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Record keeping

It is strongly recommended that records be kept of each test to allow for reporting or compliance needs. The following information is likely to be useful when keeping records:
  • Tester ID number
  • Test date/time
  • Test location (i.e. address)
  • Weather conditions on-site
  • Notable site conditions and building information
  • Sealing protocol followed
The Pulse controller can record this information, but you may choose to make additional records as deemed appropriate.
Refer to the test types for a list of information that is required for each type or air test.

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Basic test procedure

When launching a test, first ensure the air receivers are charged to sufficiently high pressure by observation of the on-screen tank pressure feeds, or by observation of the mechanical tank pressure gauge in the top of the air receiver. Follow the running a test user flow to enter the required building information into the software and launch a test. Advise occupants that the test is about to start and that there will be some noise and a gush of air. Ask that movement to be kept to a minimum during the test, which will take a total of 15 seconds for a 3-step test. Upon pressing the button to launch the test, a 5-second countdown commences, during which the operator should step away from the unit as well. The system will account for wind and buoyancy effects by measuring background pressure before and after a Pulse test, and predicting pressure trends during the test cycle using these measured background pressures.
Refer to the test checklist for a quick reference guide to Pulse testing.

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Pulse test cycle

Upon launching a Pulse test, the test cycle will commence which contains a number of stages (assuming a standard 2-step test):
  • 2-second background pressure sampling – during which no air is released but the device takes air pressure readings;
  • 1.5-second release of air, during which time a noise and draught will be felt;
  • A further 1.5-second background pressure sampling – during which the system records external and internal air pressure;
  • A second 1.5-second release of air, this time at a lesser velocity than the previous;
  • A final 2.5-second period of background pressure sampling. Again, no air is released, but important background pressure readings are being taken.
For a three-step test, an additional release of air and a 1.5-second background pressure sampling phase will be observed. Once the test is complete, the results will be presented to you on screen for each of the various result metrics.
Both yourself and the occupants should refrain from moving around during the test procedure. This is because the highly accurate air pressure readings are taken throughout the test process, which can be disturbed by any movement of people, animals or objects within the test enclosure.

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Flowchart of test cycle

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Result metrics

NameUnitDescription
Air leakage rate (Q)m³/hTotal airflow across the building envelope expressed per cubic metre of air per hour.
Air permeability (AP)m³/h.m²The leakage per hour of air from a space per square metre of building envelope.
Air changes per hour (N)1/hThe leakage per hour of air from a space per cubic metre of building volume.
Effective leakage aream²An estimate of the measured total air leakage area in square metres.
Achieved pressure rangePaThe maximum and minimum pressure in Pascals that the building maintained during the test.
Coefficient of determination (R²)-The accuracy with which a curve-fitting equation can be applied to a set of results. Value must be greater than 0.96 for a valid result.
Air flow exponent (n)-Describes the airflow regime through the gaps and holes in the building fabric. Value must be between 0.5 and 1.0 for a valid result.
Refer to the full list of result metrics for more information on understanding test results.