ADCAS reports success in campaign against non-standard circular duct sizes
A reported drop in demand for non-standard sizes of circular ductwork has reinforced the ADCAS* campaign to eliminate their use. 60 mm-diameter ducts have virtually disappeared, sales of 180 and 280 mm sizes have halved, and demand for 224 mm circular ductwork has fallen by 27%.
Phil Johnson, who chairs the ADCAS working group on standardising spiral duct, is delighted with the signs of progress revealed by a survey. ‘We’ve lobbied long and hard among consultants, contractors and our own members which manufacture and supply the ductwork. We’ve talked to the software houses that produce the system software; as a result, some programmes now incorporate simple alarms to flag up non-standard sizing, stopping the problem before it starts.
‘But there’s no room for complacency. Demand for 224 mm ductwork was dropping, only for the trend to be reversed by an order for a single large project.’
Cutting the number of standard duct sizes in line with BS/EN 15006:2007 reduces the number of ancillary components — from volume control and fire dampers to VAV boxes and attenuators. Reducing the range of ductwork and components as required by the new standard enables manufacturers to offer a good selection of ‘standard products at competitive prices.
The ADCAS campaign is supported by many other leading industry bodies — including BSRIA, CIBSE, HVCA and HEVAC.
* Association of Ductwork Contractors & Allied Services.
