Project Standard Specification: Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing 15990 - Page 1/21
Project Standard Specification: Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing 15990 - Page 1/21
PART 1 - GENERAL
A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including Conditions of Contract and
Division 1 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.
0.2 SUMMARY
A. This Section includes testing, adjusting, and balancing HVAC systems to produce design
objectives, including the following:
1. Balancing airflow and water flow within distribution systems, including submains,
branches, and terminals, to indicated quantities according to specified tolerances.
2. Adjusting total HVAC systems to provide indicated quantities.
3. Measuring electrical performance of HVAC equipment.
4. Setting quantitative performance of HVAC equipment.
5. Verifying that automatic control devices are functioning properly.
6. Measuring sound and vibration.
7. Reporting results of the activities and procedures specified in this Section.
1. Testing and adjusting requirements unique to particular systems and equipment are
included in the Sections that specify those systems and equipment.
2. Field quality-control testing to verify that workmanship quality for system and
equipment installation is specified in system and equipment Sections.
0.3 DEFINITIONS
A. Adjust: To regulate fluid flow rate and air patterns at the terminal equipment, such as to
reduce fan speed or adjust a damper.
B. Balance: To proportion flows within the distribution system, including submains, branches,
and terminals, according to design quantities.
C. Draft: A current of air, when referring to localized effect caused by one or more factors of
high air velocity, low ambient temperature, or direction of airflow, whereby more heat is
withdrawn from a person's skin than is normally dissipated.
E. Report Forms: Test data sheets for recording test data in logical order.
F. Static Head: The pressure due to the weight of the fluid above the point of measurement. In
a closed system, static head is equal on both sides of the pump.
G. Suction Head: The height of fluid surface above the centerline of the pump on the suction
side.
H. System Effect: A phenomenon that can create undesired or unpredicted conditions that
cause reduced capacities in all or part of a system.
I. System Effect Factors: Allowances used to calculate a reduction of the performance ratings
of a fan when installed under conditions different from those presented when the fan was
performance tested.
J. Terminal: A point where the controlled medium, such as fluid or energy, enters or leaves
the distribution system.
L. Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing Agent: The entity responsible for performing and
reporting the testing, adjusting, and balancing procedures.
0.4 SUBMITTALS
B. Contract Documents Examination Report: Within 45 days from the Engineer's Notice to
Commence, submit 2 copies of the Contract Documents review report as specified in Part 3
of this Section.
C. Strategies and Procedures Plan: Within 60 days from the Engineer's Notice to Commence,
submit 2 copies of the testing, adjusting, and balancing strategies and step-by-step
procedures as specified in Part 3 "Preparation" Article below. Include a complete set of
report forms intended for use on this Project.
D. Certified Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing Reports: Submit 2 copies of reports prepared,
as specified in this Section, on approved forms certified by the testing, adjusting, and
balancing Agent.
E. Sample Report Forms: Submit 2 sets of sample testing, adjusting, and balancing report
forms.
A. Agent Qualifications: Engage a testing, adjusting, and balancing agent certified by either
AABC or NEBB, or another agency acceptable to the Engineer.
B. Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing Conference: Meet with the Employer's and the
Engineer's representatives on approval of the testing, adjusting, and balancing strategies and
procedures plan to develop a mutual understanding of the details. Ensure the participation
of testing, adjusting, and balancing team members, equipment manufacturers' authorized
service representatives, HVAC controls Installer, and other support personnel. Provide 7
days' advance notice of scheduled meeting time and location.
C. Certification of Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing Reports: Certify the testing, adjusting,
and balancing field data reports. This certification includes the following:
1. Review field data reports to validate accuracy of data and to prepare certified testing,
adjusting, and balancing reports.
2. Certify that the testing, adjusting, and balancing team complied with the approved
testing, adjusting, and balancing plan and the procedures specified and referenced in
this Specification.
D. Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing Reports: Use testing, adjusting, and balancing Agent's
report forms as approved by the Engineer.
A. Employer Occupancy: The Employer may occupy completed areas of the building before
Substantial Completion. Cooperate with the Employer during testing, adjusting, and
balancing operations to minimize conflicts with the Employer's operations.
0.7 COORDINATION
B. Notice: Provide 7 days' advance notice for each test. Include scheduled test dates and
times.
C. Perform testing, adjusting, and balancing after leakage and pressure tests on air and water
distribution systems have been satisfactorily completed.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
0.1 EXAMINATION
A. Examine Contract Documents to become familiar with project requirements and to discover
conditions in systems' designs that may preclude proper testing, adjusting, and balancing of
systems and equipment.
C. Examine project record documents described in Division 1 Section " Record (As-Built)
Documents."
D. Examine the Engineer's design data, including HVAC system descriptions, statements of
design assumptions for environmental conditions and systems' output, and statements of
philosophies and assumptions about HVAC system and equipment controls.
E. Examine equipment performance data, including fan and pump curves. Relate performance
data to project conditions and requirements, including system effects that can create
undesired or unpredicted conditions that cause reduced capacities in all or part of a system.
Calculate system effect factors to reduce the performance ratings of HVAC equipment when
installed under conditions different from those presented when the equipment was
performance tested at the factory. To calculate system effects for air systems, use tables and
charts found in AMCA 201, "Fans and Systems," Sections 7 through 10; or in SMACNA's
"HVAC Systems--Duct Design," Sections 5 and 6. Compare this data with the design data
and installed conditions.
F. Examine system and equipment installations to verify that they are complete and that
testing, cleaning, adjusting, and commissioning specified in individual Specification
Sections have been performed.
H. Examine HVAC system and equipment installations to verify that indicated balancing
devices, such as test ports, gage cocks, thermometer wells, flow-control devices, balancing
valves and fittings, and manual volume dampers, are properly installed, and their locations
are accessible and appropriate for effective balancing and for efficient system and
equipment operation.
I. Examine systems for functional deficiencies that cannot be corrected by adjusting and
balancing.
J. Examine air-handling equipment to ensure clean filters have been installed, bearings are
greased, belts are aligned and tight, and equipment with functioning controls is ready for
operation.
K. Examine terminal units, such as variable-air-volume boxes and mixing boxes, to verify that
they are accessible and their controls are connected and functioning.
L. Examine plenum ceilings, utilized for supply air, to verify that they are airtight. Verify that
pipe penetrations and other holes are sealed.
O. Examine heat-transfer coils for correct piping connections and for clean and straight fins.
P. Examine open-piping-system pumps to ensure absence of entrained air in the suction piping.
Q. Examine equipment for installation and for properly operating safety interlocks and
controls.
1. Dampers, valves, and other controlled devices operate by the intended controller.
2. Dampers and valves are in the position indicated by the controller.
3. Integrity of valves and dampers for free and full operation and for tightness of fully
closed and fully open positions. This includes dampers in multizone units, mixing
boxes, and variable-air-volume terminals.
4. Automatic modulating and shutoff valves, including 2-way valves and 3-way mixing
and diverting valves, are properly connected.
5. Thermostats and humidistats are located to avoid adverse effects of sunlight, drafts,
and cold walls.
6. Sensors are located to sense only the intended conditions.
7. Sequence of operation for control modes is according to the Contract Documents.
8. Controller set points are set at design values. Observe and record system reactions to
changes in conditions. Record default set points if different from design values.
9. Interlocked systems are operating.
10. Changeover from heating to cooling mode occurs according to design values.
S. Report deficiencies discovered before and during performance of testing, adjusting, and
balancing procedures.
0.2 PREPARATION
A. Prepare a testing, adjusting, and balancing plan that includes strategies and step-by-step
procedures.
B. Complete system readiness checks and prepare system readiness reports. Verify the
following:
A. Perform testing and balancing procedures on each system according to the procedures
contained in SMACNA's "HVAC Systems--Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing" and this
Section.
B. Cut insulation, ducts, pipes, and equipment cabinets for installation of test probes to the
minimum extent necessary to allow adequate performance of procedures. After testing and
balancing, close probe holes and patch insulation with new materials identical to those
removed. Restore vapor barrier and finish according to the insulation Specifications for this
Project.
C. Mark equipment settings with paint or other suitable, permanent identification material,
including damper-control positions, valve indicators, fan-speed-control levers, and similar
controls and devices, to show final settings.
A. Prepare test reports for both fans and outlets. Obtain manufacturer's outlet factors and
recommended testing procedures. Crosscheck the summation of required outlet volumes
with required fan volumes.
D. Determine the best locations in main and branch ducts for accurate duct airflow
measurements.
E. Check the airflow patterns from the outside-air louvers and dampers and the return- and
exhaust-air dampers, through the supply-fan discharge and mixing dampers.
F. Locate start-stop and disconnect switches, electrical interlocks, and motor starters.
G. Verify that motor starters are equipped with properly sized thermal protection.
A. The procedures in this Article apply to constant-volume supply-, return-, and exhaust-air
systems. Additional procedures are required for variable-air-volume, multizone, dual-duct,
induction-unit supply-air systems and process exhaust-air systems. These additional
procedures are specified in other articles in this Section.
B. Adjust fans to deliver total design airflows within the maximum allowable rpm listed by the
fan manufacturer.
a. Measure outlet static pressure as far downstream from the fan as practicable
and upstream from restrictions in ducts such as elbows and transitions.
b. Measure static pressure directly at the fan outlet or through the flexible
connection.
c. Measure inlet static pressure of single-inlet fans in the inlet duct as near the fan
as possible, upstream from flexible connection and downstream from duct
restrictions.
d. Measure inlet static pressure of double-inlet fans through the wall of the
plenum that houses the fan.
a. Simulate dirty filter operation and record the point at which maintenance
personnel must change filters.
3. Measure static pressures entering and leaving other devices such as sound traps, heat
recovery equipment, and air washers under final balanced conditions.
4. Compare design data with installed conditions to determine variations in design static
pressures versus actual static pressures. Compare actual system effect factors with
calculated system effect factors to identify where variations occur. Recommend
corrective action to align design and actual conditions.
5. Adjust fan speed higher or lower than design with the approval of the Engineer.
Make required adjustments to pulley sizes, motor sizes, and electrical connections to
accommodate fan-speed changes.
6. Do not make fan-speed adjustments that result in motor overload. Consult equipment
manufacturers about fan-speed safety factors. Modulate dampers and measure fan-
motor amperage to ensure that no overload will occur. Measure amperage in full
cooling, full heating, and economizer modes to determine the maximum required
brake horsepower.
C. Adjust volume dampers for main duct, submain ducts, and major branch ducts to design
airflows within specified tolerances.
1. Measure static pressure at a point downstream from the balancing damper and adjust
volume dampers until the proper static pressure is achieved.
a. Where sufficient space in submains and branch ducts is unavailable for Pitot-
tube traverse measurements, measure airflow at terminal outlets and inlets and
calculate the total airflow for that zone.
2. Remeasure each submain and branch duct after all have been adjusted. Continue to
adjust submains and branch ducts to design airflows within specified tolerances.
E. Adjust terminal outlets and inlets for each space to design airflows within specified
tolerances of design values. Make adjustments using volume dampers rather than extractors
and the dampers at the air terminals.
1. Adjust each outlet in the same room or space to within specified tolerances of design
quantities without generating noise levels above the limitations prescribed by the
Contract Documents.
2. Adjust patterns of adjustable outlets for proper distribution without drafts.
A. Compensating for Diversity: When the total airflow of all terminal units is more than the
fan design airflow volume, place a selected number of terminal units at a maximum set-
point airflow condition until the total airflow of the terminal units equals the design airflow
of the fan. Select the reduced airflow terminal units so that they are distributed evenly
among the branch ducts.
a. If air outlets are out of balance at minimum airflow, report the condition but
leave the outlets balanced for maximum airflow.
6. Remeasure the return airflow to the fan while operating at maximum return airflow
and minimum outside airflow. Adjust the fan and balance the return-air ducts and
inlets as described for constant-volume air systems.
7. Measure static pressure at the most critical terminal unit and adjust the static-pressure
controller at the main supply-air sensing station to ensure adequate static pressure is
maintained at the most critical unit.
8. Record the final fan performance data.
A. Prepare test reports with pertinent design data and number in sequence starting at pump to
end of system. Check the sum of branch-circuit flows against approved pump flow rate.
Correct variations that exceed plus or minus 5 percent.
C. Prepare hydronic systems for testing and balancing according to the following, in addition
to the general preparation procedures specified above:
A. Determine water flow at pumps. Use the following procedures, except for positive-
displacement pumps:
1. Verify impeller size by operating the pump with the discharge valve closed. Verify
with the pump manufacturer that this will not damage pump. Read pressure
differential across the pump. Convert pressure to head and correct for differences in
gage heights. Note the point on the manufacturer's pump curve at zero flow and
confirm that the pump has the intended impeller size.
2. Check system resistance. With all valves open, read pressure differential across the
pump and mark the pump manufacturer's head-capacity curve. Adjust pump
discharge valve until design water flow is achieved.
3. Verify pump-motor brake horsepower. Calculate the intended brake horsepower for
the system based on the pump manufacturer's performance data. Compare calculated
brake horsepower with nameplate data on the pump motor. Report conditions where
actual amperage exceeds motor nameplate amperage.
4. Report flow rates that are not within plus or minus 5 percent of design.
C. Measure flow at all stations and adjust, where necessary, to obtain first balance.
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D. Measure flow at main balancing station and set main balancing device to achieve flow that
is 5 percent greater than design flow.
E. Adjust balancing stations to within specified tolerances of design flow rate as follows:
1. Determine the balancing station with the highest percentage over design flow.
2. Adjust each station in turn, beginning with the station with the highest percentage
over design flow and proceeding to the station with the lowest percentage over design
flow.
3. Record settings and mark balancing devices.
F. Measure pump flow rate and make final measurements of pump amperage, voltage, rpm,
pump heads, and systems' pressures and temperatures, including outdoor-air temperature.
A. Balance systems with automatic 2- and 3-way control valves by setting systems at
maximum flow through heat-exchange terminals and proceed as specified above for
hydronic systems.
A. Balance the primary system crossover flow first, then balance the secondary system.
0.11 MOTORS
A. Motors, 1/2 HP and Larger: Test at final balanced conditions and record the following data:
0.12 CHILLERS
A. Balance water flow through each evaporator and condenser to within specified tolerances of
design flow with all pumps operating. With only one chiller operating in a multiple chiller
installation, do not exceed the flow for the maximum tube velocity recommended by the
chiller manufacturer. Measure and record the following data with each chiller operating at
design conditions:
1. Evaporator water entering and leaving temperatures, pressure drop, and water flow.
2. Condenser water entering and leaving temperatures, pressure drop, and water flow.
3. Evaporator and condenser refrigerant temperatures and pressures, using instruments
furnished by the chiller manufacturer.
4. Power factor if factory-installed instrumentation is furnished for measuring kW.
5. The kW input if factory-installed instrumentation is furnished for measuring kW.
6. Capacity: Calculate in tons of cooling.
A. Shut off makeup water for the duration of the test, and then make sure the makeup and
blow-down systems are fully operational after tests and before leaving the equipment.
Perform the following tests and record the results:
A. Verify proper rotation of fans and measure entering- and leaving-air temperatures. Record
compressor data.
0.15 BOILERS
1. Nameplate data.
2. Airflow.
3. Entering- and leaving-air temperatures at full load.
4. Voltage and amperage input of each phase at full load and at each incremental stage.
5. Calculated kW at full load.
6. Fuse or circuit-breaker rating for overload protection.
A. During testing, adjusting, and balancing, report need for adjustment in temperature
regulation within the automatic temperature-control system.
B. Measure indoor wet- and dry-bulb temperatures every other hour for a period of 2
successive 8-hour days, in each separately controlled zone, to prove correctness of final
temperature settings. Measure when the building or zone is occupied.
B. Check transmitter and controller locations and note conditions that would adversely affect
control functions.
C. Record controller settings and note variances between set points and actual measurements.
E. Verify free travel and proper operation of control devices such as damper and valve
operators.
F. Verify sequence of operation of control devices. Note air pressures and device positions
and correlate with airflow and water-flow measurements. Note the speed of response to
input changes.
I. Verify main control supply-air pressure and observe compressor and dryer operations.
J. Record voltages of power supply and controller output. Determine if the system operates on
a grounded or nongrounded power supply.
K. Note operation of electric actuators using spring return for proper fail-safe operations.
0.19 TOLERANCES
A. Set HVAC system airflow and water flow rates within the following tolerances:
0.20 REPORTING
B. Include a certification sheet in front of binder signed and sealed by the certified testing and
balancing engineer.
1. Include a list of the instruments used for procedures, along with proof of calibration.
C. Final Report Contents: In addition to the certified field report data, include the following:
1. Pump curves.
2. Fan curves.
3. Manufacturers' test data.
4. Field test reports prepared by system and equipment installers.
5. Other information relative to equipment performance, but do not include approved
Shop Drawings and Product Data.
D. General Report Data: In addition to the form titles and entries, include the following data in
the final report, as applicable:
1. Title page.
2. Name and address of testing, adjusting, and balancing Agent.
3. Project name.
4. Project location.
5. Engineer's name and address.
6. Contractor's name and address.
7. Report date.
8. Signature of testing, adjusting, and balancing Agent who certifies the report.
9. Summary of contents, including the following:
E. System Diagrams: Include schematic layouts of air and hydronic distribution systems.
Present with single-line diagrams and include the following:
F. Air-Handling Unit Test Reports: For air-handling units with coils, include the following:
a. Unit identification.
b. Location.
c. Make and type.
d. Model number and unit size.
e. Manufacturer's serial number.
f. Unit arrangement and class.
g. Discharge arrangement.
h. Sheave make, size in mm, and bore.
i. Sheave dimensions, center-to-center and amount of adjustments in mm.
j. Number of belts, make, and size.
k. Number of filters, type, and size.
3. Test Data: Include design and actual values for the following:
c. Fan rpm.
d. Discharge static pressure in Pa.
e. Filter static-pressure differential in Pa.
f. Cooling coil static-pressure differential in Pa.
g. Heating coil static-pressure differential in Pa.
h. Outside airflow in L/s.
i. Return airflow in L/s.
j. Outside-air damper position.
k. Return-air damper position.
l. Vortex damper position.
a. System identification.
b. Location.
c. Coil type.
d. Number of rows.
e. Fin spacing in mm o.c..
f. Make and model number.
g. Face area in sq. m.
h. Tube size in DN.
i. Tube and fin materials.
j. Circuiting arrangement.
2. Test Data: Include design and actual values for the following:
H. Electric-Coil Test Reports: For electric furnaces, duct coils, and electric coils installed in
central-station air-handling units, include the following:
a. System identification.
b. Location.
c. Coil identification.
d. Capacity in kW.
e. Number of stages.
f. Connected volts, phase, and hertz.
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g. Rated amperage.
h. Airflow rate in L/s.
i. Face area in sq. m.
j. Minimum face velocity in m/s.
2. Test Data: Include design and actual values for the following:
I. Fan Test Reports: For supply, return, and exhaust fans, include the following:
a. System identification.
b. Location.
c. Make and type.
d. Model number and size.
e. Manufacturer's serial number.
f. Arrangement and class.
g. Sheave make, size in mm, and bore.
h. Sheave dimensions, center-to-center and amount of adjustments in mm.
3. Test Data: Include design and actual values for the following:
J. Round, Flat-Oval, and Rectangular Duct Traverse Reports: Include a diagram with a grid
representing the duct cross-section and record the following:
2. Test Data: Include design and actual values for the following:
L. System-Coil Reports: For reheat coils and water coils of terminal units, include the
following:
2. Test Data: Include design and actual values for the following:
a. Unit identification.
b. Make and model number.
c. Manufacturer's serial number.
d. Refrigerant type and capacity in L.
e. Starter type and size.
f. Starter thermal protection size.
2. Condenser Test Data: Include design and actual values for the following:
3. Evaporator Test Reports: Include design and actual values for the following:
4. Compressor Test Data: Include design and actual values for the following:
5. Refrigerant Test Data: Include design and actual values for the following:
a. Oil level.
b. Refrigerant level.
c. Relief valve setting in kPa.
d. Unloader set points in kPa.
e. Percentage of cylinders unloaded.
f. Bearing temperatures in deg. C.
g. Vane position.
h. Low-temperature-cutoff set point in deg. C.
N. Compressor and Condenser Reports: For refrigerant side of unitary systems, stand-alone
refrigerant compressors, air-cooled condensing units, or water-cooled condensing units,
include the following:
a. Unit identification.
b. Location.
c. Unit make and model number.
d. Manufacturer's compressor serial numbers.
e. Compressor make.
f. Compressor model and serial numbers.
g. Refrigerant weight in kg.
h. Low ambient temperature cutoff in deg. C.
2. Test Data: Include design and actual values for the following:
O. Cooling Tower or Condenser Test Reports: For cooling towers or condensers, include the
following:
a. Unit identification.
b. Make and type.
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2. Pump Test Data: Include design and actual values for the following:
3. Water Test Data: Include design and actual values for the following:
4. Air Data: Include design and actual values for the following:
P. Pump Test Reports: For pumps, include the following data. Calculate impeller size by
plotting the shutoff head on pump curves.
a. Unit identification.
b. Location.
c. Service.
d. Make and size.
e. Model and serial numbers.
f. Water flow rate in L/s.
g. Water pressure differential in kPa.
h. Required net positive suction head in kPa.
i. Pump rpm.
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2. Test Data: Include design and actual values for the following:
A. Within 90 days of completing testing, adjusting, and balancing, perform additional testing
and balancing to verify that balanced conditions are being maintained throughout and to
correct unusual conditions.
B. Seasonal Periods: If initial testing, adjusting, and balancing procedures were not performed
during near-peak summer and winter conditions, perform additional inspections, testing, and
adjusting during near-peak summer and winter conditions.