SMACNA TAB Procedural Guide
What it means on the job
SMACNA TAB procedures require a pitot tube traverse (multiple readings across the duct cross-section) to determine average velocity. A single center-point reading overestimates airflow by 10-25% because velocity is highest at the center of the duct.
Tested in 1 CraftIQ puzzle
- whats-wrongUnion Hall TAB Training: Air Balance
Related SMACNA sections
SMACNA HVAC Controls Guidelines / Manufacturer Installation Instructions
EP transducers must be mounted below or at the same level as the pneumatic actuator they serve. Mounting above causes condensation from compressed air to drain down into the actuator valve body, causing corrosion, sticking, and eventual valve failure. Condensate should drain back toward the air supply where it is caught by drip legs and filters.
SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards
Rectangular duct aspect ratio should not exceed 4:1 for efficiency. Higher ratios increase friction loss and are difficult to seal properly.
SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards / IMC 603.5
Duct liner is not permitted inside kitchen supply ductwork per the Crestline specifications. Fiberglass duct liner in kitchen areas can trap grease particles and food odors, creating a fire hazard and unsanitary condition. The porous surface of duct liner is impossible to clean once contaminated with cooking grease. Noise attenuation in kitchen supply ducts must be achieved through external duct wrap, silencers, or sound-attenuating duct transitions — not internal liner. IMC 603.5 requires duct materials to be suitable for the application and environment.
SMACNA TAB Procedural Guide / AABC Standards
All balancing dampers must be locked in their final position after TAB is complete. Unlocked dampers are easily bumped or moved by other trades, invalidating the entire balance.
CraftIQ explanations are original educational commentary written in trade language and verified against the cited standards. Always confirm requirements against the code edition adopted by your jurisdiction — this is training material, not a substitute for the code book or your AHJ.