New Test Method for Measuring the Air Leakage Rate of the Building Envelope of a Portion of a Multizone Building
1. Scope
1.1 This standard test method provides a quantitative eld test procedure and calculation method for assessing an air leakage rate using a fan-induced pressure differential(s) across the building envelope, generated by multiple blower doors or equivalent equipment. 1.2 Building setup conditions in accordance with dening the test boundaries appropriate for testing the envelopes air leakage are dened in this test method. 1.3 Procedure to determine the air pressure boundaries of the test envelope to be tested are provided in this test method. 1.4 This test method applies to measurement of the building envelope air leakage rate of individual portions of multizone building types. 1.5 This test method denes three test procedures: multipoint regression, repeated single point, and repeated two-point air leakage rate testing. 1.6 This test method allows for testing the test envelope in a pressurized condition, a depressurized condition, or in both conditions and averaging the results. 1.7 This test method applies to an air leakage rate specication with a reference pressure greater than 10 Pa (0.04 in.WC) and not greater than 100 Pa (0.40 in. WC). 1.8 This test method describes two methods of preparation for the building in order to conduct the test: the building envelope where HVAC-related openings are excluded, and on the operational envelope where the HVAC-related openings are included. 1.9 UnitsThe values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.11 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.
Keywords
air leakage; building testing:
Rationale
An air leakage test protocol for guarded zone testing is needed for testing of individual zones in of buildings. This is necessary when an entire building is not able to be tested at one time. This is also useful when air leakage rates for individual zones are wanted for air leakage models of individual zones.
