Purpose of EN 308
EN 308 is the European standard that specifies test procedures for air-to-air heat transfer in heat recovery equipment. Rather than setting a pass/fail threshold, it defines how to measure temperature effectiveness and, for enthalpy devices, moisture effectiveness under controlled inlet conditions.
What Gets Measured
The test fixes inlet dry-bulb temperatures and, where relevant, humidity on both streams, then calculates effectiveness from the measured outlet states. Balanced and unbalanced airflow cases are both reported so designers can read real-world performance. This is the method referenced by EN 16798 energy calculations.
EN 308 Is a Method, Not a Limit
Because EN 308 is a test method, the actual performance thresholds come from the building regulations and standards (EPBD, EN 16798) that cite it. Always check the local code for the minimum effectiveness it requires.
Why It Matters
A consistent test method lets you compare a European plate exchanger and a rotary wheel on the same footing, and it underpins Eurovent certification of published performance.
Need Tested Performance?
Ask suppliers for EN 308 test reports at your operating conditions. Talk to our team or email kuns913@gmail.com / WhatsApp +86 15753355505.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does EN 308 measure?
EN 308 specifies how to test air-to-air heat exchangers to determine temperature effectiveness and, for enthalpy devices, moisture effectiveness under controlled inlet conditions.
Is EN 308 a performance requirement?
No, it is a test method; the thresholds come from EN 16798, EPBD and local codes that reference it.
Reading an EN 308 report
When a supplier hands you an EN 308 sheet, look past the headline effectiveness. Confirm the inlet dry-bulb and, for enthalpy devices, humidity conditions, the airflow rates on each side, and whether the reported value is for balanced or unbalanced flow. A number measured at a different inlet temperature or airflow split may not represent your duty. If the sheet only gives sensible effectiveness on a plate unit, that is expected plate cores do not transfer moisture.