Retrotec Blower Door - Manual (Page 32)

Page 32 of 87
©Retrotec Inc. 2015
3.3.1. Using the Triple-Fan Molded Panel Set
For detailed instructions on using the Triple-Fan Molded Panel
Set, see the QMG Quick Guide.
To install the Triple-Fan Molded Panel:
1. Unfold the panel, and lock the four butterfly latches.
2. Place the Fan Panel against the doorway, on the opposite
side of the door frame from the door.
3. Secure the top corner of the panel, nearest the hinges, by
placing the circular retention strap anchor behind the door/door frame gap.
4. Slide two retention straps over each cross brace, and
insert the narrow end of the cross braces into the
door/door frame gap, so that it runs parallel to the
fold joints of the Three Fan Panel. Secure the cross
braces to the Door Panel using the retention straps.
The locking collars should be used to keep the
retention straps from sliding around the cross
braces.
5. Use the corner brace to secure the remaining top
corner, by placing it diagonally across the door
frame, and attaching a retention strap to the Door
Panel.
6. Attach a fan strap for each fan being used.
7. Use grill mask to seal any gap left between the top of the panel and the door frame.
Space permitting, two of the Three-Fan Panels can be joined together to mount six fans together. Use the
connector plate to connect the two panels, with the fan holes oriented towards the middle. In this situation, it is
unlikely that the cross braces can be used. Use the retention straps and secure the panels using the door/door
frame gap where possible.
3.4 Compensating for Panel leakage
Modular Panels are designed to be placed into doors that are not well sealed. The panel leakage for the Modular
Panel is about 14 square inches compared to about 3 square inches for the Aluminum Frame and Cloth and around 1
square inch of leakage for the upgraded Aluminum Frame with snap together corners. These three panels represent
three typical doorways: a) Poorly weather-stripped which would have an approximate 1/16 inch gap which equals
about 14 square inches leakage; b) A well weather-stripped and adjusted door would be around 3 square inches or
leakage; c) A super tight door could be as tight as 1 square inch of leakage and can even have less.
One rule of thumb is that all standards require the blower door panel to be leakier and never tighter than the
existing door. The Modular Panel qualifies here. It is likely that the Aluminum Frame and Cloth are tighter than the
existing door. In either case, if the door panel leakage is 10% of the total, then further investigation is needed.
Panel leakage will vary from one installation to another as will the door leakage.
If you want to make an adjustment to a test result, make these measurements at your reference pressure.
Figure 26: Lock and butterfly latch for the triple-fan moulded
panel set.
Figure 27: Cross brace for the triple-fan moulded panel set.