Testing, adjusting, balancing

HVAC Testing, Adjusting and Balancing (TAB) are the three major steps used to achieve proper operation of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. TAB usually refers to commercial building construction and the specialized contractors who employ personnel that perform this service. In general, the TAB specialist performs air and hydronic measurements on the HVAC systems and adjusts the flows as required to achieve optimum performance of the building environmental equipment. The balancing is usually based upon the design flow values required by the Mechanical Engineer for the project, and the TAB contractor submits a written report which summarizes the testing and balancing and notes any deficiencies found during the TAB work. Ensure that your TAB contractor holds a current professional certification. See NBC, AABC, NEBB, TABB, or NBCTA.

Testing

Testing is the use of specialized and calibrated instruments to measure temperatures, pressures, rotational speeds, electrical characteristics, velocities, and air and water quantities for an evaluation of equipment and system performance.

Adjusting

Adjusting is the final setting of balancing devices such as dampers and valves, adjusting fan speeds and pump impeller sizes, in addition to automatic control devices such as thermostats and pressure controllers to achieve maximum specified system performance and efficiency during normal operation.

Balancing

Balancing is the methodical regulation of system fluid flows (air or water) through the use of acceptable procedures to achieve the desired or specified design airflow or water flow. When beginning the balance of a system, you must locate the terminal with the least amount of flow in regards to the engineer's drawing. Once the "low" terminal has been located, you can then proceed to adjust all other diffusers/grilles (air) or circuit balancing valves (water) to proportionally match the original "low" terminal.There must be at least one terminal that is wide open to achieve optimum efficiency.

References

  • ASHRAE 111 - 2008 Practices for. Measurement,. Testing, Adjusting, and. Balancing of Building. Heating, Ventilation,. Air-Conditioning, and. Refrigeration Systems. (www.ashrae.org)
  • Manual for Air & Hydronic Systems Testing, Adjusting and Balancing, 1.5, 2016, Published by The National Balancing Council, NBC
  • Procedural Standards for Testing Adjusting Balancing of Environmental Systems, seventh edition, 2005, Published by NEBB
  • PROCEDURAL STANDARDS FOR TESTING ADJUSTING AND BALANCING OF ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS 2013 Eight Edition is available for public comment

Sample Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing Companies

  • Provision Environmental Systems & Testing [ www.provisionenvironmental.com ] Located in East Tennessee
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