New System Air Leakage Test Standard Now Available

The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association has launched the First Edition, System Air Leakage Test Standard. This 96-page standard is a resource for leakage testing of any portion of, and up to, the entire forced air system.

Since 1965, SMACNA has included a procedure for leakage testing of ductwork (HVAC Duct Construction Standard & HVAC Air Duct Leakage Manual). This process has evolved over time based on research and feedback from the industry, resulting in changes to both the pass/fail criteria and the application of testing.

The culmination of that feedback and research is this standard, which goes beyond the duct and includes procedures for any item included in a forced air system. The pass/fail criterions are based on sound research specific to testing conditions, and distribute the responsibility of system performance equitably. The testing process is reliable, practical and based on decades of experience. For details, visit smacna.org.