Retrotec

Duc-Tester Field Calibration Check

Use this 5 minute check to verify each new Duc-Tester and operator. Repeat every month or after 20
tests to detect problems early. If readings fall outside the specified range, use the Problem/Solution
Checklist to fix the problem. No further calibration of the system is ever required unless the DucTester fails this Check.

Problems causing inaccurate readings in order of frequency are:

#

Problem

Problem
Frequency

Typical
error

Details

1.

Wrong Range
Configuration
or Device

Constant

-80%
to
+400%

Setting the Digital Gauge to the wrong Range Config or Device

is the most common error. Often occurs just after a change of
Range or Device.

2.

Tubing
Connections
incorrect

Sometimes

20%

Especially for pressurizing houses and depressurizing ducts,

tubes are hooked up incorrectly most of the time.

3.

Plugged tubes

Seldom

20% to
200%

Wide range of errors but not that common.

4.

Leaking tubes

Less Seldom

10% to
50%

Wide range of errors but not that common. Usually the

pressure source will restore some leaked away air but if
excessive, pressure indications will fall.

5.

Flex duct
leaking

Slow
degradation

1% to
25%

Very common but small. Always there to some degree. This

procedure will identify a leaking duct so it may be patched
with duct tape.

6.

gauge
channels
read
differently
Gauge wont
zero

Rare

1% to
20%

One of 2 channels reading differently. Uncommon but could

be a big error. If both channels have an identical error, the
effect on the result is negligible.

Rare

1% to
5%

One of 2 channels reading differently. Uncommon but could

be a big error. If both channels have an identical error, the
effect on the result is negligible. It is the difference between
the channels that causes the errors.

7.

Retrotec
Duc-Tester
Field Calibration Check
for pressurization

Air flow

Tape on the Plate (calibrated for 104 cfm at 25 Pa).

Measure the flow rate at 25 Pa.

Detailed Duc-Tester Pressurization Field Calibration Check Procedure

Tape the Field Calibration Plate to the flex duct flange &
attach the red tube.

Attach the flex-duct to the outlet side to pressurize the

duct. Install the Mid flow ring.

Connect up as if you were testing a duct.

Set to Flow @ 25 Pa, time averaging to 8 seconds. Adjust

the speed until PrA reads close to 25 Pa. Allow the flex
duct to straighten out to its full length.

Wait for 30 seconds after fan speed stabilizes.

is the same as Pressurization except the

flex-duct is mounted on the Duc-Tester
inlet.

low
Air f

Depressurization

Gauge Model ____

Serial # ________

Fan model
Serial # ______

Date of Verification

Technician

CFM @ 25 Pa
result on Range _

97 to 106 cfm is
a Pass

Field Calibration Plate for Duc-Tester, 100

cfm @25 Pa. Part number DU-159

P= pressurize
D= depressurize

Comments

Duc-Tester Problem/Solution Checklist

Record results.
If Flow is less than 97cfm and greater than 106 cfm, use the Problem/Solution Checklist.
Note: even though the accuracy is within 3% of measured flow, this is a calibration check to see if something is wrong.

Problem

Solution

Details

Wrong Range
Configuration
or Device

DM-2 Range Config must be set to Mid,

For the Verification test the Range Configuration

must be set on the DM-2 to Mid and the Device
set to DU200. The Mid sized low flow plate must
be installed.

Getting one of these 3 settings wrong, is the most

common error. Incorrectly setting the Range
Configuration will result in a -80% error for setting
it one range to low to +400% error for setting it one
range too high. Setting the Device incorrectly
would give a wide range of errors. All large.

the Device must be set to DU200

Mid

Ensure the Mid sized flow ring is mounted.

The DM-2 retains its previous settings when turned

off. If the range changes or the DM-2 is used on a
different Device then these settings must be
changed also. Always mark down the range
configuration and device used on a test form.

If you always test on the Mid Range Configuration

and always use the DU200 fan there is no problem
but when you change ranges or use your DM-2 on
your blower door, then forgetting to change these
settings will be a massively largest source of error.

Tubing
Connections
incorrect

Ensure all tubes are connected properly.

Red tube between Verification Plate

(which is substituting for the duct leak)
and the Blue port on DM-2. You can use
the Red port but the duct pressure will
show negative when pressurizing.

Yellow tube between the Ref B (Fan)

port on Duc-Tester and the yellow port on
DM-2.

Plugged tubes

Watch for water in the tubes.

Water drop

One drop of water in any of the tubes will

allow readings to be taken but they will
be very inaccurate. Avoid letting any of
the tubes be dragged through puddles of
water and check them if water is dropped
onto an tube end or gauge fitting. Tubes
can be blown out with dry air or simply
twirled around to eject the water by
centrifugal force. Water drops in the DucTester body can be blown out. Water in
the gauge fittings require careful
disassembly and should not be
attempted.
Tubes can also be twisted inside the
equipment, causing restricted flow or
may prevent pressure from being
transmitted altogether. Do not attempt to
repair this.

Leaking tubes

Check for leaking tubes.

Clamp

Leaking tubes are less of a problem since

the tubes dont have to be perfectly tight
to work properly. But, moderate leaks
could degrade readings. Check this by
blowing in the tubes and crimping them off
with a vice grip or paper clip. Dont hold
onto the tubes since heat will cause the
pressure to increase. If the pressure drops
more than 25% in a minute, the
connections must be checked. Often
cutting one eight of an inch of tubing off
the end of a doubtful connection will solve
the problem. Other times, putting an
extremely small amount of silicone grease
from a barely greasing finger will suffice to
stop the leak.

Flex duct
leaking

Check visually with bright light

Hole

If the reading is above 106 cfm ensure the

duct is not leaking. Tape up any holes
from the inside if you pressurize ducts
mostly.
Smoke may be useful for finding leaks or
try shining a light inside and notice where it
leaks out in a darkened room. Or hold the
duct up to the Sun and notice the light
coming in as shown in this picture. This
hole could not be seen otherwise.

One of 2
channels
reading
differently

Check one channel against the other.

If the gauge is having a problem, normally

one channel is OK. Compare the two to
detect the problem.
Run the Duc-Tester up to maximum speed
on the Mid Range Configuration. Set Time
Averaging to 8s. T the flow pressure
signal from the Duc-Tester to the Yellow
and Red ports of the DM-2. Compare
Channel A & B at maximum pressure and
50 Pa.
Differences of more than 2% require
exchange or factory calibration.

Now, move the tubes to the Green and

Blue ports of the DM-2. Compare
Channel A & B at maximum pressure
and 50 Pa.

Gauge wont
zero

Remove all tubes and see if the gauge will

hold zero. Make sure Auto Zero is ON.

The above Solutions will fix most problems. If your Duc-Tester still fails the Verification Test,
request an exchange or loaner from your distributor while yours is sent back to the factory.

Retrotec Blower-Door Field Calibration Check Procedure

Blower Doors can be tested in a similar fashion using larger calibration plates like the one shown.
Install your Aluminum frame in a small, tight room with the vents and exhaust fans taped
shut. Install this panel in the upper hole. Alternatively, cut a piece of cardboard with a one
foot by 3 foot hole in it, centered in above the fan.

Measure the background leakage. Measure the increased leakage with the hole open. The Blower Door should be able
to measure the difference within 15% otherwise something may be wrong. Follow a procedure similar to the one
outlined in the Duc-Tester Problem/Solution Checklist