SIST EN 12599:2026

• Abstract:

  This document specifies checks, measurement methods and procedures in order to verify the fitness for purpose of the installed ventilation systems and air conditioning systems according to design.; It establishes a procedure intended to technically support the handing over and inspection of these systems.; This document enables the choice between checks and measurements when sufficient, and additional measurements, when necessary.; This document applies to mechanical ventilation systems (including the mechanical part of hybrid systems) and full and (partial) air conditioning systems in non-residential (parts of) buildings.; This document does not apply to:; — heat generating systems and their control;; — refrigerating systems and their control;; — distribution of heating and cooling medium to the air handling units;; — compressed air supplying systems;; — water conditioning systems;; — central steam generating systems for air humidifying;; — electric supply systems.; This document is not applicable to ventilation systems and air conditioning systems for industrial or other special process environments.

• Status: Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 30-Sep-2024
• Publication Date: 20-Oct-2026
• ICS: 91.140.30 - Ventilation and air-conditioning systems
• Technical Committee: OGS - Heating for buildings
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 15-Oct-2026
• Due Date: 20-Dec-2026
• Completion Date: 21-Oct-2026
• Ref Project: EN 12599:2026 - Ventilation for buildings - Test procedures and measurement methods to hand over air conditioning and ventilation systems for non-residential buildings

• Replaces: SIST EN 12599:2013 - Ventilation for buildings - Test procedures and measurement methods to hand over air conditioning and ventilation systems
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 16798-3:2025 - Energy performance of buildings - Ventilation for buildings - Part 3: For non-residential buildings - Performance requirements for ventilation and room-conditioning systems (Modules M5-1, M5-4)
• Effective Date: 21-Oct-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 16211:2025 - Ventilation for buildings - Measurement of air flow rates on site - Methods
• Effective Date: 21-Oct-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 15780:2012 - Ventilation for buildings - Ductwork - Cleanliness of ventilation systems
• Effective Date: 14-Oct-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 15251:2007 - Indoor environmental input parameters for design and assessment of energy performance of buildings addressing indoor air quality, thermal environment, lighting and acoustics
• Effective Date: 14-Oct-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 16798-17:2018 - Energy performance of buildings - Ventilation for buildings - Part 17: Guidelines for inspection of ventilation and air conditioning systems (Module M4-11, M5-11, M6-11, M7-11)
• Effective Date: 14-Oct-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 16282-5:2017 - Equipment for commercial kitchens - Components for ventilation in commercial kitchens - Part 5: Air duct - Design and dimensioning
• Effective Date: 14-Oct-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 15726:2012 - Ventilation for buildings - Air diffusion - Measurements in the occupied zone of airconditioned/ventilated rooms to evaluate thermal and acoustic conditions
• Effective Date: 14-Oct-2026

SIST EN 12599:2026 is a SIST standard for ventilation for buildings. It specifies test procedures and measurement methods for handing over and inspecting mechanical ventilation and full or partial air conditioning systems in non-residential buildings, so the installed system can be checked against the design. It is aimed at commissioning teams, inspectors, designers, owners and quality staff who need a structured way to verify fitness for purpose.

What does SIST EN 12599:2026 specify?

SIST EN 12599:2026 specifies checks, measurement methods and procedures for verifying installed ventilation and air conditioning systems according to design. It is built around handover and inspection work, and it lets the user choose checks alone when that is sufficient, or add measurements when needed.

The scope covers mechanical ventilation systems, including the mechanical part of hybrid systems, and full and partial air conditioning systems in non-residential parts of buildings. It excludes heat generating systems, refrigerating systems, heating and cooling medium distribution to air handling units, compressed air supply, water conditioning, central steam for humidifying, electric supply systems, and industrial or other special process environments.

The document is organized into a short main body and informative and normative annexes. The main clauses cover the sequence of checks, the administrative check, completeness check, functional checks, measurements, additional measurements, uncertainty and reporting.

Annex	What it covers
Annex A	Administrative and completeness check, including document review and inspection lists
Annex B	Functional checks for components, subsystems and room air pattern
Annex C	Determination of the extent of functional checks or measurements using sampling levels
Annex D	Surface area calculation of ductworks for airtightness work
Annex E	Additional measurements for pressure, temperature, humidity, indoor air quality and room conditions
Annex F	Technical specifications to agree before testing for handover
Annex G	Examples for determining the number of checks and measurements
Annex H	Examples for measurement uncertainty
Annex I	Airflow correction under reference conditions

What are the key requirements of SIST EN 12599:2026?

SIST EN 12599:2026 sets out a practical handover sequence: administrative check, completeness check, functional checks, measurements, additional measurements if required, and then the report. In practice, the system should be running in an adjusted and safe condition before the checks start.

The handover process has a defined order

Clause 4 requires the steps to be followed in sequence. That matters because missing documents, incomplete installation work or control faults can be found before measurement work starts, saving time and avoiding misleading results.

Annex F says the parties should agree in advance on the extent of testing, methods, tolerances, responsibilities, later test conditions if needed, and corrective actions after poor results. For a project team, this turns handover into a planned activity rather than an improvised site exercise.

Sampling is based on similar locations

Annex C gives the method for deciding how many checks or measurements are needed when many similar locations exist. It uses sampling levels SL1, SL3, SL4 and SL5 by default, with SL5 applied when nothing else is agreed.

This matters when a building has many repeated rooms, diffusers, fans or similar components. Instead of checking every point, the standard lets the team select a justified sample, but only after identifying what counts as a similar location for each parameter.

Functional checks focus on actual operation

Clause 7 and Annex B require functional checks on all types of installed equipment. The checks are not just visual - they look at actual responses, such as fan direction, damper movement, filter pressure difference devices, humidifier water or steam supply, fire and smoke damper release, and control reactions to changed set points.

For users, this means the system must prove that it operates as intended, not only that it looks complete on site. Where occupancy control or demand control is used, the reaction to sensor changes must agree with the design.

Measurements confirm design conditions and set points

Clause 8 says measurements are used to verify that the system achieves the design conditions and set points. The measured conditions must be recorded, and when tests are made under other conditions they may be converted to design temperature and pressure conditions.

The document gives the measurement targets for ventilation and air conditioning systems in Table 2, and the expanded measurement uncertainty to be used for key quantities in Table 3. That is important for acceptance decisions, because the result is not just a number - it must be judged against the agreed design and the allowed uncertainty.

Airflow and airtightness are treated as major checks

Clause 8.4.2 points to EN 16211 for airflow measurement methods on site. Fixed airflow devices are preferred when available, and the document also allows multipoint duct measurements and terminal-device methods such as tight bag and flow hoods.

Clause 8.4.3 covers ductwork airtightness and system airtightness using the air tightness class (ATC) according to EN 16798-3. The tested section should be representative, and the surface area of the ductwork section is calculated according to Annex D. The test report must state the measured leakage flow, test pressure, leakage factor, achieved class and whether specific devices were included.

Additional measurements and uncertainty are controlled

Clause 9 covers additional measurements when the normal test program is not enough or when specific components need testing. It includes fans, filters, heat exchangers, humidifiers and regulating, control and switching systems.

Clause 10 requires uncertainty to be determined according to JCGM 100 and expressed as expanded uncertainty with coverage factor k = 2. This matters in practice because handover decisions should be based on traceable results, not just instrument readouts.

What terms does SIST EN 12599:2026 define?

• Handover - the process of transferring responsibility for an installation to another person or organization.
• Check - examination without measurements, done to confirm that something is correct or as required.
• Administrative check - review of the installation documents and specifications.
• Completeness check - check of the completeness and arrangement of the installation.
• Functional check - check of the operation of a primary function of an installation.
• Balancing - adjustment of flow rates in each circuit to meet the specification.
• Air tightness class (ATC) - the class used to describe the airtightness of the installed system or ductwork in the airtightness test.

Who uses SIST EN 12599:2026?

SIST EN 12599:2026 is used by commissioning engineers, HVAC contractors, test and inspection personnel, consultants, project owners, facility managers and quality managers. They use it when a ventilation or air conditioning system is being handed over, inspected after installation, or checked during operation and maintenance.

It is most relevant on non-residential building projects where mechanical ventilation, hybrid systems or full and partial air conditioning systems must be verified against the design. It also supports teams that need to document compliance with agreed specifications, measured performance and corrective actions.

What changed in SIST EN 12599:2026 from the previous edition?

This edition supersedes EN 12599:2012. The foreword states these main changes:

• the scope was changed so the document applies to non-residential buildings only, and the text about use in residential buildings was removed
• the normative references were updated
• airflow measurement methods were moved to EN 16211
• a method for measuring ductwork air tightness according to the air tightness classes of EN 16798-3 was added
• Annex C was revised, with new sampling levels based on sampling errors
• Annex D was included in Clause 8 and now covers ductwork surface area calculation
• “Special measurements” was renamed “Additional measurements”
• the determination of measurement uncertainty was revised

Which standards are used with SIST EN 12599:2026?

Standard	What it contributes
EN 16211	Site measurement of airflow rates
EN 16798-3	Performance requirements for non-residential ventilation and room-conditioning systems, and the airtightness classes used in Clause 8.4.3
EN ISO 7730	Thermal comfort assessment criteria used for room environmental checks
JCGM 100	Rules for expressing measurement uncertainty
EN 16798-17	Context for inspection of ventilation and air conditioning systems mentioned in the introduction
CEN/TR 16798-18	Context for energy inspection mentioned in the introduction
EN 15780	Cleanliness reference used in Annex A
EN 12097	Access and maintenance openings reference used in Annex A
EN ISO 7726	Instrumentation guidance for thermal environment, temperature, humidity and air velocity measurements
EN 61672-1	Sound level meter specifications for acoustic measurements
EN ISO 3740, EN ISO 3744, EN ISO 3746, EN ISO 3747	Acoustic measurement procedures
EN 1822-1	Classification of H and U filters used in Annex 9.2.2
EN 308	Heat exchanger performance categories referenced for heat recovery checks
EN 16798-1	Indoor environmental parameters and room-condition references used in Annex A and Annex E
CEN/TS 17153	Airflow correction under reference conditions in Annex I

What does the SIST EN 12599:2026 document contain?

The document contains administrative check lists, component-by-component functional checks, sampling rules for repeated locations, and a complete measurement framework for airflow, airtightness, room air velocity, temperature, humidity, sound and electrical power. It also includes methods for ductwork surface area calculation, which are needed for airtightness testing, and worked examples for sample size, uncertainty and airflow correction.

It further provides guidance for report content, including what must appear in the handover report, the completeness-check report, the functional-check report, the measurement report and the additional-measurements report. For site teams, this is the part that turns the standard into a usable commissioning record.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2026
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 12599:2013
Prezračevanje stavb - Preskusni postopki in merilne metode za predajo klimatskih
in prezračevalnih sistemov ter klimatskih sistemov za prezračevanje
nestanovanjskih stavb
Ventilation for buildings - Test procedures and measurement methods to hand over air
conditioning and ventilation systems and air conditioning systems for non-residential
buildings
Lüftung von Gebäuden - Prüf- und Messverfahren für die Übergabe raumlufttechnischer
Anlagen und Luftbehandlungssysteme in Nichtwohngebäuden
Ventilation des bâtiments - Modes opératoires d’essai et méthodes de mesure pour la
réception des systèmes de ventilation et de conditionnement d’air et des systèmes de
conditionnement d'air pour les bâtiments non résidentiels
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 12599:2026
ICS:
91.140.30 Prezračevalni in klimatski Ventilation and air-
sistemi conditioning systems
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 12599
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
October 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 91.140.30 Supersedes EN 12599:2012
English Version
Ventilation for buildings - Test procedures and
measurement methods to hand over air conditioning and
ventilation systems for non-residential buildings
Ventilation des bâtiments - Modes opératoires d'essai Lüftung von Gebäuden - Prüf- und Messverfahren für
et méthodes de mesure pour la remise des systèmes de die Übergabe raumlufttechnischer Anlagen und
conditionnement d'air et de ventilation pour les Luftbehandlungssysteme in Nichtwohngebäuden
bâtiments non résidentiels
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 5 July 2026.

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. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists 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, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 12599:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Test and check procedure . 7
5 Administrative check. 9
6 Completeness check . 9
7 Functional checks . 9
8 Measurements . 10
8.1 General. 10
8.2 Range of measurements . 10
8.3 Procedure . 11
8.4 Measuring methods and measuring instruments . 12
8.4.1 General. 12
8.4.2 Measurement of the air flow rate . 12
8.4.3 Measurement of the ductwork airtightness . 13
8.4.4 Measurement of the indoor air velocity . 19
8.4.5 Measurement of air temperature . 21
8.4.6 Measurement of the air humidity . 22
8.4.7 Measurement of the sound pressure level. 22
8.4.8 Measurement of the electrical power of the fan . 22
8.4.9 Measurement of the pressure difference at the air filter . 26
8.5 Accompanying measurements . 26
9 Additional measurements . 26
9.1 General. 26
9.2 Measurements of components . 27
9.2.1 Fans . 27
9.2.2 Filters . 27
9.2.3 Heat exchangers . 27
9.2.4 Air humidifiers . 28
9.3 Check of regulating, control and switching systems . 28
10 Uncertainty of measurements . 29
11 Test reports . 29
11.1 General. 29
11.2 Handing over report . 29
11.3 Inspection report on the completeness check . 30
11.4 Inspection report on the functional check. 31
11.5 Test report on the measurements . 31
11.6 Test report on the additional measurements . 31
Annex A (informative) Administrative and completeness check . 32
A.1 Administrative check . 32
A.2 Completeness check. 33
A.3 Example of a test report for the completeness check . 37
Annex B (informative) Functional checks . 39
B.1 General . 39
B.2 Functional checks . 39
Annex C (normative) Determination of the extent of functional checks or measurements . 42
C.1 General . 42
C.2 Parameters and similar locations. 42
C.3 Determination of the total number of similar locations . 43
C.4 Extent of checks or measurements . 43
Annex D (normative) Surface area calculation of ductworks . 46
D.1 General . 46
D.2 Calculation rules . 46
D.3 Example of measurement and calculation of a circular ductwork . 47
D.4 Example of measurement and calculation of a rectangular ductwork . 47
Annex E (normative) Additional measurements . 49
E.1 Measuring of parameters . 49
E.2 Measurements in rooms . 52
Annex F (informative) Technical specifications for checks and measurements for the
purpose of handing over . 54
Annex G (informative) Examples for determination of the number of functional checks and
measurements . 55
G.1 Functional checks . 55
G.2 Measurements . 55
Annex H (informative) Examples for measurement uncertainty . 57
H.1 Uncertainty of the result of a measurement . 57
H.2 Type B evaluation of standard uncertainty . 57
H.3 Combined standard uncertainty . 59
H.4 Expanded uncertainty . 59
H.5 Examples . 60
Annex I (informative) Calculations on air flow correction under reference conditions . 63

European foreword
This document (EN 12599:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 156 “Ventilation
for buildings”, the secretariat of which is held by BSI.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by April 2027, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by April 2027.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 12599:2012.
This document includes the following significant technical changes with respect to EN 12599:2012:
— the scope was modified so that EN 12599 applies for non-residential buildings. It was deleted that
the document can be used for residential buildings. The procedures specified can support handing
over and inspections of systems;
— the normative references have been updated;
— the air flow rate measurement methods were transferred to EN 16211;
— the method of measuring the ductwork air tightness according to the air tightness classes of
EN 16798-3 was included;
— Annex C on the determination of the extend of functional checks and measurements for e.g. similar
locations was revised. New sampling levels based on sampling errors were specified;
— Annex D was included in Clause 8 “Measurements”;
— the surface area calculation of ductworks was included as new Annex D;
— “Special measurements” were renamed to “Additional measurements”;
— the determination of the measurement uncertainty was revised.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: 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, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
Introduction
The measurement methods and procedures presented in this document are specified in such a way that
they are particularly suitable for the handover of ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Due to the accessibility, for some measurements it might be of advantage to perform them during
installation (e.g. air tightness).
The measurement methods can be useful for verification of the fitness for purpose of the installed
ventilation in different stages of the life cycle of ventilation systems.
The measuring methods in this document in connection with EN 16211 are applicable in the frame of the
energy inspection of air-conditioning systems according to EN 16798-17 and CEN/TR 16798-18.
1 Scope
This document specifies checks, measurement methods and procedures in order to verify the fitness for
purpose of the installed ventilation systems and air conditioning systems according to design.
It establishes a procedure intended to technically support the handing over and inspection of these
systems.
This document enables the choice between checks and measurements when sufficient, and additional
measurements, when necessary.
This document applies to mechanical ventilation systems (including the mechanical part of hybrid
systems) and full (or partial) air conditioning systems in non-residential (parts of) buildings.
This document does not apply to:
— heat generating systems and their control;
— refrigerating systems and their control;
— distribution of heating and cooling medium to the air handling units;
— compressed air supplying systems;
— water conditioning systems;
— central steam generating systems for air humidifying;
— electric supply systems.
This document is not applicable to ventilation systems and air conditioning systems for industrial or
other special process environments.
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 16211, Ventilation for buildings — Measurement of air flows on site — Methods
EN 16798-3, Energy performance of buildings - Ventilation for buildings - Part 3: For non-residential
buildings - Performance requirements for ventilation and room-conditioning systems (Modules M5-1, M5-4)
JCGM 100, Evaluation of measurement data — Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
handover
process of transferring responsibility for an installation to another person or organization
3.2
check
examination of something, without resorting to measurements, in order to make certain that it is correct
or the way it should be
3.3
administrative check
check of documentation and specifications of an installation
3.4
completeness check
check of the completeness and the arrangement of an installation
3.5
functional check
check of the operation of a primary function of an installation
Note 1 to entry: An example of primary function of a ventilation installation is to provide air flow rate.
3.6
balancing
process of adjusting the flow rates in each circuit of an installation to meet the specifications
4 Test and check procedure
To verify the fitness of purpose of an installed system by checks and measurements it is necessary to give
specifications for checks and measurements (e.g. maximal permissible errors, sample selection) as well
as for the installation (e.g. tolerances). Annex F gives a list of such specifications.
The following steps shall be carried out in the given order:
a) administrative check;
b) completeness checks;
c) functional checks;
d) measurements;
e) additional measurements;
f) report.
In general, functional checks and measurements on the system are performed for each component of the
system. For same kind of components at comparable locations and operation conditions the functional
checks and measurements may be performed on a sample selection. The extent of functional checks and
measurements shall be determined in accordance with Annex C.
Ensure the system is set up at disventing conditions.
The additional measurements in accordance with Clause 9 and Annex E shall be carried out only when
required and especially agreed.
The steps of the checks, measurements and report are shown in Table 1.
Table 1 — List of checks, measurements and report to verify the quality of the systems
Required steps Purpose Activities Annexes
Check the Completeness of
documents
Verify that the
1. Specifications
Administrative check documentation of the Annex A
2. Inventory
installation is complete
3. Operation and maintenance
4. Measurement reports
1. Comparison of equipment
Ensure that the ventilation
with the design
system or air conditioning
2. Compliance with technical
Completeness checks system has been installed Annex A
rules (contract and official)
entirely in accordance
3. Balancing
with contract
1. Put system into use Annex C
2. Operation of components and Determination of
Verify the operation of the
system extent
Functional checks
system
3. Accessibility Annex B
4. Cleanliness Functional checks
1. Determine which
measurements and recordings
are necessary
2. Extent of measurements,
Verify on a statistical basis
Annex C
specified by means the
that the system achieves
Measurements
Determination of
sampling level SL
the values according to
extent
design 3. Measurements
4. Accompanying
measurements (see 8.5)
5. Air tightness
1. Determine which
In case of doubts
measurements and recordings
concerning the quality of
Annex E
are necessary
Additional measurements the system or parts of the
Additional
system additional 2. Determine uncertainty of the
(if necessary)
measurements
measurements can be measurements
applicable
3. Measurements
Required steps Purpose Activities Annexes
Annex A
Report 1. Report
Example of
2. Handing over the report completeness check
report
5 Administrative check
Prior to on site inspection, the administrative check of the available documents shall be done.
It shall be checked whether all relevant documents are available, including:
— a list of all specifications;
— all inventory documents;
— all documents necessary for operation and maintenance;
— the balancing reports;
— the existing reports of measurements (e.g. the air tightness test) if any.
Details of the administrative check are included in Annex A.
6 Completeness check
The completeness check is intended to ensure that installation is done according to specification and in
compliance with the relevant technical rules.
The following checks are included:
— comparison of the delivered system with the specification, with regard to amount, number of pieces
and material and, if necessary, also with regard to characteristics and spare parts;
— comparison of the delivered system with the specification, with regard to location of components;
— comparison of the delivered system with the specification, with regard to arrangement of the
installation;
Check that the balancing has been done in accordance with the report.
An example description of the completeness check is included in Annex A.
7 Functional checks
The purpose of the functional checks is to verify the operation of the installation in different operational
conditions in compliance with the relevant technical rules and the specification. The checks show
whether the particular elements of the system such as filters, fans, heat exchangers, coolers, humidifiers
have been properly installed.
In the case of occupancy control or demand control it should be checked if the reaction of the system to
changes of sensor values is in accordance with the design requirements.
Functional checks shall be carried out on all types of installed equipment.
Before starting the checks, a checklist should be drawn up.
The extent of functional checks is specified in Annex C.
The locations for the checks should be specified.
Instruction for the procedure and a list of functional checks are given in Annex B.
8 Measurements
8.1 General
The purpose of the measurements is to verify that the system achieves the design conditions and set
points as specified.
Together with the measurement results, the measurement conditions shall be recorded in accordance
with the measurement procedures in 8.4.
When measurements take place at other conditions than design conditions they may be converted into
temperature and pressure design conditions.
If some of the tests are already done prior to the handing over the documentation should be verified in
the administrative check.
8.2 Range of measurements
Table 2 indicates which measurements are necessary for each type of ventilation and air conditioning
system.
The extent of measurements is specified in Annex C.
Table 2 — Measurements
Total Central Ductw
Room
system system/appliance ork
Type of
systems/Functions
Z 2 2 1 0 1 2 1 1 0 0 2 2
H 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 0 2 2
Ventilation
system
C 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 2
M/D 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2
HC 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 2
HM/HD/
2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 2
Partial air
CM/CD
conditioning
MD 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2
system
HCM/MCD/
2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 2
CHD/HMD
Additional cleanliness test
Current drawn and power by
the motor
a
Air flow
a
Air temperature
Pressure drop across filter
Ductwork leakage test
Supply air flow (mechanical)
Extract air flow (mechanical)
b
Supply air temperature
Supply air humidity
Sound pressure level
Indoor air velocity
Total Central Ductw
Room
system system/appliance ork
Type of
systems/Functions
Full air
conditioning HCMD 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 2
system
Explanations
Figures 0 to 2 indicate the relevance of a measurement in order to verify the fitness of purpose of the system.
0 measurement not relevant
1 required measurement
2 optional measurement
C cooling
D dehumidification
H heating
M humidification (moisture)
Z without any thermodynamic functions (zero)
a
Outdoor air, supply air and exhaust air
b
Depending on control principles, if relevant
8.3 Procedure
Before starting the measurement, the measuring locations shall be specified and the procedures and
measuring instruments shall be agreed upon and given in the technical documents.
The number of measuring points in a room should take into account the floor area and the measured
parameters. At least one measuring position is required for measurements in rooms of area up to 20 m ;
larger rooms should be subdivided accordingly. For the measurements in the room, the measuring
positions in the occupied zone shall be agreed on between the parties concerned, preferably at positions
intended for intensive occupancy.
With regard to the selection of the measuring instruments the overall uncertainty shall be taken into
account.
The indoor climate factors and air flow rates, heating, cooling and humidifying performances, electrical
characteristics and other design data shall be measured at the ventilation system design air flow rate. The
maximum expanded measurement uncertainty (k = 2) of the measured values is given in Table 3.
Accuracy classes for electric measuring instruments are given in Table 7.
Additional cleanliness test
Current drawn and power by
the motor
a
Air flow
a
Air temperature
Pressure drop across filter
Ductwork leakage test
Supply air flow (mechanical)
Extract air flow (mechanical)
b
Supply air temperature
Supply air humidity
Sound pressure level
Indoor air velocity
Table 3 — Expanded measurement uncertainty U of measurands
Measurand Expanded measurement uncertainty
a
U
Air flow rate, each individual room 15 %
Air flow rate, each system 10 %
Air temperature in duct 2 °C
Relative humidity [RH] 15 % RH
Air velocity in occupied zone 0,05 m/s
Air temperature in occupied zone 1,5 °C
A-weighted sound pressure level in the room 3 dB
a
This document does not specify tolerances for the design values itself.
Lower expanded measurement uncertainties can be required. This should be specified in the
documentation of the system.
8.4 Measuring methods and measuring instruments
8.4.1 General
In the case of measurements in ducts and in air handling units with negative pressure, measurement
error due to an air infiltration by the opening made for the insertion of the measuring device should be
avoided.
In any case, the openings in the ducts shall be sealed after measuring.
Take into account that weather conditions can influence the measurement and measurement uncertainty.
8.4.2 Measurement of the air flow rate
The air flow rate can be evaluated by different methods in accordance with EN 16211.
The air flow rate of the ventilation system is measured in the duct or system and the following methods
can be used:
— fixed devices for air flow rate measurement; or
— multi-point measurement in the duct cross-section with or without measurement plane criteria.
If ventilation systems are equipped with fixed devices to measure the air flow rate (e.g. pressure ports at
the inlet cone of a fan with a corresponding characteristic), these should be preferably used for the
purpose of handing over.
To measure the total air flow rate in larger ventilation systems with the multi-point measurement method
the necessary undisturbed straight flow sections are often not given and the method without
measurement plane criteria is recommended.
Measurements at the outdoor air intake or the exhaust vent determining the total air flow rate of a
ventilation system are only recommended if no measurement can be done inside the system or duct.
The air flow rate at air terminal devices can be measured by the following measurement equipment:
— fixed devices, e.g. to measure the reference pressure at the plenum box;
— tight bag (only for supply terminals); or
— flow hoods.
8.4.3 Measurement of the ductwork airtightness
8.4.3.1 Principle
The objective of the ductwork airtightness test is to verify the belonging to a specified by design tightness
class.
This document provides procedures to test on site the air distributions system tightness (classified with
) and the ductwork tightness (classified with ATC ) according to the classification of
ATCDistribution Ductwork
EN 16798-3.
The duct's component tightness (classified with ATC ) cannot be tested on site.
Component
NOTE 1 Component tightness testing are covered for duct systems in EN 1507, EN 12237 and EN 17192 and for
technical ductwork products in EN 15727 and EN 1751.
The air tightness classes shall be specified in accordance with EN 16798-3 as in Table 4.
or ATC is
According to the representativity of the sample tested (see 8.4.3.2) either ATCDistribution Ductwork
measurable as specified in EN 16798-3:
— ATC represents the air distribution system leakage, it includes the whole installed air
Distribution
distribution system including all components but not including the air handling unit (AHU) and heat
recovery (relevant for system performance);
— ATC represents the ductwork leakage, i.e. the leakage of ducts, fittings, sound attenuators and
Ductwork
dampers measured in a real assembly or section on site.
Table 4 — Classification of system air tightness class
Air leakage limit
f
Air tightness class
max
3 −1 −2
m ⋅ s ⋅ m
ATC 7 not classified
0,65 −3
ATC 6
0,067 5 ⋅ p ⋅ 10
test
0,65 −3
ATC 5
0,027 ⋅ p ⋅ 10
test
0,65 −3
ATC 4
0,009 ⋅ p ⋅ 10
test
0,65 −3
ATC 3
0,003 ⋅ p ⋅ 10
test
0,65 −3
ATC 2
0,001 ⋅ p ⋅ 10
test
0,65 −3
ATC 1
0,000 33 ⋅ p ⋅ 10
test
NOTE ptest is the test pressure in Pa.
The classification ATC represents the airtightness of the whole installed system. This value can
Distribution
be used as an input for the energy performance calculation. To obtain the classification ATC the
Distribution
airtightness of the full ductwork shall be measured or in large and complex ductwork systems, the
airtightness shall be measured in a representative part of the system. As described in 8.4.3.2, it is
recommended to test at least 10 % of the duct surface including all duct types and a variety of sizes and
components. The testing may be performed in several continuous sections.
The classification ATC represent the airtightness of part of the installed ductwork. The sample to
Ductwork
be tested shall be selected consistently with the test objective and it is recommended to follow 8.4.3.2.
NOTE 2 This measurement can be used, for example, to check the quality of the work of a craftsman during the
construction, or to check the tightness of a complex junction.
The airtightness measurement should be performed when the concerned part of the ductwork is installed
and still accessible.
After the start of operation a second tightness test can be necessary, for example if an irregularity
happens during the start up. (In the case of a malfunction e.g. of fire dampers, the pressure can exceed
the allowed pressure and damage the ductwork.)
NOTE 3 Airtight duct equipment and fittings (low ATC class) are necessary to implement an airtight
Component
ductwork but are not sufficient to guarantee an airtight ductwork.
8.4.3.2 Tested duct section
8.4.3.2.1 Sample for testing a specific installation in situ
The following paragraph apply to estimate ATC . The test sample to estimate ATC depends
Distribution Ductwork
on the purpose of the test.
The section to be tested shall be sealed off from the rest of the system before commencing the test. The
test sample shall contain all kind of duct (dimensions, shape, material, etc.), duct mounted equipment and
fittings, including the connection to the air handling unit or ventilation unit of the duct section under
investigation.
The air tightness measurements can be performed by dividing the ductwork into several sections which
are tested separately. The leakage factor is calculated using the total leakage flow rate and the total
surface area.
If an air tightness test is performed at deviating conditions this shall be reported with the measurement
results.
8.4.3.2.2 Ductwork surface area
The ductwork surface area of the section shall be at least 10 % of the total ductwork surface area, and if
possible, at least 10 m . The ductwork surface shall be calculated in accordance with Annex D.
The normal ratio between the total joint length and ductwork surface area is given by Formula (1).
L
−1
1≤ ≤ 1,5 in m (1)
A
j
where
L is the total joint length, in m;
A 2
j is the ductwork surface area, in m .
8.4.3.2.3 Number of ductwork to test
If there are several ventilation units and air handling units, the number of ductworks to be tested can be
reduced in accordance with Annex C.
8.4.3.2.4 Specific devices
The test report shall specify whether flexible sleeve, plenum boxes and chilled beam are included or not
in the tested sample (see Figure 1 and Figure 2).

Key
1 exhaust or supply unit or chilled beams
2 sealing instead of unit
3 plenum box
Figure 1 — Testing with device included

Key
1 exhaust or supply unit or chilled beams
2 plenum box
3 sealing in the duct
Figure 2 — Testing with device not included
8.4.3.2.5 Size of the tested system
Figure 3 provide the recommended maximum length to be tested for a maximum expanded measurement
uncertainty of 5 %. This length is the distance between the measuring device and the farthest part of the
ductwork. If the tested length is larger than the maximum length the pressure shall be measured at the
end of the section and at the location of the measuring device. If the difference of pressure is larger than
10 %, the section shall be divided into sub-sections to be tested.
The average diameter can be roughly estimated or calculated using Formula (2):
n

L
i

× (2)
∑
2
DL
D
av tot
i=1
i
where
D is the average ductwork diameter, in m;
av
L is the length of the longest branch tested, in m;
tot
n is the number of different diameter of ductwork in the longest branch;
D is the nominal diameter (or hydraulic diameter for non-circular ducts) of the ductwork
i
section, in m;
L is the length of ductwork section, in m.
i
For ductwork tighter than class ATC 4 the maximum length won’t probably be a constraint as it is always
above 150 m. For ductwork with an average diameter bigger than 315 mm, the maximum flow rate that
can be provided by the measuring device will probably be more restrictive than the maximum length that
can be tested.
=
a) ATC 3 ductwork b) ATC 4 ductwork

c) ATC 5 ductwork d) ATC 6 ductwork
Key
ptest test pressure, in Pa
Lmax maximum length to be tested, in m
D average ductwork diameter, in mm
AV
80 100 125 160
200 250 315
Figure 3 — Recommended maximum length to be tested according to the ductwork airtightness
class, the test pressure and the average diameter of the section under test
8.4.3.3 Measuring instrument
The test rig for positive pressure is assembled as shown in Figure 4. For negative pressure the fan is
placed in reverse direction.
Key
1 fan with variable air flow
2 air flow meter
3 pressure gauge
4 Adaptor
5 system to be tested
Figure 4 — Test rig for air leakage measurements (positive pressure)
The static pressure measurement gauge should not be significantly influenced by the dynamic pressure.
Test locations and measuring instrument shall be described in the test report.
The test rig shall be inspected before use on site. Periodic calibration of the measurement system used in
this test method in accordance with manufacturer specifications or to standardized quality insurance
systems is required.
The air flow rate shall be measured with a maximum expanded uncertainty of 5 %.
The measured leakage flow rate shall be corrected if the temperature and/or atmospheric pressure are
different from the standard conditions (+20 °C and 1 013 hPa). Guidance is given in Annex I.
Differential pressure shall be measured using instruments having a maximum permissible measurement
error of 3 % of reading or 0,5 Pa, whichever is the greatest.
The barometric pressure shall be measured using instruments having a maximum permissible
measurement error of 500 Pa.
Temperature shall be measured using instruments having a maximum permissible measurement error
of 1 K.
NOTE Using measurement equipment operating on the mass-flow-principle, the aforementioned correction of
the temperature and atmospheric pressure is not necessary.
8.4.3.4 Measurement procedure
The air tightness class should be verified in a measurement at a test pressure of ±250 Pa, or at the design
pressure if greater than 300 Pa. For supply ductwork the positive test pressures apply and for extract
ductwork the negative test pressures apply.
The test pressure is the pressure difference between the surrounding environment and the inside of the
duct.
The test pressure shall be maintained for at least five minutes and at the end of this period the leakage
flow rate shall be measured.
The leakage factor (f) shall be determined by the air leakage flow rate (q ) divided by the internal surface
v
area (A ):
s
fq= / A (3)
vs
where
f 3 −1 −2
is the leakage factor, in m ·s · m ;
q 3 −1
v is the air leakage flow rate, in m · s ;
A 2
s is the internal surface area, in m .
8.4.3.5 Expression of results
The leakage factor (f) shall be lower than the air leakage limit (f ), corresponding to the required air
max
tightness class, specified in Table 4 at the test pressure (p ).
test
The test report shall present:
— ductwork surface area (A);
— total joint length (L);
— test pressure (p );
test
— if specific devices (flexible sleeve, plenum boxes, chilled beam) are included or not in the sample
tested;
— leakage flow rate (q ) corrected for temperature and barometric pressure;
v
— leakage factor (f);
— air leakage limit (f ) (using the formulas given in Table 4) at the measured test pressure (p );
max test
— air tightness class achieved.
8.4.4 Measurement of the indoor air velocity
8.4.4.1 Principle
Indoor air flow pattern is usually turbulent. The air velocity varies from place to place within the room,
the variations being random with regard to magnitude and direction. Therefore, an exact measurement
of the air velocity is complicated. Generally, it is sufficient to measure the mean air velocity at selected
positions.
In rooms up to approximately 20 m floor area, one measurement position is sufficient. Large rooms (e.g.
landscaped offices) should be measured on the similar basis to the foregoing and positions in the
occupied zone should be chosen where higher air velocities can be expected. Measurements should
preferably be taken at positions intended for intensive occupancy, e.g. at the desk in an office.
8.4.4.2 Measuring instrument
The indoor air velocity should preferably be determined by means of an omnidirectional probe which is
sensitive to all directions of the air flow.
For more information see EN ISO 7726 and EN 13182.
Table 5 gives the requirements for air velocity v measuring instruments.
a
Table 5 — Requirements for air velocity measuring instruments
Measuring Directional
MPME Time constant Comments
range sensitivity
m/s m/s (90 %)
The probes shall be
calibrated in a calibration
0,2 s
duct with unidirectional
if fluctuations are
low-turbulent flow. The
measured
relative standard deviation
of the fluctuations as a
function of time shall be less
omnidirectional, see
than 5 %.
[0,05 + 0,05 ⋅ v ]
0,1 to 1
a
EN 13182
Calibration with laser
2 s
anemometer can also be
if no
used.
fluctuations are The change in measured
measured value due to air temperature
fluctuation within ±4 K shall
be negligibly small.
The accuracy of the results of measurement of room air flow using the measurement methods described
depends mainly on the dif
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