Energy storage cabinet airtightness test specification and standard

What is ABAA standard for building airtightness testing?

The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) published a new standard for whole building airtightness testing. The standard is called “Standard Method for Building Enclosure Airtightness Compliance Testing”. This standard is the result of years of work by a dedicated group of professionals and industry experts that numbered over 50 people.

How is airtightness measured?

Codes and standards typically specify airtightness performance targets using either of two metrics: Air Changes per Hour (ACH) or Normalized Air Leakage Rate (in L/s per m2 of building enclosure area). Both metrics are reported at a specific pressure diference, usually 50 or 75 Pascals (Pa).

What is airtightness test?

3.3 This test method is used to determine the airtightness of building enclosures or portions thereof at a specified reference pressure. This is different than field testing of air leakage using tracer dilution methods (see ASTM E741).

What are the requirements for a whole building air tightness test?

In order for one (1) point to be awarded, a whole building air tightness testing must be carried out in accordance with at least one of the recognised international standards listed above. Design Review / Design rating, this requirement must be included in the main building contract.

How is whole-building airtightness testing performed?

To confirm these targets have been met, whole-building airtightness testing is performed. Codes and standards typically specify airtightness performance targets using either of two metrics: Air Changes per Hour (ACH) or Normalized Air Leakage Rate (in L/s per m2 of building enclosure area).

Should building airtightness testing be enforced?

If building airtightness testing is encouraged or enforced, the reliability of the test and use of the measurement results are key problems to address since it would otherwise discredit the approach. These problems are in fact similar to those that have led to the development of quality labels for designers, products and systems, and installers.