Which is a common failure associated with dampers during testing?

Which is a common failure associated with dampers during testing?

• A. Dampers not being installed correctly
• B. Dampers that operate solely on power supply
• C. Dampers that are designed to always stay closed
• D. Dampers that are too large for the ducts

Answer: (B)

The answer regarding dampers operating solely on power supply highlights a specific issue encountered during airtightness testing. Dampers that rely entirely on a power supply for their operation may not close properly in the event of a power failure or malfunction. This can lead to air leakage that compromises the building's overall airtightness. In the context of whole-building airtightness testing, if dampers fail to close completely, this can result in significant discrepancies in the test results, indicating that the building envelope is less airtight than intended. The performance of dampers is crucial, as they play a role in controlling airflow and maintaining energy efficiency within the building. On the other hand, considering dampers that are not installed correctly, designed to always stay closed, or too large for the ducts, while they can present issues, they are not specifically tied to the operational failure that power-dependent dampers may experience during testing. Thus, the focus on dependence on a power supply identifies a more critical common failure that can directly affect testing outcomes.

The answer regarding dampers operating solely on power supply highlights a specific issue encountered during airtightness testing. Dampers that rely entirely on a power supply for their operation may not close properly in the event of a power failure or malfunction. This can lead to air leakage that compromises the building's overall airtightness.

In the context of whole-building airtightness testing, if dampers fail to close completely, this can result in significant discrepancies in the test results, indicating that the building envelope is less airtight than intended. The performance of dampers is crucial, as they play a role in controlling airflow and maintaining energy efficiency within the building.

On the other hand, considering dampers that are not installed correctly, designed to always stay closed, or too large for the ducts, while they can present issues, they are not specifically tied to the operational failure that power-dependent dampers may experience during testing. Thus, the focus on dependence on a power supply identifies a more critical common failure that can directly affect testing outcomes.