prEN 14336
(Main)Heating systems in buildings - Installation and commissioning of water based heating systems
Heating systems in buildings - Installation and commissioning of water based heating systems
This document specifies the requirements for the installation and commissioning of water-based heating, cooling and domestic hot water preparation (DHW) systems in buildings with a maximum operating temperature of 110°C.
This document does not cover superheated water systems and steam systems.
This document covers the system's requirements for the installation and commissioning of individual components of the system (e.g. heat generators, pumps, controls). It does not cover the specific commissioning requirements for these components (e.g. how to set fuel/air ratio on a boiler).
This document does not cover the installation or commissioning of attached systems (e.g. air conditioning, domestic hot water distribution, ventilation systems).
This document covers only the technical requirements, and does not cover any commercial or contractual arrangements between parties.
Heizungsanlagen und wassergeführte Kühlanlagen in Gebäuden - Installation und Abnahme der Warmwasser-Heizungsanlagen
Dieses Dokument legt die Anforderungen an die Installation und Abnahme wassergeführter Heizungs-, Kühl- und häusliche Warmwasserbereitungsanlagen (DHW) in Gebäuden mit einer maximalen Betriebstemperatur von 110 °C fest.
Dieses Dokument behandelt keine Heißwasser- und Heißdampfsysteme.
Dieses Dokument gilt für die Systemanforderungen zur Installation und Abnahme von einzelnen Komponenten der Anlage (z. B. Wärmeerzeuger, Pumpen, Steuerung). Es behandelt nicht die spezifischen Inbetriebnahmeanforderungen für diese Komponenten (z. B. Einstellen des Brennstoff-Luft-Verhältnisses an einem Kessel).
Dieses Dokument gilt nicht für die Installation und die Abnahme von zugeschalteten Anlagen (z. B. Klimaanlagen, Hauswasseranlagen, Verteileranlagen, Lüftungsanlagen).
Dieses Dokument legt nur die technischen Voraussetzungen fest und regelt nicht das vertragliche Verhältnis zwischen Auftraggeber und Auftragnehmer (Planer und Ausführenden).
Systèmes de chauffage dans les bâtiments - Installation et commissionnement des systèmes de chauffage à eau
Le présent document spécifie les exigences relatives à l’installation et au commissionnement des systèmes de chauffage et de refroidissement à eau et des systèmes de préparation d’eau chaude sanitaire dans les bâtiments fonctionnant avec une température maximale de 110 °C.
Le présent document ne couvre pas les systèmes à eau surchauffée et les systèmes à vapeur.
Le présent document couvre les exigences pour l’installation et le commissionnement des composants du système (par exemple les générateurs de chaleur, pompes, régulateurs). Il ne concerne pas les exigences de commissionnement spécifiques à ces composants (par exemple, comment définir le ratio combustible/air d’une chaudière).
Le présent document ne couvre pas l’installation ou le commissionnement des systèmes connexes (par exemple, systèmes de conditionnement d’air, de distribution d’eau chaude domestique ou de ventilation).
Le présent document couvre uniquement les exigences techniques, et ne concerne pas les accords contractuels ou commerciaux entre les parties.
Ogrevalni sistemi v stavbah - Vgradnja in zagon toplovodnih ogrevalnih sistemov
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2022
Ogrevalni sistemi v stavbah - Vgradnja in zagon toplovodnih ogrevalnih sistemov
Heating systems in buildings - Installation and commissioning of water based heating
systems
Heizungsanlagen und wassergeführte Kühlanlagen in Gebäuden - Installation und
Abnahme der Warmwasser-Heizungsanlagen
Systèmes de chauffage dans les bâtiments - Installation et commissionnement des
systèmes de chauffage à eau
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 14336
ICS:
91.140.10 Sistemi centralnega Central heating systems
ogrevanja
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
November 2021
ICS 91.140.10 Will supersede EN 14336:2004
English Version
Heating systems in buildings - Installation and
commissioning of water based heating systems
Systèmes de chauffage dans les bâtiments - Installation Heizungsanlagen und wassergeführte Kühlanlagen in
et commissionnement des systèmes de chauffage à eau Gebäuden - Installation und Abnahme der
Warmwasser-Heizungsanlagen
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 228.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 14336:2021 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Installation . 9
4.1 Preparation for the installation . 9
4.2 Inventory and inspection of incoming goods . 10
4.3 Handling of materials . 11
4.4 Storage of materials . 11
4.5 Installation of components . 11
4.6 Site inspections during the installation work . 14
4.7 Changes during the installation process . 14
5 Pre-commissioning checks . 15
5.1 Objective . 15
5.2 General check . 15
5.3 Equipment and component check . 15
5.4 Electrical checks . 16
6 Pressure test . 16
6.1 General. 16
6.2 Hydraulic test . 18
6.3 Pneumatic test . 18
7 System cleaning . 20
7.1 General. 20
7.2 Simple and dynamic flushing . 21
7.3 Mechanical cleaning . 23
7.4 Use of chemicals . 23
8 System filling and venting . 24
8.1 General. 24
8.2 Frost precautions . 24
8.3 Use of chemicals . 25
8.4 Filling report . 25
9 Balancing water flow rates . 25
10 Functional testing . 26
10.1 General. 26
10.2 Testing and settings of individual devices . 26
10.3 Testing the sequences of operation . 27
11 Handover . 28
11.1 Objective . 28
11.2 Documents for operation, maintenance and use . 28
11.3 Instructions on operation and use . 28
11.4 Hand over documentation . 28
Annex A (informative) List of test and control activities . 29
A.1 Introduction . 29
A.2 Contents of the list . 29
A.3 Sample list of test and control activities . 30
Annex B (informative) Installation site inspection . 32
B.1 Introduction . 32
B.2 Installation site inspection report . 32
B.3 Sample site inspection report . 33
Annex C (informative) PRE-COMMISSIONING CHECKS . 34
C.1 Introduction . 34
C.2 Equipment and major components check-lists . 34
C.3 Electrical checks . 40
Annex D (informative) PRESSURE TESTING . 43
D.1 General . 43
D.2 Sample pressure test report . 43
Annex E (informative) SYSTEM CLEANING . 45
E.1 General . 45
E.2 Procedures . 45
Annex F (informative) FILLING AND VENTING . 49
F.1 General information . 49
F.2 Sample filling report . 49
Annex G (informative) BALANCING OF WATER FLOW RATES . 51
G.1 General . 51
G.2 Simple setting . 51
G.3 Balancing with manual balancing valves and flow measurement and . 53
G.4 Balancing with flow measurement and self-acting balancing valves . 55
G.5 Balancing by temperature measurements . 55
G.6 Flow Accuracy . 56
G.7 Balancing Report . 57
Annex H (informative) FUNCTIONAL TESTING . 59
H.1 General information . 59
H.2 Functional testing of individual appliances and controls . 59
H.3 Global check . 60
Annex I (informative) SAMPLE HAND-OVER CHECKLIST . 62
Bibliography . 63
European foreword
This document (prEN 14336:2021) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 228 “Heating
systems and water-based cooling systems in buildings”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 14336:2004.
In comparison with the previous edition, the following technical modifications have been made:
— new technologies are covered;
— inclusion of new test procedures;
— editorial organization to facilitate the use of this document within a comprehensive commissioning
process.
Introduction
The subjects covered by CEN/TC 228 are the following:
— design of water-based heating and cooling systems;
— installation of heating systems;
— commissioning of heating systems;
— instructions for operation, maintenance and use of heating systems;
— methods for calculation of the design heat loss and heat loads;
— methods for calculation of the energy performance of heating systems.
Heating systems also include the effect of attached systems such as hot water production systems.
All these standards are systems standards, i.e. they are based on requirements addressed to the system
as a whole and not dealing with requirements to the products within the system.
Where possible, reference is made to other European or International Standards, such as product
standards. However, use of products complying with relevant product standards is no guarantee of
compliance with the system requirements.
The requirements are mainly expressed as functional requirements, i.e. requirements dealing with the
function of the system and not specifying shape, material, dimensions or the like.
The guidelines describe ways to meet the requirements, but other ways to fulfil the functional
requirements might be used if fulfilment can be proved.
Heating systems differ among the member countries due to climate, traditions and national regulations.
In some cases, requirements are given as classes so national or individual needs may be accommodated.
In cases where the standards contradict with national regulations, the latter should be followed.
Figure 1 illustrates the basic sequence of the installation and commissioning process.
Figure 1 — Installation and commissioning process
1 Scope
This document specifies the requirements for the installation and commissioning of water-based heating,
cooling and domestic hot water preparation (DHW) systems in buildings with a maximum operating
temperature of 110°C.
This document does not cover superheated water systems and steam systems.
This document covers the system's requirements for the installation and commissioning of individual
components of the system (e.g. heat generators, pumps, controls). It does not cover the specific
commissioning requirements for these components (e.g. how to set fuel/air ratio on a boiler).
This document does not cover the installation or commissioning of attached systems (e.g. air
conditioning, domestic hot water distribution, ventilation systems).
This document covers only the technical requirements, and does not cover any commercial or contractual
arrangements between parties.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 12170, Heating systems in buildings - Procedure for the preparation of documents for operation,
maintenance and use - Heating systems requiring a trained operator
EN 12171, Heating systems in buildings - Procedure for the preparation of documents for operation,
maintenance and use - Heating systems not requiring a trained operator
EN 61082-1, Preparation of documents used in electrotechnology - Part 1: Rules
EN 61082-3, Preparation of documents used in electrotechnology. Part 3: Connection diagrams, tables and
lists
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
installer
party performing the installation process
3.2
client
party for whom the installation process is performed
Note 1 to entry: In some contexts, the client may be represented by a professional during the installation and
commissioning process.
3.3
commissioning
advancement of an installation from the stage when the mechanical and electrical installation work is
complete to a confirmed operation-ready state according to specified requirements
Note 1 to entry: The word “commissioning” is used here to identify the activities of checking, testing and setting to
work the installed systems prior to hand-over. This is only a part of the comprehensive “commissioning process” as
defined in Ashrae 202 standard.
3.4
hydraulic balancing
process of adjusting flow rates throughout the system to obtain the required flow rates under design
conditions
3.5
contaminant
undesired substance or particle which is present inside a water-based system
Note 1 to entry: Examples of contaminants are welding scale, slag, cuttings, metal oxide particles, cutting oil
residues, dirt.
3.6
flushing
washing out of a piping system to remove contaminants
3.7
mechanical cleaning
process of pipe cleaning and removal of dirt and debris by forcing a device called a pig or scraper through
the pipeline
3.8
heat distribution system
configuration of interconnected components for the transport of heat from the heat generation system to
the heat emission system or any attached system
3.9
heat emission system
configuration of interconnected components for the dispersal of heat to a heated space
3.10
heat generation system
configuration of interconnected components/appliances for the supply of heat to the heat distribution
system
3.11
maintenance
combination of all technical, administrative and managing actions necessary to retain an item in, or
restore it to, a state in which it can perform an intended function
3.12
maximum operating pressure
maximum pressure at which the system, or parts of the system, is designed to operate
3.13
maximum operating temperature
maximum temperature at which the system, or parts of the system, is designed to operate
3.14
OM&U
operation, maintenance and use
3.15
operation
those actions necessary to make available the services, which the system has been designed to provide
3.16
setting to work
process of setting a static system into operation
3.17
use
action of receiving the services, which the system has been designed to provide
3.18
shop drawings
drawings and diagrams prepared to be used during on-site installation activities
3.20
pressure test
combination of tightness and load test
3.21
tightness test
test performed to ensure that there are no leaks in a hydraulic system
Note 1 to entry: Tightness test is normally performed at lower pressure than load test.
3.22
load test
test performed to ensure that the system can withstand the designed fluid pressure and that is has the
required strength reliability under operating conditions
4 Installation
4.1 Preparation for the installation
4.1.1 Documentation
The installation activities can begin only after the design has been approved for execution and the
following documentation and/or information has been prepared and handled to the installer(s):
a) equipment and component specifications;
b) design specification, including:
— functional diagrams;
— installation layout;
— installation details;
— shop drawings, where appropriate;
— design flow rates and all other information needed for testing and balancing.
Some documents may be available later in the installation process.
c) a coordinated time schedule of the work, specifying priorities and relationship between installation
items, where appropriate (e.g. any timing to be respected between installation works)
d) a list of critical materials / equipment to be checked and / or approved upon delivery (see 4.2 –
incoming goods);
e) an agreed procedure or instructions to handle changes;
f) a list of test and control activities to be performed during the installation and commissioning process,
which include:
— anticipated tests to be performed during the installation process (e.g. any pressure testing of
concealed pipes before covering them);
— required pre-commissioning checks;
— required documented actions, inspections, verifications and testing, such as pressure test,
cleaning, filling, balancing, etc.
Concerning item f), the client and the installer(s) shall agree the required reports to be provided during
the installation process.
Additional information and an example of a list according to item f) are given in informative Annex A.
The completed test reports and forms for the listed test and control activities shall be annexed to the
OM&U instructions.
4.1.2 Site preparation
It shall be ensured that:
— the site is available and accessible for installation;
— handling facilities are provided;
— storage facilities are provided;
— appropriate services/utilities (e.g. water, electricity, gas) are available;
— contractual obligations about site organization are met.
4.2 Inventory and inspection of incoming goods
Delivered materials shall be checked to ensure, that:
— quantities and descriptions correspond to the design specification;
— equipment and components are undamaged.
All accompanying documentation shall be archived and kept available for the installation activities and
for inclusion in the OM&U instructions.
The inspection of incoming materials that have been identified as critical to achieve the design objectives
shall be documented.
4.3 Handling of materials
Any manufacturer’s instructions on how to handle materials shall be followed.
Suitable handling equipment shall be used where necessary.
Penetration/accumulation of dirt and damage of exposed parts shall be avoided.
Attention shall be given to safety requirements.
4.4 Storage of materials
Storage of components shall be carried out according to the manufacturers’ specifications with particular
attention to safety requirements and climatic conditions.
Protection of stored materials shall consider at least:
— sunlight (high temperatures and UV light);
— high temperatures;
— humidity, rain and other atmospheric agents;
— low temperatures (icing);
— animals;
— penetration/accumulation of dirt and damage of exposed parts.
Special provisions shall be given if the installation process shall be residue free.
EXAMPLE Keeping caps on pipes and any other mean of avoiding component contamination.
4.5 Installation of components
4.5.1 General
Manufacturers’ instructions for the installation of components shall be available and followed.
The components shall be installed in accordance with the design specifications.
Proper accessories and tools for positioning, assembling and installation shall be available.
Before installation, every component shall be internally clean, visually checked and suitable for use.
The components shall be installed in a way that allows further (subsequent) work and operations such
as insulation, maintenance and replacement.
Any component needing maintenance shall be installed in such a way that it can be serviced, repaired or
replaced.
EXAMPLE 1 Manoeuvring space and access to replace fan-coil filters.
Components shall be placed, fixed and supported in such a way that they are steady and no harmful
deformations occur and so that thermal expansion is possible. Where applicable, supports and bracings
shall consider seismic actions.
EXAMPLE 2 Suspended equipment may require additional bracing to withstand seismic horizontal forces.
Electrical components shall be installed in accordance with CENELEC requirements.
Clean working procedures (such as avoiding producing and/or leaving swarf and debris in the
components and pipes) shall be adopted if it is planned to avoid cleaning at the end of the mechanical
installation. The installation of filters is recommended in this case (residual risk, check regularly).
The installer shall notify the client of any evidence of possible design mistakes or installation difficulties
and agree a solution.
4.5.2 Heat generation
4.5.2.1 General
The structure upon which the heat supply (generator) is supported and its immediate surroundings shall
be in accordance with the design specifications.
Clearances between the heat generator and adjacent materials, e.g. for safety, cleaning and maintenance,
shall be at least in accordance with the heat generator manufacturer’s instructions.
Points of attention shall be:
a) timber framed buildings with protection of combustible material and fire protection;
b) the boiler room and the mechanical rooms are expected to be built and equipped according to the
applicable legal and safety regulations;
c) heat generator mounting, positioning and connection, in order to limit noise transmission from the
appliance;
d) avoiding stress transmission (connection of piping).
4.5.2.2 Combustion generator
Point of attention shall be:
a) combustion air supply and flue gas evacuation;
b) airing and ventilation openings;
c) fuel supply.
4.5.2.3 Heat pumps
Point of attention shall be:
a) noise and distance to the property limit for heat pumps with outdoor unit;
b) air ducts for indoor mounted, air source heat pumps.
4.5.2.4 Solar collectors
Point of attention shall be:
a) access to the roof;
b) shadings;
c) hangers and supports on the roof shall not compromise the roof waterproofing;
d) insulation material for collector pipes shall withstand high temperatures;
e) using suitable materials for glycol mixture;
f) weight of the system (for natural circulation with store on the roof).
4.5.2.5 Heat exchangers
Point of attention shall be:
a) right connection and flow direction;
b) room for disassembling and cleaning (shell and tube);
c) avoiding mechanical stresses from connections.
4.5.3 Heat distribution – piping and pumps
Measures shall be taken to prevent moisture, fire, smoke, noise and infestants where pipes pass through
a structure.
NOTE When crossing fire rated structures, applicable regulations and technical standards are expected to be
followed.
The components shall be installed in a way that allows insulation according to the design.
In cases where joints and components are inaccessible, they shall be maintenance free and have an
appropriate life expectancy.
Point of attention shall be:
a) provisions to allow thermal expansion of pipes (supports with fixed points and moving points);
b) provisions to avoid transmission of stresses to equipment (flexible joints);
c) provisions to fill, flush and drain the systems, vents and drains along pipes, including slope;
d) orientation of devices according to manufacturer instructions (e.g. control valves, pumps, meters);
e) positioning of sensors;
f) straight pipe runs before and after sensitive devices;
g) provisions to measure pressure and/or temperature and/or flow rates during commissioning;
h) positioning of cold water pipes with respect to potentially hot lines (heat sources may bring
legionella on cold water distribution if 25 °C is exceeded).
The pressure test (and any other relevant test concerning them) shall be carried out prior to the covering
of permanent joints and components.
4.5.4 Heat emission
Heat emitters shall be installed so as to allow venting.
Positioning shall consider maintenance (e.g. filter replacement for fan-coils).
Points of attention shall be:
a) hydraulic isolation (providing a means to shut off e.g. for maintenance purpose);
b) draining provisions, both of technical water and condensate (for cooling emitters);
c) flushing provisions;
d) dielectric isolation to prevent corrosion.
4.5.5 Control and monitoring
Controls and water sampling points shall be accessible for their use, setting and servicing.
Meters and sensors shall be accessible for reading and servicing.
The following factors shall be considered when installing water temperature sensors, which may be
either surface type sensors or insertion type sensors:
— stratification effects when mixing hot and cold water;
— time lag issues with automatic control;
— location on the upper side of pipes and surface contact for the surface type sensor;
— location in elbows or on the upper side of pipes and positioning in the water stream of the sensitive
part for the insertion type sensor;
— insulation from the environment.
4.5.6 Thermal insulation
Supports, suspensions, girders and fixpoints passing through the thermal insulation shall be installed so
as to limit heat losses.
Cooling circuits shall be fully insulated to avoid condensation.
The insulation material of cooling circuits shall be closed cells type.
4.6 Site inspections during the installation work
Site inspections during the installation work are intended to verify that:
— the installation is proceeding according to design specifications and time schedule;
— the installation is proceeding according to the requirements set out in 4.2 to 4.5.
Deficiencies noted during site inspections shall be notified to the installer and followed-up.
Further information on site inspections and a sample inspection report with provisions for follow-up are
given in Annex B.
4.7 Changes during the installation process
Any deviation from the design specification, including layout, shall be notified by the installer to the client
and authorized by the client.
Consequences regarding:
— energy performance;
— functionality and service level;
— maintenance;
— interference with other installation work;
— repetition of any previous testing;
— compliance with regulatory requirement;
shall be considered when evaluating a change.
5 Pre-commissioning checks
5.1 Objective
The purpose of the pre-commissioning checks is to guarantee that the mechanical and electrical
installation of the system is correct and completed and it is therefore possible and safe to proceed with
cleaning, pressure testing, filling, balancing and setting to operation.
The pre-commissioning checks include:
— a general check of the entire system;
— individual checks for equipment and major components;
— electrical checks.
5.2 General check
It shall be verified that the installation is in accordance with the design specification. The reference shall
be:
— functional diagrams (P&ID check);
— layout drawings.
5.3 Equipment and component check
Each equipment or major component shall be verified in order to ensure that:
— it is adequately supported and levelled;
— the installation complies with design specifications and manufacturer instructions such as:
— functional diagrams, e.g. isolation valves are installed, check valves in the right direction;
— layout specifications, e.g. position, elevation, orientation, free straight runs after and before,
levelling, free space for maintenance;
— painting (protective coating) is finished;
— insulation is complete and thickness is correct, except where insulation shall be completed after
pressure testing;
— labels are in place;
— equipment and component documentation has been collected and archived;
— power and other utilities are available for testing.
Insulation, protective coatings and labels may be completed later during the commissioning process.
They have to be checked for completion before hand-over.
EXAMPLE Insulation might have to be completed after pressure testing and labelling applied after the
insulation is completed.
Additional information on pre-commissioning checks and sample pre-commissioning checklists for
equipment and major components are given in Annex C.
5.4 Electrical checks
Check that power is available and that it is safe to operate electrical components.
Live electrical checks and commissioning activities can be performed with a provisional power
connection.
Information on electrical checks is given in Annex C.
6 Pressure test
6.1 General
In order to ensure their tightness and their capacity to withstand the design maximum pressure, new and
renovated water-based heating and cooling systems shall be subjected to a pressure test upon
completion and before functional testing.
A pressure test according to this document consists of:
— a tightness test to ensure water tightness of the system;
— a load test to ensure the capacity of the system to withstand the design maximum pressure (strength
reliability).
The test can be performed by:
— either a hydraulic test, using water or another liquid (see 6.2);
— or a pneumatic test, using air or an inert gas (see 6.3).
When deciding whether a pressure test is to be carried out with water or air/inert gas, the following
factors shall be considered:
a) residual liquid after a hydraulic test can cause the components to corrode in the event of anticipated
longer periods of non-operation before commissioning;
b) closed water-based heating, and cooling circuits cannot be tested with water during periods of frost
unless dedicated provisions are taken;
c) a pneumatic test requires additional safety measures as compressed gases can be dangerous;
d) with a pneumatic test, the pressure is uniform in the whole system whilst the pressure depends on
the elevation in the case of a hydraulic pressure test.
The tightness test and the load test need not necessarily be performed with the same medium.
The tightness test and the load test can be combined in a single testing session.
The tightness test and the load test can be performed by sections. Each tested section shall be clearly
identified in a dedicated report.
Installation parts that are to be embedded in building structures or permanently concealed behind walls
or ceilings shall be pressure tested when still visible and accessible.
For new systems, the pressure test shall be performed before insulation is applied.
Prior to performing the pressure test, all openings and connections to the testing section are to be sealed.
To achieve this, line openings are to be sealed with appropriate plugs suitable for the required pressure,
caps, blanks or blind flanges as well as all unneeded valves at the end of each test section (shut-off valves
which are simply closed are not considered as tight seal). All valves within the test section shall be fully
opened.
A manometer with an appropriate display range and resolution is to be used for the pressure test. The
manometer is to be positioned at the lowest possible point of the system.
NOTE 1 The contract or the design specification might require a calibrated instrument.
To avoid false results due to temperature changes, the test shall be performed after thermal equilibrium
is reached between the test medium temperature and the surrounding temperature.
NOTE 2 The time constant of a non-insulated pipe ranges from 15 min for DN 15 to 90 min for DN 80.
The client is to be notified of the pressure test in advance, so that he or his representative have the
opportunity to attend the execution of the test.
If a pressure test fails, the leakage shall be identified and repaired and the test successfully repeated.
The pressure test shall be documented by means of a test report with shall include at least the following
information:
— identification of the system;
— identification of the tested section;
— date of the test;
— test medium;
— initial test pressure;
— time from filling to start of pressure test to allow temperature equilibrium;
— test duration (time span with the system under test pressure);
— pressure drop during test duration or final pressure;
— tightness confirmation (pass/fail);
— identification and signature of the person responsible for the test.
NOTE 3 See 4.1.1 and Annex A for the agreed required documentation.
The pressure test reports shall cover the entire system.
Closed water circuits may only be balanced and commissioned after the pressure test has been
successfully passed and documented.
See Annex D for additional information and a sample pressure test report form.
6.2 Hydraulic test
Tightness and load test can be performed with water.
The system shall be filled from the bottom to the top and vented.
While filling the system with water, it shall constantly be checked whether leaks are present by
monitoring the system for escaping air or signs of escaping water. The same procedure has to be
performed throughout the entire testing period.
The load test pressure shall be at least equal to 1,3 times the maximum operating pressure.
For heating circuits spanning more than 20 m in height, the testing pressure and the measuring position
should be a design specification.
The load testing duration shall be 360 min at the above testing pressure. A shorter testing duration may
be specified by the design; however, the absolute minimum testing duration is 120 min.
In the case of plastic pipes, it is to be noted that they expand when they are pressurized due to their
mechanical properties. It is essential to consider this when applying the test pressure. Reference is made
to the respective manufacturer’s specifications.
Additional information and a suggested report form are given in Annex D.
6.3 Pneumatic test
6.3.1 General
Tightness and load tests can be performed with air or inert gas.
This method is particularly recommended if long intervals between the load test and commissioning are
to be expected.
The air used for the tightness and load tests shall be oil-free, since there is an increased risk of corrosion
if oil is present and the presence of oil in valves and components can damage incorporated plastic and
sealing materials. An oil-free compressor shall be used to generate the compressed air. Inert gas can also
be used instead of compressed air.
Prior to pneumatic testing, a person shall be appointed responsible for:
— executing the process throughout the duration of the test;
— monitoring the compression unit;
— checking whether the system has been completely depressurised after the test is complete.
For the load test, during pressurization and equilibration time, there shall be no unauthorised persons in
the close proximity of the circuit sections being tested.
The supply of compressed gas shall be controlled outside the test zone if possible.
The supply connection of the compressed gas to the tested section shall include:
— a shut-off valve;
— a pressure reduction valve;
— a manometer;
— a safety valve;
— a relief valve
to prevent the test pressure from being exceeded.
Key
1 Compressor or source of
compressed gas
2 Pressure reduction valve Y
3 Shut-off valve
4 Manometer
5 Safety valve
6 Relief valve
7 Drain
8 Tested system
Figure 2 — Supply connection for pneumatic test
The influx of compressed gas shall flow slowly and all flexible connecting parts of the air supply shall be
safely fastened.
In the case of compressed gas being extracted from high-pressure systems, the temperature of the
compressed gas can drop when expanding and entering the tested network and then rise again to ambient
temperature, causing the system pressure to rise. Therefore, suitable measures are to be taken (safety
valve and relief valve) to ensure that the pressure in the system does not exceed the specified test
pressure.
Throughout the test, the respective length of the test section is to be controlled and any sound resulting
from escaping air shall be noted. When carrying out a pneumatic test, it is recommended to apply foaming
agents (EN 14291) to solder, weld or connection points.
Additional information and a suggested report form are given in Annex D.
6.3.2 Tightness test
The tightness test with air or an inert gas shall be carried out before the load test.
The minimum test pressure is 150 mbar (150 hPa).
The duration of the tightness test shall be:
— at least 120 min, for a circuit volume of up to 100 litres;
— 20 min more, for every further 100 litres of circuit volume with a maximum of 360 minutes in total.
The test pressure shall remain constant throughout the test.
The selected time period for the test should be chosen so that a constant ambient temperature is to be
expected.
NOTE The reason for that being that the pressure of the test medium will c
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