5.17 Testing and Balancing
Ductwork Pressure and Leak Testing. Tests shall be
conducted at static pressures equal to maximum design
pressure of system and maximum leakage allowable shall
not exceed 50 percent of that allowed in SMACNA's HVAC
Startup. The A/E shall specify that factory representatives
Air Duct Leakage Manual.
be present for startup of all major equipment, such as
boilers, chillers, air-handling units, packaged pump
Piping and Equipment Pressure and Leak Testing. Leak
systems, and automatic control systems.
testing shall be conducted at static pressures as required
by code (or as 120 percent of maximum design working
Testing and Balancing. It shall be the responsibility of the
pressure of system where no code requirement exists),
A/E to adequately specify testing, adjusting and balancing
with maximum permissible leakage.
resulting in not only proper operation of individual pieces
of equipment, but also the proper operation of the overall
HVAC and Plumbing systems, in accordance with the
design intent. The Testing and Balancing contractor shall
have up to date certification by Associated Air Balance
Council (AABC), the National Environmental Balance
Bureau (NEBB), or the Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing
Bureau (TABB).
of all systems and equipment including chillers, boilers,
air-handling units, exhaust fans, water heaters, and other
systems for part load and full load during summer, winter,
spring and fall season as per the schedules specified by the
designer. The A/E shall specify the services of an
organization certified by NEBB or AABC. Performance
testing of domestic water heating systems shall include
heater and remote outlet temperature maintenance,
system and circuit pressure equalization (without over
pressurization, excess pressure loss, or return pump dead-
head), and control of water hammer at peak draw. Test for
compliance with specifications and design intent for
operation of water heater(s), mixing valve(s), circuit
setters/balancing valves, return pump(s), and pressure
reducing/regulating valves.
National Building Museum, Washington, D.C.
158 F A C I L I T I E S S T A N D A R D S
FOR THE
PUBLIC
BUILDINGS
SERVICE
5.17 Testing and Balancing
Revised March 2005 PBS-P100
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