What range of pressure is typically used during smoke tests in building airtightness testing?

In building airtightness testing, smoke tests are generally conducted at a range of 30 to 50 Pascals (Pa). This specific pressure range is effective for identifying air leakage paths while minimizing the impact of environmental factors. At these pressure levels, smoke can effectively be used as a visual indicator to trace airflow paths and leak locations without overwhelming the test environment or creating so much pressure that it distorts the natural air movement characteristics of the building.

Using pressures below 30 Pa may not generate enough force to reveal minor leaks, while pressures above 50 Pa could produce unrealistic conditions that don't accurately reflect typical real-world scenarios. Therefore, the 30 to 50 Pa range strikes a balance that allows for effective visualization of air leakage in a building's envelope.