CHANTILLY, Va. — The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) announced that the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has approved itsHVAC Air Duct Leakage Test Manual, second edition, as an American National Standard.

SMACNA said the new manual covers revised leakage criteria and builds on the methods for testing ductwork for air leaks contained in the first edition. A new chapter written specifically for designers and specifiers was added to help reduce some of the misunderstandings related to duct leakage and the methods of testing.

The new standard contains updates to the expected leakage rates for ductwork, duct leakage test procedures, recommendations on use of leakage testing, types of test apparatus and test setup, and sample leakage analysis.

SMACNA’s free Duct Air Leakage Test app, available for Android, iPhone, iPod, iPad, or as a web-based version, uses the methodology found in this new book, enabling users to calculate total allowable leakage when combining multiple sections of ductwork varying by size and shape. Visit www.smacna.org/dalt to use the web version or to download the app. The app is also available from iTunes, and the Android marketplace. Search for SMACNA or DALT.

SMACNA members will receive an email notification on how to obtain a free copy of HVAC Air Duct Leakage Test Manual, second edition.

Publication date: 05/14/2012