Standard for Commercial and Industrial Air Filter Equipment

ARI Standard 850-93: Standard for Commercial and Industrial Air Filter Equipment

For engineers and designers tasked with ensuring optimal indoor air quality and system efficiency in commercial and industrial settings, understanding the foundational performance benchmarks for air filtration is paramount. ARI Standard 850-93, "Standard for Commercial and Industrial Air Filter Equipment," provides this essential framework, offering a comprehensive set of guidelines that have guided industry practices for decades.

What is ARI Standard 850-93?

Developed by the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), this authoritative standard establishes definitions, classifications, testing, rating, and performance requirements for factory-made air filter devices and media used in commercial and industrial environmental conditioning. Its primary purpose is to ensure consistency, reliability, and accurate performance representation of air filtration equipment, thereby supporting informed specification and application by industry professionals.

Scope & Purpose

ARI Standard 850-93 governs air filter devices and their constituent media designed for particulate matter removal within inhabited spaces of commercial and industrial facilities. This includes defining standard equipment components, outlining testing methodologies, and specifying performance criteria for various filter classifications. Crucially, it explicitly excludes HEPA filters, air filter devices for industrial processes not related to environmental conditioning, and appliances where the filter is an integral component alongside other system parts like fans or coils. It also distinguishes itself from residential filter equipment covered by other ARI standards.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: HVAC Engineers, Mechanical Designers, Facilities Managers, Air Quality Specialists, and Test Technicians.
• • Industries affected: Commercial Buildings, Industrial Facilities, HVAC Manufacturing, Building Maintenance, and Consulting Engineering firms.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but adherence is essential for manufacturers seeking to demonstrate conformance to industry-leading practices and for specifiers relying on standardized performance data.
• • Enforcement: While not a government mandate, compliance is often verified through third-party testing, product certifications, and contractual specifications by clients and project owners.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires clear definitions and classifications for different types of air filter devices and media, including unit/panel, self-cleaning, extended surface, electronic air cleaners, and filter media itself. Professionals must ensure that filter devices are tested and rated according to established procedures to accurately reflect their performance characteristics. Key provisions include specifications for "standard equipment," which outlines the minimum components necessary for a device to qualify within its classification. Furthermore, the standard mandates clear marking and nameplate data, ensuring users can readily identify critical information about the filter's capabilities and operational parameters.

Related Standards & References

ARI Standard 850-93 works in conjunction with other industry documents to provide a complete picture of air filtration performance. It references ASHRAE Standard 52.1-1992, "Gravimetric and Dust Spot Procedure for Testing Air Cleaning Devices Used in General Ventilation for Removing Particulate Matter," for detailed testing methodologies. Additionally, for residential applications, ARI Standard 680-93, "Residential Air Filter Equipment," provides a complementary standard, ensuring distinct performance benchmarks are met across different market segments. These interconnected standards ensure a comprehensive approach to air quality management.