1.

9 HVAC Duct Construction Standards MetaI and FIexibIe Second Edition

TABLE 1-2
STANDARD DUCT SEALING REQUIREMENTS
SEAL CLASS SeaIing Requirements
AppIicabIe Static Pressure
Construction CIass
A
Class A: All Transverse joints,
longitudinal seams, and duct
wall penetrations
4 wg and up (1000 Pa)
B
Class B: All Transverse joints
and longitudinal seams only
3 wg (750 Pa)
C Class C: Transverse joints only 2 wg (500 Pa)
ln addition to the above, any variable air volume system duct of 1 (250 Pa) and 1/2 wg (125 Pa)
construction class that is upstream of the VAV boxes shall meet Seal Class C.
field-erected plenums and casings through
which air leakage would occur or the use of
continuous welds.
b. the prudent selection and application of seal-
ing methods by fabricators and installers,
giving due consideration to the designated
pressure class, pressure mode (positive or
negative), chemical compatibility of the clo-
sure system, potential movement of mating
parts, workmanship, amount and type of
handling, cleanliness of surfaces, product
shelf life, curing time, and manufacturer-
identified exposure limitations.
c. that these provisions apply to duct connec-
tions to equipment and to apparatus but are
not for equipment and apparatus.
d. that where distinctions are made between
seams and joints, a seam is defined as joining
of two longitudinally (in the direction of air-
flow) oriented edges of duct surface material
occurring between two joints. Helical (spi-
ral) lock seams are exempt from sealant re-
quirements. All other duct wall connections
are deemed to be joints. Joints include but
are not limited to girth joints, branch and
subbranch intersections, so-called duct col-
lar tap-ins, fitting subsections, louver and air
terminal connections to ducts, access door
and access panel frames and jambs, and duct,
plenum, and casing abutments to building
structures.
e. unless otherwise specified by the designer,
that sealing requirements do not contain pro-
visions to:
1. resist chemical attack;
2. be dielectrically isolated;
3. be waterproof, weatherproof, or ultra-
violet ray resistant;
4. withstand temperatures higher than
120F (48C) or lower than 40F
(4.4C);
5. contain atomic radiation or serve in oth-
er safety-related construction;
6. be electrically grounded;
7. maintain leakage integrity at pressures
in excess of their duct classification;
8. be underground below the water table;
9. be submerged in liquid;
10. withstand continuous vibration visible
to the naked eye;
11. be totally leakfree within an encapsulat-
ing vapor barrier; and
12. create closure in portions of the building
structure used as ducts, such as ceiling
plenums, shafts, or pressurized compart-
ments;