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Residential DucTester rev-2019-08-29 Operation Manual Model 340x & 340 DucTester Systems Retrotec...
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1060 East Pole Road Everson, WA USA 98247 For support: Call 1 (888) 330-1345 in USA +1 (360) 738-9835 outside USA support@retrotec.com or Fax +1 (360) 647-7724 Manual for: Models 340x with DM32 and Model 340 with DM32 WiFi Page 2 of 89...
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Retrotec reserves the right to make revisions to this publication without obligation to notify any person or entity of any such changes.
DucTester: Important equipment-related safeguards When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed. If Retrotec equipment is used in a manner that does not follow the information provided in this manual, safety to the operator and equipment performance may be impaired.
The Duct Leakage Test Report software (in Excel) available from Retrotec can be used to estimate the energy loss from duct leakage, as described in section 10.8.
340 but still a fraction of the old fashioned Commercial duct testers in common use. This manual focuses on the Model 340x. Be sure to refer to the Quick Guide that came with your system or can be obtained at: http://retrotec.com 340x...
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This is a schematic of a duct leakage test. Registers are sealed, the duct tester fan is connected to a return and the pressure gauge picks up the pressure in the ducts. Locate the step by step Quick Guide that came with your equipment or access it at www.retrotec.com. Figure 1: DucTester setup, including tubing locations and necessary connections.
The Retrotec DucTester does not require a flow conditioner because it uses a flow nozzle, which is intrinsically stable in either direction because the flow gets compressed as it goes through the nozzle.
Figure 3: Open Range is for the leakiest ducts and houses while Ranges 74, 47, 29 are for progressively tighter ducts. All Retrotec calibrated fans have multiple Range Configurations in order to measure a wide range of air leakage flow rates. Select the correct Range Configuration by running the fan speed up to ensure it is running at over 50% speed and the gauge is giving a flow result.
Any input voltage from 100 to 280 Volts AC, 50 to 60 Hz is acceptable. Speed is controlled using the knob on the 300 fan or the Retrotec digital gauge, which will control the fan to any desired Set Pressure or Set Speed.
The latest Retrotec Digital Gauge is included with all Retrotec DucTester systems. The gauge can be combined with the Model 300 fan for automatic control to Set Pressure or Set Speed. The gauge is a dual-channel manometer, which can automatically convert the measured Fan Pressure into a range of useful results that meet every major testing standard in the world.
Additional included duct testing components In addition to the calibrated fan and digital dual-channel pressure gauge, a Retrotec DucTester system includes a few additional items. 5.4.1. Grill Mask for sealing registers Grill Mask is used to seal over registers and vents. Grill Mask comes in a 12" wide roll.
A battery charger is included to charge the DM32 gauge’s batteries. For instructions on charging the DM32 batteries refer to the DM32 Manual. 5.4.8. Additional parts and accessories for the DucTester For options and accessories look at: retrotec.com For more information on these parts, contact sales@retrotec.com Page 23 of 89...
The Quick Guide is intended to walk you through the test Step by Step. Check it off as you go. Use this manual for additional guidance. You can also watch the videos on the Retrotec website and take the on- line training course.
Preparing for a duct leakage test requires preparing both the duct system and the building. The following setup procedures are recommended by Retrotec. If the test is being conducted according to a specific program guideline, you may be required to set up the duct system and building differently than what is described below.
Figure 14: Electrical connections on the bottom of the gauge include Network (Ethernet) Cable that goes from the DM32 to a PC (if Retrotec PC software is used for data collection), micro USB cable for PC software and/or charging, and a reset button.
12.3. Higher air flow rates can also be measured when connected to the air handler itself because then the exclusive @Pressure feature on the Retrotec gauge can be used to establish an exact flow rate at any required pressure.
Grill Mask (or other sealing means) onto the registers ensuring a tighter seal. In the absence of any other requirement, Retrotec recommends depressurization. Some standards require pressurization.
If a green, self-referencing, pressure port is available on the Blower Door fan, use the green pressure tube to connect it to the Blower Door gauge, and ensure the Device chosen on the gauge is “Retrotec 3000SR”.
10. Create a Duct Leakage Test Report with Potential Energy Savings The Retrotec Duct Leakage Test Reporting software was developed so users have a way to automatically create professional reports that display duct leakage results as well as potential energy savings. Reports...
The function on the gauge (from [Settings allows for this measurement to be taken. For more information, refer to Retrotec’s DM32 Operation manual. 10.6.4. Enter whether pressurizing or depressurizing (Test direction) Click to select whether the DucTester fan is setup to depressurize or pressurize the duct system (see section 6.9).
Smoke puffers work similarly to theatrical smoke for finding leaks, but on a much smaller scale. The chemical smoke of Retrotec’s Air Current Tester is the same density as air, and therefore does not move unless there is air movement. Puff out a small amount of smoke near suspected leaks, (for example, near joints, or in front of registers), while the DucTester is connected to the ducts and running, and notice the smoke either being blown away or being sucked in, depending on the direction of the test.
Measure with a DucTester as a powered flow hood on the return The Retrotec DucTester and Flow Hood can be used to measure air flows through supply registers, exhaust fans and other airflow devices, without affecting their flow rate, by neutralizing the pressure that would create a resistance to flow.
12.7 Measure with a gauge and a flow grid A unique Retrotec feature allows the gauge to be used with flow grids from other manufacturers. Measure the supply plenum pressure using the Static Pressure Probe supplied with each DucTester. Put the end of the blue tube with the probe into the supply plenum, connect the other end of the blue tube to the “Input A”...
Box pressure of 8 Pa or less are recommended because higher pressures mean the air handler is increasingly blocked and the test method itself is affecting the performance. On the Retrotec gauge, set the device to “Hole Flow”. Enter the area of the hole into the gauge using [Area] key, ensuring that the units you use for area match what the gauge is expecting for area.
Flow Conversion Table for Duct Test Pressure of 25 Pa Table 9: Flow in CFM for various fan pressures, Retrotec Model 300 Fans, Duct Test Pressure: 25 Pa (relative to outdoors) Flow AWAY or TOWARDS operator, both green and yellow tubes connected.
The n value is saved in the gauge. Set it to 0.65 for houses, and 0.60 for ductwork. Set to 0.5 for tests on the Retrotec house simulator, while measuring air handler flow and for any large hole that is not composed of long thin cracks.
Occasionally simple problems do occur with a DucTester system. If the problem is described in any of the following sections, follow the steps to attempt to resolve the problem. If the problem persists, contact support@retrotec.com. “--” appears on display: Backpressure refers to the pressure that the DucTester fan works against while running. Under most testing conditions, backpressure is not a concern.
Appendix E: Using a generator for power Retrotec recommends a generator with inverter type AC power output. Size the generator capacity above the maximum power required in order to reduce distortion of the AC power waveform. The higher the rated power output, the better. Suggestions for minimum generator output sizes are 3000W for Blower Doors and 500W for DucTesters.
3000W for even the most powerful Retrotec equipment. Portable Power Supplies Portable power supplies can provide enough power for Retrotec DucTester fans, but are unlikely to produce sufficient power for a Blower Door. Please ensure that the power supply meets the minimum power requirements of the fan before attempting to use one.
Baseline Pressure in other documents/standards used in the industry.) Blower The Retrotec fan unit that induces air flow and provides a Fan Pressure signal from which flow is measured. Units: Cubic feet per minute (the units of volumetric flow)
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The dial that is on a Fan Top to control fan speed Knob Open Range A Range configuration on a Retrotec Blower Door that has no Range Rings or Range Plates attached. It is sometimes referred to as Open (22) Range since it’s diameter is 22 inches. outdoors Outside the building in the area around the building.
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