ISO 13349-1:2022

Overview

ISO 13349-1:2022 is the international standard that establishes the vocabulary and definitions related to fans, covering all fan categories for broad industry applications. This standard provides clear, unified terminology for fans, facilitating better communication among manufacturers, consultants, contractors, and users worldwide. It focuses exclusively on the definition of terms, excluding any electrical safety aspects.

Developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 117 in collaboration with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN/TC 156), this latest edition supersedes ISO 13349:2010, refining classifications and harmonizing terminology with recognized industry bodies such as Eurovent, AMCA, VDMA, AFNOR, and UNI.

Key Topics

• General Terms and Definitions
  ISO 13349-1 defines fundamental concepts such as the notion of a fan, differentiating driven and non-driven fans, and standard air properties (density 1.2 kg/m³).

• Fan Installation Categories
  Fans are classified by ducting arrangements including:

  • Category A: Free inlet and free outlet with a partition
  • Category B: Free inlet, ducted outlet
  • Category C: Ducted inlet, free outlet
  • Category D: Ducted inlet and outlet
  • Category E: Free inlet and free outlet without partition

• Classification by Development and Application

  • Custom-designed fans tailored for specific use
  • Standardized fans produced in quantity with published performance data

• Function-Based Classification

  • Ducted fans for airflow within ducts
  • Partition fans transferring air between separated spaces
  • Jet fans producing directed air jets in a space
  • Circulating fans circulating air without ducts
  • Air curtain units generating air curtains to inhibit contamination or airflow

• Classification by Fluid Path Through the Impeller
  Determined by the impeller blade angles (α):

  • Axial fans (α < 20°): Air flow parallel to axis
  • Mixed-flow fans (20° ≤ α < 70°): Combination of axial and radial flow
  • Centrifugal fans (α ≥ 70°): Radial airflow outward from the impeller center

• Detailed Fan Types

  • Axial fans include low, medium, and high-pressure types, along with specialized types such as contra-rotating, reversible axial, propeller, plate-mounted, vane-axial, and tube-axial fans.
  • Centrifugal fans are categorized by blade design including backward-curved, radial, forward-curved, and aerofoil blades, and by pressure rating (low to high pressure).
  • Crossflow (tangential) fans move air perpendicularly through the impeller.

Applications

ISO 13349-1:2022 is essential for anyone involved in the design, manufacturing, specification, installation, and maintenance of fans used in:

• HVAC systems
• Industrial ventilation and exhaust
• Tunnel and underground ventilation
• Air purification and filtration units
• Building air distribution
• Air curtains for environmental control
• Specialized fan applications requiring precise terminology

Adherence to this standard promotes consistency across documentation, product catalogs, and technical communication, minimizing confusion caused by ambiguous or manufacturer-specific jargon.

Related Standards

• ISO 13349-2: Covers the categories of fans complementing this vocabulary standard.
• Eurovent, AMCA, VDMA, AFNOR, UNI Fan Standards: Partner documents harmonized with ISO 13349-1.
• ISO/IEC Directives Parts 1 & 2: Provide guidance on the development and editorial requirements of ISO standards.

Benefits of Using ISO 13349-1

• Unified, internationally recognized fan terminology
• Improved clarity in fan performance and installation documentation
• Harmonized language for easier global trade and regulatory compliance
• Reduced customer confusion through standardized terms
• Support for quality assurance and conformity assessment in the air-moving industry

For manufacturers, consultants, and contractors, ISO 13349-1 is a cornerstone document that underpins effective communication and technical accuracy in all fan-related applications worldwide.

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