To what pressure should a building be pressurized during a smoke test?

The appropriate pressure range for a smoke test during airtightness testing is typically set between 30-50 Pascals. This pressure range is effective because it allows for a realistic assessment of potential air leakage paths in the building envelope. When pressurized within this range, it simulates conditions that can occur during actual wind events, thus providing a reliable indication of how well the building is sealed.

Pressurizing the building beyond this range may lead to excessive airflow that might not reflect typical conditions, while lowering the pressure below this range might make it difficult to detect smaller leaks. The 30-50 Pa range strikes a balance that is sufficient to visualize smoke movement while also ensuring that the leaks identified are representative of what would be experienced under standard operating conditions. This makes it crucial for achieving reliable and informative results during the smoke test.