NA5.3 Pre-Test
NA5.3.1 Pre-Test Inspection (to occur the day before testing day)
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Visually review the building for completion of air barrier components.
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Meet with electrical and mechanical (or controls) subcontractors to review electrical needs for testing equipment and shutdown/sealing plan for mechanical systems and ductwork.
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Contractor to provide dedicated electrical service for running of fans during the air leakage testing (minimum of 1 non-GFCI circuit 120V/20A per fan required).
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Review weather forecasts and verify appropriate test conditions.
NA5.3.2 Pre-Test Set Up (To be performed by General Contractor)
- Seal all intentional penetrations where they penetrate the air barrier (i.e. louvers, vents, etc.).
- Fill plumbing traps with water. Toilets, sinks, floor drains, waterless urinals must be primed. Airtight caps on drains are acceptable.
- Shut off the HVAC system – or leave in “pilot” mode (to avoid introducing air movement that is not included in the calculations). Any automated pressure relief dampers must either be disabled, sealed or set to a pressure well above 75 Pa.
- Disable combustion equipment or leave in “pilot” position.
- Seal all intentional openings in building envelope so that they are air-tight. Acceptable sealing materials include but are not limited to carpet protection plastic, adhesive grill mask and tape and plastic (4 mil poly sheeting or thicker). Intentional openings include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Supply air intakes
- Make-up air and other intakes/louvers
- Exhaust ducts/vents/louvers
- Plumbing exhausts
- Pressure relief dampers or louvers
- Fume hoods
- Other exhaust vents (kitchen, bathroom, dryer, etc.)
- Any other locations where air leakage can occur within the mechanical system during inactive periods
- Any other intentional opening in the building envelope other than doors and operable windows
- Close and lock exterior windows and doors. Close any vents within window frames.
- Prop interior doors open to create a single uniform zone.
- Where drop ceilings are installed in a location that constitutes a barrier to air flow between the testing equipment and the plane of air tightness of the space being tested, remove ceiling tiles at a rate of one per 500 ft2 to prevent movement of tiles during test and to ensure a uniform pressure within plenum space. Additional tiles can be removed to ensure a uniform pressure distribution in the plenum space.
- Install exterior electrical box caps (if applicable).