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feedback to enhance and simplify the guide, BG 65/2016 Floor Plenum Airtightness – Guidance and Testing Methodology was superseded in 2024 by a new BSRIA Test Standard.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- Withdrawn: BG 12/2010 Floor Void Airtightness – Air Leakage Specification
- Superseded: BG 65/2016 Floor Plenum Airtightness – Guidance and Testing Methodology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
[edit] Related articles on designing Buildings
- Airbrick.
- BSRIA articles.
- Displacement ventilation.
- Dynamic thermal modelling of closed loop geothermal heat pump systems.
- Earth-to-air heat exchangers.
- Floating floor
- Floating floors in buildings..
- Geothermal energy.
- Geothermal pile foundations.
- Ground energy options
- Ground preconditioning of supply air.
- Ground source heat pumps.
- Plenum.
- Raised floor.
- Thermal comfort.
- Thermal labyrinths.
- Underfloor air conditioning at London Grade II listed landmark.
- Underfloor air distribution UFAD.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.