ISO 15714-2019 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 15714:2019 — Method of evaluating the UV dose to airborne microorganisms transiting in‑duct ultraviolet germicidal irradiation devices. This international standard specifies a laboratory method and test‑rig configuration, microbial surrogates, test procedures, data calculations and reporting formats used to determine the UV dose delivered by in‑duct UVGI (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation) devices installed in HVAC ductwork, so performance of different devices can be evaluated and compared reliably.

Abstract

ISO 15714:2019 describes a laboratory method to assess the performance of in‑duct UVGI devices used for air disinfection in heating, ventilating and air‑conditioning systems. The standard defines the test rig geometry and qualification, recommended surrogate microorganisms and preparation, aerosolisation and sampling procedures, measurement of inactivation across a range of airflow rates, calculation of delivered UV dose (expressed in mJ/cm²), and the format and content of test reports so results are reproducible and comparable between laboratories.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: July 2019 (edition 1)
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 91.140.30 (Ventilation and air‑conditioning systems)
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2019)
• Number of pages: 17

Scope

ISO 15714:2019 provides a laboratory evaluation method for determining the UV dose received by airborne microorganisms as they transit an in‑duct UVGI device mounted in HVAC ductwork. The scope covers the required test‑rig configuration and qualification, selection and preparation of surrogate microorganisms, controlled aerosol generation and downstream sampling, defined airflow rates and environmental conditions, calculation of inactivation and equivalent UV dose, and the specification of results and uncertainty reporting needed to compare device performance. The method is intended for evaluation and comparison of in‑duct UVGI devices; where a microorganism’s UV susceptibility is known, measured UV dose may be translated into expected inactivation rates.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardised test‑rig geometry and components (upstream duct, UVGI test section, downstream sampling section, blower, dampers and HEPA filtration to protect the laboratory).
• Test rig qualification and baseline checks before biological testing (airflow, temperature, humidity and background microbial control).
• Recommended surrogate microorganisms and preparation methods (examples in the standard: Serratia marcescens, Bacillus subtilis, Cladosporium sphaerospermum) to represent differing UV susceptibilities.
• Aerosol generation, dispersion and sampling procedures for reproducible challenge concentrations and downstream recovery.
• Measurement of inactivation at defined airflow rates and calculation of average delivered UV dose (irradiance × exposure time) expressed in mJ/cm², with stated assumptions and uncertainty.
• Reporting requirements: test configuration, environmental conditions, microbial counts and reductions, calculated UV dose, and method limitations to support comparison between devices and laboratories.
• Operator and laboratory safety provisions and containment (HEPA filters on intake and exhaust, biosafety practices) appropriate to the test organisms used.

Typical use and users

ISO 15714:2019 is used by UVGI device manufacturers for product development and performance claims, independent testing and calibration laboratories performing comparative evaluations, HVAC consultants and system integrators assessing UVGI options for buildings, building scientists researching air disinfection, and regulatory or procurement bodies specifying test evidence for in‑duct UV devices. The standard supports reproducible laboratory comparisons rather than on‑site validation in full systems.

Related standards

ISO 15714 is part of the family of standards addressing air cleaning and UV‑C devices. Relevant related documents include vocabulary and definitions for air cleaning (ISO 29464) and safety guidance for UV‑C devices (normative references in ISO 15714 include guidance such as ISO 15858 on UV‑C device safety). National/adopted equivalents include NEN‑ISO 15714:2019 and BS ISO 15714:2019 (identical to the ISO edition).

Keywords

UVGI, UV‑C, in‑duct UV, HVAC, air disinfection, UV dose, airborne microorganisms, aerosol testing, test rig, Serratia marcescens, Bacillus subtilis, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, aerosol sampling, ventilaton ductwork

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 15714:2019 is an international laboratory method that specifies how to evaluate the ultraviolet (UV‑C) dose delivered to airborne microorganisms passing through in‑duct UVGI devices mounted in HVAC systems; it defines test‑rig configuration, biological test methods, calculations and reporting to permit reproducible comparison of device performance.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the laboratory test rig and its qualification, choice and preparation of surrogate microorganisms, aerosol generation and sampling procedures, measurement of microbial inactivation at defined airflow rates, calculation of delivered UV dose (mJ/cm²), uncertainty considerations and minimum reporting requirements for comparative performance testing.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: UVGI device manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, HVAC system designers and integrators, building scientists, and procurement or compliance bodies that need standardized, comparable laboratory performance data for in‑duct UV disinfection devices.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 15714:2019 is the first published edition (2019). The standard is published and current; ISO indicates its lifecycle status for periodic review and any future revision. Users should check the ISO catalogue or national standards bodies for any amendments or newer editions beyond the 2019 publication date.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It belongs to ISO work on cleaning of air and UV‑C devices under ISO/TC 142 (Cleaning equipment for air and other gases). It cross‑references or complements other ISO standards addressing vocabulary, safety and performance of air cleaning and UV‑C devices (for example ISO 29464 for vocabulary and ISO 15858 for UV‑C safety guidance).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: UVGI, UV‑C, in‑duct, HVAC, air disinfection, UV dose, aerosol testing, surrogate microorganisms, test rig, microbial inactivation.