Ductwork Leakage Testers

Ductwork leakage can undermine ventilation strategies, increase energy use, and complicate pressure control. Leakage testing provides a data-driven foundation to target sealing work, confirm repairs, and support project closeout across public safety facilities.

Why It Matters

• Pressurization Performance: Leakage can compromise directional airflow; testing helps quantify the gap.
• Energy Impact: Leaks raise fan power and reduce delivered air volume; measurements help prioritize fixes.
• Post-Event Recovery: After storms or construction, testing helps identify damaged sections that require sealing.
• Documentation: Clear, traceable results support capital planning and compliance with project specifications.

How Testing Works

• Segment Selection: Isolate a duct section using temporary seals and fittings.
• Pressurize/Depressurize: Use the tester to create a known pressure differential.
• Measure Flow: Record the airflow needed to maintain test pressure; this quantifies leakage.
• Compare Targets: Evaluate results against project criteria or agency policies to guide action.

Key Features to Consider

• Flow Capacity and Range: Match the tester to expected duct sizes and leakage classes.
• Pressure Control: Stable control and clear displays help produce repeatable results.
• Data Handling: Onboard storage, time stamps, and exports simplify reporting.
• Portability: Compact designs with carts or handles ease transport between test locations.

Best Practices

• Calibrate Equipment: Maintain traceable calibration to support confident decision-making.
• Prepare the Duct: Seal registers and access points carefully to avoid test-induced leaks.
• Document Setup: Capture photos, section drawings, and test parameters for records.
• Repeat As Needed: Test after sealing to verify improvement and update maintenance plans.

Use Cases

• New construction and retrofit commissioning.
• Post-disaster assessment and recovery.
• Verification of critical branches serving isolation rooms, labs, or ranges.
• Energy conservation projects focused on system optimization.

With ductwork leakage testers, agencies gain clear insight into system integrity. This helps teams target resources where they have the most impact and supports policy-based ventilation and energy objectives.