ᐅ Air intake in a light well?

Created on: 7 Aug 2016 12:52
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daniels87
Hello,

we will install a ventilation system from Pluggit, which will be located in the basement.
The supply and exhaust air are planned to be routed through an opening in the basement wall that ends in a small light well. Is this a feasible approach? I am a bit concerned about the supply air coming in below ground level.
Also, it seems to me that the supply and exhaust air openings are quite close together.
Are there any regulations or guidelines that the construction company must follow regarding this?

Good luck,
daniels87

2D floor plan of a building with walls, doors, and building services, dimensions
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Sebastian79
8 Aug 2016 14:29
Radon is another important factor to consider. Flooding is also a concern, as water can quickly enter the area.

We only have the supply air for the chimney (plus exhaust for the central vacuum system) in a ventilation shaft, which currently tends to fill up with water during rain because there isn’t a gravel bed underneath yet. This is not a serious issue, but the situation on the property still needs to be assessed.
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Bieber0815
8 Aug 2016 22:19
daniels87 schrieb:
Are there any regulations the construction company has to follow?

The fresh air intake opening should generally be positioned about 1 to 1.5 m (3.3 to 5 feet) above ground level. However, I’m not sure where this is officially regulated.
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daniels87
9 Aug 2016 13:32
Sebastian79 schrieb:
Radon is another point to consider. Also, flooding can occur quickly in some areas.

We only have fresh air intake for the chimney (plus exhaust for the central vacuum system) in a ventilation shaft that currently often fills with water when it rains, because there is no gravel bed underneath yet. This is not a major problem, but the site conditions need to be checked.

I was also thinking about weather exposure. How is it in winter with snowfall?

We are not actually in a radon risk area, but I will double-check just to be safe.

I think I have heard about the 1 to 1.5 meter (3 to 5 feet) range as well, but I couldn’t find any details on it.
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Bieber0815
9 Aug 2016 21:09
In DIN 1946-6:2009-05, under section "9.2.6 Increased Requirements for Indoor Air Quality (Hygiene)" it states:

9.2.6.2 Outdoor Air Intake
The design and location of the outdoor air intake, as well as its minimum height above ground level or roof, must ensure that the cleanest possible outdoor air in the area of the building is drawn in. Short-circuits with exhaust air and other ventilation systems (chimneys, etc.) must be avoided. Intake directly at ground level (microorganisms, dust contamination, snow) as well as in narrow pits and shafts is not permitted.


If I understand your situation correctly, both of these principles are being violated (ground level, short-circuit). Regardless of whether "increased requirements" apply, I would not accept this supply air arrangement.
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daniels87
10 Aug 2016 07:55
Okay.. Thanks. And does this DIN standard have to be followed?

According to the site manager, the work ends at the wall penetration, but he can offer me a light well.

Should I lead the supply air 2-3 meters (6.5-10 feet) away from the house and build a tower about 1 meter (3.3 feet) high there?

What about the condensation then? A slight slope towards the house with a drain and a trap there?
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Sebastian79
10 Aug 2016 07:59
daniels87 schrieb:
Ok.. Thanks. And does this DIN standard have to be followed?

Only if it has been agreed upon.

In that case, I would do it the way you described – with a slight slope and a trap. It’s best to make it a bit longer, so you get a slight cooling/heating effect at the intake depending on the season.