- 2 May 2007 -

ASHRAE to combine two air filter standards

ASHRAE has set up a proposed addendum open for public comment to combine ASHRAE's two standards on air filter testing.

Combining Standards 52.1, Gravimetric and Dust Spot Procedures for Testing Air Cleaning Devices Used in General Ventilation for Removing Particulate Matter, and 52.2, Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size, would have several benefits for users, according to Monroe Britt and James Hanley, chairs of the Standard 52.1 and 52.2 committees.

"One benefit would be having a single ASHRAE test standard for determining the filtration efficiency of HVAC filters," Hanley said. "This would reduce the number of tests needed on a filter. Currently, many filters are run twice, once for Standard 52.1 and once for Standard 52.2. It also would allow for one test rig to perform all the needed tests. Existing differences in the test rig requirements between the two standards make it difficult for one rig to serve both tests."

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