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Residential duct tester comparison:The Energy Conservatory’sRetrotec’sMinneapolis Duct Blaster Series BModel 341 DucTesterReleased in 1992 the Duct Blaster has sold inlarge numbers. Amazingly, it is still being soldtoday, virtually unchanged.Launched in 2014, this is the third iteration oftheir DucTester.Sports style bag holds all the parts as does the Retrotec custom case that has a stiff lid to act as agauge stand and an exterior vented pocket to keep corrosive smoke from destroying your gauge.Duct tester performance and applicationDuct testing standards for new houses typically limit the maximum acceptable leakage to 80 to150 CFM whereas existing houses can have leakage up to an astonishing 300 CFM and still passCode requirements. Leakage above 500 CFM is difficult to measure because the air-handler’sblower wheel would then represent a significant resistance and obscure leakage on the supplyside. Both duct testing systems will measure leakage well above these maximum leakages. Bothsystems have about the same flow rate when depressurizing ducts which is the easiest directionto test in because the negative pressure pulls the sealing tape onto the registers.SP803Page 1 of 5rev-2014-09-14
Duct Blaster Series BModel 341 DucTesterFour included flow ranges measure from 10 to 650 CFM*at negative pressure which sucks register seals into place.Optional Ring 4 for 85 to measures down to 2.4 CFM.Four flow ranges are included for flows from 2.7 to 800CFM in depressurization. Optional ranges go down to0.005 CFM for 125 each.*Flow in Depressurization requires the flow conditioner whichlimits flow to 650 CFM.Change ranges on the Duct Blaster by forcing theU-shaped molding over the Range Ring and fanbody all the way round.SP803.and on the DucTester by snapping range plateor plugs into place.Page 2 of 5rev-2014-09-14
Flow Sensor comparison.Speed control knob, power and tubingconnections. Luggage style swiveling handle.DucTester has indicator lights for power andcontrol by gauge. Solid built in handle.he Digital GaugesSP803Page 3 of 5rev-2014-09-14
DG-700DM-2 Mk IIDevice and Range are circled above.Turn it on, then eight simple clicks on 3 keys gets theDuct Blaster ready to test.Velcro attachment on the DG-700.SP803Turn on the DucTester’s gauge, one tap on thepicture to get ready to test.DM32 gauge has embedded rubber non-skid pads, a beltclip and super magnets to cover a variety of attachmentscenarios.Page 4 of 5rev-2014-09-14
Accuracy: 1% of reading, or 0.15 Pa.Accuracy: 1% of reading, or 0.15 Pa.Cruise Control: any pressure.Cruise Control: 0, 25, 50 and 75 Pa.Duct Testing results: Flow in CFM, CFM/sq ft, CFM/100sq ft & CFM/1000 sq ftDuct Testing results: Flow in CFMCompatible Duct testing Devices:Compatible Duct testing Devices:TEC Duct Blaster or Tru-Flow GridRetrotec Model 240, 340, 350, 450 DucTestersTEC Duct Blaster or Tru-Flow GridFanDimensions and weight:10 in diameter, 7 in length, 7 lbs. with one flow ringsDimensions and weight:13 x 11 x 13.25 in, 9 lbs. with 2 flow ringsTest direction: Works in both directions. Use the FlowConditioner with clear reference tube added to the inletwhen depressurizing. Flow in pressurization is up to 1000CFM but is limited by the maximum allowable backpressure of 100 Pa.Test direction: Works in both directions without changesto set up. Back pressure is not limited.Accuracy: /- 3% with DG-700Unattached foam base prevents the fan from rollingaround.SP803Accuracy: /- 3% with DM32Attached Aluminum wide base for stability with foamhand holds for powered flow hood operation.Page 5 of 5rev-2014-09-14
Residential duct tester comparison: The Energy Conservatory’s Minneapolis Duct Blaster Series B Released in 1992 the Duct Blaster has sold in large numbers. Amazingly, it is still being sold today, virtually unchanged. Retrotec’s Model 341 DucTester Launched
