1993

STANDARD for

COMMERCIAL
AND
INDUSTRIAL
AIR FILTER
EQUIPMENT

Standard 850

4301 NORTH FAIRFAX DRIVE ! ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22203

 IMPORTANT

SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
It is strongly recommended that the product be designed, constructed, assembled and installed in accordance
with nationally recognized safety requirements, appropriate for products covered by this standard.

ARI, as a manufacturers' trade association, uses its best efforts to develop standards employing state-of-the-art
and accepted industry practices. However, ARI does not certify or guarantee safety of any products, components
or systems designed, tested, rated, installed or operated in accordance with these standards or that any test
conducted under its standards will be non-hazardous or free from risk.

Note:

This standard supersedes ARI Standard 850-84

Price $16.00 ©Copyright 1993, by Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute

Printed in U.S.A. Registered United States Patent and Trademark Office
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART PAGE

Section 1. Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Section 2. Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Section 3. Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Section 4. Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Section 5. Standard Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Section 6. Testing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Section 7. Rating Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Section 8. Performance Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Section 9. Nameplate Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Section 10. Voluntary Conformance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

APPENDIX A

Method of Testing for Ozone Concentration for

Group IV Air Filter Devices

Section A1. Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Section A2. Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Section A3. Instrumentation and Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Section A4. Test Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Section A5. Ozone Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7


COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
AIR FILTER EQUIPMENT
Section 1. Purpose
1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to establish
for air filter devices: definitions and classifications;
requirements for testing and rating; a specification of what
constitutes standard performance requirements; proper
marking; conformance conditions; and literature and
advertising requirements.
1.1.1 This standard is intended for the guidance of the
industry, including manufacturers, engineers,
distributors, installers, contractors and users.
1.2 Review and Amendment. This standard is subject to
review and amendment as the technology advances.
Section 2. Scope
2.1 Scope. This standard applies to factory-made air filter
devices and air filter media, as used in such devices, for
removing particulate matter, when used in environmental
conditioning of inhabited spaces in commercial and
industrial facilities.
2.2 Exclusions.
2.2.1 This standard is not intended to apply to HEPA
filters.
2.2.2 This standard does not apply to air filter devices
and air filter media for removing particulate matter,
when used in industrial or commercial processes not
associated with environmental conditioning of
inhabited space.
2.2.3 This standard does not apply to air filter devices
when used in removing abnormally high
concentrations of specific contaminants.
2.2.4 This standard does not apply to appliances
which include an air filter device in combination with
fans, coils, dampers, etc., but can be applied to the air
filter device as used therein.
2.2.5 This standard does not apply to residential air
filter equipment defined in ARI Standard 680-93
Residential Air Filter Equipment.
ARI STANDARD 850-93
Section 3. Definitions
3.1 Air Filter Device. The air cleaning equipment used for
removing particulate matter.
3.2 Air Filter Media (Medium). That part of the device
which is the actual particulate removing agent. In the case
of Group IV devices (See 4.1), the terms charging section
and/or collecting section shall be used.
3.3 HEPA Filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air). A
disposable extended media dry-type filter in a rigid frame
having minimum particle-collection efficiency of 99.97 per
cent for 0.3 micron [micrometer] thermally-generated
dioctyl phthalate (DOP) particles (as measured in
accordance with MIL-STD 282).
3.4 Support. The means necessary to support the air filter
media in the air stream and to prevent air by-pass and/or
breaching under maximum rated operating conditions.
3.5 Sealing Means. Edge seals to prevent air by-pass
under maximum rated operating conditions.
3.6 Renewal and/or Cleaning Means. An integral means
for advancing, renewing or cleaning the media or any
combination thereof.
3.7 Standard Equipment. The minimum assembly of
components required to qualify a device within one of the
classification groups.
3.8 "Shall," "Should," "Recommended," or "It Is
Recommended," "Shall," "should," "recommended," or "it
is recommended" shall be interpreted as follows:
3.8.1 Shall. Where "shall" or "shall not" is used for a
provision specified, that provision is mandatory if
compliance with the standard is claimed.
3.8.2 Should, Recommended, or It is Recommended.
"Should," "recommended," or "it is recommended" is
used to indicate provisions which are not mandatory
but which are desirable as good practice.
3.9 Additional Definitions. Where not defined in this
section, the definitions contained in ASHRAE Standard
Gravimetric and Dust Spot Procedure for Testing Air
Cleaning Devices Used in General Ventilation for
Removing Particulate Matter (American Society of
1
ARI STANDARD 850-93
Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers,
Inc. Standard 52.1-1992).
Section 4. Classifications
4.1 Groups. For the purpose of this standard, air filter
devices and air filter media are classified into groups:
Group I - Unit or panel
Group II - Self-cleaning, self-renewable, or any
combination thereof
Group III - Extended surface
Group IV - Electronic air cleaner
Group V - Air filter media
4.2 Descriptions.
4.2.1 Group I. This group of filters shall include unit
or panel type air cleaners. Devices of this type are
characterized by their flat shallow assemblies in which
the velocity of the air stream approaches the velocity
through the filter media. The device may be of the
permanent cleanable type, or of the disposable non-
renewable type, and may be dry or viscous-coated.
Viscous impingement filters are included in this group.
4.2.2 Group II. This group of filters shall include
self-cleaning, self-renewable, or any combinations
thereof. Devices of this type are characterized by their
automatic, semi-automatic or manual cleaning and/or
renewal mechanism. These may include disposable
moving curtains, self-cleaning stationary curtains or
self-cleaning moving curtains.
4.2.3 Group III. This group of filters shall include
extended surface types. Devices of this type are
characterized by pleated or pocket configuration,
wherein the approach velocity of the air stream is
substantially greater than the velocity through the filter
media. The device may be of the cleanable type or of
the disposable type and may be dry or viscous-coated.
4.2.4 Group IV. This group of filters shall include
electronic air-cleaners. Devices of this type use high
voltage electrostatic principles to collect particulate
matter. These filters may be of single-stage or
multiple-stage configuration. Part or all of the
charging and/or collecting sections may be manually
cleaned, automatically cleaned, or disposed of.
2 support.
4.2.5 Group V. This group shall include all media
used for Group I, II, III, or IV. Air filter media is one
component part of a complete air filter device;
therefore performance ratings can not be applied to
filter media alone, but only to those complete air filter
devices in which the media component has been tested.
This group is identified for classification purposes
only.
Section 5. Standard Equipment
5.1 Standard Equipment. Standard equipment for Groups
I, II, III, and IV is specified in this section.
5.1.1 Devices which are classified as Group I or III
filters shall consist of:
a. Media
b. Support*
c. Sealing means
5.1.2 Devices which are classified as Group II filters
shall consist of:
a. Media
b. Support
c. Sealing means
d. Renewal and/or cleaning means
e. Operating controls (for automatic devices
only)—manual and/or automatic means for
initiating and terminating the renewal or
cleaning cycle.
5.1.3 Devices which are classified as Group IV filters
shall consist of:
a. High voltage power supply—A means of
supplying high voltage for the device.
b. Support
c. Safety controls—A means of positively
breaking line voltage power to the device.
d. Operating controls
e. Collecting section—A means of collecting
particulate matter. Examples are:
1. Electrically charged plates which may be
viscous coated and which may require
periodic cleaning.
2. Electrically charged plates which hold the
collected particles plus a secondary
downstream filter which collects the
reentrained particles.
3. Media and electrically charged active
and/or passive grid(s).
*Note: Filter media designed with suitable bonding resins
and/or integral supports may render the media sufficiently
rigid and self-supporting without the aid of additional

f. Charging section (multi-stage devices
only)—The section of the device which
imparts an electrical charge to the particulate
matter.
g. Connectors—A means of transferring high
voltage from the power source to the
collecting and charging section.
5.2 Optional Equipment. Optional equipment may
include: viscous coatings, frames, automatic control
systems, wash accessories or washing systems, pre-filters or
after-filters.
Section 6. Testing Requirements
6.1 Method of Testing for Rating. Testing of Groups I, II,
III, and IV and filters shall be in accordance with ASHRAE
Standard 52.1 - 1992, unless modified below. The device
shall be tested in accordance with operating procedure
recommended by the manufacturer. Filter devices in Group
II shall be tested using the test program for dust loading
effects specified for self-renewable devices designed to
control primarily the resistance of the device at or within
preestablished limits (See 12.3.2 of ASHRAE Standard
52.1 - 1992). This Standard does not require that the
Atmospheric Dust Spot Efficiency Test be actually
conducted on all air filter devices; those designated by the
manufacturer as having `less than 20 percent Atmospheric
Dust Spot Efficiency' need not be subjected to this test.
6.1.1 Device Preparation. The complete air cleaning
device shall be prepared in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations. Preparation shall
include: (1) type, amount and method of application of
viscous coating; (2) proper mounting of the device to
insure the flow of air through the filtering media; (3)
All Group IV devices shall be run-in for a period of 24
hours prior to test by applying rated nameplate voltage
to the device; and (4) any other preparations that are
recommended by the manufacturer in order to
demonstrate the device's intended performance. Air
flow across the device is not required during the run-in
period.
6.1.2 Multiple Flow Rates. When a device is intended
to operate at more than one velocity or flow rate, then
the device shall be tested at those alternate velocities
for which Standard Ratings are published by the
manufacturer.
6.2 Method of Testing for Ozone Concentration. Group IV
air cleaning devices shall be tested for ozone concentration
in accordance with Appendix A of this standard.
ARI STANDARD 850-93
Section 7. Rating Requirements
7.1 Published Ratings. As used herein, the term
"published rating" includes the rating of all performance
characteristics shown on the equipment or published in
specifications, advertising, or other literature controlled by
the manufacturer at stated rating conditions. All published
ratings shall include Standard Ratings and Standard Rating
Conditions, but may also include application ratings where
a statement of conditions of temperature, humidity, and air
flow rate, as well as input voltages (where applicable), are
provided.
7.1.1 Standard Ratings. Standard Ratings shall be
established at rated air flow rate(s) selected by the
manufacturer for: initial resistance, initial
atmospheric dust spot efficiency, average atmospheric
dust spot efficiency, average synthetic dust weight
arrestance, and dust holding capacity. All Standard
Ratings shall be verified by tests conducted in
accordance with Section 6 of this standard.
7.1.2 Values of Standard Ratings. Standard Ratings
shall be published only in the multiples and terms
shown below:
a. Rated Air Flow Rate (Maximum and
Minimum) — multiples of 50 cfm [24 L/s]
b. Initial Resistance — multiples of 0.01 in. [2.5
Pa] water
c. Initial and Average Atmospheric Dust Spot
Efficiency, and Average Synthetic Dust
Weight Arrestance — multiples of 5 percent.
When the initial atmospheric dust spot
efficiency is reported as "less than 20
percent," then the average atmospheric dust
spot efficiency shall be reported as "less than
20 percent."
d. Dust Holding Capacity — multiples of 10
grams (multiples of 10 grams/sq ft [100 g/m2]
for Group II devices)
e. Rated Input Power — multiples of 5 watts
7.1.3 Standard Rating Conditions. The conditions of
tests for Standard Ratings shall be:
a. Temperature Range of Test Air — 35 F [2EC]
to 90 F [32EC]
b. Humidity Range of Test Air — Not to exceed
85 percent
c. Line Voltage Supply (where applicable) —
Nameplate rated voltage ± 1 volt. For multiple
voltage devices the manufacturer shall
designate the test voltage and voltage control
set point.
d. Rated Air Flow Rate(s) — as designated by
manufacturer, cfm [L/s]
3
ARI STANDARD 850-93
7.1.4 Application Rating Conditions. Ratings at
conditions other than those specified in 7.1.3 may be
published as application ratings, and shall be based on
data determined in accordance with Section 6.
7.1.5 Rated Voltage. Rated voltage for 60 Hertz air
filter devices shall be in accordance with the nameplate
electrical characteristics of Section 9.
7.2 Cleanability Test. This test shall apply to air filter
devices intended to be cleaned rather than replaced. The
complete air filter device shall be prepared in accordance
with the manufacturer's recommendations and applicable
Standard Ratings determined in accordance with the
requirements set forth in this section. The device shall be
cleaned by the method prescribed by the manufacturer and,
if the device is normally viscous-coated, the coating shall
be reapplied in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations. The device shall then be retested in
accordance with 6.1 to determine the renewed resistance
and efficiency in this condition, and the efficiency and
arrestance at the first dust increment. This renewed
resistance, efficiency and arrestance shall be published
along with the Standard Ratings.
7.3 Published Ratings.
7.3.1 Content of Published Ratings. Whenever
application ratings are published or printed, the
conditions at which these ratings apply shall be shown.
Application ratings shall include, or be accompanied
by, the Standard Ratings clearly identified as such.
7.3.2 Rated Final Resistance. The manufacturer shall
publish a rated final resistance which is the maximum
operating resistance of the device at the rated air flow
rate(s).
7.4 Tolerances. To comply with this standard, published
values of Standard Ratings shall be such that any
sample(s), not exceeding five air filter devices, selected at
random and tested in accordance with this standard, shall
result in average tested values with an allowance for testing
as follows:
7.4.1 Initial Resistance shall not exceed the published
resistance by more than 10 percent or 0.02 in. [5.0 Pa]
water, whichever is greater.
7.4.2 Initial Atmospheric Dust Spot Efficiency shall
be not less than Published Efficiency (EI) minus [3 +
0.08 (100 - EI)]
4
7.4.3 Average Atmospheric Dust Spot Efficiency shall
be not less than Published Efficiency (EA) minus [3 =
0.06 (100 - EA)]
7.4.4 Average Synthetic Dust Weight Arrestance shall
be not less than Published Arrestance (AA) minus [2 =
0.06 (100 - AA)]
7.4.5 Dust Holding Capacity shall be not less than 90
percent of published capacity.
Section 8. Performance Requirements
8.1 Breaching Test. (For Groups, I, II and III) Following
the Standard Rating Test (or Cleanability Test, if
performed), a breaching test shall be performed.
8.1.1 Procedure. The device shall be tested at a
resistance 50 percent above the maximum rated final
resistance for which the manufacturer publishes
ratings. The resistance shall be increased by loading
the device with lint, fly ash, test dust or any
combination thereof uniformly distributed across the
face of the device. This increased resistance shall be
applied for a period of three minutes and reduced to
less than 10 percent of the rated final resistance within
two minutes. This reduced resistance shall be
accomplished by reducing the test duct air flow. This
procedure shall be repeated for four additional cycles.
8.1.2 Requirements. During the course of the test,
there shall be no evidence of tearing, dislocation from
its frame or other damage to the air filter device.
Section 9. Nameplate Data
9.1 Nameplate Data. The nameplate on each commercial
and industrial air filter unit shall display the manufacturer's
name, model designation, type of unit, and electrical
characteristics. Recommended nameplate voltages for 60
Hertz systems are one or
 ARI STANDARD 850-93

more of the utilization voltages shown in Table 1 of ARI

Standard 110-90 Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating
Equipment Nameplate Voltages.

Section 10. Voluntary Conformance

10.1 Conformance. While conformance with this standard

is voluntary, conformance shall not be claimed or implied
for products or equipment within its Purpose (Section 1)
and Scope (Section 2) unless such claims meet all of the
requirements of the standard.

5
ARI STANDARD 850-93

APPENDIX A
Method of Testing for Ozone Concentration for Group IV Air Filter Devices

FOREWORD

Ozone Concentration (For Group IV Devices). In conformance with the Regulation published
by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Food and Drug Administration in
the Federal Register, Volume 39, No. 75, Page 13773 et seq., April 17, 1974, no Group IV
device shall have a maximum ozone concentration in the effluent air exceeding 0.050 ppm.

Section A1. Purpose A3.2 Recording Instrument. A strip chart recorder

A1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this appendix is to
provide test procedures for establishing ozone
concentration level for Group IV air filter devices.
that is compatible to the recorder output of the ozone
monitor shall be used. Recording the ozone levels on
a strip chart not only provides a permanent record of
the read-out but eliminates the tedious task of watching
and recording the meter readings.

Section A2. Scope A3.3 Electrical Measurements. Electrical

A2.1 Scope. The test procedures provided in this
appendix are for use with Group IV air filter devices
mounted in the ASHRAE duct system described in the
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-
Conditioning Engineers, Inc., Standard 52.1 - 1992.
A2.1.1 This appendix is not applicable to field
tests or to tests conducted in enclosed space
applications.
Section A3. Instrumentation and Facilities
A3.1 Ozone Monitoring Instrument. An ozone
monitor that is listed in the Federal Register and
approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for
ambient air monitoring shall be acceptable for
determining the ozone level in the duct.
A3.1.1 Calibration. The calibration of the ozone
monitor shall be done according to the procedures
outlined in the instrument manufacturer's
instruction manual.
A3.1.2 Reference Standard. The reference
standard for calibrating the ozone monitor shall be
in accordance with the procedures outlined in the
Federal Register.
measurements shall be taken with indicating
instruments. Ionizer and collector voltages shall be
recorded and shall be expressed to the nearest 100
volts, dc. The ionizer current shall be recorded and
shall be expressed to the nearest 0.05 milliamperes, dc.
A3.4 ASHRAE Duct. The ASHRAE duct system
described in ASHRAE Standard 52.1 - 1992 shall be
used for this test.
A3.5 Location of Ozone Monitor's Sampling Tube.
The ozone monitor sampling tube shall be located
immediately adjacent to the downstream sampler and
shall point directly into the airstream.
Section A4. Test Procedures
A4.1 Procedures. The procedures described in this
section shall be used for determining the ozone
generation rate of Group IV air filter devices.
A4.2 Performance of Test. The test shall be started
only after a state of equilibrium had been reached.
Prior to the start of this test, the ozone background
level shall be measured, with the air filter device off.

A4.2.1 Power Supply Voltage. The voltage input

shall be set up at the nameplate voltage. Ionizer

6
 ARI STANDARD 850-93

and collector voltage shall be within the normal
operating voltage per the manufacturer's
instructions. If adjustable without the use of tools,
ionizer voltage and collector voltage shall be
adjusted to the maximum level.
A4.2.2 Ozone Background Level. Tests shall
proceed only after the background level of ozone
in the air passing through the duct has been
established with the device off. The ozone
measurement shall be taken when the ozone
reading reaches a steady state level.
A4.2.3 Ozone Measurements. The air filter
device shall be turned on and ozone measurements
shall be taken when the ozone reading reaches a
steady state level. The concentration shall be
recorded to the nearest 0.001 ppm.
A4.2.4 Air Flow Rate. Readings by which to
determine the air flow rate through the filter shall
be taken, as directed in ASHRAE Standard
52.1-1992.
A4.2.5 Background Check. After the ozone
measurement has been taken, the air filter device
shall be turned off and the resulting reading taken.
f. Designation of ozone monitor
1. Model no.
2. Manufacturer's serial no.
g. Air flow—expressed in cfm [L/s]
h. Duct air, dry bulb reading—expressed in
F[EC]
i. Duct air, wet bulb reading—expressed in
F[EC]
j. Relative humidity—expressed in %
k. Barometric pressure (Absolute)—expressed in
in. Hg [kPa]
l. Air nozzle—diameter expressed in inches
[mm]
m. Pressure drop across nozzle—expressed in in.
water [kPa]
n. Sampling point—the distance of the sampling
tube from the air filter device—expressed to
the nearest 0.5 feet [150 mm]
o. Description of strip-chart recorder
1. Manufacturer's name
2. Model no.
p. All ozone concentrations—expressed in parts
per million (ppm)
q. Other information, such as the weather
condition at the time of the test, should be
recorded.

A4.2.6 Recorded Ozone Concentration. The two Section A5. Ozone Calculation
ozone background readings shall be averaged, and
the result subtracted from the concentration A5.1 Maximum Ozone Concentration in Effluent Air.
measured in A4.2.3. This value shall be recorded
as the ozone concentration.
Q
where C CMax'C
= Ozone concentration of test
A4.2.7 Determination of Air Flow Rate. The air Qmin Qminminimum published
= Manufacturer's
flow rate shall be calculated as provided in air flow rate, cfm [L/s]
ASHRAE Standard 52.1-1992, and recorded. Q = Air flow rate during test, cfm [L/s]

A4.3 General Test Data. The following data shall be

recorded for each air filter device tested for ozone
concentration.
a. Air filter manufacturer—name and address
b. Location of test facility—company name and
address
c. Date of test run
d. Observers—responsible engineers and all
data takers
e. Designation of unit
1. Model no.
2. Manufacturer's serial no.
3. Ionizer current—expressed to the nearest
0.05 ma, dc
4. Ionizer and collector voltages—expressed
to the nearest 100 V, dc
5. Nameplate voltage