scope:

This test method applies to portable household electric room air cleaners as defined in ANSI/AHAM AC-1.

This test method is applicable to any type or design of portable electric household electric room air cleaner, provided the device can be adequately plenum mounted since a plenum system is needed to load the particulate matter, and provided the device also meets the conditions specified in 2.3 through 2.5 below.

The initial and final measurements of performance, know as Clean Air Delivery Rates (CADR) are determined utilizing ANSI/AHAM AC-1. The limits of measurability and precision stated in ANSI/AHAM AC-1 shall apply.

Therefore, this standard only applies to portable household electric air cleaners that have a CADR rating that falls within the following ranges (cfm = cubic feet per minute):

Dust CADR = 10 cfm - 400 cfm

Cigarette smoke CADR = 10 cfm - 450 cfm

Pollen CADR = 25 cfm - 450 cfm

NOTE Units that have a lower or upper limit that is outside the range specified are not within the scope of this test method.

The stated results of this test method include the percentage change in CADR performance after 90 simulated days of filter loading. See Section 13 for more information.

The maximum air cleaner airflow rate for the method is 600 cfm (16.9 m³/min). It is necessary to have an air flow rate no greater than 600 cfm in order to be able to aerodynamically load the air cleaner in a plenum with a sufficient mass of loading material.

The minimum air cleaner airflow rate is 10 cfm (0.283 m³/min). It is necessary to have an air flow rate of at least 10 cfm in order to adequately transport particles of the loading material to the air cleaner without significant particle loss to gravity or to the plenum walls. At low flow/volume rates below 10 cfm, the drive and assist fans may not operate accurately and reproducibly.

PURPOSE

This test method establishes a uniform, repeatable procedure for measuring a specified product characteristic of portable household electric room air cleaners.

Used in conjunction with ANSI/AHAM AC-1, this test method provides a means to evaluate and compare the performance of portable household electric air cleaners before and after the air cleaners have been subjected to accelerated particulate loading conditions designed to simulate defined periods of use.

This test method is not intended to inhibit improvement and innovation in product testing, design or performance.