What is BS EN 13180 – Requirements for flexible ducts for building ventilation about? 
Ductwork channels are essential to the ventilation of buildings as they contribute to better indoor air quality irrespective of external weather conditions throughout the year.
BS EN 13180 is a European Standard that discusses ventilation for buildings using ductwork. The main objective of BS EN 13180 is to provide best industry practices to ensure optimal performance of ductwork for building ventilation systems.
BS EN 13180 specifies requirements and test methods for the technical characteristics of flexible ducts used in ventilation and air conditioning installations in buildings for human occupancy.
BS EN 13180 identifies the following parameters which shall be tested or inspected:
- Dimensions and tolerances
- Mechanical resistance.
Note: Acoustic, thermal, reaction to fire, and pressure loss properties of flexible ducts are not covered in BS EN 13180.
Who is BS EN 13180 - Requirements for flexible ducts for building ventilation for?  
BS EN 13180 on requirements for flexible ducts for building ventilation is relevant to: 
- Manufacturers of ventilation terminals and units
- Flexible duct manufacturers 
- Product designers
- Quality control and testing personnel 
- Building management/owners
- Architects and building planners
- Regulatory authorities
Why should you use BS EN 13180 - Requirements for flexible ducts for building ventilation? 
Ductworks play an important role in ventilation systems. Proper dimensioning and adhering to mechanical requirements for flexible ducts can help in seamless functioning of ventilation systems.
In this regard, BS EN 13180 has been prepared to:
- Specify dimensions and tolerances for flexible ducts
- Give methods for the performance testing of flexible ducts
- And enable assessment of minimum technical requirements
However, because of the different types of flexible ducts and the various requirements in each application, some technical characteristics are presented as classes and may differ depending on the materials used.
BS EN 13180 can be used for the following applications:
- Testing of components during and after manufacturing
- Attestation purposes
Thus, if you are a manufacturer of flexible ducts for building ventilation, compliance with BS EN 13180 requirements can ensure that your products are reliable and effective at the point of use.
