the leakage to outside at a uniform
5.2 The determination of infiltration energy loads and ven-
reference pressure of 25 Pa [0.1 in. of water] instead of
operating pressure, and does not separate supply and return tilation rates of residences and small commercial buildings are
leaks. Test Methods B and C are shown schematically in Fig. typically based on the assumption that the principal driving
1 and Fig. 2. Unlike Methods A, B, and C, Method D does not forces for infiltration and ventilation are the wind and indoor/
attempt to measure the leakage to outside under normal outdoor temperature differences. This can be an inappropriate
FIG. 1 Schematic of Method B—Distribution System and Building Pressurization Test (for Supply Leakage)
E1554/E1554M − 13 (2023)
FIG. 2 Schematic of Method C—Distribution System Pressurization Test
assumption for buildings that have distribution systems that measured in the field, because it has been shown that work-
pass through unconditioned spaces, because the existence of
manship and installation details are more important than design
relatively modest leakage from that system has a relatively in determining the leakage of these systems.
large impact on overall ventilation rates. The air leakage
5.4 For codes, standards, and other compliance or quality
characteristics of these exterior distribution systems are needed
control applications, the precision and repeatability at meeting
to determine their ventilation, energy, and pollutant-entry
a specified target (for example, air flow at reference pressure)
implications.
is more important than air leakage flows at operating condi-
5.3 Air leakage through the exterior air distribution enve-
tions. Some existing codes, standards, and voluntary programs
lope may be treated in the same manner as air leakage in the
require the use of a simpler test method (Test Method D) that
building envelope as long as the system is not operating (see
does not separate supply from return leakage, leakage to inside
Test Method E779). However, when the system blower is on,
from leakage to outside, or estimate leakage pressures at
the pressures across the air distribution system leaks are
operating conditions.
usually significantly larger than those driving natural infiltra-
5.5 Test Methods A, B, and C can be used for energy use
tion. Depending on the size of the leaks, these pressures can
induce much larger flows than natural infiltration. Thus, it is calculations and compliance and quality control applications.
important to be able to isolate these leaks from building Test Method D is intended for use in compliance and quality
envelope leaks. The leakage of air distribution systems must be control only.
E1554/E1554M − 13 (2023)
FIG. 3 Example of Air-Flow Difference and Envelope Pressure Plot for Test Method A.1
6. Apparatus 6.2.5 Pressure-Measuring Device (All methods)—A device
to measure pressure differences with an accuracy of 60.25 Pa
6.1 The following description of apparatus is general in
[60.001 in. of water] or 61 % of measured pressure, which-
nature. Any arrangement of equipment using the same prin-
ever is greater.
ciples and capable of performing the test procedure within the
6.2.6 Distribution System Pressure Measuring Probe (B, C,
allowable tolerances is permitted. The items are labeled for
and D)—A probe to measure the static pressure within a
each test method.
distribution system under flow conditions.
6.2 Major Components:
6.2.7 Air Temperature Measuring Device (All methods)—
6.2.1 Air-Moving Equipment (A, B, and C)—A fan, blower,
To give an accuracy of 60.5 °C [0.9 °F].
or blower door assembly that is capable of moving air into and
out of the building at the flow rates required to create the full
7. Hazards
range of test pressure differences. The air moving equipment
7.1 Glass should not break at the pressure differences
shall be able to accomplish both pressurization and depressur-
normally applied to the building, however, protective eye wear
ization of the building and distribution system.
shall be provided to personnel.
6.2.2 Air Flow-Regulating System (A, B, and C)—A device
such as a damper or variable speed motor control to regulate 7.2 When conducted in the field, safety equipment required
for general field work shall be supplied, such as safety shoes,
and maintain air flow through the air moving equipment (see
6.2.1). hard hats, and so forth.
6.2.3 Air Flow Measuring Device (A)—A device to measure
7.3 Because air-moving equipment is involved in this test, a
airflow with an accuracy of 65 % of the measured flow
proper guard or cage to house the fan or blower and to prevent
through air moving equipment in 6.2.1. The air flow measuring
accidental access to any moving parts of the equipment shall be
system shall be calibrated in accordance with Test Method
provided.
E1258 or ASME MFC-3M, whichever is applicable. The
7.4 Hearing protection shall be provided for personnel who
temperature dependence and range of the calibration shall be
work close to noises such as those generated by moving air.
explicitly reported.
6.2.4 Distribution System Flow Measurement Device (B, C, 7.5 When the blower or fan is operating, a large volume of
and D)—A device to measure airflow with an accuracy of air is being forced into or out of the building, the air-
65 % of the measured flow. The airflow measuring system distribution system, or both. Precautions shall be undertaken
shall be calibrated in accordance with Test Method E1258 or such that plants, pets, occupants, or internal furnishings shall
ASME MFC-3M, whichever is applicable. The temperature not be damaged due to the influx of cold or warm air. Similar
dependence and range of the calibration shall be explicitly precautions shall be exercised with respect to sucking debris or
reported. exhaust gases from fireplaces and flues into the interior of the
E1554/E1554M − 13 (2023)
building extinguishing pilot lights, flame rollout for combus- 8.2.1 Environmental Measurements—At the beginning and
tion appliances and drawing sewer gas into the building. the end of each test, measure the outdoor temperature, indoor
temperature, and barometric pressure.
8. Procedure
8.2.2 Building Preparation:
8.2.2.1 Envelope—Open all interconnecting doors in the
8.1 General—The basic procedure involves pressurization
building. Fireplace and other operable dampers shall be closed.
and depressurization of air distribution systems and buildings
If the air handling unit is located in a closet, the closet door
with concurrent flow and pressure measurements to determine
shall be closed during testing. The condition of openings to
the air leakage of the distribution system.
outside for spaces that contain ducts (for example, garage
8.1.1 Test Method A (Flow Difference) for Air Leakage
doors or basement windows) shall be recorded.
Determination—This technique is based upon changing the
8.2.2.2 Distribution System—HVAC-balancing dampers and
flow through distribution system leaks by operating the blower
registers, in general, shall not be adjusted. However, for
fan and simultaneously pressurizing (or depressurizing) the
multiple zoned systems, the position of zonal dampers should
building envelope and distribution system. There are two
be fixed for the duration of the test. Several tests may be
alternatives for gathering the required test data utilizing the
performed with zone dampers fixed at different settings, but at
same analysis procedure. Test Method A.1 records data at fixed
least one of the tests shall have all zone control dampers in the
envelope pressure stations. Test Method A.2 records data
fully open position.
continuously as the envelope air flows and pressure are
8.2.3 Air Flow Difference Measurements:
gradually changed by the envelope air moving equipment. The
blower speed and heating or cooling function shall be the same 8.2.3.1 Connect the air moving/flow-regulating/flow mea-
for all steps of the test procedure. surement assembly to the building envelope using a window or
8.1.2 Test Method B: Fan Pressurization of Distribution door opening. Seal or tape openings to avoid leakage at these
System and Building for Air Leakage Determination—This points.
technique is based upon sealing the registers of the distribution
8.2.3.2 Install the envelope pressure difference sensor. The
system and pressurizing the system to measure the flow
outside pressure measurement location shall be sheltered from
through the leaks at the imposed pressure difference. With the wind and sun
...
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