Overview
ISO 13350:2015 - Fans - Performance testing of jet fans defines laboratory test and rating procedures for jet fans (as defined in ISO 13349). The standard specifies the technical characteristics required to describe jet-fan performance and the instrumentation, measurement methods and result presentation needed to produce comparable performance data. It applies only to free‑air jet fans (not ducted fans or fans intended solely for air circulation such as ceiling or table fans) and covers laboratory testing - on‑site measurements are excluded.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 13350:2015 organizes requirements around measurable performance parameters and test methods. Key technical topics include:
- Characteristics to be measured: thrust, input power, sound levels, vibration velocity and volume flowrate.
- Instrumentation and measurement: dimensions/areas, rotational speed, force balance systems and force transducers for thrust, power measurement (including density correction), acoustic measurement methods, vibration measurement and flowrate instruments (pressure and temperature measurement).
- Thrust determination: recommended configurations (suspended and supported), test procedures, and test enclosure design.
- Acoustics and vibration: sound level test arrangement, enclosure suitability and vibration measurement procedures and acceptance criteria.
- Flowrate methods: upstream chamber method, upstream Pitot traverse, and directly connected flowrate-measuring devices.
- Results and reporting: how to present product description and performance data, tolerances, conversion rules and non-dimensional coefficients.
- Normative annexes: including a new normative annex on efficiency based on thrust measurements and informative annexes for sound source illustration and corrections.
Practical applications
ISO 13350:2015 is focused on generating reliable, reproducible laboratory data for jet fans to support:
- Tunnel ventilation and smoke-control design (vehicle and rail tunnels).
- Ventilation of enclosed car parks and longitudinal ventilation schemes.
- Product development and factory testing by fan manufacturers.
- Type testing and independent verification by accredited test laboratories.
- Procurement specifications and compliance demonstrations for infrastructure projects.
Using ISO 13350 test results enables engineers to compare jet-fan performance (thrust, acoustic emissions, vibration and flow) consistently and to select equipment suited to safety, operational and regulatory requirements.
Who should use this standard
- Fan manufacturers and R&D teams
- Accredited test laboratories and quality assurance engineers
- Tunnel and HVAC designers and specifiers
- Procurement officers, safety and compliance authorities
Related standards (selected)
- ISO 13349 (vocabulary and definitions of fan categories)
- ISO 5801 (industrial fan performance testing)
- ISO 13347 (fan sound power under laboratory conditions)
- ISO 14694 / ISO 14695 (balance quality and vibration methods)
- IEC 60034 series (rotating machine losses and vibration limits)
Keywords: ISO 13350:2015, jet fans, performance testing, thrust measurement, fan sound level, vibration, flowrate, tunnel ventilation, laboratory testing.
