Standards ISO 5801 and AMCA 210 define test procedures and test systems that may be used to establish air and sound performance of air movement and air control products. These standards provide a starting point for any business wishing to design a new laboratory; however, they do not provide a list of instrumentation, manufacturing drawings or a local US based fabricator that can build the test system or chamber.
The process of designing a laboratory commences with a review of the company’s existing laboratories, followed by agreement of the overall size and specification of new test systems. This overall specification is then used in conjunction with either ISO 5801 or AMCA 210 to create manufacturing drawings, and an associated quotation for fabrication in the US.
Once the practical challenges associated with specification, engineering and manufacturing of test systems have been addressed, the test systems in the new laboratory need to be installed and commissioned.
The installation and commissioning process may run in conjunction with AMCA accreditation of the new laboratory. It is noteworthy that AMCA laboratory accreditation is widespread within the air movement and control community. AMCA accreditation of a laboratory provides a third-party, independent endorsement of the accuracy of performance data measured in the laboratory. Testing of air movement and air control products in an AMCA accredited laboratory is a common feature of US customer specifications.
Geoff Sheard is familiar with the AMCA laboratory accreditation process, having worked with clients in different global regions that need to test a range of products. Hence, AGS is able to manage the AMCA laboratory accreditation process to ensure it is properly followed.