ASTM International

Standard Guide for Assessing Depressurization-Induced Backdrafting and Spillage from Vented Combustion Appliances
 N E1998

Annotation

This guide describes and compares different methods for assessing the potential for, or existence of, depressurizationinduced backdrafting and spillage from vented residential combustion appliances.

Assessment of depressurization-induced backdrafting and spillage is conducted under either induced depressurization or natural conditions.

Residential vented combustion appliances addressed in this guide include hot water heaters and furnace. The guide also is applicable to boilers.

The methods given in this guide are applicable to Category I (draft-hood- and induced-fan-equipped) furnaces. The guide does not apply to Category III (power-ventequipped) or Category IV (direct-vent) furnaces.

The methods in this guide are not intended to identify backdrafting or spillage due to vent blockage or heatexchanger leakage.

This guide is not intended to provide a basis for determining compliance with code requirements on appliance and venting installation, but does include a visual assessment of the installation. This assessment may indicate the need for a thorough inspection by a qualified technician.

Users of the methods in this guide should be familiar with combustion appliance operation and with making housetightness measurements using a blower door. Some methods described in this guide require familiarity with differentialpressure measurements and use of computer-based datalogging equipment.

The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.