Standards in any construction area can truly seem like a jungle and it’s easy to get lost among all the codes defining the different standards. In this post I will provide a short introduction to the different standards for ventilation ductwork that you can use as a map for navigating the jungle of standards.Why standards?
Standards are essential documents for the industry to be able to buy and sell products that fits the purpose and makes it possible to specify and measure if they are good or bad. They are also essential to be able to create laws on a perhaps higher level and the standards gives you guidance if the requirement is inside or outside the tolerance.
The standards below are CEN standards (European Committee for Standardization). These are used in all European countries and supersedes national standards if they are dealing with the same technical field. On top of CEN is an international standardisation organisation called ISO (International Standardization Organization). Also here is a hierarchy were ISO supersedes CEN. All these activities is thoroughly coordinated and all the work is very transparent to all the countries and companies with public inquiries and votings. The downside of this is that the work is not always fast but hopefully with high quality.
The standards
Standards for dimensions, strength and leakage for round and rectangular ducts
Product |
Dimensions |
Strength and leakage |
 |
EN 1506 | EN12237 |
 |
EN 1505 | EN 1507 |
Measurement of duct surface area - EN 14239
To be able to accurately calculate the air leakage in a ventilation system you will need the total surface area of your ductwork. The EN 14239 standard defines how to measure the duct surface area in a correct way. This standard is not to be used for single component airtightness tests where EN 15727 is applied.
Ducts and ductwork components, leakage classification and testing - EN 15727
Air tightness is vital in a ventilation system if you are to achieve a good energy efficiency. Something that we have covered in another post. Standard EN 15727 defines how to test air tightness for single technical products. That is components with functions other than just to transport air. Such products are for example sound attenuators, filter boxes, valves and duct fans.
Aerodynamic testing of dampers and valves - EN 1751
Dampers and valves stop or regulate the air flow in a duct. They can be either manually or automatically controlled. Standard EN 1751 defines the required strength and air tightness through the blade. Air tightness through the casing is measured in the same way as the above standard Ducts and ductwork components, leakage classification and testing EN 15727.
Cleanliness of ductwork – EN 15780
A ventilation system collects dirt and dust over time leading to an unhealthy indoor climate. Unless you clean your system regularly there is a risk for buildup of bacteria and mold. Standard EN 15780 lets you know how clean your system should be and how often it should be cleaned.
Maintenance of ductwork systems - EN 12097
To be able to inspect and clean your system as stated above, there has to be access panels in your ductwork. The EN 12097 standard defines how often to have access panels and the required size of these access panel.
Dimensions for circular flanges - EN 12220
Flanges are for example used to connect the duct system with the fan. Standard EN 12220 describes dimensions and hole pattern for these flanges.
Ductwork made from insulation ductboard - EN 13403
In some countries it is common to use ducts and fittings made out of insulation boards. This standard stipulates strength, leakage, erosion, caving bulging and microbial growth for this type of ducts.
Flexible ducts EN 13180
A flexible duct is a duct that can be bent in at least one direction and be longitudinally compressed. They are often used to connect the duct system with the terminals after the false ceiling is installed. This standard specifies dimensions, strength and leakage, resistance to external pressure, bending capability and sag.
Handing over installed ventilation systems EN 12599
This standard is a complete paper on how to hand over a ventilation system to a building owner after completion and how to measure that everything is according to the standard. Regarding ducts it provides guidance on how to test the airtightness in a system on the building site.
