BS 5925 : 1991

AIVC
(' #13035

Code of practice for

Ventilation principles
and designing for
natural ventilation
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Principes de ventilation et conception des Natdrllche Be!Uftung von Wohn- und

systemes de ventilation naturelle - Code de BO.rogeb4.uden
bonne pratique

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NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW ---.,. ....... .
BS 5925 : 1991

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Basic Data and Performance Criteria
for Civil Engineering and Building Structures Standards Policy Committee (BOB/-) to Tuchnical
Committee BDB/2, upon which the following bodies were represented:

Aggregate Concrete Block Association

Association for the Conservation of Energy
Association of Building Component Manufacturers
Association of County Councils
Association of District Councils
Association of
Metropolitan Authorities
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Products Association
Brick Development Association
British Board of Agrement
British Cement Association
British Gas pie
British Preca.st Concrete Federation Ltd.
Building Employers' Confecleration
Building Services Research and Information Association
Chartered Institute of Building
Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
Concrete Society
Consumer Policy Committee of BSI
Cranfield Institute of Tuchnology
Department of Education and Science
Department of Energy (Energy Efficiency Office)
Department of Health
Department of the Environment (Building Research Establishment)
Department of the Environment (Construction Industries Directorate)
Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland
Electricity Supply Industry in United Kingdom
Eurisol (UK Mint�ral Wool Association)
Flat GlassManufacturers' Association
Gypsum Products DevelopmPnt Assodation
Hevac Association
Institution of Civil Engineers
Institution of Gas Engineers
Institution of Structural Engineers
Lighting Industry Jo'ederation Ltd.
Ministry of Defence
Naliunal House-building Council
National Illumination Committee of Great Britain
oyal lnsmute ofllnUsh'JU'Ctii fleiii<fo---
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Scottish Development Department
Society of Chief Architects of Local Authorities
Timber Research and Development Association
Trades Union Congress
Watt Committee on Energy Ltd.

The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the standard, through subcommittees
and panels:
This British Standard, having _

1"\.�ClU.LIUll UJ. �119lLWt!lgJIL L\.fSMit:l)ilt.t J."10.JlUJ.d\.:LUJClOJ

.. • • • � JI!!' ... � _.. • • ! -"· ... .. ----- __ ... - ''----�- _..______
been prepared under ihe
direction of the Basic Data and British Coal Corporation
Performance Criteria for Civil British ConcreteMasonry Association
Engineering and Building Flat Roofing Contractors Advisory Board
Structures Standards Policy Institution ofMechanical Engineers
Committee, was published under Medical Research Council
National Council of Building
Material Producers
the authority of the Standards
Phenolic Foam l'danufacturers' Association
Board and comes into effect o n
31May1991
Amendments issued since publication
© BSI1991
Amd. No. Date Tuxt affected
First published September1980
Second editionMay1991

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference BDB/2
Draft for comment89 /17211 DC

ISBN 0 580 19285 7

 • AMD 8930

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STANDARDS
"

Amendment No. 1
published and effective from 15 December 1995
to BS 5925 : 1991

Code of practice for ventilation principles and designing for

natural ventilation

Correction

(
Clause 9. Flow characteristics of openings
Delete equation (2) and substitute the following
I
Q = Cdfl.(26.p/p) 2 (2)
AMD 893M>ecember 1995
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -.- �· - - - - - - - - - - - - - _r� - - - -
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9612 Product code 00628060 B/540/2

 BS 5925 : 1991

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword 3
Section 1. General
1 Scope 4
2 Definitions 4
3 Symbols 5
Section 2. General principles of ventilation
4 Basic data 6
5 Application 11
6 Provision for ventilation 13
( 7 Choice between natural and mechanical ventilation 16
Section S. Natural ventilation
8 General 17
9 Flow characteristics of openings 17
10 Generation of pressure differences 18
11 Meteorological variables 20
iiii 12 Determination of natural ventilation rates 21
-i
;;;;;; 13 Other mechanisms of natural ventilation 25
iiiii
14 Fire ventilation 26
iiiii
!!!!! 15 Air infiltration 26
* 16 Normal building practice for natural ventilation in dwellin� 28
Ul
* Appendices
A Bibliography 29
B Calculation of contaminant concentration 30
c Calculation of ventilation rates to reduce the risk of surface
condensation under steady state conditions 33
D Determination of ventilation requirements 34
E Calculation of reference wind speed Ur 35
F Calculation of natural ventilation rates for a simple building 35
Index 38

1
BS 5925 : 1991

Page
'lkbles
1 Fresh air requirement values for respiration 6
2 Moisture generation rates 8
3 Flueless appliances: carbon dioxide production rates and air supply
rates 10
4 Recommended outdoor air supply rates 12
5 Values of k for windows 17
6 Equivalent area of ventilation openings 18
7 Typical magnitudes of pressure created by wind and temperature
difference 19
8 Factors for determining mean wind speed at different heights and for
different types of terrain from the Meteorological Office wind speed,
Um, measured at 10 m in open country 21
9 Values of the ratio of mean wind speed exceeded for a given
percentage of time to the 50 % mean wind speed u50 21
10 Mean daily air temperatures for 12 sites in the UK, 1941 to 1970 23
11 Natural ventilation of a simple building 24
12 Natural ventilation of spaces with openings on one wall only 26
13 Mean surface pressure coefficients for vertical walls of rectangular
buildings 37
Figures
1 Ventilation required to reduce the risk of surface condensation
occurring on the inner wall surface for various wall U-values and
ambient air conditions 9
2 Typical possibilities for inlets and outlets, for both natural and
mechanical ventilation systems in dwellings 14
3 Cumt::�tiun to the dry resultant temperature to take account of air
movement 15
4 Pressure difference and flow created by temperature difference 20
5 Contours of U.50 for the TTK 22
6 Arrangement of openings in a simple building 24
7 Variation of J(<P) with angle opening <P for (a) side-mounted casement
windows and {b) centre-pivoted windows 27
8 Variation of gas concentration c with t and ventilation rate Q for gas
leakage rate q 31
9 Allowable reduction in minimum fresh air supply rate when the
pollutant source is present for a limited period, ti, rather than
continuously 31
10 Allowable reduction in minimum fresh air supply rate when the
pollutant source is intermittent, being present for a length of time,
t11 with a return period, t2 (r- t1lti) 32
11 Interconnecting spaces 32

2
 BS 5925 : 1991

r Foreword

This British Standard has been prepared under the direction of the Basic Data
and Performance Criteria for Civil Engineering and Building Structures Standards
Policy Committee. It supersedes BS 5925 : 1980, which is withdrawn.
This revision takes into account research on ventilation and indoor air quality
that has taken place since the publication of BS 5925 : 1980. In particular, under
section 2, the ventilation requirements for the dilution and removal of airborne
pollutants have been updated and account taken of the guidance given in
BS 5250. Under section 3, a new clause dealing with air infiltration has been
introduced.
Recent increased awareness of the need for efficient use of energy in the design
and management of buildings, as recommended in BS 8207, has led to greater
insulation levels and reduced ventilation rates in both new and existing
buildings. However, it is es8ential that a balance is struck between the needs for
low ventilation rates commensurate with saving energy and the needs for higher
( ventilation rates required to ensure good indoor air quality and to reduce the risk
of mould growth. Ventilation rates in different parts of a building may differ,
depending on both the levels of occupancy and the occupant's activities in those
parts. It is important to remember the complex interrelationship of factors
affecting condensation and to take particular care when designing new buildings
or considering changes or attempting to remedy problems in existing buildings.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity-from
iiiii legal obligations.
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3
BS 5925 : 1991 Section 1

Section 1. General

1 Scope 2 Definitions
This British Standard gives recommendations on For the purposes of this British Standard the
the principles which should be observed when definitions given in BS 5643 and BS 6100 apply,
designing for the natural ventilation of buildings together with the following.
for human occupation. The standard is in three
2.1 absolute temperature
sections, as follows:
Tumperature measured with respect to absolute
Section 1. General
zero.
Section 2 outlines the rnain reasons for the
provision of ventilation and, where possible, 2. 2 discharge coefficient
recommends quantitative air flow rates. It is Coefficient which relates the volume flow rate
shown that these form the basis for air supply through an orifice to its area and the applied
recommendations for different types of buildings pressure difference.
and rooms characterized by usage. The basis for
the choice between natural and mechanical 2.3 equivalent area
ventilation is given. The design of mechanical Area of a sharp-edged orifice through which air
ventilation systems is dealt with in BS 5720. would pass at the same volume flow rate, under an
Section 3 gives recommendations on the design identical applied pressure difference, as the
of natural ventilation systems and on the opening under consideration.
estimation of air infiltration rates in housing. 2.4 input rating
Appendix A is a bibliography and reference to Heat available for liberation by combustion within
publications listed in it are shown as: (see an appliance, based upon the gross calorific value
appendix A [15]). of the fuel.
Appendix B gives recommendations on 2. 5 kerosine
evaluating contamination risks.
Petroleum oil fuel suitable for appliances with small
Appendix C gives recommendations on vaporizing and atomizing burners; classified as
calculating ventilation rates to reduce the risk of class C in BS 2869.
surface condensation under steady state
conditions. 2.6 open-flued appliance
Appendix D gives recommendations on Appliance designed to be connected to an open
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!he room or internal space within which it is
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Appendix E gives recommendations on

calculating reference wind speed. mstali,..
Appendix F wves recununemlatiuns on 2. 7 premium �rade kerosine
calculating natural ventilation rates for a simple Kerosine suitable for flueless space heaters,
building. complying with the requirements of the
This standard does not attempt to address thermal specification for class Cl petroleum oil fuels in
comfort aspects of ventilation such as indoor air BS 2869.
movement, temperature stratification, exact NCYI'E. The non-preferred term is paraffin.
position of ventilation openings etc.
2.8 reference static pressure
NarE. The titles of the nublications referred to in this standard
are listed on the inside hack cover. Static pressure in the free wind, away from any
interference with the flow.
2.9 static pressure
Pressure which would be recorded by a pressure
gauge moving with the flow, i.e. static relative to
the fluid.
2.lO wake
Region of disturbed flow which persists some
distance downstream of a building or similar
structure exposed to the wind.

4
 Section 1 BS 5925 : 1991

('

3 Symbols p Surface pressure

For the purposes of this British Standard the
following notation applies. Commonly used p Mean surface pressure

abbreviations for units of measurement are not Po Static pressure in undisturbed wind
listed.
Q Volume flow rate of air
A Equivalent area of an opening
� Volume flow rate of air due to the
A11 A2 effect of temperature only

A3, A4
Equivalent area of specific openings
Qw Volume flow rate of air due to the
effect of wind only
Ab denoted in the text
Ql Reduced air flow rate for
Aw intermittent contaminant emission

a Exponent relating wind speed to q Input volume flow rate of

height contaminant

Cd Discharge coefficient for an opening R Ventilation rate

Gp Surface pressure coefficient r Return period of an intermittent

pollutant source
Gp Mean surface pressure coefficient
t Time
c Concentration of contaminant in air
iiiiii by volume u Thermal transmittance
!!!!!!!
iiiiii
-
iiiiii Ce Concentration of contaminant in u Wind speed
outside air
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Co Concentration of contaminant at given proportion of time
* timet""O
Ul
* Ur Reference wind speed
CE Equilibrium value of contaminant
concentration v Room volume

g Acceleration due to gravity w Width of building

H1 Vertical distance between the centres z Height

of two openings in a wall
a Angle made by wind relative to
H2 Vertical distance between top and building
bottom edges of a rectangular
A Difference between two values of
opening in a wall
the same quantity, e.g. ACp
h Vertical distance between ground
f Area ratio
and the eaves or parapet
(} Absolute temperature
J Function relating ventilation rate
through an open window to the Oe Absolute temperature of outside air
angle of opening, <P
(Ji Absolute temperature of inside air
K Factor relating wind speed to height
lJ Average of inside and outside air
k Window leakage factor temperatures

L Length of a crack Air density

p

l Length of a building Angle made by an open window with

"'
the plane containing the wall of a
M Metabolic rate
building.
n Exponent relating flow rate through
crack to applied pressure difference

5
BS 5925 : 1991 Section 2

Section 2. General principles of ventilation

4 Basic data year, with typical ranges of relative humidity, in

winter of 80 % to 95 % and in summer of 55 %
4.1 General to 75 %.
A supply of fresh air is required for one or more of
4.3 Human respiration
the following:
The body requires oxygen for the production of
(a) provision for human respiration;
energy at a rate approximately proportional to
(b) dilution and removal of airborne pollutants, metabolic rate. This in tum is proportional to body
including odours and tobacco smoke; surface area and to activity level. Metabolic rates
(c) control of humidity; are listed in appendix A (2) and (3) for a wide
range of activities.
(d) provision of air for fuel-burning appliances;
Expired air contains about 16 % oxygen and 4 %
(e) control of thermal comfort;
carbon dioxide and is fully saturated with water
(0 clearance of smoke resulting from an vapour. Human beings, in good health, can adapt
accidental fire.
to a range of oxygen concentrations with a
In 4.3 to 4.8 each of these is discussed and minimum concentration, at typical ambient
guidance given on quantitative requirements. pressures, of approximately 12 % . The main
limiting factor is, in practice, the build-up of
4.2 Composition of outside air
carbon dioxide. Although higher levels of carbon
In ordinary engineering practice fresh air means air dioxide can be tolerated with no serious health
from outside. The usually accepted composition of effects, a useful guide is the occupational exposure
dry air by volume is: limit (see appendix A f 4] ) of 0.5 %. Air flow rates
necessary to accomplish this and a lower
oxygen 20.94 % concentration of 0.25 % carbon dioxide are given
in table 1 for a range of activity levels.
nitrogen 79.03 %
4.4 Dilution and removal of airborne pollutants
carbon dioxide 0.035 %
4.4. l Geneml
inert gases traces A wide range of airborne pollutants is generated by
sources within buildings. These pollutants may
The carbon dioxide content is variable and may be include gases, vapours, biologically inert
luwe1 tlii:i.u G.G3G ?� iu l:uuut1y i:l.lt:<L'> c:U.1u higl:u::r t:1 pari.il:ulaLe:s, :sul:h a:s uu:sl.:s emu fiL1e:s, ii.nu viii.bl�
built u p areas, due primarily to fuel combustion for
- particulates, such as fungal spores, viruses, and
transport, heating and mdustriaI purposes. Outs1ae acteria. Such pollutants may have the potential to
air may also contain particulate matter and other harm the health or comfort of occupants or may
combustion products such as sulphur dioxide and lead to damage to the building fabric .
nitrogen oxides. These are currently limited by
The Health and Safety Executive sets limiting
European Council Directives (see appendix A [1] ) .
concentrations for airborne pollutants in the form
The main variable constituent o f outside air is of occupational exposure limits (see
water vapour. In the UK this ranges from appendix A [4] ). These, however, apply to
approximately 2 g/kg to 12 g/kg dry air over the occupational situations and are primarily concerned

Tu.hie i. Fcesi1 u.ic cequ..icemeni. value� fur .tei'lph·atiuii

Activity (adult male) Metabolic rate (M) Flow rate to maint.aln room C02 at given level assuming
0.04 % C02 in fresh air

0.6 % C02 0.26 % C02

·--

w Us Us

Seated quietly 100 0.8 1.8

Light work 160 to 320 1.3 to 2.6 2.8 to 5.6
Moderate work 320 to 480 2.6 to 3.9 5.6 to 8.4
Heavy work 480 to 650 3.9 to 5.3 8.4 to 11.4
Very heavy work 650 to 800 5.3 to 6.4 11.4 to 14.0
NCJI'E. These values are based upon a production rate of carbon dioxide of0.00004M Us per person, where Mill the metabolic rate
in watts.

6
 Section 2 BS 5925 : 1991

with healthy adult workers. They cannot, vapours, varying with the type of tobacco and
therefore, necessarily be applied to buildings in mode of smoking.
which the occupants may include other groups, The possible effects of exposure to environmental
such as children, the elderly or those in poor tobacco smoke include:
health. At present, there is no consistent approach
(a) odour annoyance;
to setting acceptable indoor concentrations of
pollutants in such circumstances . (b) irritation of the mucous membranes in the
respiratory tract and especially the eyes;
The factors which detemtine the concentration of
an indoor air pollutant are set out and discussed in (c) increased susceptibility to respiratory
appendix B. These lead to the following methods of infection and reduced lung function;
control: (d) toxic reaction to certain components; and
(a) source removal; (e) increased risk of lung cancer.
(b) source control; The dominant criteria when assessing the required
(c) extract ventilation close to source; control of tobacco smoke are odour (based upon
the response of non-smokers entering a space in
(d) removal from air by filtration etc.;
which smoking may occur) and the level of
(e) dilution ventilation. respirable, suspended particulates (based upon
Choice of method of control depends upon a standards set for particulates in the ambient air
number of factors, including the nature of the (see 4.2)). These criteria indicate that the dilution
pollutant and its sources, capital and running costs air requirement is 120 m3 per cigarette smoked. A
and practicability. Ventilation will affect the lower air supply rate, 30 m3 to 60 m3 per cigarette
concentration of any pollutant and is the most smoked, should obviate mucous membrane
appropriate means of control where both the irritation.
production rate and the limiting concentration of Rate of smoking varies with individuals and
iiiiii
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iiiiii method can be as readily used. In practice smoking is approximately 1. 3 cigarettes per h per
iiiiii production rates are best known where the source smoker. This figure, together with an estimate that
!!!!!! is combustion or where the pollutant results from approximately one-third of the adult population are
* the presence or activities of occupants. Production regular smokers, yields on the basis of odour
[/) rates are less well defined where the source is
* considerations a value varying between
related to the fabric or furnishings of the building. approximately 15 Lis per person in a large space in
4.4.2 Odour which the proportion of smokers is typical of the
population at large to 40 Us per person in a space
The human olfactory system is sensitive to a wide
in which all occupants are assumed to be smokers.
range of airborne substances. The characteristics of
odour, such as intensity and quality, and its 4.5 Control of internal humidity
acceptability, cannot be measured directly by The relative humidity of air is equal to the ratio of
instrumentation and have to be assessed by the moisture content of the air to the moisture
psycho-physical methods using human judgement. content of saturated air at the same temperature.
Occupants of buildings are rarely exposed to Low relative humidities can give rise to respiratory
individual odorants but to complex mixtures, discomfort and nuisance from electrostatic effects.
characterized by their source, the most common High relative humidities incur the risk of
being body odour, tobacco odour, cooking odours condensation and mould growth on surfaces that
and toilet odour. Control of body odour has formed have temperatures that fall below the dewpoint
the basis of standards for fresh air supply in many temperature of the air. Reference should be made
types of buildings for many years. Based upon the to BS 5250 which deals with factors affecting
most recent research (see appendix A (5, 6 and 7]) condensation and mould growth in dwellings,
the minimum requirement to restrict annoyance to including the thermal properties of the structure,
persons entering the space from outside is 8 Lis per the temperature and humidity of the outside air
person, where the occupants are sedentary. and the heat and moisture input. The contribution
made by ventilation is to lower the moisture
4.4.3 1bbacco smoke
content of the internal air by dilution with outside
'lbbacco smoke consists of 'main-stream' smoke, air which normally has a lower moisture content.
inhaled by the smoker, and the remainder which is For any required moisture level the flow rate will
termed 'side-stream' smoke. Environmental depend upon the moisture level in the outside air,
tobacco smoke consists primarily of the latter, and the rate of moisture input from such sources as
augmented by the proportion of main-stream respiration, cooking, washing and flueless
smoke which is exhaled by the smoker. It is a combustion of certain fuels. Thbles 2(a), 2(b) and
complex mixture of particles, gases and organic 2(c) give some guidance on the likely moisture
input rates and, given the temperature and relative

7
BS 5925 : 1991 Section 2

'lkble 2. Moisture generation rates

(a) Typical moisture generation rates for household activities

Household activity Moisture generation rate

People:

Asleep 40 g/h per person

Active 55 g/h per person
Cooking:

Electricity 2000 g/day

Gas 3000 g/day
Dishwashing 400 g/day
Bathing/Washing 200 g/day per person
Washing clothes 500 g/day
Drying clothes indoor 1500 g/day per person
(e.g. using unvented tumble drier)

(b) Typical moisture generation rates from heating fuels

-·

Heating fuel Moisture generation rate

g/h per kW
1JNatural gas 150
1>Manufactured gas 100
KP.msine 100
Liauefied netroleum aJ:lJ:1 130
l)Coke 30
I)Anthracite 10
-
(c) Dally moisture generation rates for households

Number of persons In Moisture generation rates

household
2
>Dry occupancy 3lMoist occupancy 4>wet occupancy

'L-d/,.I,,,• .,. h·n/,1.,,..,.. l,,n/-'l'll,.,.

n.e;r U.O.J .R.Of u.ta-3 AO' '-.&UtJ

1 3.5 6 9
2 4 8 11
3 1 9 12
4 5 10 14
5 6 11 15
6 7 12 16
IJ Mcst he&tL'lg &pplia..'lces using ll:2lle !ue� :i.re vent!l&t2<l to the ou!:sideair. comiequent!y the warer vepo!!!" produood by
combustion is not released directly into the dwelling.
2> Dry occupancy, i.e. where there is proper use of ventilation; includes households unoccupied during the day; results in an
internal vapour pressu re up to 0.3 kPa in excess of the external vapour pressure.
3> Moist occupancy, i.e. where internal humidities are above normal; likely to have poor ventilation; possibly a family with
children; water vapour excess is between 0.3 kPa and 0.6 kPa.
4> Wet occupancy, i.e. ventilation hardly ever used; high moisture generation; probably a family with young children; water vapour
preiiiure excess is greater than 0.6 kPa.

8
 Section 2 BS 5925 : 1991

� of•i,lm'I
ed to
port 1kg
1.UiU
Cl
x
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sture .015
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kg/kg
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.020 .015 .010 .005 0 5 0 5 /10 15
Max. permissible moisture Outside air 0(
content to avoid condensation Inside air
' °
2 2� 30 temp. C
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° 0 5 10 15
C 20 15 10 s 0
Max. permissible internal dewpoint tc Inside ai� Outside air 0(
avoid condensation on wall surfaces 0 5 10 15 20 25 30
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0 �
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NCJI'E. The method of use of this nomograph is explained in appendix C. The two
examples shown relate to appendix C.

Figure 1. Ventilation required to reduce the risk of surface

condensation occurring on the inner wall surface for various
wall U-values and ambient air conditions
(Reproduced from reference f 9] by permission of the Institution of
Gas Engineers)

humidity of outside air, which for design purposes For the particular case of steady state heat transfer,
should be taken as 95 % , required flow rates appendix C gives a simple method using a
should be obtained using equation 9 in appendix B. nomograph (see appendix A r9] and figure 1) for
It should be noted that in newly constructed estimating the ventilation rates necessary to reduce
buildings large quantities of moisture are released the risk of surface condensation occurring. BS 5250
from the fabric as the building dries out. deals in more detail with the ventilation rates
Consideration should be given during this required to avoid surface condensation.
drying-out period to the question of whether
additional ventilation should be provided (see
appendix A [8]).

9
BS 5925 : 1991 Section 2

4.6 Provision of air for fuel-burning appliances NOfE 2. The air supply required for appliances burning solid
fuel is usually in the range given in 4.6.2. However, the
4. 6.1 General provisions requirement is more commonly specified in terms of the free
area of a ventilator in the room or space containing the
An air supply to a fuel-burning appliance is appliance. A solid-fuel-burning open appliance requires an air
required for one or more of the following purposes: entry opening with a free area of at lea.st 50 % of the appliance
throat-opening area as defined in RS8303. Other solid-fuel
(a) to supply air for combustion and correct flue appliances require an air entry opening with a total free area of
operation; at least660 mm2 per kW of rated output above 5 kW. Where a
(b) to limit the concentration of combustion draught stabill.2er is used the total free area should be300 mm2
for each kW of rated output.
products within the spaces to an acceptable ievel
(this is normally taken to be 0.5 % C0 2); 4.6.3 Control of concentration of combustion
(c) to prevent overheating of the appliance(s) and products
its surroundings. This applies to flueless combustion appliances
4.6.2 Air supply where the products of combustion pass into the
room or space containing the appliance. Flueless
The supply rate necessary to provide air for typical appliances are categorized as:
open-flued domestic fuel-burning appliances, both
for combustion and for adequate operation of the (a) continuous, such as kerosine or gas space
flue, is in the range of 0.4 IJs to 30 IJs per kW heaters;
output of the appliance according to the appliance (b) intennittent, such as gas water heaters and
efficiency. (For gas appliances see BS 5440 : Part 2. cookers.
For oil-burning appliances see BS 5410 : Parts 1 The criterion most usually applied in assessing their
and 2. For solid-fuel-burning appliances ventilation rate is the need to maintain the
see BS 8303.) concentration of carbon dioxide below 0.5 %. For
N (Jl'F, 1 . Modem gas-burning condensing boilers typically require continuously operating appliances this leads to the
around 0.4 Us per kW output whilst gas-burning decorative fuel specifying of an air supply rate derived from
effoct appliances may require up to about 30 Lis per kW output.
Other appliances with open flues tend to have air supply
equation (9) in appendix Band a knowledge of Lhe
requirements in the range0.8 Us to 3.5 Us per kW uutvut. production rat.P. of carbon dioxide. 'Thble 3 shows
the rates of production of carbon dioxide and the

'Th.hie 3. Flueless appliances: carbon dioxide production rates and air supply rates
(a) Carbon dioxide production rates

Fuel C02 production rate

IJs per kW
Natural gas 0.027
Manufactured gas 0.027
Liquefied petroleum gas 0.033
Keresine 0.034

Solid fuel 0.048

{b) Air supply rates

Fuel Air supply rate Bw.iR

Us per kW
Natural gas 5.4 C02 < 0.5 % (VIV)
Manufactured gas 5.4 C02 < 0.5 % (VIV)
Liquefied petroieum gas 6.6 C02 < 0.5 % (VIV)
Premium grade kerosine 6.8 C02 < 0.5 % (VIV)
Premium grade kerosine 1.2 S02 < 5.0 Vppm
Premium grade kerosine 6.0 S02 < 1.0 Vppm

10
 Section 2 BS 5925 : 1991

('

derived air flow rates for kerosine, liquefied In the event of a fire within a building, ventilation
petroleum gas and natural gas. by natural or mechanical means can be used to
NCJI'E 1. Fbr kerosine, another criterion should be applied, limit the spread of these products which could
which is the need to maintain the concentration of sulphur otherwise hinder or prevent escape and thus
dioxide below a recommended level. The value for air supply endanger the lives of the occupants, and restrict or
rate based on this criterion is also given for a premiwn grade
prevent effective rescue and fire fighting by the
kerosine (class Cl) containing 0.04 % sulphur and with a limiting
sulphur dioxide concentration of 5.0 Vppm (the short-term fire brigade.
exposure limit) and 1 . 0 Vppm (for continuous exposure of the For certain kinds of building, provision should be
general population). There is a standard grade kerosine available
made for:
(class C2), with sulphur content up to 0.2 % , which should not
be burned in flueless domestic heating appliances. (a) the removal of smoke from escape routes;
For gas appliances which are likely to be operated (b) the control of the spread of smoke and the
intermittently for limited periods of time, a lower general removal of smoke and heat.
outside air supply rate is permissible since it is only Requirements regarding fire ventilation can arise
necessary to ensure that the level of carbon dioxide
from statutory regulations, government circulars,
concentration does not exceed 0 . 5 % during the conditions of licence, insurance, etc.

(
period of operation of the appliance. Manufactured
Fire ventilation may be required to operate either
gas and natural gas produce 0.027 Lis of carbon
immediately (i. e. openings automatically operated
dioxide per kW heat input. Thus, equation in (7)
upon the actuation of a heat- or smoke-sensitive
appendix B should be used in order to determine
device) or be available for operation as and when
the ventilation rate, given the length of the period
required by the fire brigade (e.g. breakable
of operation of the appliance. It will be noted that
pavement lights or manually operated openings) .
room volume is required for this calculation. For a
given heat output the ventilation requirement will The requirements for ventilation in the event of
increase with decreasing room volume. fire may, on occasion, be incompatible with those
= NCJI'E 2. Direct-fired air heaters are covered in BS 6230. for normal ventilation . In most cases,·Jarger flows
iiiii of air or gases have to be allowed for,".in directions
iiiii
4.6.4 Appliances in conflned spaces sometimes different from those required for normal
iiiii ·

� Consideration should be given to the provision of ventilation.

an air supply to heating appliances in confined NCJI'E. Refer to BS 5588 and appendix A (15) for specific
*
(/) spaces, to prevent overheating of such appliances recommendations concerning fire ventilation requirements and
* practice.
and of their surrounding enclosures.
NCJI'E. For further guidance reference should be made to
BS 5410 : Parts 1 and 2, BS 5440 : Part 2 and to
appendix A (10). 5 Application
4. 7 Control of thermal comfort 5. 1 General
For detailed discussion of the factors which Clause 4 sets out basic data in relation to the main
determine the thermal comfort of occupants reasons for providing a supply of outside air. In
reference should be made to the CIBSE Guide (see order to determine the required air supply rate for
appendix A [ 1 1]).
Thermal comfort is also a specific building, or room within a building, these
discussed in reference appendix A ( 12). Indoor data should be combined with a knowledge of the
temperature is a prime determinant of comfort and use to which the building or room is to be put.
this depends upon a number of factors including Tu.ble 4(a) taken from the CIBSE Guide,
the use of heating (or cooling) plant, adventitious Volume A 1986, Section A l , lists recommended
thermal gains, the thermal characteristics of the outdoor air supply rates for a range of building
building and the ventilation rate. A range of types and these may be used in the initial design
methods, largely computer-based, is available (see process. Tu.hie 4(b) taken from the CIBSE Guide,
appendix A [ 13])
which allow ventilation rate to be Volume B 1986, Section B2, has somewhat greater
related to comfort for any particular building and outdoor air supply rates for sedentary occupants,
conditions. A simplified approach is given in CIBSE based on recent research which reflects changes in
Guide (see appendix A [14] ). occupants' tolerances of tobacco smoke. Where
possible, the designer should calculate outside air
4.8 Removal of smoke resulting from an
requirements on a room-by-room basis in order to
accidental fire obtain a more efficient design. An example is given
A fire can generate large quantities of combustion in appendix D for a domestic living room. In
products, namely hot gases carrying smoke general, the largest rate calculated for the purposes
particles and containing toxic or noxious and set out in clause 4 defines the required air supply
irritant products (usually referred to as 'smoke' ) . rate. In all cases, however, any calculated rates are
subject to the overriding need to satisfy statutory
or similar regulations.

11
 BS 5925 : 1991 Section 2

'Ikble 4. Recommended outdoor air supply rates

(a) Recommended out.door air supply rates for a range of bulldblg types (From reference f l lj)

Type of space Smoking Ont.door air supply

Recommended Minimum
(the greater of the two values should be
•
taken)

Per person Per person Per m2 fioor area

IJs IJs IJs

Factories l)2) None 0.8

Offices (open plan) Some 1.3
Shops, department stores and Some 8 5 3.0
supermarkets
-
Theatres 1) Some

Dance haIIs 1 ) Some -

Hotel bedrooms2) Heavy 1. 7

-
I Laboratories2) Some

Offices (private) Heavy 12 8 1.3

-
Residences (average) Heavy

Restaurants (cafeteria) ?.)3) Some -

Cocktail bars -
Heavy

Conference rooms (average) Some 18 12 -

Rl.:�.i.<lt:lt1.:t:� (luxury) Ileav-y -

" --taw:anGm&
ts-(4ining-re )2l -He--:·

BoanJ rooms, executive offices and Very 25 18 6.0

conference rooms heavy

Corridors A per capita basis is not appropriate 1.3

to these spaces
Kitchen (domestic)2l 10.0
Kitchen (restaurant)2l 20.0
Thilet�l) 10.0

(b) Recommended out.door air supply rates for sedentary occupants (From reference [16])

Condition Recommended outdoor air supply rate ,,

IJs per person

With no smoking 8
-

With some smoking 16

With heavy smoking 24
With very heavy smokinJ( 32
'' See statutory requirements and local bye-laws.
2> Rate of extraction may be overriding factor.
3> Where queuing occurs in the space, the seating capacity may not be the appropriate occupancy.
NCJI'E 1 . Fbr hospital wards and operating theatres see Department of Health and Social Security Building Notes.
NCJI'E 2. The outdoor air supply rates given take account of the likely density of occupation and the type and amount of smoking.

12
 Section 2 BS 5925 : 1991

It was noted in 4.4. 1 that many pollutants may be including those that are mechanically ventilated,
better controlled by methods other than unless special attention has been paid to the design
ventilation, in particular by restricting source and to quality control during building to ensure an
emission. However, in setting standards for this airtight structure. Infiltration contributes to the
form of control a basic level of ventilation may be total ventilation rate, but because it is uncontrolled
assumed and, for this reason, even unoccupied its usefulness can be limited. The general physical
spaces require some degree of ventilation although processes governing infiltration are the same as
this is generally lower than that required when those governing natural ventilation, set out in
they are in normal use. section 3 , except that the characteristics of the
flow paths are not well defined.
5.2 Special applications
A method of measuring air leakage in order to
The provision of ventilation is required in some
estimate infiltration performance, applicable to
types of buildings for special applications, examples
housing, is set out in clause 15.
of which include:
(a) in factories and industrial processes, to 6.1.3 Inlets and outlets
remove hot air, toxic and unpleasant Regardless of the method employed for ventilation,
( contaminants, smoke and products of combustion
in the event of a fire;
the supply of fresh air to a space should be
complemented by provision for the removal of an
(b) in garages or enclosed car parks and vehicle equal quantity of air from the space. In general, air
tunnels, to remove exhaust gases (particularly inlets and outlets are separate, although significant
carbon monoxide), petrol vapour and smoke in air exchange can occur through a single large
the event of a fire; opening under certain conditions (see 13.2).
Figure 2 shows typical possibilities for inlets and
(c) in hospitals, to control cross-infection in
outlets, for both natural and mechanical ventilation
special care units and to reduce the level of
iiiiiii systems.
!!!!!! airborne bacteria in operating theatres;
iiiiiii 6. 1.4 Natural ventilation
iiiiiii (d) in large commercial kitchens, to remove
iiiiiii excess heat, steam and cooking odours; Natural ventilation is the movement of air through
!!!!!! openings in the building fabric, due to wind or to
(e) in underground rooms and floor areas above
* ground not provided with normally openable static pressures created by differences in
(/) temperature between the interior and exterior of
* windows, to remove smoke in the event of a fire;
the building (generally known as 'stack' effect), or
(f) in internal common access lobbies and
to a combination of these acting together. The
corridors in blocks of flats and maisonettes, to
mechanisms of natural ventilation are described in
remove smoke resulting from a fire.
detail in section 3, but it should be noted here that
NCYI'E. See appendix A ( 16) for specific requirements. natural ventilation is subject to the variability of
wind speed, wind direction and air temperature.
Not only do these affect the rate of fresh air
6 Provision for ventilation
supply, but they also determine whether any
6. 1 General considerations opening will act as an inlet or outlet for the air in
any space within the building.
6. 1. 1 Methods of ventilation
In order to supply the air flow rates referred to in 6. 1. 5 Mechanical ventilation
clause 5, either natural or mechanical ventilation There are several methods of mechanical
systems can be employed. This clause describes ventilation, the simplest being the supply or
briefly the main characteristics of each system. extraction of air fro11 a space using a fan. In these
Factors affecting the choice of system are set out in cases an adequate opening should be supplied to
clause 7. allow the exit or entry of air, in order that the fan
Section 3 deals in detail with the design of natural can operate satisfactorily. More complex systems
ventilation systems, while the general design, involve the use of ducted air supply from centrally
planning and installation of mechanical systems is located fans, possibly providing supply and
covered by BS 5720 and appendix A (17) and ( 18). extraction of air, conditioning of the air and heat
recovery from the extracted air.
6.1.2 lnflltration The main advantage of mechanical ventilation is its
The uncontrolled exchange of air through controllability. In principle a mechanical system can
adventitious openings in the envelope of a building, be designed to satisfy the air requirements of any
such as cracks around windows or at the junction space within specified limits. In practice,
of building components, is termed air infiltration. It constraints on its use are cost and space
is present to varying degrees in nearly all buildings, limitations.

13
BS 5925 : 1991 Section 2

Natural ventilation Mechanical ventilation

Mechanical supply ventilation

Single sided ventilation

.._____. L
...._____. [
=======: [ I
Cross ventilation Mechanical extract ventilation

Passive ventilation Balanced mechanical ventilation

�---------------------1t
NCJI'E. The same principles may be used in other types of buildings.

Figure 2. Typical possibilities for inlets and outlets, for both natural and mechanical
ventilation systems in dwellings

14
 Section 2 BS 5925 : 1991

6. 1.6 Effects of ventilation In some cases the difference in density of the

The main effect is the satisfaction of the pollutant may encourage the formation of a stable
recommendations set out in clause 5, by providing layer which resists mixing with the air in the
outside air for dilution or to make up for the remaining part of the space.
extraction of any contaminant at its source. The In a naturally ventilated space good mixing can be
introduction of air from outside a space can affect promoted by appropriate distribution of the inlets
the movement of air within the space. These and outlets. In mechanical systems attention may
aspects are discussed more fully in 6.2 and 6.3. In need to be paid to the design and position of
addition, it should be noted that the introduction supply and extract openings and the expected
of outside air imposes an energy load, and this range of operating conditions to ensure good
should be taken into account in the overall design mixing under all circumstances. Attention should
of the building and its services. be paid to barriers within the space which might
inhibit mixing.
6.2 Air supply
6.3 Air movement
6.2. 1 General
The purposes of ventilation are to ensure correct 6.3. 1 General
( operation of combustion appliances, and to dilute The method of air supply to a space, together with
airborne pollutants. In calculating the required other sources of air movement in the space, such as
flow rates for pollutant dilution it is assumed that: hot and cold surfaces, can contribute to the
(a) steady state conditions apply; and movement of air and hence to the pattern of speed
and temperature.
(b) the pollutant mixes perfectly with the
supplied air. 6.3.2 Comfort criteria
It should be recognized that these assumptions may Air movement is noticed because it has a more
-­ not apply in all circumstances. cooling effect on the body than still air does. The
!!!!!
-- lower limit of perceptibility is around 0. 1 mis.
-- 6.2.2 Intermittent pollutant emission
Where air speeds in a room are greater than
-­ Equation (7) in appendix B governs the change of
!!!!! 0. 1 mis, the resultant temperature may have to be
pollutant concentration with time in a ventilated
raised from its still air value to compensate for the
* space for a pollutant emitted at a constant rate.
(/) cooling effects of the air movement (see
* The equilibrium concentration is determined only
appendix A f lO] ) . Figure 3 gives suggested
by the emission rate and the ventilation rate. The
corrections. Speeds greater than 0.3 mis are
time taken to approach equilibrium is determined,
probably unacceptable except in surnnier.
however, by the ratio of the ventilation rate to the
volume of the space, generally termed the air
change rate . This is sometimes used as an 3�����-.-��....-�--��-.
alternative means of expressing a ventilation G
>, O
requirement where space volumes are known. ... -
-c cu
If the production of the pollutant is halted after a C L.
·- �
·c "'
I I ::>4 I I
finite period of time, then the limiting 0 L.
·- QI
concentration may not have been reached. This ...... a.

allows the possibility that minimum ventilation

� E
-cucu ....cu..
rates may be reduced for spaces in which pollutant ......
"C c
emission takes place for only limited periods, as in cu "'
L. ......

the case of spaces, such as school halls, which may ·5 3

CT VI
be occupied to full capacity for short periods cu cu
0::
01
L..
0 0.2
during the day. Appendix B contains a simple
method which allows the possible reduction to be Air movement (mis)
calculated as a function of the period of emission
and the space volume. Figure 3. Correction to the dry result.ant
temperature to t.akl. account of air movement
6.2.3 Ventilation ejjectiveness (Reproduced from reference [ 17] , by permission
The assumption that airborne pollutants are mixed of the Chartered Institution of Building Services)
uniformly throughout a ventilated space may not
be true. Adequate mixing depends upon the
condition of the supplied air and the location of
entry points vis-a-vis the source of the pollutant.

15
 BS 5925 : 1991 Section 2

7Choice between natural and its use is more appropriate in narrow buildings with
limited internal partitioning. If necessary, such
mechanical ventilation buildings could be aligned to gain maximum effect
7. 1 Influencing factors from the prevailing winds. The variability of
natural ventilation arising from the dependence on
7. 1. 1 General the weather means that it is not suitable for
The basic factors which influence the choice applications requiring consistent flow rates. It
between natural and mechanical systems are the follows that the acceptable degree of variation
quality! quantity and controllability of the from the design requirement is a major determinant
ventilation. affecting the choice of natural ventilation.

7. 1.2 Quality 7.2.3 Controllability

There is often a difference between the cleanliness Precise control is not achievable with natural
of the outdoor air and that indoors. Where the ventilation. Coarse control can be effected with
outdoor air is particularly polluted or where clean openable windows, for example, but changes in
air is required induurs, the incoming ventilation air speed and direction of the wind impose
needs to be filtered. In applications where the considerable fluctuations in flow rate. Further
exhaust air is significantly contaminated, filtration information may be found in appendix A ( 17).
to remove the offending pollution is required . . .
before the air is discharged to outdoors.
7.3 Need for mechamcal ventllat1on

7. 1.3 Quantity 7. 3. 1 Absolute necessity

Mechanical ventilation is an a�sol�te ne�essity in
Clauses 4 and 5 give information on the fresh air . .
rooms or spaces req1.nnng ventilation which cannot
flow rates required for rooms or spaces within .
be adequately supplied by natural means, such as:
buildings. In the less critical situations some
variation in the rate of ventilation may be (a) industrial or other premises where it is
tolerable. essential to remove dust, toxic or noxious
contaminants at or near to their source;
7. 1. 4 0ontmllabi"lity
" .
�
· ·

. . . . . . (b) hospita1s where It IS essentI· al to contro1 cross-

n so�e circumstances vanat1on m vent1l�t10n rate
infection, for instance in special care units, and
1s desirable. For example, where substantial
to reduce the level of airborne bacteria in
changes in n umbers of occupants occurs,
operating theatres '·
economies can be achieved by changing the rate of , , , , . • . .
\.CJ w_u.t::rt:: w1favuw:-d.u1t:: t::X Lt::n1a1 t::� 1v1rum�1t::1 1L
ventilation accordingly. In other cases, control of
cond1t1ons, e.g. n01se, dust, pollution, eXISt;
___ the..di.re.ction. .of...aiJ;.j'lo:w,...from-clean-.to-less...c lean
areas, may be a specific requirement. (d) garages or enclosed car parks and vehicle
. . . . . lum1els, in ur<ler lu remuve exhaust gases,
7.2 Lbmtat1ons of natural ventilat1on particularly carbon monoxide, petrol vapour and
7.2. 1 Quality smoke in the event of a fire.
1 The scope for filtering or treating the supply of 7.3.2 Desirability
exhaust air is very limited with natural ventilation.
Situations where it is desirable that mechanical
This is because the flow-inducing pressures ventilation should be provided are as follows ··
involved are low, so any increase in resistance to . . . .
flow. for examnle imnoserl hv filters. would (a) factones and mdustnal processes m order to
� t �
substantially r duce he effe tivene� of natural
remove contaminants;
ventilation. (b) dwellings, in order to remove odours and
excessive moisture from bathrooms and kitchens;
7.2.2 Quantity
(c) assembly halls and lecture theatres where a
In theory, almost any required quantity of outside high density of occupation is expected;
aii can be supplied b;T natural 'lentilation but, as
(d) situations where wind and stack effect might
recommended in 6. 1.4, account should be taken
render natural ventilation impracticable, as with
that this method is subject to practical limitations,
some tall buildings;
in particular the variability of weather conditions.
A low overall resistance to air flow is required to (e) large commercial kitchens.
maximize the effectiveness of natural ventilation so

16
 Section 3 BS 5925 : 1991

Section 3. Natural ventilation

8 General (a) cracks, or small openings with a typical

dimension less than approximately 10 mm;
The purpose of this section is to outline the
physical processes which govern natural ventilation (b) openings with a typical dimension larger than
and to illustrate these for simple cases. The approximately 10 mm.
equations which describe these processes can be Tu.king each of these in turn:
combined with meteorological data and building For cracks, flow can be described in two ways, as a
characteristics (such as the size and positions of air quadratic flow equation (see appendix A[ 19] ) or,
flow paths in the building envelope) in models more commonly, in the flowing fonn:
which allow natural ventilation rates to be
calculated. For all but the simplest situations the Q = kl1_6p)n (1)
necessary calculations will be best performed by
computer. These models may be used to give L is the length of the crack in metres, and the 6p
guidance on the areas of opening required to is the applied pressure difference in pascals (N/m2) .
ensure that fresh air requirements are satisfied. Tuble 5(a) (see also appendix A[201 ) gives a range
of values of k for the cracks formed around the
opening lights of commonly occurring types of
( 9 Flow characteristics of openings
windows when closed. A suitable value for n
When a difference in pressure is applied across an is 0. 67. BS 6375 : Part 1 defines four classes of
opening, a flow of air takes place through the windows in relation to air permeability and gives
opening. The aerodynamics of this flow are guidance on their application. Thble 5(b) lists the
complex but, by classifying openings within two values of k which correspond to these classes, for
general types, it is possible to specify simple use as an alternative to the values given in
formulae to relate the flow rate to the pressure table 5(a) in those cases where windows are known
iiii difference. The categories are: to comply with BS 6375.
!!!!!!
iiii
iiii
Tu.hie 5. Values of k for windows
iiii
!!!!!! (a) Values of k for windows (in IJs per metre of crack length for an applied pressure difference of 1 Pa)
(From reference f29])
*
[/)
* k
Window type

Unweatherstripped Weatherstripped

mean (range) mean (range)

Timber Us per m at 1 Pa Us per m at 1 Pa

Side-hung casement 0.23 ( 1 . 19 to 0.04) 0.03 (0. 10 to 0.01)
'lbp-hung casement 1 .08 (1.38 to 0.88) 0.42 ( 1.22 to 0 . 1 1)
Centre-pivoted 0.80 ( 1 . 25 to 0.04) 0.02
Met.al
Side-hung casement 0.31 (0.45 to 0.21) 0.27 (0.29 to 0. 14)
:
'lbp-hung casement 0.32 (0. 55 to 0: 18) -

Vertically sliding 0.45 (1 .20 to 0. 20) 0. 18 (0.34 to 0.04)

Horizontally sliding 0.22 (0.43 to 0. 12) -

(b) Values of k specified for different window exposure classifications (taken from BS 6375)

Window exposure classification k

L/s per m at 1 Pa

1200 X or 1200 0. 130

1600 or 2000 and over 0.0992
Special 0.0258

17
BS 5925 : 1991 Section 3

For larger openings: flow of air into any cell should equal the outgoing
Q = C<tA(2.dplp) 1h (2) flow rate. Clause 10 deals with the generation of
pressure by wind and temperature difference.
It is conventional to assign a value to the discharge
coefficient, Cd, corresponding to that for a
sharp-edged orifice, taken here as 0. 6 1 . The value 10 Generation of pressure differences
of A for other types of opening then becomes the
equivalent area associated with that particular 10. 1 Wind
opening, i.e. the area of the equivalent The distribution of pressure at the surface of a
sharp-edged orifice which would give the same building will depend upon the following:
flow rate as the opening concerned at the same
(a) the shape of the building;
applied pressure difference. For openings such as
open windows, whose depth in the direction of (b) the wind speed and direction relative to the
flow is much smaller than the typical lateral building;
dimensions, the equivalent area can be taken as (c) the location and surroundings of the building,
the geometrical area. For openings where this is particularly upstream terrain and the presence of
not the case, equivalent areas may be determined other buildings or similar large obstructions in
experimentally. Thble 6 gives values obtained for close proximity.
air-bricks and similar openings. (See also It has been found that, for any particular wind
appendix A [21 ] ). direction, the pattern of flow around a building is
A building can b e regarded as a series of discrete virtually independent of wind speed, provided that
cells c.onnected to out5ide air and to each other by the building has sharp comers. The surface
openings of the types discussed. Usually these cells pressure will vary with wind speed squared, if all
are rooms or circulation spaces, although floor, roof other conditions including wind direction remain
and wall voids may also need to be considered. Not constant. In consequence, the instantaneous
all such cells are interconnected and some can be pressure, p, generated at a particular point on the
connected by more than one opening. Pressures external surface can be defined in terms of a single
generated hy forces of wind and temperature coefficient, Gp, as follows:
difference produce a movement of air through Gp = (p -p0)11h pu; (3)
these openings governed by the fact that the total

I �hie �· Eq�i_:valent �ea of .".'�!lti!ation openin�s _ __ _

_ _ _

l.treproaucea rrom rerercncc [�t>J : vrown copyngnt tlM�UJ

Opening Overall size Equivalent area

mm mm2

Turracotta air-brick with square holes 225 x 75 1400

225 x 150 4300

225 x 225 6400

Turracotta louvred air-brick 225 x 150 2000

225 x 225 4300

Cast iron air-brick with square holes 225 x 75 7200

225 x 150 12 700

225 x 225 19 600

Cast iron air-brick 225 x 75 3100

225 x 150 1 1 300

'> '> I': " '> '> J::
L
.
u:.
... u "' ��u 19 200

Typical internal louvred grille 225 x 75 2400

225 x 150 7200
225 x 225 10 700

18
 Section 3 BS 5925 : 1991

Po is the static pressure in the free wind, and Ur is 10.2 Tumperature difference
the reference wind speed, conventionally taken as Air density varies approximately as the inverse of
the speed of the undisturbed wind at a height absolute temperature. The weight of two vertical
equal to that of the building under consideration. columns of air at different temperatures, separated
The surface pressure varies with time, due to from each other by a vertical surface, differs and a
turbulence in the free wind and that created by pressure difference across the surface results.
the building itself, or by upstream obstructions, but Thus, if the air temperature within a building is
for present purposes the mean value is used. higher than that outside, pressure difference
NarE. A brief discussion of the effect of pressure fluctuation on creates an air flow through openings in the
ventilation rate is included in clause 13. intervening fabric. Figure 4 illustrates the action of
If the mean values of surface pressure and surface this pressure difference for a simple enclosure with
pressure coefficient are written as p and q; , one or two small openings. With a small single
equation (3) may be rearranged to give: opening, no flow takes place. With two openings,

P = Po + q; (1h PUr2) (4) air flows in at the lower opening and out at the

Once the distribution of q,

has been determined
upper opening, because the internal temperature is
higher than that outside the enclosure. The
for a single wind speed and particular wind
( direction, then surface pressure can be calculated
pressure difference across the wall of the enclosure
becomes such as to ensure that the inflow equals
readily for any other wind speed. Th illustrate the
the outflow. The level at which the pressure
general magnitudes of cl!, table 7' taken from
difference is zero is known as the 'neutral' level.
CP 3 : Chapter V : Part � : 1972, contains values
for very simple building shapes. Most buildings are
considerably more complex than these and are
generally surrounded by other buildings or
obstructions. Th determine detailed distributions of
iiii
!!!!!! pressure coefficient it will be necessary to resort to
iiii
iiii wind tunnel tests on scale models.
iiii
!!!!!!
*
u.i
*

Tuble 7. Typical magnitudes of pressure created by wind and temperature difference

(a) Wind

Wind speed (u,.) Pressure

Cp = 0. 1 CP = 0.3 cp = 0. 1> op = 1.0

mis Pa Pa Pa Pa

1.0 0.06 0. 18 0.30 0.59

4.0 0.94 2.83 4.72 9.44
7.0 2.89 8.67 14.45 28.91
10.0 5.90 17.70 29.50 ' 59.00

(b) Tumperature difference

Thmperature Pressure
difleren.ce
H1 = l m H1 = 3 m f/1 = 6 m H1 = !O m 111 = 50 m //1 = lOO m

K Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa

1.0 0.04 0. 12 0.24 0.40 2.02 4.05

4.0 0.16 0.49 0.98 1.64 8. 18 16.36
10.0 0.42 1 .25 2.51 4. 18 20.88 41.76
20.0 0.87 2.60 5.20 8.66 43.29 86.59

19
BS 5925 : 1991 Section 3

Pressure difference
-Ve +Ve

No flow

Oi {}j

(a) Opening at base of enclosure (b) Opening at top of

enclosure

(Ji > Bo

a out

(}j
-1,.·�!It\IP;vo,
'"·
-- Neutral

&�,1rill � a in

(c) Openin� at both top and base of

enclosure

Figure 4. Pressure difference and flow created by temperature

difference

11 Meteorological variables characteristics vary with the stability of the

atmosphere and the roughness of the terrain over
11. 1 General which the wind is passing. Local topographical
A major problem with any attempt to predict features such as hills and valleys can also affect
natural ventilation rates is the variability with time wind profiles. All that will be considered here is
of the governing agencies, i.e. wind and external the variation of mean wind speed with height (see
temperature. Unless the physical aspects of the appendix A f22] ). For different types of terrain,
building can be modified to accommodate changes the following formula may be used:
in these parameters, then natural ventilation rates ulu.n - KZL ( 5)
l\ill also var/ corisidcrably \vith th'llc. \l/indo\v
u is the wind speed at height z; Um is the wind
opening and closing can act as a crude form of
speed measured at a large number of sites in the
'modifier' , particularly in summer, but in general it
UK by the Meteorological Office, and is quoted for
is necessary to consider the statistics of wind and
an equivalent height of 10 m in open countryside.
temperature variation in order to choose suitable
The constants, K and a, depend upon the terrain
values for design purposes.
and are given in table 8. Given Um and the type of
11.2 Wind terrain, it is therefore possible to estimate the
The natural wind is turbulent and its mean speed speed of the undisturbed wind at any height, z.
varies with height from the ground. The vertical
profiles of wind speed and the turbulence

20
 Section 3 BS 5925 : 1991

The preceding information enables the reference

'Tu.ble 8. Factors for determining mean wind
wind speed, Uri defined in clause 10, to be
speed at different heights and for different
estimated for any given site . Appendix E illustrates
types of terrain from the Meteorological Office
this by means of a simple example.
wind speed, Urn. measured at 10 m in open
country (Reproduced from reference [26] : Crown 11.3 Tumperature
copyright HMSO)
Ambient air temperature varies diurnally and from
Turrain K a
day to day, but can, for present purposes, be
characterized by a monthly mean and a monthly
Open flat country 0.68 0. 17 mean daily variation for any particular site.
Thble 10 shows the monthly mean air temperature
Country with scattered wind 0.52 0.20 for 12 sites. For further data see appendix A (25),
breaks (26) and (27). An indication of the way in which
the temperature varies over 24 h can be obtained
Urban 0.35 0.25
from appendix A (24) which shows the daily mean
City 0.21 0.33 temperature variation for Heathrow, London,
together with the standard deviation associated
It is now necessary to consider the geographical with these means. For design purposes it is
and statistical variation of Urn. Data on mean wind suggested that the monthly mean value be used.
speed has been condensed (see appendix A [23]) to
provide a description of the cumulative frequency
of wind speed in terms of the wind speed exceeded 12 Determination of natural ventilation
for 50 % of the time at a particular site. This value
of Urn will be referred to as u50 . Figure 5 is a map
rates
of the UK showing contours of u50 . Used in 12. 1 General considerations
iiiiii conjunction with the frequency distributions given
� In principle, the foregoing information enables the
!!!! in table 9, it is possible to determine the value of
-!!! um exceeded for any chosen proportion of time at air flow through a building and , in consequence,
iiiiii any site in the UK. In order to obtain this the ventilation rate of spaces within the building to
� be estimated for a given wind speed and direction,
simplified relationship it has been assumed that the
* frequency distribution of wind speed at any site is provided that the following are known:
(/) independent of wind direction. This varies
* (a) the position and flow characteristics of all
considerably at most sites in the UK but openings;
predominant directions can be obtained from wind
'rose' maps (see appendix A [24] ) . (b) the detailed surface mean pressure coefficient
distribution for the wind direction under
'Tu.hie 9 . Values of the ratio of mean wind speed consideration;
exceeded for a given percentage of time to the (c) the internal and external air temperatures.
50 % mean wind speed u50 (Reproduced from Because, in order to predict ventilation rates, in all
reference [26] : Crown copyright HMSO) but the simplest cases, a large number of
Percentage Location non-linear simultaneous equations require to be
solved, it is generally necessary to use a computer.
Exposed coastal Sheltered inland Programs exist but the value of the results which
they produce will depend upon the accuracy of the
80 0.56 0.46 data listed in (a), (b) and (c) above. It is rare that
0.64 these are known in detail for existing buildings, let
75 0.56
alone at the design stage. General data on many
70 0.71 0.65 relevant factors are contained in appendix A (28),
which also summarizes a range of calculation
60 0.86 0.83 techniques. However, more information is required
on the pressure distributions for typical building
50 1 . 00 1.00
arrangements and the position and flow
40 1 . 15 1 . 18 characteristics of openings.
The general characteristics of natural ventilation
30 1 . 33 1 . 39 can, however, be demonstrated by considering
some simple cases. Figure 6 shows a simple,
25 1.42 1.51
' two-dimensional' representation of a building with
20 1 . 54 1.66 no internal divisions, and therefore consisting of a
single cell, with openings as shown, i.e. two (A 1
15 1 . 70 1.80 and A3) at high level, and two (A 2 and A4) at low
level. These openings will be considered to be large
10 1 . 84 2.03 and, consequently, the flow through them will be

21
BS 5925 : 1991 Section 3

HS HT H
'r Ab6. u t
JR
12

11
HX HY HZ JV JW
.

NC OA OB

jf'� A'"''"' 1 1 f.
.
tf, _ �
/

!"
9
OF OG

50%
<Jr�f · � I
Contours at O.Sms L�L ;. •� [�!.,- - �0 7/
I(�NP loL loM
t : .. � 1 �-KP".
-1 .. 8
..

Ab;u t N
I R���� �INu ioa ioR
i:, 7

'" l1a

4
IF
r • �� ML '·5' INi�l lov
s.s -
.,,
4.5 low 6

J
IL
,G
P.I� )}Ji)��, �� I r a '4. I. s . s "l'r... ,.j E:. �
e �. �N .; /'� / I Ji)it: I n � I 4
TG

"' 3

I ,.....,.,y '!.:x:' c:I.. "' ,,,., Y- / I � F-J. 2

.
.,

�v l c1.1 1�l fA?���ITU !

Kilometres
40 80 120 160
- -
- -
- ...
-
- ._

20 40 60 80 100
Statute miles

Hourly mean wind speed (rns- 1 ) exceeded for 50 % of the time 1965 to 1 973. Valid for an effective height of 10 rn and a
gust ratio of 1 .60, and for altitudes between m and 70 m above mean sea leveL 0
Figure 5. Contours of u50 for the UK
(Reproduced from f21l by permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office)

22
 Section 3 BS 5925 : 1991

'Jkble 10. Mean dailyl) air temperatures for 12 sites in the UK, 1941 to 1970 (Data from reference
f21])
Region North-East West Scotland Northern Borders West Pennines East Pennines
Scotland Ireland

Site Aberdeen (Dyce) Glasgow Belfast Ackllngton Manchester Finningly

(Abbotsinch) (Aldergrove) (Ringway)
oc oc oc oc oc oc

January 2.3 3. 1 3.5 2.9 3.3 3.3

February 2.6 3.5 3.8 3.1 3.7 3.8
March 4.5 5.5 5.7 4.9 5.7 5.8
April 6.7 7.9 7.9 7. 1 8.3 8.7
May 8.9 10. 7 10 .4 9.3 11.3 1 1 .5
June 12.0 13. 6 13.3 12.3 14.3 14.7
July 13.5 14.7 14.4 14. 1 15. 7 16. 3
August 13.3 14. 5 14.3 13.9 15.5 16.0
September 11.7 12.7 12.7 12.4 13.7 14. 1
�
!!!! October 9. 1 9.9 10. 1 9.7 10. 5 10.8
�
�
November 5.3 6.0 6.4 6. 1 6.5 6.7
�
!!!!
December 3.3 4.2 4.6 4.0 4.3 4.5
*
[/) Annual 7.7 8.9 8.9 8.3 9.4 9.2
*
Region Midland Wales Thames Valley Severn Valley Southern South-Western

Site Birmingham Aberporth London Bristol (Filton) Bournemouth Plymouth

(Elmdon) (Heathrow) (Mountbatten)
oc oc oc oc oc oc

January 3. 1 4.7 3.7 3.9 4.3 5.9

February 3.3 4.6 4.3 4.2 4.5 5.5
March 5.4 6.3 6.5 6.3 6.5 7. 1
April 8. 1 8.2 9.4 8.9 9. 1 9.2
May 11.0 10. 7 12. 5 11.7 11.8 11.5
June 14. 1 13.3 15.8 14. 9 14.9 14.3
July 15.9 14.7 17.4 16. 5 16.6 15.9
August 15.5 14.9 17.0 16. l 16 .5 15.9
September 13.4 13.7 14. 9 14. l 14.6 14.5
October 10.2 11.2 1 1 .5 11. 1 1 1 .7 12. 1
November 6.3 7.9 7.2 7. 1 7.7 8.7
December 4. 1 5.9 4.8 5. 1 5.5 7. 1
Annual 9.7 9.7 10. 4 10.0 10.3 10. 7
l) The values given are average, for each calendar month and for the year as a whole, of the daily mean temperature calculated as
the arithmetic mean of the daily maximum and daily minimum values.

23
BS 5925 : 1991 Section 3

governed by equation (2) given in clause 9.

Th.hie 11 shows schematically the approximate (a) wind only;
pattern of air flow and gives the formulae from
(b) temperature difference only; and
which the ventilation rate, Q1, can be determined,
for the following situations: (c) the combined effect of both.
These are discussed more fully in the following
subclauses.

14 A1 4A J 12.2 Wind only

Due to the difference in mean pressures between

--- 1H1 �
the windward and leeward faces, air flows in
through the openings and A1 A2,
and out through
4 A2 •A•
Aa and A4. Aw is the effective equivalent area of
the four openings. It can be seen that openings in

I I
parallel can be added together arithmetically whilst
> > > Y > > >
those in series should be obtained from the
reciprocal of their squares. It may also be noted
that, as a consequence of equation (2), ventilation
rate is proportional to wind speed and to the
Figure 6. Arrangement of openings square root of the applied differential mean
in a simple building pressure coefficient, aq,. Thus a range of "1Cp
from 0. 1 to 1 .0, a ratio of 10, gives only a ratio of
approximately 3 for the change in ventilation rate

'Th.hie 11. Natural ventilation of a simple building (Reproduced from reference [26] : Crown copyright
HMSO)
Conditions Schematic representation Formula

(a) Wind only Ur

---
w Cc0.wUr ("1Cp)1h
Q =

A,
---
I I
---
A1 1 I 1
Aw2 = (.A. 1 .A2)!f (A3 A.4)2
I I
-t- + -r
Cp1 Cp2

A --- �

Wm-@�
(b) Thmperature
difference only
--
I I QtJ = Cc0.b �i18g- H1J (}
112

Be I 81 If;, I 1 I
I
---
I
� Ab2 (A 1 + Aa)2 ' (A2 A4)2
= +

m//,,m�
(c)Wind and Ur
-
Q = <Jt>
temperature difference
together -
·1 -
I
--
Ur [AwbJ [i1C
H1j � �
For
'JaO 0.26
I
<
8, [p 1

-
(} i
--
I (p7 A
Q Qw

WF$/J.
=

Ur 0.26 [Aw AbJ [H1j � �

For
'JaO >
i1C
and thatIt such
NCJI'E. shoulopeni
d be appreci
nw; acontri
ted that,butein practi
will
ce, some
the venti
to lationopeni achieunived.ntentionally, e.g. junctions between building components,
actualnw;lyexist
24
 Section 3 BS 5925 : 1991

for the same wind speed. Higher values of aq,

are These larger rates can usually be obtained readily
typical of exposed building whereas lower values by cross-ventilation according to mechanisms
are more typical of sheltered buildings. already discussed , except where large openings are
available on one external wall only. Typical such
12.3 Temperature difference only
examples are offices, or school classrooms, where
In this case the air flows in at the lower internal doors are kept closed for reasons of
openings A2 and A4 and out through A 1 and Aa.
privacy or noise. In these situations
The equivalent area is now Ab . The formula given
cross-ventilation would be severely restricted by
in table 1 1 shows that ventilation rate is
the limited openings around the closed internal
proportional to both temperature difference and
doors. In fact, considerable exchange of air can
height between openings.
take place at the external wall openings due to the
12.4 Combined effect of wind and temperature wind or temperature difference.
difference 13. 2.2 Wind
For the simple case under consideration, at low Air exchange at a single opening can occur because
temperatures the flow pattern is similar to that for of the turbulent nature of the air flow, or due to
wind alone. If the temperature is increased, the interaction of the local air flow with the
( keeping wind speed constant, the combined effect
of wind and temperature difference is to enhance
opening light, say of a side-mounted casement
window. Thble 12 gives a simple formula which
the flow through the lower windward and upper enables the flow rate to be calculated in terms of
leeward openings and to reduce the flow in the the open area of a window and the reference wind
upper windward and lower leeward openings. speed, U r .
Eventually, in this example, the flow in the upper
windward and lower leeward openings becomes
13.2.3 Temperature dij]erence
zero and as the temperature difference increases Tumperature difference acts in the same way for a
iiii further it reverses, approaching a flow pattern single room as for a building. The appropriate
!!!! formulae for two openings, displaced vertically, and
iiii typical of temperature difference acting alone.
iiii for a single rectangular opening are given in
Even for this simple example, the ventilation rate
iiii table 12. For the single opening, wanner air flows
!!!! of the space due to the action of both wind and
out from the upper part of the opening and colder
temperature difference is not easy to calculate, but
* air in through the lower part of the opening.
Ul
a reasonable approximation can be made by
* Figures 7(a) and 7(b) show how the flow through a
calculating the flow rates expected for the two
single opening window is modified by the presence
conditions acting separately and taking the larger
of the opening light, for a side-mounted casement
to apply to the combined case. For the simple
and a centre-pivoted window respectively.
example in figure 5 this leads to the expression
Ur!.J.iOgiven in table 1 1 , which determines 13.2.4 Combined wind and temperature
whether wind or temperature difference will dij]erence
dominate. The form of this expression indicates As in the case of cross-ventilation, the ventilation
that taller, or more sheltered, buildings will tend to rate due to both effects acting together can be
have natural ventilation rates independent of wind taken as the larger of the two individual rates.
speed for a large part of the colder months of the NOTE. Appendix A ( 17) contains a graphical approach, based
year. upon tables 1 1 and 12, for calculating ventilation rate for a
number of simple building configurations in summer.
An example is given in appendix F, using the
formulae given in table 1 1 .
13.3 Pressure fluctuation
The turbulent nature of the wind, and additional
turbulence created by the interaction of the
13 Other mechanisms of natural building with the wind, mean that in practice the
ventilation pressure generated at the surface of a building is
not steady but fluctuating. The use of the mean
13. 1 General pressures in clause 12 is, therefore, technically
Although the mechanisms of natural ventilation incorrect, but the error is small unless the mean
discussed in clause 12 apply in most situations, pressure difference across an opening is small.
there are cases where other mechanisms are also of Small pressure differences may arise from the
importance. effects of shelter, or the orientation of the building
13. 2 Natural ventilation of spaces with to the wind. Consider the example of a terraced
openings on one side only house in the situation where the wind is parallel to
the line of the terrace. The mean pressures at the
13.2. 1 General two external faces would be equal. In practice
Th assist in dissipating heat and maintaining turbulence gives rise to pressure fluctuations that
comfortable conditions, the ventilation rates can result in air flow through the house from
required in non-air conditioned buildings in alternating directions. The actual ventilation rate is
summer are higher than those required in winter. therefore higher than that indicated by using

25
BS 5925 : 1991 Section 3

'18.ble 12. Natural ventilation of spaces with openings on one wall only (Reproduced from reference
[26] : Crown copyright HMSO)

Conditions Schematic representation Formula

(a) Due to wind / Q = 0.025AUr

/
/
/

:I'
/
/
II
II
,, Plan

[ E./2 elO�H1J
J
{b) Due to temperature �
difference with two I Q = C� ( l +f) ( l + E2)1h
I

o.J=r· �
openings
A1

t: = ��; A = A i + Az
Ai

(c) Due to temperature

difference with one I ��
Q = Cd � r.10�6n�1-'
J \..
Y.i
opening
It" an opening light is present
..
Hz
Q = Cd
4'c<P) c:\O�H2J v.i

Where J(q,) is given in figure 7

table 1 1 in conjunction with mean pressures. At single-storey industrial premises were introduced
present there is limited information available earlier to restrict the spread of tire and smoke over
concerning this mechanism, but the available large unobstructed floor areas (see
experimental results indicate, all other factors appendix A [29] ) .
being equal, that the ventilation rate can be Methods of providing ventilation of staircase shafts,
approximated by using a value of Cp of 0.2 in the lobbies, corridors and floor areas arc:
formula given in table 1 1 .
(a) permanent vents;
(b) vents capable of being opened manually;
14 Fire ventilation ( c) vents capable of being opened automatically.
The role of natural ventilation in relation to fire N<Yl'E. See BS 5588.
protection measures is firmly established in the
context of 'smoke control' , particularly that
associated with the protection of vertical escape 15 Air infiltration
routes. More recently, with the construction of
complex enclosed shopping precincts, natural
15. 1 General
ventilation has been used to provide extraction Air infiltration may be defined as uncontrolled
systems for limiting the travel of smoke along natural ventilation through adventitious openings
covered malls (see appendix A f28] ). Roof vents in in the building envelope. Such openings may

26
 Section 3 BS 5925 : 1991

('

1.2-.-----, 1.2 .-------.

1.0 1.0 l-
�-

(x'· r.�--2
0.8 �8� �

l
A
06 0.6 1- . /,
J (<I>) Height to
width ratio
0.4 1- .
fl

. ,l
-•- 2.28
- -+- - 1.72

- · ....... ·-0.86

0
30 60 90 0 30 60 90
(al Side-mounted casement windows (bl Centre-pivoted windows

Figure 7. Variation of J(cp) with angle opening <P for (a) side-mounted
casement windows and (b) centre-pivoted windows
iiii (Reproduced from reference f21] : Crown copyright HMSO) (see table 12(c) for
�
iiii use of J(cp))
iiii
iiii
� include the cracks around openable windows and where
*
doors but a high proportion occurs through other Q50 is the leakage rate at a pressure difference of
Ul flow paths, particularly at the junctions of main
* 50 Pa.
building components. Infiltration rate may be NCJI'E. Other methods may be used to express the results of the
measured using tracer gas techniques. The fan pressurization test. These include the use of a quadratic
principles of these are introduced in B.3. In relationship (see appendix A / 19j ) or the formulation of an
general these are fairly expensive and equivalent. area.
time-consuming and better suited to research 15.3 Application of the results to infiltration
applications. However, simple techniques now exist prediction
for estimating the overall envelope air leakage
characteristics of small buildings such as houses The data obtained from the pressurization test can
and are being developed for larger industrial and be used in cortjunction with simple computer
commercial buildings. The air leakage models (see appendix A [30] ) to predict the
characteristics so obtained may be used in infiltration performance of buildings for different
cortjunction with simple calculation techniques to climatic conditions. As a simple guide to the
estimate the air infiltration performance of a average heating season infiltration rate, applicable
building. to housing, the value of Q5o can be divided by
20 times the internal volume of the house, vh.
15.2 Fan pressurization technique Thus if Q5o is 3000 m3/h and the internal volume is
The equipment for this technique consists of a fan 200 m3 then an estimate of the average heating
unit, capable of being fitted into an appropriate season infiltration rate would be 0. 75 air changes
opening, such as a doorway, in the building per hour.
envelope and incorporating a method of measuring Typical values of Q5o/ Vh for UK housing lie in the
the flow rate of air through the fan. The fan is range 10 air changes per hour to 20 air changes per
operated at a number of speeds to give a range of hour (see appendix A (30]) . At present there are
pressure differences, usually in the range 10 Pa insufficient data to indicate whether particular
to 100 Pa, across the building envelope. At each forms of construction, typically employed in the
setting the flow rate is also measured. Both UK, can be associated with degrees of airtightness
positive and negative pressure differences may be measured by the pressurization technique. It is,
applied. however, known from measurements made in other
The results are conventionally expressed as a countries that values of Q5ol Vh of the order of 1 . 0
simple power law, of a form similar to equation (1): air changes per hour o r less are achievable by
Q = Qso("1p/50)n (6) appropriate design and quality control.

27
BS 5925 : 1991 Section 3

16 Normal building practice for natural (b) Kit;chens. Mechanical extract ventilation for
rapid ventilation, rated as capable of extracting
ventilation in dwellings at a rate not less than 60 Lis (or incorporated
16. 1 General within a cooker hood and capable of extracting
The results of calculations of the ventilation rates at a rate of 30 Lis), which may be operated
required to control indoor pollutants, as described intermittently for instance during cooking; and
in appendices B, C and D, may be relied upon with either:
some confidence. However, as noted in 12. 1, the (1) background ventilation by a controllable
results of ventilation rate prediction calculations and secure ventilation opening(s) having a total
depend upon the accuracy of the input data used
area not less than 4000 m2, located so as to
and it is rare that these data are known in detail
avoid draughts, e.g. a trickle ventilator; or
for a particular building. Furthermore, the need for
computer programs to deal with anything other (2) the mechanical ventilation being in addition
than simple cases leads to the conclusion that there capable of operating continuously at nominally
may often be insufficient benefits to justify making one air change per hour.
ventilation rate prediction calculations. This is (c) Bathrooms and shower rooms. Mechanical
particularly so in the case of small one-off buildings extract ventilation capable of extracting at a rate
where the c.ost of gathering the required data may not less than 15 Lis which may be operated
be prohibitive. Thus it is appropriate to give some intermittently.
guidance on normal building practice for natural (d) Cmnmon S'paces in lYuildings containing two
ventilation. or more dwellings. Ventilation by ventilation
Because of the variability of various construction opening(s) with a total area of at least l/50th of
features, such as ceiling heights, surface the floor area of the common space or
area/volume ratio, and type of wall construction, communicating common spaces.
this guidance has to be limited to dwellings in
Where the space is wholly internal and is used
which such features are more consistent. The
for access only, mechanical extract ventilation
guidance assumes that there exists a typical level
capable of one air change per hour.
of background air infillmtiun lhruugh adventitious
openings in the building envelope. In dwellings (e) Habitabf,e rooms ventilawd through other
which are of a type of construction which may be rooms and spaces. 'l\vo habitable rooms may be
more airtight than normal, such as those with a treated as a single room for ventilation purposes
particularly carefully fitted and j ointed if there is an area of permanent opening between
polyethylene vapour barrier, it may be necessary to thiE:ii:L iE:lJ.ucil tu c:i.t lt:�t 1/20th uf tht: l:umhine<l
increase the areas of the background ventilation floor areas.
openings to compensate for the reduced A habitable room may be ventilated through an
background air infiltration. Background air adjoining space if:
infiltration may be assessed using the method
( 1) the adjoining space is a conservatory or
described in clause 15.
similar space; and
Statutory and local regulations may be more or less
(2) there is an opening (whic.h may be closable)
stringent than the recommendations given in 16. 2
between the room and the space with an area
and in all cases it is essential that such regulations
not less than l/20th of the combined floor area
take precedence. Furthermore, the
recommendations of 16.2 may need to be modified of the room and space; and
IQ\ +.\.,. ......_...... � -,.. ...... _ ...... -- - - -- ----.L!.l�L= - --
tu take; accou.rit of individual .:ircurt15tt.i.11ces; e.g. \UJ l,..lLC.lC a.1.-.;:; V.llC U.1 IUUJ. t::' VC'llLllCJ.LlU.ll U}Jt::lllll�
_ _ _ _ !_ ......_

severity of exposure to weather, airtightness of the with a total area of at least I/20th of the
building structure, or requirements for protection combined floor area of the room and space and
against ingress of radon, methane or other soil with some part of the ventilation opening at
gases. least 1 . 75 m above the floor level; and
16.2 Ventilation of dwellings ( 4) for background ventilation there are
The following ventilation is recommended for ventilation openings to the space and openings
rooms and spaces in and around dwellings. between room and space, each having a total
(a) Habitabf,e rooms For rapid ventilation one or
.
area not less than 4000 m2. The openings
more ventilation openings with a total area of at should be located so as to avoid undue
least l/20th of the floor area of the room and draughts.
with some part of the ventilation opening at least NOI'E. The openin� recommended above are in addition to
1. 75 m above the floor level, e.g. an opening any opening'! required for the supply of combustion air to
heat-producing appliances.
window; and for background ventilation a
ventilation opening(s), having a total area not
less than 4000 mm2, e.g. a trickle ventilator. The
opening(s) should be controllable and secure and
located so as to avoid undue draughts.

28
 Appendix A BS 5925 : 1991

Appendices

Appendix A. Bibliography 13. CLARKE, J .A. Energy simumtion in

wilding design. Adam Hilger Ltd. , Bristol,
1. European Council Directives. 1985.
801779/EEC Air quality limit values and
guide values for sulphur dioxide and 14. CIBSE Guide, Volume A 1986, Section AS
suspended particulates. 'Summertime temperatures in buildings' &
85/203/EEC Air quality standards for Section A9 'Estimation of plant capacity' . 1)
nitrogen dioxide.
15. Smoke control in buildings: design
2. LEITHEAD, C.S. and LIND, A.R. Heat principles. Building Research
stress and heat disorders. Cassell, London, Establishment Digest 260, 1982.
1964.
16. CIBSE Guide, Volume B, 1986, Section B2
3. FANGER, P.O. Thermal camfort - ' Ventilation and air conditioning
analysis and awlications in environment (Requirements)' . 1>
engineering. McGraw- Hill , London, 1972.
17. CIBSE Guide, Volume B, 1986 Section BS
4. HEACTH AND SAFETY EXEClITIVE. ' Ventilation and air conditioning (Systems,
Occupational exposure limits 1987. equipment and control)' . 1 )
Guidance Note EH40187, April 1987.
18. CIBSE Commissioning Code, Series A: Air
(Revised annually).
distribution systems. 1>
5. CAIN, W.S . , LEADERER, B.P. ,
19. ETHERIDGE, D.W. Crack flow equations
ISSEROFF, R. , BERGLUND, L.G. ,
HUEY, R.J. , LIPSm, E.D. and and scale effect. Building and
Environment, 12, pp. 181-189, 1977.
iiiiiii PERLMAN, D. Ventilation requirements in
!!!!!!
!!!! buildings: control of occupant odour and
-!!! tobacco smoking odour. Atmos.
20. Air infiltration calculation techniques -
- an applications guide. Air Infiltration and
iiiiiii Environment. 17(6), 1983.
!!!!!! Ventimtion Centre, Coventry, UK, 1987.
* 6. FANGER, P.O. and BERG-MUNCH, B. 21. Principles of natural ventilation. Building
[/)
* Ventilation requirements for the control of Research Establishment Digest 210,
body odour. Proc. of Second International February, 1978.
Congress on Building Energy
Management. Ames, Iowa. 30 May - 22. CATON, P. G.F. Standardized maps of
3 June, 1983. hourly mean wind speed over the United
Kingdom and some implications regarding
7. BERGLUND, B. , BERGLUND, U. and wind speed profiles. Proceedings of the
LINDVALL, T. Characterisation of indoor Fourth International Conference on Wind
air quality in sick buildings. ASHRAE FJjects on Buildings and Structures,
Transactions. 90 Part I, pp. 1045-1055, Heathrow 1975. Ed. K.J. Eaton, pp 7-2 1
1984. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge,
8. Drying out of buildings. Building Research 1977.
Establishment Digest 1 63, March, 1974. 23. CATON, P.G.F. Maps of hourly mean wind
9. SUGG, P.C. and MILBURN, R.J. Heating speed over the United Kingdom,
and controlled winter environment in 1965-1973. Mereorological Office
Climatowgy Memorandum No. 79, August
dwellings of modern construction.
Institution of Gas Engineers, Publication
1976.
No. 937. 24. CIBSE Guide, Volume A, 1986, Section A2
10. CIBSE Guide, Volume B, 1986, Section B13 •Weather and solar data' . O
'Combustion systems' . 1) 25. Averages of temperature for the United
11. CIBSE Guide, Volume A , 1986, Section Al Kingdom, 1941-70. Met,eorological Office
Publication Met 0 883, 1976.
'Environmental criteria for design' . 1>
26. Maps of mean and extreme temperature
12. BEDFORD, Thomas. Basic principles of over the United Kingdom, 1941-70.
ventilation and heating (second edition) Meteorological Office Climatology
H.K. Lewis and Co. Ltd . , London, 1964. Memorandum No. 73, August 1975.

l l Available from CIBSE, Delta House, 222 Balham High Road, London SW12 9BS.

29
BS 5925 : 1991 Appendix B

27. CHANDLER, T.J. and GREGORY, S.

(editors). The climate of the British Isi,es.
CE =
(QCeQ ++qqij (8)
Longman, London, 1976.
It should be noted that Cf; depends upon the
28. MORGAN, H . P. Smoke control methods in
volume flow rate of the outside air, Q, and not
enclosed shopping complexes of one or
upon the room volume, V. The room volume affects
more storeys: a design summary. Building
only the rate at which c approaches the value Cf;.
Research Establishment Report 34, 1979.
The rate of air flow Q required to give the
29. (a) THOMAS, P. H. and HINKLEY, P. L. equilibrium concentration, Cf;, is:
Design of roof-venting systems for single
CEJ
storey buildings. Fire Research Thchnical
q r1
LCE c;J
fuper No. 10. HMSO, London 1964. Q
= -
(9)
-

(b) MORGAN, H.P. A simplified approach

to smoke-ventilation calculations. Bu'ilding If the incoming air is free of contaminant,
Research Establishment Information fuper i.e. Ce = 0, then the expressions simplify. Equation
IP 19/85, November 1985. (7), with some rearrangement, hec.omes equation
30. WARREN, P.R. and WEBB, B.C. The (10) below, and this leads to figure 8.
relationship between tracer gas and
pressurisation techniques in dwellings.
First AIC Conference, Windsor, UK, c = [ /Q/� [ 1
l -e
- ( I + Qlq) (*J J (10)
October 1980.
If q 0, but there is present an initial
-

concentration, c0, of contaminant, then the rate of

decay of concentration is given by:
Appendix B. Calculation of contaminant
concentration c = c0e -Rt (11)
B. 1 Concentration of contaminant B.2 Intermittent contaminant emission
The concentration, c, of a contaminant introduced The ventilation rate, Q, given by equation (9) is
at a constant rate into a ventiiateri space of independent of the magnitude of the volume, V, of
volume, V, is given by: thP. spar.P. . This volnmP. nm�s, hoWP.VP.T1 affP.c.t the
rate at which the equilibrium level is achieved.

c = [�\+qqJ [1 - e - [ ; qJ t]
Q
(7)
This may be important in relation to situations
where the emission of a pollutant is for a limited
period only, say of length t1 . In such a case, if the
space were ventilated at the rate, Q, calculated
according to equation (9), then the concentration
where would fall short of the maximum allowable value,
set equal to CE · In principle, this allows a reduction
q is the inflow rate of the contaminant in the magnitude of the minimum ventilation rate
(in L/s); to a new value CJ'-, given t>y:
V is the volume of the ventilated space
(in L); QTI Q = }l Qt1 I V) (12)
Q is the volume flow rate of the outside air
The form of the function F( Qt1! V) is given in
(in Lis);
figure 9. It will be noted that for values of
Ce is the concentration of contaminant in the (Qt1!V) < 1 , no ventilation at all is theoretically
outside air; required. This is not practical since it is unlikely,
however limited the time period, t 1 , that the
t is the time (in s) from the moment the pollutant will not be emitted at some later time.
inflow of contaminant starts. This may be taken into account by considering a
regular, intermittent emission for a period of
The ratio, QI V, is usually termed the ventilation length, ti, at intervals of length, 0,. The ratio of
rate, R, and is measured in air changes per h. As t the modified minimum ventilation rate, QT, to Q is
increases, the concentration reaches an equilibrium then a function of both (Qt1IV) and the ratio, r,
value, Cf;, given by the equation: equal to (t2lt1). Figure 10 gives curves for
calculating QT given these parameters.

30
 Appendix B BS 5925 : 1991

1.0 r --- OQ

,rr
5
0.1 L /� 10

.... I ff 25
c
0
:;::: so
"'
... I /ff
-
c
GI
u
c
0.01 I- /r 100
0
u
-
c
I'll
I //' 250
c
·e
ID
- I //
/ 500
c
0
'-'
0.001 W"/ 1000

iiiii
!!!!!
iiiii
iiiii
0.0001 .__-------:'�----.l-----.l.-----.J.__
iiiii 0.001 0.01 0.1 1.0 10
!!!!!
qt ---
... v
{/)
...
Figure 8. Variation of gas concentration c with t and ventilation rate Q for
gas leakage rate q (Reproduced from reference [6] : Crown copyright HMSO)

1.0
ar
a
0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2 -

0 '----1--r--
2 3

!!Ji ---
Figure 9. Allowable reduction in minimum fresh air supply rate
when the pollutant source is present for a limited period, th rather
than continuously

31
BS 5925 : 1991 Appendix B

1.0 ----
ar
a
0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
2 3
a t,
-
v

Figure 10. Allowable reduction in minimum fresh air supply rate

when the pollutant source is intermittent, being present for a length
of time, t1, with a return period, t2 (r = t1 /t2)

Room A Room B

a -- --- --

16 Us

4 persons seated Gas cooker

1.5 kW kerosine heater operating at 1 kw

Figure 11. Interconnecting spaces

B.3 Measurement of ventilation rate (c) Constant concentration. This technique is

Measurement of ventilation rate is not easy but can appropriate for buildings consisting of a number
be achieved using a tracer gas, providing that good of interconnected spaces. Equipment is required
mixing is obtained, by the following methods. which enables tracer gas concentration to be
measured in each space and a controlled quantity
(a) Decay rate. A suitable quantity of tracer gas of gas to be irJected into each space. The system
is liberated within the space and allowed to mix
is operated to maintain the concentration of
well. The concentration is monitored with time
tracer gas in each space at the same,
and the ventilation rate, R, determined using
predetermined level. The quantity of gas iajected
equation (11).
over a given period (typically 30 min) is
(b) Continuous injection. Tracer gas is liberated proportional to the quantity of outside air
into the space at a constant measured rate. The entering over the same period.
equilibrium concentration is measured.
Equation (9) enables Q to be calculated and the
additional knowledge of V gives the ventilation
rate, R.

32
 Appendix B BS 5925 : 1991

('

B.4 Example calculation Case (b). There is now an additional input of

Figure 1 1 shows a simple arrangement of two carbon dioxide from the heater equal to (0.037 x
rooms in series. These are ventilated at a volume 1 . 5) Lis which equals 0.056 Lis. Thus
flow rate of 16 Lis. Room A contains four people resubstituting into equation (8) the concentration
seated quietly and a 1 . 5 kW flueless kerosine in room A is given by:
heater. Room B contains a gas cooker operating at Q = 16 Lis; Ce = 0.0004;
1 kW. Calculate the equilibrium concentration of
carbon dioxide in each room with: q = 0.072 Lis (i.e. 0.056 + 0.016)
(a) the kerosine heater off;
CE (16 x 0.0004) + 0.072
(b) the kerosine heater on. 16 + 0.072
From table 3, the input rates of carbon dioxide for
the fuel-burning appliance are as follows: = 0.0049 (i.e. 0.49 %)
The concentration in room B is given by:
gas cooker : 0.027 Lis per kW input
Q - 16 Lis; Ce = 0.0049;
( kerosine heater : 0.037 Lis per kW input
q = 0.027 L/s
The input rate from respiration is given in 4.3 :

CE (16 x 0.0049) + 0.027

human breathing : 0.00004M Lis per person
(M is the metabolic rate in 16 + 0.027
watts)
0.0066 (i.e. 0.66 %)
iiiii
=

!!!!!
iiiii Case (a). The input rates are as follows: It is apparent that in case (b) the concentration in
iiiii
room B is higher than the 0.5 % recommended in
iiiii clause 4. In consequence, a higher ventilation rate
!!!!!
Room A : (0.00004 x 100 x 4) Lis = 0.016 Lis is required than would be needed if each room
>t
(}) Room B "" 0.027 Lis were considered separately.
>t

The concentration of carbon dioxide in the outside Appendix C. Calculation of ventilation

air is 0.04 %. Th calculate the concentration in rates to reduce the risk of surface
room A, substitute the following values into condensation under steady state
equation (8): conditions
The nomograph (figure 1) is used in the following
Q = 16 L/s; Ce = 0.0004; q = 0.016 Lis; way.
(16 x 0.0004) + 0.016 (a) Start in quadrant A. Choose outside air
CE temperature and traverse vertically upwards to
16 + 0.016 meet the chosen outside relative humidity.
Traverse horizontally to the left into quadrant D,
= 0.0014 (i. e. 0. 14 %) noting the position of this line for later use.
(b) Enter quadrant B from the top by drawing a
'lb calculate the concentration in room B substitute line from the chosen outside air temperature to
the following into equation (8): the chosen inside air temperature (on scale
below quadrant A) and extend to meet the top
of quadrant B. Traverse vertically down in
Q = 16 Lis; Ce = 0.0014; q = 0.027 Lis;
quadrant B and then horizontally into
quadrant C from the line for the chosen 'U'
value for outside wall or window.
CE (16 x 0.0014) + 0.027 (c) In quadrant C, traverse vertically upwards
16 + 0.027 into quadrant D from the line for the chosen
inside air temperature.
= 0.0031 (i.e. 0.31 %) (d) The intercept in quadrant D of the last line
with that found in (a) above will, by reference to
the sloping lines, give the minimum volume of
outside air required per kilogram of moisture
generated in the space to avoid condensation on
the surface being considered.

33
BS 5925 : 1991 Appendix D

Appendix D. Determination of Required ventilation rate for C0 2 is 13.9 Us.

ventilation requirements (b) Control of body odour
On the basis of the 8 Us per person the required
D . 1 Example ventilation rate is 48 Us.
Consider a domestic living room: (c) Control of tobacco smoke
If control of odour is taken as the criterion, then
Size: dimension 3.5 m by 4 m by on the basis of a smoking rate per h the required
2.3 m hig.lt ventilation is 360 m3/h which is equal to 100 Us.
floor area 14 m2 ( d) Control of sulphur dioxide
volume 32 m3 From table 3, the required flow rate to ensure
that sulphur dioxide level does not exceed
Occupancy: six adults 1 . 0 ppm is 6.0 Us.
(e) Control of humidity
metabolic heat production Sources of water vapour are:
125 W each
(1) human respiration; and
respiratory moisture 0.05 kg/h (2) the kerosine heater.
each Emission rates are as follows:
smoking three cigarettes per h (i) Respiration: 6 x 0.05 kg/h 0.30 kg/h
=

(ii) Kerosine heater: 0. 10 kg/h

Heating: 1 kW flueless kerosine heater Thus, total water vapour emission rate is
0.40 kg/h
Internal 20 °C The required flow rate may be obtained by
conditions: 60 % r.h. (8.8 g/kg dry air) substitution in equation (9), taking care to
External (a) 5 °C ensure that the units for the various quantities
conditions 95 % r.h. (5. 2 g/kg dry air) are compatible. i.e. water vapour concentration
is generally expn�ssed in terms of g/kg dry air.
0.04 % C02, no other
contaminants Fbr ca.se (a) :
Ce =5.2 g/kg; CE = 8.8 g/kg
(b) 10 °C Then required outside air supply rate (kg/h) is
90 % r.h. (6.9 g/kg dry air)
.
given by:
,.., ,... ("\
vv2 \.i:1Ji:1:i u1
fJ = u.4U ill - u.uuoiJttu.uutsts - u.uuniJj =

1 10.5 kg.lb
D.2 Required ventilation rates for different Th.king the density of dry air at 20 °C as
purposes 1 . 2 kg!m3, this gives a required ventilation rate
of 25.5 L/s.
For case (b):
(a) Control of carbon dioxide
Ce =6.9 g/kg; CE 8.8 g/kg
=

Sources of carbon dioxide are: Then required outside air supply rate (kg/h) is
(1) human respiration; and given by:
(2) operation of the kerosine heater. Q= 0.40 f( l - 0.0069)/(0.0088 - 0.0069)) =

� - -- ! ,_,_,: ..,. _ _ . _,.. .&-.-.-- •1... - ... .... .... .... .. .. -...... ..... .... ,_ _.,... - '"'
J. .& lC CU�.&UJ.l .I d.LC� J.J.VUl LJ.n;.::n:; i:'.>VUJ. \,..-.;:;� a.&.c °"
209. l kg/h
follows: Tuking the density of dry air at 20 °C as
1 . 2 kgtm3, this gives a required ventilation rate
(i) respiration (from table 1): of 48.3 Us.
6 x 125 x 40 x 10- 6 0.03 L/s =

Summary
(ii) kerosine heater (from table 3): 0.034 Lis The required ventilation rates for the range of
This gives a total of 0.064 Us possible criteria set out in appendix D may be
Th.king 0.5 % as the desired maximum summarized as follows.
concentration, then substitution, as follows, into (1) Carbon dioxide ( < 0.5 %(VIV)): 14 Us
equation (9) leads to a required outside air
rate, Q: (2) Body odour: 48 Us
(3) Tubacco smoking (odour): 100 Lis
r:
1 - 0.0004
Q - 0.064
l0.005 - 0.0004 J (4) Sulphur dioxide ( < LO Vppm): 6 Us
(5) Water vapour ( < 60 % r.h.)
for case (a): 26 Us
for case (b) 48 Us

34
 Appendix E BS 5925 : 1991

Thus, in this case, the dominant criterion is control E.2.6 Using equation (5)
of odour from tobacco smoke, leading to a
ventilation requirement of 100
IJs, followed by
control of body odour and water vapour which lead
Ur = uJ(:;!J
to values about one-half of this. = 3.3 x 0.35 x (30)0 . 25
NCYl'E. In this example only common contaminants have been Ur = 2 . 7 mis
taken into account.

Appendix F. Calculation of natural

Appendix E . Calculation of reference ventilation rates for a simple building
wind speed Ur
F. 1 Example
E.1 Procedure Consider a building consisting of a single undivided
E.1.1 Ascertain the following data: space 25m long, 10
m wide and m high. Given 8
(a) the geographical location of the building; that the building is situated in an open suburban
area in the Manchester region, calculate:
(b) the proportion of the time for which the
(
(a) the natural ventilation rate achieved for over
reference wind speed is to be exceeded;
60 % of the time due to wind;
(c) category of terrain in which the building is
(b) the ventilation rate due to the effect of a
situated;
temperature difference of 6
°C in the absence of
( d) height of the building. wind.
E. 1.2 Using (a) in E.1. 1, in conjunction with There are no ventilation openings on the shorter
figure 5,determine the value of u50 . walls. On each of the longer walls there are
2
openings of 2.5
m at a low level, and m2 at a 5.0
iiii E. 1.3 Using (b) in E.1.1, in conjunction with high level, separated by a vertical distance of
� table 9,
determine the appropriate ratio; multiply
iiii
iiii
6.0 m, and evenly distributed along the length of
u50 by this to determine the free wind speed in the wall.
iiii open country exceeded for the given proportion of
� F.2 Procedures
time, e.g. Um·
* (a) Wind
(/l E. 1.4 Using (c) in E.1. 1, in cmtjunction with
*
table 8,obtain K and a. (1) Determination of pressure coefficient
difference
E.1.5 Using these values in cortjunction with Um, Building height ratio = 0.8
as determined in E. 1.3, substitute into equation
(5),setting z equal to the height of the building, Building plan ratio = 2.5
and hence determine Ur Thus, from table 13,
the difference in mean
surface pressure coefficients at the two long
( E.2 Example sides of the building for a perpendicular wind
E.2. 1 Determine the reference wind speed for the is:
purposes of calculating natural ventilation rates, 0. 7 - ( - 0.3) = 1 .0, i.e . .lC:p = 1.0
given that the chosen rate should be exceeded for (2) Determination of Ur
60 % of the time, for a building with a height of
(i) Location: Manchester region: thus from
30 m located in an urban area in the Midlands.
figure 5, u50 mis = 4.5
E.2.2 Summary of given data: (ii) Proportion of time: % : thus from60
table 9,
correction factor = 0.83.
(a) Location Midlands {iii) Turrain: country with scattered wind
breaks: thus from table K = a = 8, 0.52,
(b) Proportion of time: 60 % 0.20.
(c) Turrain: urban
Thus from equation (5), using the building
height of m, 8
(d) Height: 30 m Ur = 4.5 x 0.83 x 0.52 x 8.00. 2
= 2.9 mis
E.2.3 5, u50 = 4.0 mis.
From figure (3) Determination of Aw
E.2.4 From table 9, column 3, ratio for 60 % is
0.83, thus Um = 0.83 x 4.0 = 3.3 mis. 1 1 1
= +
E.2.5 From table 8, for urban terrain, K = 0.35, Aw "2
A""" ( 5.0 + 2 . 5)2 ( 5.0 + 2. 5)2
a = 0.25.
thus, Aw = 5.3 2
m

35
BS 5925 : 1991 Appendix E

(4) Determination of ventilation rate (b) Tumperature difference

Using the formula in table 11, section (a), From the information given: temperature
difference = 6.0 °C; height between openings H1
= 6.0 m
Qw = 0.61 x 5.3 x 2.9 x 1 .00 .5 m3/s
1 1 1
Qw 9.4 m3/s
Ab2 2.5)2
= =

(2. 5 + + (5.0 + 5 0)2

.

The volume of the building is 25 m3 x 10 m3

x B m3, i.e. 2000 m3
thus, Ab = 4.5 m2 .
Thus the air change rate is 3600 x 9.4/2000 = 'Thking 0 300 K, and using the formula given in
=

17 air changes/h table 1 1 , section (b),

� = 0.61 x 4.5 x (2 x 6 x 9.81 x 6 I 300)0. 5
Qi, = 4.2 rn3/s.
Thus, the air change rate is 3600 x 4.2/2000
- 7.6 air changes/h.

36
 Appendix F BS 5925 : 1991

("

'Th.hie 13. Mean surface pressure coefficients for vertical walls of rectangular buildings 1 >
Building height
ratio2l I Building plan
ratio2l
Side elevation/Plan Wind
angle a
Cn for surface
A IB IC D
degrees
0 + 0. 7 I - 0.2 I - 0.5 I - 0.5
H1
A DB
[

1 < -
l
w -
< ? CJ �
2

I D
90 - 0.5 I - 0.5 I + 0.7 I - 0.2
h < !
-
- 0 + 0.7 I- 0.25 1 - 0.6 I - 0.6
w 2

'.! < _!_

2
w
<4 CJ

�AoJ D
90 I - 0.5 I - 0.5 I + 0.7 I - 0 . 1
o I + o . 7 I - 0.25 I - 0.6 I - 0.6

D � A DB
iiii [
!!!!
iiii
1 < -
iiii l
-
< �
w 2
iiii
!!!!
D
*
[/) 90 - 0.6 I - 0.6 I + 0.7 1 - 0.25
* I
2 <-
h
w -i
� <
[ 0 + o. 7 I - 0.3 I - o. 7 I - o. 7

� < _!_
w
<4
o � AoB
( 0

90 I - 0.5 I - 0.5 I + 0.7 I - 0.1

o I + 0.8 I- 0.25 1 - 0. 8 I - 0.8
---

� ADB
[

1 < - l
w -
< �
2

0
'--

<-
h
< 6

o
2
3 90 - 0.8 I - 0.8 I + 0.8 I - 0.25
+ o. 7 I - 0.4 I - o. 7 I - 0. 7
w
--- 0

3
2 <-
l
w
<4 �A B
..._____., 0

90 I - 0.5 I - 0.5 I + 0.8 I - 0.1

1l'fhis table ls based on a table in CP 3 : Chapter V :Part 2 .
2lt is the length of the major face of the building; w is the width of the building, i.e. length of the minor face.

37
BS 5925 : 1991

Index

Air Humidity, Thermal comfort 4. 7

fresh internal correction to dry resultant temperature
composition of 4.2 control of 4.5 Figure 3
recommended supply rates 5.1; general 4.5 Tubacco smoke 4.4.3
table 4 outdoor air 4.2; 4.5
requirements 4.1; table 1 Ventilation
supply 6.2; table 3; table 4 Kerosine 2 . 5 air supply rates Thble 4
leakage 15.2 combustion products o f 4.6.3 application 5
k values for windows Tuble 5 premium grade 2. 7 combustion appliances 4.6
movement, internal 6.3; figure 11 Standard grade 4.6.3 effectiveness 6.2.3
correction to dry resultant effects of 6.1.6
temperature Figure 3 Metabolic rate 4.3; table 1 general 4
Airtightness 15 Meteorological variables in accidental fire 4.8; 14
Area, equivalent 2.3 general 11.1 infiltration 6.1.2; 15.1
of ventilation openings Thble 6 temperature 11.3 inlets 6.1.3
wind 11.2; table 8; table 9; figure 5 mechanical 6. 1. 5; figure 2
Building Moisture generation rates Thble 2 need for 7.3
pressure differences 10 Mould 4.5 methods of 6. 1. 1; figure 2
temperature 10.2; table7 choice of 7
wind 10. 1; table 7; table 13 Odour natural 6. 1.4; figure 2
types, air supply rates for Thble 4 body 4.4.2 calculation of rate, simple building
control of 4.4.2; 4.4.3 Appendix F; table 1 1
Calculation of contaminant concentration cooking 4.4.2 determination of 12
appendix B general 4.4.2 general 8
Carbon dioxide tobacco 4.4.2; 4.4.3 limitations of 7. 2
fresh air content 4.2 toilet 4.4.2 openings 6. 1.3; 9
metabolic 4.3; table 1 equivalent areas of Thble 6
occupational exposure limit 4.3 Particulate matter in air 4.2; 4.4.1 windows 9; table 5
production of, flueless appliances Pollutants, airborne outlets 6.1.3
Thble 3 calculation of concentration B. 1 provision of 6; 7
Combustion products intermittent emission B.2 normal building practice 16
carbon dioxide produetion rates, P.mission rate, measurement of B.3
flueless appliances Thble 3 continuous; B. l; figure 8 requirements, example detennination of
control of concentration of 4.6.3 intermittent 6.2.2; 8.2; figure 10 Appendix D
general 4.6.1 limited Figure 9 single-sided 13.2; table 12
nitrojlen oxides 4.2 general 4.4. 1 swface condensation, to reduce risk of
sulphur dioxide 4.2 limiting concentrations of 4.4.1 Figure 1
....�r.til:it!!Jr. f�!" ���!�! �f 1-�-� !!!. ""thtl(lq nf ront.ml 4_4_ 1 ViahlP. particulate matter in air 4.4. 1
Condensation 4. 5 types of 4A. l
eakulllt.inn nf vPnt.il:ition rnt.P Pressure Wake 2 . 10
appendix C differences 10 Water vapour
surface, ventilation to reduce risk of temperat.urP. 10.2; 12.3; 13.2.3; content of outdoor air 4.2
Figure l table 7; figure 4 generation rates Tuble 2
wind 10. 1; 12.2; 13.2.2; table7 ; in new buildings 4. 5
Discharge coefficient 2.2 table 13 production of 4.5; table 2
wind and temperature combined Wind
Fan pressurization 15 12.4; 13.2.4 nature of 11.2; 13.3; table 9
Fire, accidental, ventilation for limiting reference static 2.8 pressure differences 10.1; 12.2; 13.2.2;
of 4.8 static 2.9 table 7; table 13
Heating appliance reference wind speed, calculation
air supply 4.6. 1; 4.6.2; table 3 Respiration, human Appendix E
! ___ .JI _ ! _ . ...
control of combustion pro<iucis oi 4.o.;; CUJllIJU:SU.IUU UJ �A1J.Ut:U i1U. �.t.J
••• ,. - --
"�u
__ _ _ ...

flueless 4.5 · fresh air requirements for 4.3; table 1 effect of terrain Thble 8
carbon dioxide production rates moisture generation rates Thble 2 contours for UK Figure 5
Thble 3 Windows, air leakage k values Thble 5
gas fuel 4.6.3 Smoke removal, accidental fire 4.8
in confined spaces 4.6.4 Tumperature
iupuL rating 2.4 absolute 2.1
intermittent operation of, gas 4.6.3 dewpoint 4.5
liquid petroleum g;u; fuel 4.6.3 outdoor 11.3
moisture generation rates Tuble 2 mean daily Tuble 10
open-flued 2 . 6; 4.6.2 pressure differences 10.2; 12.3; 13.2.3;
table 7; figure 4.

38
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 BS 5925 : 1991

Pnblication(s) referred to

BS 2869 Fuel oils for non-marine use

BS 5250 Code of practice for control of condensation in buildings
BS 5410 Code of practice for oil firing
Part 1 Installations up to 44 kW output capacity for space heating and hot water supply
purposes
Part 2 Installations of 44 kW and above output capacity for space heating, hot water and
steam supply purposes
BS 5440 Installation of flues and ventilation for gas appliances of rated input not exceeding 60 kW
( 1st, 2nd and 3rd family gases)
Part 2 Specification for installation of ventilation for gas appliances
BS 5588 Fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings
BS 5643 Glossary of refrigeration, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning tenns
BS 5720 Code of practice for mechanical ventilation and air conditioning in buildings
BS 6100 Glossary of building and civil engineering tenns
BS 6230 Specification for installation of gas-fired forced convection air heaters for commercial and
industrial space heating of rated input exceeding 60 kW (2nd family gases)
BS 6375 Performance of windows
Part 1 Classification for weathertightness (including guidance on selection and specification)
iiii ii BS 82071> Code of practice for energy efficiency in buildings
-
iiiiii BS 8303 Code of practice for installation of domestic heating and cooking appliances burning solid
iiiiii
- mineral fuels
iiiiii
!!!!!! CP 3 Code of basic data for the design of buildings
*
Chapter V Loading
C/l Part 2 Wind loads
*

l) Referred to in the foreword only

BS 5925 : 1991

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Standards. It presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the
international level. It is incorporated by Royal Charter.
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Cupyrig}tl
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BSI
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BSI
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Milton Keynes
MK14 6LE

!}105 - 8 BDB/2
 • AMD 8930

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STANDARD S

Amendment No. 1
published and effective from 15 December 1995
to BS 5925 : 1991

Code of practice for ventilation principles and designing for

natural ventilation

Correction

Clause 9. F1ow characteristics of openings

Delete equation (2) and substitute the following
I
Q = C�(21lplp) 2 (2)
AMD 8930/December 1995

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9612 Product code 00628060 B/640/2