TECHNICAL STANDARD L2.

MEASURING AIR PERMEABILITY OF

BUILDING ENVELOPES
(Non-Dwellings)


October 2010 Issue














The Air Tightness Testing & Measurement Association
c/o the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing
1 Spencer Parade
Northampton
NN1 5AA

Tel: +44 (0)1604 630124
Fax: +44 (0)1604 231489
web: www.attma.org
www.bindt.org


Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 2 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org

Content Page

Section 1- Introduction 3
1.1 Basis for measurement 3
1.2 Background 3
1.2.1 What is air leakage? 3
1.2.2 What is the impact of air leakage? 3
1.2.3 Why should we test? 4
1.3 Measuring Air Leakage 4
1.4 Fan Pressurisation Systems 5
Section 2 - Air Leakage Standards 6
2.1 Good and Best Practice Standards 6
2.2 Building Regulation Requirements Part L (England and Wales), Part F2 (Northern Ireland) or
Section 6 of the Non-domestic Handbook (Scotland). 6
Section 3 - Specific Test and Building Preparation Procedure 8
3.1 Pre Test Requirements 8
3.2 Building Envelope Calculations 8
3.2.1 Air Permeability Area (m
2
) 9
3.2.2 Air Change Rate Volume (m
3
) 9
3.2.3 Envelope Area Calculation Example: Cold Roof Construction 10
3.2.4 Warm Roof Construction Example 11
3.3 Fan System Selection 11
3.4 Building Preparation 12
3.5 Further Test Equipment 13
3.6 Site Test Procedure 14
3.7 Test Results 16
Section 4 - Test Report 17
Section 5 - Large and Complex Non-Domestic Buildings 18
5.1 Permanently Compartmentalised Buildings 18
5.2 High Rise & Multi Storey Buildings 19
5.3 Large and Complex Buildings 20
5.3.1 Zone/Sample Testing 21
5.3.2 Building Extension Testing 21
Appendix A - Equations and Corrections 24
A.1.0 Equations 24
A.2.0 Essential parameters (r
2
and n) 28
A.3.0 Limiting factors 29
Appendix B - Test Equipment Requirements 30
B.1.0 Introduction 30
B.2.0 Accuracy 30
B.3.0 Calibration 30
Appendix C - Equivalent Leakage Area (ELA) 32





Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 3 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
Section 1- Introduction
1.1 Basis for measurement
The requirements of ATTMA for the measurement of the air permeability of buildings
are generally based on BS EN 13829:2001 - Thermal Performance of Buildings -
Determination of air permeability of buildings - Fan pressurisation method with
enhancements recommended by ATTMA.

This document provides the technical standard to be followed for the testing of Non-
Dwellings as set out in Regulation 20B and Approved Document L2A 2010 of the
Building Regulations for England and Wales, and Technical Booklet Part F2 in
Northern Ireland, and Section 6 of the Non-Domestic Handbook in Scotland.

For a testing organisation to show full compliance with this standard, they should have
suitable third party monitoring systems in place. This is demonstrated by holding
UKAS accreditation for building air leakage testing in line with ISO 17025:2005 and
being registered with the BINDT in respect of air tightness testing.

For guidance for test procedures for the testing of dwellings refer to ATTMA TSL1
available from www.attma.org.
1.2 Background
1.2.1 What is air leakage?
Air leakage is the uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks in the fabric of a
building (sometimes referred to as infiltration or draughts). This is not to be confused
with ventilation, which is the controlled flow of air into and out of the building through
purpose built ventilators that is required for the comfort and safety of the occupants.
Too much air leakage leads to unnecessary heat loss and discomfort to the occupants
from cold draughts. The increasing need for higher energy efficiency in buildings and
the need in future to demonstrate compliance with more stringent Building Regulations
targets means that airtightness has become a major performance issue. The aim
should be to Build tight ventilate right. Taking this approach means that buildings
cannot be too airtight, however it is essential to ensure appropriate ventilation rates
are achieved through purpose built ventilation openings.
1.2.2 What is the impact of air leakage?
Fabric heat losses have been driven down over many years by the various versions of
the Building Regulations and there is limited return in reducing them down significantly
further. The improvements made in the thermal performance of building materials
have raised the importance of designing and constructing less leaky building
envelopes.

Airtightness of buildings was addressed for the first time in the 2002 edition of Part L
of the Building Regulations (England and Wales). Although air pressure testing was
only advised for non-domestic buildings greater then 1,000m. The 2006 revision of


Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 4 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
the Part L Regulations (England and Wales) or Part F (Northern Ireland) now sets a
requirement to pressure test most non-domestic buildings and a sample of domestic
properties. The airtightness of the UK building stock has traditionally been proven to
be poor, which leads not only to unnecessary ventilation heat loss but also to
widespread occupant dissatisfaction.

1.2.3 Why should we test?
Gaps and cracks in the building fabric are often difficult to detect simply by visual
inspection. Air leakage paths through the building fabric can be tortuous; gaps are
often obscured by internal building finishes or external cladding. The only satisfactory
way to show that the building fabric is reasonably airtight is to measure the leakiness
of the building fabric as a whole. Air leakage is quantified as Air Permeability. This is
the leakage of air (m
3
.h
-1
) in or out of the building, per square metre of building
envelope at a reference pressure difference of 50 Pa (m
3
.h
-1
.m
-2
@ 50 Pa) between
the inside and outside of the building.
1.3 Measuring Air Leakage
Assessment of building envelope air leakage involves establishing a pressure
differential across the envelope and measuring the air flow required to achieve that
differential. This is normally achieved by utilising variable flow portable fans which are
temporarily installed in a doorway, or other suitable external opening.

HVAC plant is switched off and temporarily sealed prior to the test. Passive ventilation
should also be temporarily sealed. All doors and windows on the exterior of the air test
envelope are closed. The test fans are switched on and the flow through them
increased until a building pressure of 50 100 Pa is achieved. The total air flow
through the fan and the building pressure differential created between the inside and
outside is recorded. The fan speed is then slowly adjusted to produce sequential steps
of not more than 10 Pa building pressure differential, with the fan flow and pressure
differential data recorded at each step.

The recorded fan flow (Q) and building pressure differential (Ap) data allow a
relationship to be established. This can be defined in terms of the power law equation:

Q =C (Ap)
n
1

Where C and n are constants that relate to the specific building under test.

The total air flow required to achieve the reference pressure differential of 50 Pa can
then be calculated from the equation (see Appendix A). This airflow is then divided by
the total building envelope area (A
E
) to provide the Air Permeability result in m
3
.h
-1
.m
-2

@ 50Pa.


Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 5 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
1.4 Fan Pressurisation Systems

1. Single fan in single door used for small buildings.
2. Multiple fans used in single door for small - medium buildings.
3. Multiple fans used in double door for larger buildings.
4. Trailer or lorry mounted fans for medium to large buildings - can be used in parallel
for very large buildings. (illustrated)



Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 6 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
Section 2 - Air Leakage Standards
2.1 Good and Best Practice Standards
Recommended airtightness standards for a variety of different building types have
been established over many years. The airtightness of buildings, as defined in the
Approved Documents L1A and L2A, is based on air permeability where the envelope
area is defined as the surface area of boundary walls, roof and floor. For improved
energy efficiency and much better control of the indoor environment, better
airtightness standards are required than the relatively relaxed worst acceptable limit
set by the Building Regulations. When calculating the buildings carbon dioxide
emission rate (BER) it may be necessary to set much higher standards for airtightness
to ensure the proposed building is within the target emission rate (TER) required to
demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations Part L (England and Wales), Part
F2 (Northern Ireland), or Section 6 of the Non-domestic Handbook (Scotland). The
following table provides current normal and best practice airtightness criteria for
different building types:

Type Air permeability
m
3
.h
-1
.m
-2
@ 50 Pa
Air Change Rate h
-1
@
50 Pa
Best
practice
Normal
Offices
Naturally ventilated 3.0 7.0
Mixed mode 2.5 5.0
Air conditioned/low
energy
2.0 5.0
Factories/warehouses 2.0 6.0
Superstores 1.0 5.0
Schools 3.0 9.0
Hospitals 5.0 9.0
Museums and archival
stores
1.0 1.5
Cold Stores 0.2 0.35
PassivHaus Standard - <1.0 0.6
2.2 Building Regulation Requirements Part L 2010 (England and Wales), Part
F2 (Northern Ireland) or Section 6 of the Non-domestic Handbook (Scotland).
Regulation 20B of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) requires that
pressure testing is carried out on new buildings, in order to be satisfied that provision
has been made to limit heat gains and losses through the building fabric. This includes
heat transfer by air leakage.

Approved Document L2A 2010 (England and Wales), Technical Booklet F2 (Northern
Ireland) relating to new buildings other than dwellings advises carrying out air pressure
tests on all buildings. There are only a few exceptions. One of the exceptions is where
the new build is less than 500m, then an Air Permeability of 15 m
3
.h
-1
.m
-2
@ 50Pa
may be assumed provided that the Target carbon dioxide Emission Rate (TER) is


Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 7 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
achieved using the National Calculation Methodology. However, it may be desirable to
pressure test since the actual (lower) air permeability can then be used to calculate
the Building CO
2
Emission Rate (BER). The other exception is where the building is
extremely large or complex and this aspect is dealt with separately in Section 5 of this
document.

The general requirement for domestic and non-domestic buildings is for the building to
be tested to comply with a maximum air permeability of 10 m
3
.h
-1
.m
-2
at a test
pressure differential of 50 Pa. However, in order to comply with the carbon emission
target, a lower air permeability may be required by the Building Regulations and tested
accordingly. The value for air permeability actually achieved will be used in the
National Calculation Methodology (NCM) to assess the asset rating of the building as
actually built. If the building fails to meet the carbon emission target, reducing and re-
measuring the air permeability may be one of the few improvement factors practicable.



Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 8 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
Section 3 - Specific Test and Building Preparation Procedure
3.1 Pre Test Requirements
Liaison should be made with the client over the date and time of the test procedure.
The client should be made fully aware of the nature of the test and the degree of
disruption that it may cause to construction works and/or operation of the building.

The test procedure can be significantly affected by extremes of weather (wind speed,
internal/external temperatures). Weather forecasts should be checked prior to the
proposed test date and if inclement weather is predicted, re-scheduling may be
necessary.

There may be occasions when the building needs to be tested in conditions that are
less than ideal and under these circumstances this should be clearly identified in the
test report. However, if tests need to be carried out during periods of fresh (6 m/s)
wind speeds, the zero flow pressures are likely to exceed 5 Pa and thus result in an
invalid test.
3.2 Building Envelope Calculations
The extent of the building to be tested must be confirmed. This will reflect the extent of
the conditioned space within the building, i.e. spaces that are heated or cooled.

Air barrier line for a building containing a naturally ventilated plant room
Workshop Store 2 Plant Room Staff Canteen
Male Toilets

The air barrier line will be contiguous with the insulation to the external envelope (as
laid out in ADL2A 2010) and if this is not clear from information issued this should be
confirmed with the client.

Intentionally unconditioned areas e.g. plant rooms, unconditioned escape stairs, bin
stores, and external stores should be excluded from the test procedure. The exception
to this is when unconditioned escape stairs may be utilised to attain an equalised
pressure across the building envelope. Again this must be confirmed with the client so
that the calculation reflects the area of the building to be tested.

Whilst lift shaft vents to the outside remain open during the test procedure, the wall
area of an internal lift shaft should not be included in the external envelope area for
calculation of air permeability. Similarly, the area of an internal service riser open to
the exterior should not be considered as part of the external envelope area for
calculation of air permeability.


Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 9 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org

The area of the building envelope should be measured along the line of the
component to be relied upon for air sealing. This will generally be the inner surface of
the wall or roof assembly.

Areas are measured as flat, i.e. no allowance is made for undulating profiles such as
profiled cladding or textures to wall components. Similarly the surfaces within window
and external door reveals are excluded.

The calculated envelope area will be referred to in subsequent data analysis and test
reports. This calculation should normally be undertaken by the testing organisation.
The output from the calculation should be recorded and retained by the testing
organisation, along with relevant drawings for future reference.

An accurate evaluation of the building or test area envelope (A
E
) must be made prior
to the test being undertaken. The necessary fan flow required to undertake a valid test
should be calculated from this figure.
3.2.1 Air Permeability Area (m
2
)
For an Air Permeability envelope area (A
E
), all walls (including basement walls, if the
basement is subject to test), roof and the floor are considered as part of the building
envelope. For zone or sample testing the envelope area to be used to calculate the
result should be that portion of the entire building envelope subject to the test, ie any
internal to internal walls/ floors/ ceilings are not included. See section 5.3 for further
guidance on multiple units within an overall building etc.

This is the method of envelope measurement referred to in the Building Regulations
Part L2A 2010 (England and Wales), Part F2 (Northern Ireland), and Section 6 of the
Non-domestic Handbook (Scotland).

Examples of envelope areas of a building are provided within Sections 3.2.3 and 3.2.4.
3.2.2 Air Change Rate Volume (m
3
)
The Air Change Rate volume (V) is the volume of air inside the building under test, for
all the zones incorporated within the test zone, with no deductions for furniture. This is
not required as standard, unless the specification requires an air change rate to be
calculated (eg in the case of very airtight rooms within a building).



Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 10 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
3.2.3 Envelope Area Calculation Example: Cold Roof Construction
A cold roof has the insulation at the horizontal ceiling level and usually a large void or
space between the insulation and the pitched roof rafters.

Where: L = 7.40m, W = 4.40m, and H = 5.30m

Cold roof construction - air barrier at first floor ceiling
Area Calculation
(m)
Result
(m)
Floor area L x W
(7.40 x 4.40)

32.56
Roof area L x W
(7.40 x 4.40)

32.56
Wall area 2 x H x (L +W)
2 x 5.30 x (7.40 + 4.40)

125.08
Total 190.20m


Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 11 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
3.2.4 Warm Roof Construction Example
A warm roof has the insulation running along the pitched roof rafters with an air barrier
normally running parallel along the inside face of the insulation.

Where: H1 = 5.43m W = 29.64m R = 14.86m
H2 = 6.47m L = 39.17m

Warm roof construction - air barrier at sloping roof
Area Calculation
(m)
Result
(m)
Floor area W x L
29.64 x 39.17

1161.00
Roof area 2 x R x L
2 x 14.86 x 39.17

1164.13
Wall area 2 x H1 x (W + L)
2 x 5.43 x (29.64 + 39.17)



747.28
Gable area ( x W x (H2-H1)) x 2
( x 29.64 x (6.47 5.43)) x 2
30.83
Total 3103.24 m
2

3.3 Fan System Selection
The fan system will normally consist of one or more units located within external
openings to the building envelope or area under test. Adequate fan capacity must be
available to undertake the test. This will be established from the target specification,
and the envelope area calculations. The fan flow rate supplied should be no less than
100% of the required flow at 50 Pa to achieve the worst acceptable building
specification.

From information available, and through liaison with the client, the location for the
installation of the fan equipment should be established prior to the test date. A number
of issues must be considered:
a) Access for fan equipment to be delivered and installed.
b) Air flow restrictions in front and around fans. A clear door opening is
preferred.
c) Any electrical power supplies which may be necessary.
d) Local restrictions, e.g. noise, working hours etc.


Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 12 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
e) Acceptable route for the air to flow from the fans and pressure to
equalise throughout the test enclosure.
The last issue is important in certain larger structures where sizeable volumes of air
will be pushed into the building during the test. Ideally air should enter the building
along routes without restrictions or sharp turns. Air forced through narrow corridors or
stairwells should be avoided if at all possible.

If multiple fan systems are to be utilised, these should be located evenly around the
building envelope whenever possible. This will allow a more even distribution of air
around the test enclosure.

The test can be undertaken either through pressurisation or depressurisation of the
building envelope. This may be dictated by the specification, proposed test equipment,
or by the practicalities of site conditions. Whichever method(s) are necessary, the
nature of the test pressurisation should be confirmed prior to the test date. This may
affect temporary sealing methods and locations.

The fan system and associated equipment utilised must be calibrated in accordance
with traceable standards, and must be within accepted calibration periods (see
Appendix B).
3.4 Building Preparation
Prior to the test being undertaken, the building must be prepared to allow effective
pressurisation, and representative results to be obtained. The method of preparation
referred to in this document is generally compliant with BS EN 13829:2001 Method B
Test of the Building Envelope.

To allow pressure to equalise fully around the test enclosure, all internal doors should
be fully opened and restrained. All areas of the building to be tested should be
connected by openings no smaller than a single leaf doorway (say 800mm x
2000mm); in many instances greater opening will be required to achieve uniform
pressure. Any areas of the building where this is not achievable must be recorded and
noted within the test report and may result in the test being invalid.

Further guidelines for preparation include:
o Internal doors to riser cupboards may be closed but should not be
artificially sealed.
o Lift doors should be closed (but not artificially sealed). Any external lift
shaft vents should remain open.
o All drainage traps should be filled with water.
o All incoming service penetrations (e.g. power, telecoms) should be
permanently sealed.
o All external doors and windows should be closed (but not artificially
sealed). This includes door thresholds. The exception to this will be
apertures to which test equipment is connected.
o Smoke vents should be closed but not artificially sealed.
o Background trickle ventilators, passive ventilation systems and
permanently open uncontrolled natural ventilation openings should be
temporarily sealed.


Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 13 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
o Mechanical ventilation and air conditioning systems should be turned off.
These systems should be temporarily sealed to prevent air leakage
through the systems during the test.

Should only part of a building be subjected to the test, then doors bounding the test
enclosure which will ultimately not fall on the external envelope, may be temporarily
sealed.

For the result of the test to be representative, the external envelope should be in its
final completed state. However it may be necessary to erect some temporary
seals/screens to allow the test to be undertaken, (for example if a door or window has
been broken, or is missing). Any such temporary seals must be robust enough to
withstand the test pressure.

Temporary seals employed during the test (including the method of closure of
mechanical ventilation systems) must be spot checked and recorded for inclusion in
the test report by the tester. It will normally be the responsibility of the client/main
contractor to prepare the building prior to the test. It should be noted that temporary
sealing to large and complex systems should not be under-estimated. Careful co-
ordination and planning will be required to ensure all systems are adequately sealed.
The testing organisation should undertake a reasonable assessment of the building
envelope, both prior to and after the test being undertaken.

Any elements at variance with these guide notes should be highlighted within the final
report such that the client/building inspector may assess whether the result obtained is
adequately representative of how the building would perform in its final completed
condition. As temporary seals to unfinished works may, in practice, be more airtight
than the envelope element that they replace, results obtained with such temporary
seals should be qualified accordingly by the testing organisation.
3.5 Further Test Equipment
In addition to the fan pressurisation system, other pieces of equipment must be utilised
during the test.

The indoor/outdoor pressure difference is normally measured at the approximate
geometric centre of the building or enclosure being tested. Measurements are
normally obtained through small bore tubing (no greater than 6mm diameter). The
internal reference tube will usually terminate near the geometric centre of the building.
This must be located away from corridors or doorways where air movement (dynamic
pressure) is likely to affect the readings obtained. Where the height of the building is
less than 20 m the pressure differential tubing should be located near the geometric
centre of the building. Where the height of the building is greater than 20 m the
variation in building pressure differential should be checked to ensure this variation is
less than +/- 10 %. Pressure differential tubing should be installed on the ground, top
floor and geometric centre of the building. The pressure fans should be operated to
provide approximately 50 Pa building pressure differential, but no lower than 45 Pa
(higher pressures are acceptable). The building pressure differential at each location
should be checked at each location. Providing the ground floor and top floor pressure
measurements are within 10 % of the mid point location the test can proceed using the


Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 14 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
pressure measurement tube located on the mid floor. Where this value exceeds 10%
measures should be taken to increase the open area between floors, and the building
variation re-checked to ensure this variation is within 10%. Alternatively the test could
proceed using the pressure measurement tube located furthest distance from the
pressurisation fans, which will ensure the air leakage measured is a maximum.

Pressure tubes should be kept away from locations where they may be trapped, or
may become heated or cooled excessively. The external reference tube should be
located away from the building envelope. This must terminate out of the air flows
induced by the fan pressurisation system, and sheltered from any wind.

Suitably calibrated pressure measuring devices shall be employed to measure the
indoor/outdoor pressure difference.

Suitably calibrated thermometers must be used inside and outside the building, to
allow temperatures to be recorded before and after the test procedure. Where a
variation in the internal or external air temperature is recorded during the test, an
average shall be calculated.

The location of all measurement devices/terminations must be recorded on site test
data sheets.

Measurement of barometric pressure is also necessary before and after the test.
3.6 Site Test Procedure
When the building has been suitably prepared, the test can commence. The client
should be advised and asked to ensure that all external doors and windows remain
closed for the duration.

Whilst it is safe for the test to be undertaken with people remaining inside the building,
it is often easier for the site operatives/staff to evacuate the building for the period of
the test. It is prudent for the client to position a number of people around the building
to ensure that doors and windows remain shut, and that any temporary seals
employed remain intact for the duration of the test.

Before the test commences, internal and external temperatures shall be recorded (T
e1
,
T
i1
). If the difference between these readings T
1
, multiplied by the height of the tested
building in metres is in excess of 250 m.C there is a significant risk that the zero flow
pressure difference is likely to be excessive.

All pressure measuring and flow measurement devices should be zeroed as
necessary at this stage.

With the opening(s) of the air moving equipment temporarily covered, the pressure
measuring devices should be connected to the internal/external reference pressure
tubes. The following zero flow pressure readings shall be recorded:

P
0,1+
The average of positive values recorded over a minimum of 30
seconds


Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 15 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
P
0,1-
The average of negative values recorded over a minimum of 30
seconds
P
0,1
The average of all values recorded over a minimum of 30
seconds

If any of P
0,1+
, P
0,1-
, P
0,1
are is found to be in excess of 5 Pa, conditions are not
suitable to undertake a valid test, and the client should be advised.

Wind speed and temperature may be the cause of excessive zero flow pressure
differences, and waiting until the environmental conditions change may reduce the
figure to an acceptable level. It should also be confirmed that mechanical ventilation
systems are suitably isolated so as not to cause this effect.

Once acceptable zero flow pressure difference readings have been taken, covers from
the air moving equipment should be removed. Air pressurisation equipment can then
be turned on to pressurise or depressurise the building/enclosure.

The test is carried out by taking a series of measurements of air flow rates and
corresponding indoor/outdoor pressure difference over a range of fan flows.

Due to the instability of induced pressures at lower levels, the minimum pressure
difference must be the greater of 10 Pa, or five times the zero flow pressure measured
prior to the test (the greater of P
0,1+
, P
0,1-
).

The highest pressure difference (corrected) must be greater than 50 Pa. If less than
50 Pa is achieved, the test is not valid and this must be recorded within the final test
report along with the reason why. Readings taken at low pressures will be more
adversely affected by environmental conditions and any conclusions drawn from such
a report should be treated with caution.

The test can be undertaken with the building envelope either positively or negatively
pressurised, and results obtained in either situation are valid. Alternatively both
positive and negative tests may be carried out, and an average of the results
calculated.

It is recommended that pressurisation systems are switched on in a controlled
manner. Great care must be taken to ensure that the building does not become over
pressurised (>100 Pa) as this may present a risk to internal finishes and the fabric of
the building.

Measurements must be taken at a minimum of 5 pressures between the maximum
and minimum induced pressures, i.e. a minimum of 7 points, with intervals between
pressures being no greater than 10 Pa. It is recommended that wherever possible 8 to
10 pressure differences are recorded. It is normally beneficial to take readings over a
broad range of building pressures. (minimum of 25 Pa)

Adequate time must be allowed for induced pressures to stabilise throughout the
building envelope. This is particularly significant in larger high rise buildings, and
where many internal walls/corridors subdivide the internal space.



Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 16 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
Once steady pressure (p)

and flow (Q) readings are obtained, these shall be
recorded. Where multiple fans are utilised, it must be ensured that flow measurement
readings are taken for each fan.

When a full set of data has been recorded, the pressurisation system should be
switched off and the fan opening re-covered. The following should then be recorded:

P
0,2+
The average of positive values recorded over a minimum of 30
seconds
P
0,2-
The average of negative values recorded over a minimum of 30
seconds
P
0,2
The average of all values recorded over a minimum of 30
seconds

If any of P
0,2+
, P
0,2-
, P
0,2
is found to be in excess of 5 Pa, the conditions have not
been suitable to undertake a valid test, and the client should be advised.

Should any test have been undertaken with zero flow pressure differences (either
before or after the test) in excess of 5 Pa, then any result obtained must be qualified
accordingly. Whilst the test undertaken may provide an approximate result, this should
not be used to prove compliance with any specification.

External and internal temperatures should be recorded (T
e2
, T
i2
). Where necessary an
average reading may be taken e.g. in high rise buildings.

Following the test it should be confirmed that the building conditions have remained
stable during the test, and that temporary seals and external doors have remained
closed.
3.7 Test Results
The recorded test data must be analysed and corrected in accordance with the
standard equations contained within Appendix A.

The final test result is expressed as a rate of leakage per hour per square metre of
building envelope at a reference pressure differential of 50 Pa (m
3
.h
-1
.m
-2
@ 50 Pa).
This is calculated by dividing the total calculated leakage flow rate Q
50
by the envelope
area A
E
.



Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 17 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
Section 4 - Test Report
The report shall contain at least the following information:

a) All details necessary to identify the building/envelope tested; purpose of test
(method A or B) as per BS EN 13829:2001; post address and estimated
date of construction of the building.
b) A reference to this standard and any deviation from it.
c) Test object:
- description of which parts of the building were subject to the test;
- envelope area;
- documentation of test calculations so that the stated results can be
verified;
- the general status of openings on the building envelope, latched, sealed,
open, etc.;
- detailed description of temporarily sealed openings, if any;
- the type of heating, ventilating and air conditioning system.
d) Apparatus and procedure:
- equipment and technique employed.
e) Test data:
- zero-flow pressure differences P
0,1+ ,
P
0,1- ,
P
0,2+ ,
P
0,2-
, P
0,1
and
P
0,2
for pressurization and depressurization test;
- External and internal temperatures before and after the test;
- barometric pressure before and after the test;
- differential pressure on lowest and highest floor at highest flow rate
achieved if required;
- table of induced pressure differences and corresponding air flow rates;
- air leakage graph, with value of correlation coefficient r;
- the air flow coefficient C
env
, the air flow exponent, n, and the air leakage
coefficient C
L,
for both pressurization and depressurization tests
determined by the method indicated;
- Air permeability result and test target

f) Date of test.
g) Name and address of organisation/individual carrying out the test and
details of the credentials permitting them to do so (UKAS Accreditation
number).




Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 18 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
Section 5 - Large and Complex Non-Domestic Buildings
There will be instances where it is not feasible or practicable to carry out an
airtightness test on an entire building or complex. The following sections detail various
approaches to overcome these difficulties.
5.1 Permanently Compartmentalised Buildings
It may be impractical to carry out whole building pressurisation tests on
compartmentalised buildings which are divided into separate units having no internal
openings to link them. In this case separate pressurisation tests should be carried out
on each self contained compartment.

Multiple Occupancy Buildings Residential

In some instances it may not be readily apparent how the building should be tested.
The method of test should ultimately be confirmed with the BCB, however, it might
also be dictated by the requirements of the SBEM and SAP calculations. The following
provides a guide as to how such buildings might be considered.

Student Halls Halls of residence fall within the scope of ADL2A and might therefore
be covered by the SBEM calculation. This calculation will specify the target air
permeability specification and that the halls should be tested as a whole block (unless
the building is deemed to fall within the criteria for Multi-storey or Large and Complex
Buildings refer to sections 5.2 and 5.3 below). In such circumstances this building
will be treated as any other building tested for ADL2A purposes.

Sheltered Housing Some residential buildings such as sheltered housing provide
independent living accommodation together with associated facilities such as
communal areas and offices. There is usually no clear distinction between the areas
with common rooms interspersed between the residential units. It is therefore difficult
to ascertain exactly how these buildings should be tested since it is possible that the
whole building could be subject to an SBEM calculation and each of the residential
units (for sale or rent) a SAP calculation. The carbon emission calculations undertaken
and therefore the testing regime required will need to be determined at the
commencement of the project with the BCB.

Where an SBEM calculation covers the whole building, then the air permeability test
must be undertaken to test the whole of the building envelope. This will include testing
into each of the residential units by opening the apartment doors. The results of such a
test will be used to show compliance with the requirements of ADL2A. Where there is
a further requirement for the residential units to comply with specific SAP calculations,
then a representative sample of those also must be tested in accordance with the
requirements of the Building Regulation Requirements Part L 2010 (England and
Wales), Part F1 (Northern Ireland) or Section 6 of the domestic Handbook (Scotland).

Apartments over Retail Many buildings are now constructed with residential
accommodation above ground floor retail units. In such instances there is typically a
clearly defined boundary between the different types of use. The different types of use
will usually be separated by a solid floor slab and be served by independent


Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 19 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
entrances. The retail units should be tested generally in accordance with this
Technical Standard and the requirements ADL2A. Furthermore, a representative
sample of the residential accommodation should be tested in accordance with the
requirements of the Building Regulation Requirements Part L 2010 (England and
Wales), Part F1 (Northern Ireland) or Section 6 of the domestic Handbook (Scotland).
5.2 High Rise & Multi Storey Buildings
It can be difficult to achieve equal pressure across a high rise building and so it may
be necessary to employ multiple fans at different points within the building.

Above fifteen storeys, the pressure loss up through the stairwells may become
significant with respect to the requirement for all internal pressures to be within 10%,
unless there are light wells and/or Atria - factors which would alleviate the testing
situation.

For buildings well above fifteen storeys, the lift shafts could be deployed by opening
doors at various levels - provided suitable safety precautions are deployed. This
normally provides sufficient open area up through the building for the building to be
pressurised as a complete unit. If lift shafts cannot be deployed, due to safety or
practical reasons, it may be possible to utilise riser shafts, if they have been
horizontally airsealed at ground floor slab and top floor roof levels.

For buildings above fifteen storeys it may be appropriate, under some circumstances,
to test the building by floor level. A potential testing scenario is as follows:

- Test the ground floor and pressurise the first floor simultaneously to produce
the same test pressures on both of those floors. The flow rates to the ground
floor should be recorded and analysed in the usual way but taking the envelope
area as that of the ground floor slab and external wall area of the ground floor
only. If the first floor plan area is less than the ground floor, then any ground
floor roof areas may be included in to the envelope area.

- Test a selected intermediate floor at the same time as pressuring the floors
above and below the test floor at the same test pressures. The data should be
analysed in the usual way but the envelope area will be the area of the external
walls of the test floor only.

- Test the top floor and pressurise the floor below it and take the envelope area
as that of the external walls of the top floor and the roof area. Sufficient open
area between the test floor and adjacent floors should be provided along with a
route to feed the outside differential pressure tube. This aspect applies to all
tests.

- The number of intermediate floors tested should be taken as 10%, unless there
are substantially different methods of construction between floor levels.

- If all of the above measured air leakage rates are less than the required
specification then the building would have passed the air permeability criteria.



Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 20 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
- If any of the building elements fail the required criteria then the Q
50
for the
ground floor plus the Q
50
for the top floor should be summed with the highest
Q
50
for an intermediate floor multiplied by the number of the intermediate floors.
This total air flow rate should then be divided by the envelope area of the
building to produce a final value.

Most triple fan blower door systems will deliver a total of >6m/s. An intermediate floor
area of 4,000m and a height between floors of 4 metres would require a flow rate of
around 2.8m/s per floor at an air permeability of 10m/(h.m). The top floor would
potentially require two triple fan blower doors with one double fan blower door on the
floor below. Ground floors very often have a footprint greater than the main high rise
portion of the building, but then normal large portable fans can be used at this level.
Most high-rise buildings could therefore be tested with this methodology, assuming
that an adequate airseal is provided by riser shafts within the test zone. If the cross-
sectional area changes dramatically after second floor level and above, extreme care
and diligence should be applied to the testing methodology and air flow testing
requirements. More floor levels may need to be tested under these circumstances.

5.3 Large and Complex Buildings
Large, in the context of this document, means buildings with an envelope area in
excess of 80,000 m
2
with a target air permeability of 10 m
3
.h
-1
.m
-2
@ 50Pa or 160,000
m
2
with a target air permeability of 5 m
3
.h
-1
.m
-2
@50Pa. Complex and large buildings
could encompass new District General Hospitals, Airport Terminals, Large City
Shopping Centres and large developments where there is a phased hand-over spread
over a significant time period.

It is expected that many of these building types can be broken down by Department or
groups of Retail Outlets, for instance, which could facilitate part pressure testing.
Were separate retail units or commercial units within an overall building are to be
tested the envelope will include all the boundary surfaces, ie the unit will be treated as
an entirely independent entity for the purpose of the air test. (This would also apply to
clean rooms, isolation rooms etc)
There will no doubt be some, albeit few, buildings where none of the above
approaches would be practicable and in such instances the following approach is
recommended:

- The Building Control Body should confirm that none of the above is practicable
and that this is therefore to be treated as a Special Case.
- The Building Control Body should approve the approach to ensure that the
development will be constructed to the required airtightness standard (no less
than 5 m
3
.h
-1
.m
-2
@50Pa), taking due cognisance of air sealing details and
component testing where necessary.
- A thorough quality management procedure is required. An ATTMA member
should oversee the project with regard to airtightness issues, inspect detailed
air sealing drawings, inspect the building at intervals during construction,
require robust QA site auditing procedures from main and package contractors,
recommend full-scale mock-ups of sections of the building be tested and/or
recommend air tightness testing of components.


Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 21 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
- For the purpose of certification, inspections must be carried out at least monthly
during formation of the building envelope, and for more complex buildings this
must increase appropriately.
- Detailed specifications and drawings with regard to air sealing must be collated
and reviewed, particularly where different trade contractor packages need to
be air sealed to each other. Where there is likelihood that these sealing details
can not be inspected progressively before such details become concealed, a
system, such as photographic records, should be put in place so that there is
comprehensive assurance that the building is built to the design criteria.
- Contractors tradesmen should be given demonstrations of what the goals are
and what to watch out for in their work to avoid defects.
- Contractors may be required to remove items which conceal air sealing details
for inspection.
- Feedback from the results of mock-up or component testing should be
implemented in the general design.
- An audit trail should be kept and, at handover, be handed to the client for
archiving. Where practically feasible sample areas should be tested in
accordance with the requirements for phased handover.
5.3.1 Zone/Sample Testing
Phased handover or occupancy of a building may preclude the testing of a whole
building in practical terms. If such situations exist, a test to a representative sample
may be deemed reasonable. This should represent at least 20% of the building
envelope area and the areas tested must be representative of the external envelope
construction for the building as a whole. Where samples are used to prove compliance
of larger areas of the building, it is necessary to achieve a test result 10% below the
target specification, thereby giving some comfort that workmanship and detail issues
elsewhere may not compromise the envelope air leakage performance when
considered for the whole.

When testing of sample areas is to be carried out it is important to consider internal
walls or temporary screens isolating test zones that will also be tested. Leakage
through these elements will impact upon the result for the sample in question,
although ultimately they may not form part of the building envelope.
5.3.2 Building Extension Testing
Where the extension can be tested as a separate entity from the existing building, this
will be relatively straightforward. However, in some cases it will not be practicable to
test the extension separately, for example an extension to the sales floor of a large
retail outlet. Under these circumstances one approach would be for the existing
building, or part thereof, to be airtightness tested before extension works commence in
order to characterise the performance of the existing building. On completion of the
extension, the building or section of the building will require to be airtightness tested
again. The air quantity required to pressurise the existing part of the building including
the new extension minus the air quantity required to pressurise the existing part of the
building, divided by the envelope area of the extension will provide the air permeability
of the extension. An airtightness test on the original building should be carried out


Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 22 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
before planning approval is granted for the extension. An alternative approach would
be to follow the procedures for a large complex building as described in Section 5 of
this document.


Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 23 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org














Appendices


Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 24 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
Appendix A - Equations and Corrections
A.1.0 Equations
A.1.1 Corrections for zero flow pressure differences
Zero flow pressure difference corrections should be applied to the observed building
differential pressures for wind and stack effects. Subtract the average zero-flow
pressure difference from each of the measured pressure differences, Ap
m
, to obtain
the induced pressure differences, Ap
env
, using equation 2:

2
2 0 1 0 , ,
m env
p p
p p
A A
A A
+
= 2
where Ap
0,1
is the average of all zero flow pressure differences at the start of the test
and Ap
0,2
is the average of all zero flow pressure differences at the end of the test.
A.1.2 Calculation of air density
The air density, , in kg.m
-3
, at a temperature, u, in C and the absolute pressure, p
bar
,
in Pa, can be obtained by equation 3. This may be calculated as an average of
temperature and absolute pressure readings taken immediately before, during and
immediately after the test.

( ) 15 . 273 055 . 287
37802 . 0
+

=
u

v bar
p p
3

Where:
( ) | |
)
`

+ |
.
|

\
|
+

=
15 . 273 ln 02802 . 5
15 . 273
4985 . 6790
484085 . 59 u
u
e p
v

and, can be taken as 0.5 (i.e. 50% relative humidity)
A.1.3 Correction for actual and observed airflow through the measuring device
The actual flow rate through the fan is a function of the measured values at the last fan
calibration and measured values during the air test.

m
c
c m
Q Q

= 4

Where Q
m
is the actual volumetric flow rate through the fan during the test, Q
c
is the
airflow rate from the last calibration of the fan,
m
is the density of air passing through
the fan (kg/m
3
) and
c
is the air density recorded during fan calibration.
A.1.4 Correction for internal/external air density differences
A correction is required for the internal/external density differences between air
passing through the airflow measuring device and air passing through the building
envelope. The correction to be applied depends on whether the building is being
pressurised or depressurised.


Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 25 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
A.1.4.1 Corrections to airflow rate for pressurisation tests:
Convert the measured airflow rate, Q
m
, to airflow through the building envelope,
Q
env(out)
, for pressurisation using equation 5:

i
e
m ) out ( env
Q Q

= 5
where Q
env(out)
is the actual air flow volume out through the envelope,
e
is the mean
external air density (kg.m
-3
) and
i
is the mean internal

air density (kg.m
-3
).
A.1.4.2 Corrections to airflow rate for depressurisation tests:
Convert the measured airflow rate, Q
m
, to airflow through the building envelope,
Q
env(in)
, for depressurisation using equation 6:

e
i
m ) in ( env
Q Q

= 6
where Q
env(in)
is the actual air flow volume in through the envelope,
e
is the mean
external air density (kg/m
3
) and
i
is the mean internal

air density (kg/m
3
).
A.1.5 Determination of constants C and n using a least squares technique
The results from a steady state building test will give a dataset comprising of building
differential pressures (Ap
env
) and corresponding fan flow rates (Q
m
). There are a
number of curve fitting approximations available to produce a best-fit line between
these points. The most straightforward of these is the least squares approximation.
Equation 1 is rearranged by taking the logarithm of each side to form an equation for a
straight line:

y = mx + b

where y = ln(Q
m
)
and x = ln(Ap
env
)

The points recorded are fitted through the points (x
1
, y
1
),.,(x
i
, y
i
) so that the sum of
the squares of the distances of those points from the straight line is minimum. The
airflow rates and corresponding pressure differences are plotted on a log-log graph for
pressurisation and depressurisation as required.



Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 26 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
The calculation of the factors m and b for a given (de)pressurisation test are as
follows:-

| | | | ( )

=
m env
Q ln p ln XY d A 7

| | | | ( )

=
env env
p ln p ln XX d A A 8

| | | |) ln (ln
m m
Q Q YY d =

9

| |

=
env
p ln X d A 10

| |

=
m
Q ln Y d 11



( ) ( )
( ) ( )




=
XX d i X d X d
XY d i Y d X d
m 12

where i = number of data points


( ) ( )
( ) ( )




=
XX d i X d X d
Y d XX d XY d X d
b 13

from this the air flow coefficient, C
env
, and air flow exponent, n, are obtained:

b
env
e C = 14
and

n m = 15
A.1.6 Correction of airflow rates through the building envelope to standard
temperature and pressure
The relationship is established between volumetric flow rate through the fan and the
induced building envelope pressure difference:

n
env env env
p C Q A = 16

where Q
env
is the air flow rate through the building envelope (m.h
-1
) and Ap
env
is the
induced pressure difference, in Pascals.

The air leakage coefficient, C
L
, is obtained by correcting the air flow coefficient, C
env
,
to standard conditions (i.e. 20 C and 101,325 Pa).





Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 27 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
For pressurisation use equation:

n
s
i
env L
C C

|
|
.
|

\
|
=
1

17

For depressurisation use equation:

n
s
e
env L
C C

|
|
.
|

\
|
=
1

18
where
i
is the internal air density (kg.m
-3
),
e
is the external air density (kg.m
-3
), and
s
is the air density at standard conditions (kg.m
-3
)

The air leakage rate,
env
p
Q
A
, for a given building differential pressure, Ap
env
, can be
calculated using equation:

( )
n
env L p
p C Q
env
A =
A
19

where C
L
is the air leakage coefficient, in m
3
.h
-1
.Pa
-n
, Ap
env
is the induced pressure
difference (Pa) and n is the air flow exponent.
A.1.7 Air permeability
The air permeability, AP
50
, is the air leakage rate at a pressure difference of 50 Pa,
divided by the building envelope area A
E
(m). Units are m.h
-1
per m of envelope
area. The air permeability is calculated using equation 20:

E
A
Q
AP
50
50
= 20

Where
n
L
C Q 50
50
= , from equation 19.

A.1.8 Air change rate
The air change rate, n
50
, is the air leakage rate at a pressure difference of 50 Pa,
divided by the building volume V (m). It defines the length of time required to
completely change the volume of air within the building, and has the units 1/h. The air
change is calculated using equation 21:

V
Q
n
50
50
= 21

Where
n
L
C Q 50
50
= , from equation 19.





Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 28 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
A.1.9 Correlation coefficient (r)
The correlation coefficient (r) is a measure of the strength of association between the
observed values of building differential pressure (A
env
) and corresponding fan flow
rates.

2
o
xy
S
r = 22
where

( ) ( ) | | ( ) ( ) | |

= Y d Y d YY d i X d X d XX d i
2
o
( ) ( )

= Y d X d XY d i S
xy

A.2.0 Essential parameters (r
2
and n)
Assessment of building airtightness using a steady state technique relies on the
premise that an equal pressure difference is maintained across the whole of the
building envelope. It is also paramount that no changes occur to the envelope, such as
removal of temporary sealing or opening an external door during the test. Two
parameters are used as indicators of the accuracy and validity of test results.
A.2.1 Correlation coefficient (r
2
)
The correlation coefficient, or r
2
, is indicative of the accuracy with which a curve fitting
equation can be applied to a set of results. For a building pressurisation test with a
minimum of seven building envelope readings typically taken in the range 20 to 100
Pa, an r value of greater than 0.980 must be obtained. Test results that do not attain
this minimum standard figure should be declared not valid and may be due to adverse
environmental conditions or substandard test and data collection techniques.
A.2.2 Air flow exponent (n)
The fortuitous air leakage paths through a building envelope under test will consist of a
number of cracks and holes of varying shapes and size. The constants C and n are
derived from the power law relationship. The air flow exponent, n, is used to describe
the airflow regime through this orifice. Values should range between 0.5 and 1.0. If the
value of n is not within these limits, then the test is not valid and should be repeated.

For information, n values which approach 0.5 will have fully developed turbulent flow
through the building elements and represents air flow through rather large apertures,
which tend to be indicative of rather leaky structures. For n values which approach 1.0,
will indicate a more laminar like flow through the building elements and generally
represent very tight structures, or those with a myriad of very tiny holes.


Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 29 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
A.3.0 Limiting factors
A.3.1 Static pressures within tall buildings
Buildings with large internal/external temperature differences are subject to stack
pressures. These may be more pronounced in tall buildings. If the product of the
temperature differential across the building envelope (T), multiplied by the building
height (m) is greater than 250 mC, it is likely that the stack pressure is too great to
maintain an equal pressure difference across the whole of the building envelope.
A.3.2 Uniform pressures across the building envelope
In multi cellular buildings all internal doors should be opened, so that a uniform
pressure is maintained across the whole of the building envelope. This may entail
using a number of fans strategically located in various doorways or other openings
around the envelope. Readings should be taken as outlined in section 3.5
A.3.3 Zero-flow pressure differences
Temporarily sealing is applied to the fan(s) at the start and end of the test. Readings
for building differential pressures are recorded at zero airflow rate through the fan(s). If
the average of the zero-flow pressure differences at the start or end of the test
exceeds 5 Pa the influence of wind and/or stack pressures are too great for a valid
set of readings to be obtained.
A.3.4 Minimum acceptable building differential pressures
The building differential pressures induced during an air test should be greater than
those occurring naturally to minimise the influence of wind and stack effects. A
maximum pressure of at least 50 Pa must be established across the envelope, with
readings typically taken up to between 60 and 100 Pascals. Higher building pressures
may result in more accurate data in some instances. However, differential pressures
above 100 Pa may result in the deformation of envelope components and must
therefore be avoided. No readings should be recorded below 10 Pa, or five times the
zero flow pressure difference, whichever is greater.

In exceptional circumstances, e.g. when a building is unexpectedly leaky, it may not
be possible to achieve a pressure difference of 50 Pa. In these cases, the failure to
attain 50 Pa must be stated in the report, with an account of the reasons why.
Readings taken at low pressures will be more adversely affected by environmental
conditions and any conclusions drawn from such a report should be treated with
caution.



Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 30 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
Appendix B - Test Equipment Requirements
B.1.0 Introduction
The requirements of ATTMA for the accuracy of measurements are based primarily
around the BS EN Standard 13829:2001 - Thermal Performance of Buildings -
Determination of air permeability of buildings - Fan pressurisation method with
enhancements recommended by ATTMA.

All instrumentation, whatever the required tolerance, needs to satisfy the annual
calibration requirements of UKAS. UKAS Certification is a mandatory requirement for
all ATTMA members.

B.2.0 Accuracy
The following is a list of the required measurements and tolerances:
B.2.1 Pressure Differential Measurement (micromanometer)
An instrument capable of measuring pressure differentials with an accuracy of 2
Pascals in the range of 0 to 100 Pascals.
B.2.2 Air Flow Rate Measurement
The device must have a UKAS accredited calibration and measure the air flow rate to
within 7% of the reading. The reading of the air flow rate shall be corrected according
to air density. Care should be taken when choosing a measurement system that the
system is relatively unaffected by irregular air entry conditions (wind velocities and
local obstructions) and that there is stability in the measurement system. Where
multiple fans and measurement systems are to be used in unison then the calibration
of all individual units need to be verified and UKAS accredited.
B.2.3 Temperature Measurement devices
The accuracy of temperature measurement must have an accuracy of 1C within the
range of -20 C to + 40 C .
B.2.4 Barometric Pressure
A barometer should have an accuracy of 5 mbar in the range 950 - 1050 mbar. The
barometer is used for correcting air flow rates and has a small effect on the
measurement accuracy.
B.3.0 Calibration
Care will need to be taken in the choice of an air flow measurement system to avoid
inaccuracies induced by wind effects on the flow measurement device. The proximity
of local obstructions can cause inaccuracies but more particularly the proximity of two
flow measurement devices, as can be found with two or more blower door type fans.


Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 31 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org

The flow measurement device will require to be calibrated against a recognised test
procedure. Such test procedures will have to satisfy UKAS requirements and two
standards are worthy of reference. The first is BS ISO 3966:2008 Measurement of
fluid flow in closed conduits. Velocity area method using Pitot static tubes and the
second is BS 848-1:2007 (BS EN ISO 5801:2008) Industrial fans. Performance
testing using standardized airways.

It will also be a UKAS requirement and by extension an ATTMA requirement to
calculate estimates of uncertainties for not only the individual parameters but also a
final uncertainty budget from the square root of the sum of the squares of the standard
deviation of each source of uncertainty.


Technical Standard L2 Issue 1 Page 32 of 32 30/09/10
www.attma.org
Appendix C - Equivalent Leakage Area (ELA)
It is often useful for the test engineer to translate the results of an air leakage test in to
a more readily understandable form such as an equivalent leakage area, A (m). Area
of holes left in the structure can be a useful guide, but it is only an aerodynamic
equivalent area based on a sharp edged orifice and should therefore be regarded as
approximate.

The flow rate of air can be expressed by:

n
s
env
d p
p
A C Q
env |
|
.
|

\
| A
=
A

2
23
Where:
The discharge coefficient, C
d
for a sharp edged orifice can be taken as 0.61, standard
air density
s
is taken as 1.20kg.m
-2
, n can be taken as 0.5, the test pressure is 50
Pascals, and
50
Q is in m/s, which allows equation to be simplified and rearranged to:

57 5
50
.
Q
A = 24

Most buildings do not exhibit a flow index (n) of 0.5 because the air leakage paths can
be long and convoluted, etc. and as such the above equation is only approximate.

The above should be treated with extreme caution since holes in buildings tend to
look considerably larger than they actually are, since the other side of the hole may
have a tortuous exit route or be occluded by a hidden membrane.

The equivalent leakage area should only be used as a guide for remedial measures
and not to determine the final air permeability value.