Louvres

Natural ventilator (louvre) testing

A guide to testing with CSIRO

CSIRO offers a testing service for assessing the performance and classification of Type 1 louvres in accordance with the methods of the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4740, for Coefficient of Discharge, Effective Aerodynamic Area and Wind Loading Resistance.This guide aims to assist those who need to demonstrate compliance of their louvre with the current Standard, providing essential information for submitting your louvre product for testing.

Testing to AS/NZS 4740

At present, CSIRO is able to determine the following louvre performance characteristics for classification to AS/NZS 4740:2000:

  • Appendix D – Determination of discharge coefficient and effective aerodynamic area;
  • Appendix F – Determination of wind loading resistance – Type 1 ventilator.

We can also determine pressure drop across the louvre, especially if a project specifies this at a given air velocity.  In 2017 we expect to also offer Appendix F, Determination of resistance to leakage during rain – Type 1 ventilator testing.

Test louvre requirements

As is outlined in the Standard, a Type 1 ventilator (example shown at right) shall be of dimensions 1.0m x 1.0m.

That is to say, the core area through which air passes. It should not include any framing or purposely blanked-off areas, excluding the louvre blades.type-1-ventilator

Typically, no bird or vermin mesh is included unless it is a specific requirement as part of the louvre’s rated performance.

To allow the test specimen louvre to be installed in our test facility, it should be fabricated with a full perimeter flange, at least 50mm deep (this will permit us to seal your louvre in to the head of our wind tunnel).

The overall outer louvre dimensions cannot exceed 1070mm in width, and 1030mm in height. Should your louvre be larger, such as an acoustic louvre, then contact the CSIRO staff member listed in this brochure.

Test louvre details

The submitted test louvre must be accompanied by a technical drawing, showing overall dimensions, louvre blade profile, pitch and angle, and louvre designation (name).

The drawing and other details will be included in the test report for reference, along with all test results.

What we require from you

The following details are required by us before testing can commence:

  • Your name
  • Your title/position
  • Your company/registered business name (if applicable)
  • ABN / ACN
  • Registered business address
  • Your contact details (email/phone)

Once we are in receipt of this information, a Test Agreement will be forwarded for your signature before an invoice is then issued for payment before testing.

CSIRO

We reserve the right to decline or discontinue testing if we consider that the test sponsor has not adhered to our conditions, and/or is not in compliance with the intent and requirements of the Standard.

 

Last edited by Alex Tang on November 25, 2016