Airtightness Testing of Raised Access Plenum Floors (BTS 4/2024)

A raised access plenum floor is a void between a building’s floor structure and the occupied space. This BSRIA Test Standard provides a methodology for testing raised access plenum floors and states limiting criteria for leakage. It supersedes BG 65/2016 Floor Plenum Airtightness – Guidance and Testing Methodology.

In response to stakeholder feedback to enhance and simplify the guide, BG 65/2016 Floor Plenum Airtightness – Guidance and Testing Methodology was superseded in 2024 by a new BSRIA Test Standard.

A raised access plenum floor is a void between a building’s floor structure and the occupied space, used for distributing conditioned air to the spaces above, consisting of two elements; the underfloor void and raised access floor. It is important that conditioned air in a floor plenum flows into the occupied zone and does not leak into cavities, risers, stairwells, heating trenches or other adjacent zones. A properly sealed raised access plenum floor will allow the diffusers and grilles to fulfil their primary role of delivering air at the correct flow rate. The airtightness of raised access plenum floors can be a serious energy efficiency issue.

This BSRIA Test Standard provides a methodology for testing raised access plenum floors. Limiting criteria for leakage from the underfloor void and raised access floor are provided, tailored to the challenges of smaller floor areas. Guidance on achieving both is provided. The testing methodology has also been enhanced to offer a complete process, eliminating the need to consult additional standards.

Specifying BTS 4/2024 can support an effective air distribution solution that aligns with design intentions for operational performance.

Revision History:

• Withdrawn: BG 12/2010 Floor Void Airtightness – Air Leakage Specification
• Superseded: BG 65/2016 Floor Plenum Airtightness – Guidance and Testing Methodology
• Current: BTS 4/2024 Airtightness Testing of Raised Access Plenum Floors

This article appears on the BSRIA news / blog and bookshop site as 'Airtightness Testing of Raised Access Plenum Floors (BTS 4/2024)' dated 01 December, 2024.

--BSRIA

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