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Chapter 2

     System Components  

Chapter 2     System Components 

 
 

This Manual includes operating instructions for the following models of Minneapolis Blower Door: 
 

 

Model 3/110V System 

 

Model 3/230 System 

 

Model 4/230V System (CE labeled fan and 

controller) 

 
Both the Model 3 and Model 4 Minneapolis Blower Door 
systems are comprised of three separate components: 
 
1.

 

Blower Door Fan  

2.

 

Accessory Case with Test Instrumentation (building 

pressure and fan flow gauges), Fan Speed Controller and 
Nylon Door Panel 

3.

 

The Adjustable Aluminum Door Frame  

 
While the Blower Door fan motor, flow sensor and speed controller vary slightly between the three different 
Minneapolis Blower Door systems, the other system components are identical.  
 
PC based test analysis software (TECTITE™) is also available to help you document and analyze Blower Door 
test results. 

 

 

2.1  Blower Door Fan 

The Blower Door fan consists of a molded fan housing with a 3/4 h.p. permanent split capacitor AC motor. Air 
flow through the fan is determined by measuring the pressure at the flow sensor which is attached to the end of 
the motor. When the fan is operating, air is pulled into the inlet side of the fan and exits through the exhaust side 
(a metal fan guard is bolted to the exhaust side of the fan).  
 
The Blower Door fan can accurately measure airflow over a wide range of flow rates using a series of calibrated 
Flow Rings which are attached to the inlet of the fan. The standard Minneapolis Blower Door system comes 
with 2 Flow Rings (A and B) capable of measuring flows as low as 300 Cubic Feet per Minute (cfm). Optional 
Rings C, D and E are available which allows flow measurements as low as 85, 30 and 11 cfm respectively.  

 

Model 3 Fan with Rings A and B   

 

Summary of Contents for MINNEAPOLIS BLOWER DOOR 3

Page 1: ...Minneapolis Blower Door Operation Manual for Model 3 and Model 4 Systems...

Page 2: ......

Page 3: ...ergyconservatory com email info energyconservatory com Minneapolis Blower Door TECTITE Duct Mask and Automated Performance Testing APT System are trademarks of The Energy Conservatory Inc Minneapolis...

Page 4: ......

Page 5: ...u of all other warranties and is subject to the conditions and limitations stated herein No other express or implied warranty IS PROVIDED AND THE SELLER DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS for p...

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Page 7: ...Door Test Software 12 2 5 a TECTITE Features 12 CHAPTER 3 INSTALLING THE BLOWER DOOR FOR DEPRESSURIZATION TESTING 13 3 1 Door Frame and Panel Installation 13 3 1 a Where To Install The Door Frame 13...

Page 8: ...Natural Infiltration Rates 33 6 3 c Mechanical Ventilation Guideline 34 6 3 d Estimated Cost of Air Leakage 35 CHAPTER 7 PRESSURIZATION TESTING 36 7 1 Gauge Set Up For Pressurization Measurements 36 7...

Page 9: ...appliances 54 10 2 f Carbon Monoxide Test 55 10 2 g Draft Test natural draft appliances 55 10 2 h Heat Exchanger Integrity Test Forced Air Only 55 APPENDIX A CALIBRATION AND MAINTENANCE 57 A 1 Fan Ca...

Page 10: ...rs for Rings D and E Updated January 2007 72 APPENDIX D SAMPLE TEST FORMS 74 APPENDIX E HOME ENERGY ARTICLE 77 APPENDIX F CALCULATING A DESIGN AIR INFILTRATION RATE 83 APPENDIX G REFERENCES 85 APPENDI...

Page 11: ...ted and if you experience a motor shut down be sure to turn off the fan speed controller so that the fan does not restart unexpectantly after the motor cools down The operator should wear hearing prot...

Page 12: ...bution systems The Blower Door consists of a powerful calibrated fan that is temporarily sealed into an exterior doorway The fan blows air into or out of the building to create a slight pressure diffe...

Page 13: ...the conditioned space of the building and attached structural components such as garages attics and crawlspaces It can also be used to estimate the amount of outside leakage in forced air duct systems...

Page 14: ...of ventilation fans on building air leakage and pressures is discussed in Chapter 10 1 2 d Duct Leakage to the Outside Leaks in forced air duct systems to the outside create pressures which increase a...

Page 15: ...high level leaks could create large enough negative pressures to cause combustion appliance backdrafting Figure 3 Common Air Leakage Sites In addition to these common leakage sites there can also be...

Page 16: ...Forced air system ductwork can also be a major air leakage site Even small leaks in ductwork can result in significant air leakage due to the high pressures found in ducts whenever the heating or coo...

Page 17: ...is also available to help you document and analyze Blower Door test results 2 1 Blower Door Fan The Blower Door fan consists of a molded fan housing with a 3 4 h p permanent split capacitor AC motor...

Page 18: ...s on the fan inlet Table 1 below show the approximate flow range of the Blower Door fan under each of the 6 inlet configuration The greatest accuracy in fan flow readings will always be achieved by in...

Page 19: ...ou to monitor the building pressure and fan pressure air flow signals during the Blower Door test the DG 700 allows for simultaneous display of both channels while the DG 3 can display one channel at...

Page 20: ...ed pressure channels the additional channels can be used to monitor and record pressures in attached zones e g attic or crawlspace during the automated Blower Door test The APT system consists of the...

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