EN 16445:2013
(Main)Ventilation for buildings - Air diffusion - Aerodynamic testing and rating for mixed flow application: non-isothermal procedure for cold jet
General Information
- Abstract
This European Standard specifies methods for the laboratory aerodynamic testing and rating of air terminal devices for mixed flow applications, including the specification of suitable test facilities and measurement techniques. This standard applies to laboratory testing of ATD for technical characterisation.
The standard gives only tests for the assessment of characteristics of the air terminal devices for mixed flow applications, under non-isothermal conditions with a cold jet. It does not cover the testing of isothermal or low velocity terminal devices which are covered by other published standards.
This European Standard applies to ventilation or air conditioning systems designed for the maintenance of comfort conditions for buildings. It is not applicable in the case of systems for the control of industrial or other special process environments. In the latter case however, it may be referred to if the system technology is similar to that of the above mentioned ventilation and air conditioning systems.
The principles described in this European Standard can also be used on site or in a lab for full-scale measurements.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 19-Feb-2013
- Withdrawal Date
- 30-Aug-2013
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 156 - Ventilation for buildings
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 156/WG 4 - Air terminal devices
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 23-Nov-2021
- Completion Date
- 23-Sep-2026
Overview
EN 16445:2013 - "Ventilation for buildings - Air diffusion - Aerodynamic testing and rating for mixed flow application: non‑isothermal procedure for cold jet" is a CEN laboratory standard for the aerodynamic testing and rating of air terminal devices (ATDs) in mixed flow applications under non‑isothermal (cold jet) conditions. The standard describes suitable test facilities, measurement techniques and reporting requirements for technical characterisation of ATDs used in comfort ventilation and air‑conditioning systems. It is not intended for isothermal or low‑velocity terminal devices nor for industrial process control systems.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Laboratory aerodynamic testing and rating of ATDs for mixed flow, cold‑jet, non‑isothermal conditions; principles can also be applied to full‑scale or site measurements.
- ATD classes & installation: Defines device classes (I–IV) and prescribed mounting/positioning to ensure consistent results for nozzles, grilles, diffusers and linear devices.
- Instrumentation & accuracy:
- Airflow measurement uncertainty ≤ ±5%.
- Temperature sensors calibrated to ±0.25 K (global accuracy target ±0.5 K); recommended minimum sampling period 60 s.
- Velocity measurements compliant with EN 13182.
- Measured characteristics: Throw, spread, drop, rise, separation distance (for Coanda effect), effective and free area, effective velocity and temperature quotient.
- Test room & boundary conditions: Room geometry, heat loads and surface temperatures specified to achieve steady‑state non‑isothermal conditions; cooling capacity must match heat loads to maintain target temperature differences.
- Test conditions: Typical recommended temperature differentials between supply and room air: ∆θ0 = 6 K ±0.5 K (average) and ∆θ0 = 10 K ±0.5 K (high).
- Reporting: Standard specifies required test conditions and result formats to allow reproducible comparison of ATD performance.
Applications and users
EN 16445:2013 is used by:
- HVAC manufacturers for product performance data and ATD certification.
- Independent test laboratories performing aerodynamic and thermal tests.
- Mechanical engineers and HVAC designers selecting diffusers and specifying terminal devices for comfort ventilation.
- Commissioning agents and building services consultants verifying installed performance.
- Researchers modelling non‑isothermal jet behaviour in indoor environments.
Practical uses include diffuser selection, system sizing, CFD validation, commissioning measurements and producing manufacturer performance data for product catalogues.
Related standards
- EN 12238 - Aerodynamic testing and rating for mixed flow (isothermal/other procedures)
- EN 12239 - Testing for displacement flow applications
- EN 13182 - Instrumentation requirements for air velocity measurements
Keywords: EN 16445:2013, air terminal device, mixed flow, non‑isothermal, cold jet, ventilation for buildings, aerodynamic testing, air diffusion, ATD testing, laboratory testing.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard
DIBt (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik)
German Institute for Building Technology.
DIN CERTCO
DIN Group product certification.

Aboma Certification B.V.
Specialized in construction, metal, and transport sectors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 16445:2013 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Ventilation for buildings - Air diffusion - Aerodynamic testing and rating for mixed flow application: non-isothermal procedure for cold jet". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies methods for the laboratory aerodynamic testing and rating of air terminal devices for mixed flow applications, including the specification of suitable test facilities and measurement techniques. This standard applies to laboratory testing of ATD for technical characterisation. The standard gives only tests for the assessment of characteristics of the air terminal devices for mixed flow applications, under non-isothermal conditions with a cold jet. It does not cover the testing of isothermal or low velocity terminal devices which are covered by other published standards. This European Standard applies to ventilation or air conditioning systems designed for the maintenance of comfort conditions for buildings. It is not applicable in the case of systems for the control of industrial or other special process environments. In the latter case however, it may be referred to if the system technology is similar to that of the above mentioned ventilation and air conditioning systems. The principles described in this European Standard can also be used on site or in a lab for full-scale measurements.
This European Standard specifies methods for the laboratory aerodynamic testing and rating of air terminal devices for mixed flow applications, including the specification of suitable test facilities and measurement techniques. This standard applies to laboratory testing of ATD for technical characterisation. The standard gives only tests for the assessment of characteristics of the air terminal devices for mixed flow applications, under non-isothermal conditions with a cold jet. It does not cover the testing of isothermal or low velocity terminal devices which are covered by other published standards. This European Standard applies to ventilation or air conditioning systems designed for the maintenance of comfort conditions for buildings. It is not applicable in the case of systems for the control of industrial or other special process environments. In the latter case however, it may be referred to if the system technology is similar to that of the above mentioned ventilation and air conditioning systems. The principles described in this European Standard can also be used on site or in a lab for full-scale measurements.
EN 16445:2013 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.140.30 - Ventilation and air-conditioning systems. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 16445:2013 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 12239:2001, EN 12238:2001, EN 13182:2002. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 16445:2013 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Lüftung von Gebäuden - Luftverteilung - Aerodynamische Prüfung und Bewertung von Mischstromanwendungen: Nicht-isothermes Verfahren für einen KaltluftstrahlVentilation des bâtiments - Bouches d'air - Essais aérodynamiques et étalonnage pour applications de fluides mixtes pour les essais non-isothermes pour jet froidVentilation for buildings - Air diffusion - Aerodynamic testing and rating for mixed flow application: non-isothermal procedure for cold jet91.140.30VLVWHPLVentilation and air-conditioningICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 16445:2013SIST EN 16445:2013en,fr,de01-junij-2013SIST EN 16445:2013SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 16445
February 2013 ICS 91.140.30 English Version
Ventilation for buildings - Air diffusion - Aerodynamic testing and rating for mixed flow application: non-isothermal procedure for cold jet
Ventilation des bâtiments - Bouches d'air - Essais aérodynamiques et étalonnage pour applications de fluides mixtes pour les essais non-isothermes pour jet froid
Lüftung von Gebäuden - Luftverteilung - Aerodynamische Prüfung und Bewertung von Mischstromanwendungen: Nicht-isothermes Verfahren für einen Kaltluftstrahl This European Standard was approved by CEN on 8 December 2012.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels © 2013 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Members. Ref. No. EN 16445:2013: ESIST EN 16445:2013
2 Normative references The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. EN 12238, Ventilation for buildings — Air terminal devices — Aerodynamic testing and rating for mixed flow application EN 12239, Ventilation for buildings — Air terminal devices — Aerodynamic testing and rating for displacement flow applications EN 13182, Ventilation for buildings — Instrumentation requirements for air velocity measurements in ventilated spaces 3 Terms and definitions For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply: 3.1 supply air air entering a supply air terminal device from an upstream duct 3.2 exhaust air air leaving an exhaust air terminal device into a downstream duct 3.3 local measured mean air velocity
measured value of local airstream velocity as described in EN 12238 3.4 treated space enclosure served by an air distribution system; in this standard this is the test room SIST EN 16445:2013
0,5 m.s-1, etc., and the centre of the ATD 3.8 rise (for a supply air terminal device) vertical distance between the highest horizontal plane tangent to a specified envelope, such as
0,25 m.s-1, 0,5 m.s-1, etc., and the centre of the ATD 3.9 spread (for a supply air terminal device) maximum distance between two vertical planes tangent to a specified envelope, such as 0,25 m.s-1, 0,5 m.s-1, etc., and perpendicular to a plane through the centre of the ATD Note 1 to entry: There may be two different spreads, not always equal: One for the left side, the other for the right side (considered when looking at the treated space from the supply air terminal device). 3.10 distance to maximum spread distance from the centre of the ATD to the maximum spread determined 3.11 separation distance for cold jet with Coanda effect on ceiling, distance between the centre of the ATD and the point where the jet separates from the ceiling to drop 3.12 supply temperature temperature of air in supply ATD 3.13 room air temperature arithmetical average value of room air temperature measured in the occupied zone outside the envelope of the jet 3.14 temperature quotient ratio of the local temperature difference at point x and at the point of discharge θQ= ∆θx / ∆θ0 where
∆θ0
is the temperature difference between supply and room air ∆θx
is the temperature difference between the point of maximum velocity in the distance x from the ATD and room air SIST EN 16445:2013
Af sum of the minimum measured areas at each opening in the ATD through which air can pass 3.16 effective area
Ak effective area in the ATD measured as described in EN 12238 3.17 effective velocity
vk effective velocity in the ATD measured as described in EN 12238 4 Symbols (and abbreviated terms) Symbol
h h1 h2… Quantity Distances from ceiling at which measurements are made on vertical sections SI unit m ∆p Pressure difference (for a pressure difference device) Pa qv Volume rate of flow m3.s-1 v Velocity m.s-1 vx Maximum mean velocity at distance x from centre of supply air terminal device m.s-1 x Distance from supply ATD along the centreline of the jet
m xs Separation distance m X Throw m Y Spread
m Z Drop m ===θQ=Temperature quotient
∆θ0=Temperature difference between supply and room air K ∆θx=Temperature difference between the point of maximum velocity in the distance x from the ATD and room air K ρ=Density of air kg.m-3 Af Free area of the ATD m2 Ak Effective area of the ATD (k factor area) m2 Ad bR hR lR Area corresponding to the cross section of the nominal size of the duct to which the device is fitted (neck area)
Test room width (Figure 1) Test room height (Figure 1) Test room length (Figure 1) m2
m m m R Area parameter that relates to the effective size of the ATD (see EN 12238) m2 S Linear parameter that relates to the effective size of the ATD (see EN 12238) m vk Effective velocity in the ATD vkqA m.s-1 SIST EN 16445:2013
If heating elements are necessary, they shall be distributed uniformly over the floor area and covered by the floor. The surface temperature of the floor should not exceed the room air temperature by more than 4 K. The temperature of all other walls shall not differ from the air temperature of the test room by more than 1 K unless there are special requirements associated with full scale/mock up testing (e.g. solar gain through a window).
In any case, the sum of all room heat loads shall be equal to the cooling capacity of supply air to match the steady state conditions described in 6.2.2. Where high cooling performance is required (high ∆θ0), it might not be possible to achieve this with heat loads only on the floor. If this is the case, point heat sources may be used and shall be equally distributed over the test room floor. The details and locations of such heat loads shall be reported
When used for mock-up testing, representation of actual specified heat loads shall be used. 5.3 ATD isothermal characteristics Determination of the ATD isothermal characteristics shall be made according to EN 12238 including pressure drop, rise, drop, throw and spread. SIST EN 16445:2013
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