Full Description

1.1This test method measures air-leakage rates through a building envelope under controlled pressurization and de-pressurization.

1.2This test method is applicable to small temperature differentials and low-wind pressure differential, therefore strong winds and large indoor-outdoor temperature differentials shall be avoided.

1.3This test method is intended to quantify the air tightness of a building envelope. This test method does not measure air change rate or air leakage rate under normal weather conditions and building operation.

Note 1:See Test Method E741 to directly measure air-change rates using the tracer gas dilution method.

1.4This test method is intended to be used for measuring the air tightness of building envelopes of single-zone buildings. For the purpose of this test method, many multi-zone buildings can be treated as single-zone buildings by opening interior doors or by inducing equal pressures in adjacent zones.

1.5Only metric SI units of measurement are used in this standard. If a value for measurement is followed by a value in other units in parentheses, the second value may be approximate. The first stated value is the requirement.

1.6This 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.

1.7This 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.