Plastic Ventilation Duct

Plastic ducting (PVC Flat Duct).

MAS offers a full range plastic ducting (or flat duct) & plastic duct fittings for ventilation systems. Distributing throughout the UK, we can supply a range of moulded fittings for the plastic ventilation systems from Domus, Verplas & Manrose. We hold a large stock between our three branches and can supply large, medium and small projects.

Plastic duct (flat channel) sizes

Available in all the common sizes  our flat duct is available in 110 x 54mm, 204 x 60mm, 220 x 90mm, 234 x 29mm, 308 x 29mm we also stock a wide selection of circular plastic duct and fittings from 100mm to 150mm diameter.

The table below also shows the equivalent sizes of flat channel duct e.g the equivalent size of 110x54mm duct is 100mm diameter.

Flat Duct	110 x 54mm	204 x 60mm	220 x 90mm	234 x 29mm	308 x 29mm
Circular Duct	100mm dia	125mm dia	150mm dia

Sizes stated are the internal free area of the duct.

12 Considerations when installing plastic ventilation duct (rectangular or round)

1. Ensure that the air movement unit has enough power to move the air throughout the whole system (the technical staff at Mechanical Air Supplies help you identify the correct unit to use)
2. Use plastic duct sealant to join fittings and duct together. Self tapping screws should be used, make sure not to over tighten.
3. Always install the plastic duct so that the duct runs away from the unit. This avoids and possible condensation from entering the Fan/MVHR unit.
4. Vertical runs should have a condensation trap and a means of discharging water away from the duct run. Do insulate the condensate drain to prevent it from freezing.
5. Try to avoid adding too many bends to the system, as this will slow the air down and have an effect on the system performance. Remember a well designed system will save you money in the long run.
6. Use intumescent fire sleeves for fire breaks in partition walls when required, this type of damper is designed to crush the duct.
7. If the flat duct runs through a cold space (loft) then duct insulation should be insulated to avoid condensation forming.
8. Be aware that flat duct systems from different manufacturers are not always compatible with each other and do not always fit together. Use one manufacturer for  the complete ventilation system.
9. Ensure that there is adequate support/suspension. It is generally recommended that a form of support/suspension (clip or suspension band) should be use every metre and either side of joints.
10. Fresh air supply (MVHR intake) from outside should be insulated.
11. Avoid placing the intake and the extract close together. Doing so would result in the intake drawing in stale and spent air.
12. Whenever possible consider using circular plastic duct (which is more efficient) unless building limitations restrict the use of larger profile duct and the space in ceiling voids do not allow for circular duct to be installed.

Our experienced technical staff are always on hand to help guide you through your ventilation project, please visit our contact area to find your nearest branch.

Why use plastic ducting for ventilation systems?

1. Plastic ducting is lightweight and easy to install.
2. Easy to perform on-site cuts with no special tools required.
3. Plastic ducting does not corrode over time.
4. Due to the space saving design, flat plastic duct allows for a smaller ceiling void, which in turn maximises the ceiling height.
5. Depending on the application, you can easily switch between round plastic duct and rectangular plastic duct.
6. Easy to create branches to allow for expansion of the ventilation system into other areas. Important note: System resistance should be calculated before branching off, this is essential to ensure that the air movement appliance (fan, MVHR, MEV or dMEV) has more power than the resistance of the the complete system. We can help you with the calculations (link to duct flow calculators).
7. Correctly installed plastic ducting offers an air tight solution which ensures that maximum efficiency (for the material used) can be achieved.
8. Good quality pvc ventilation duct is self extinguishing.

Should I use plastic ventilation grilles and why?

• Duct terminations such as plastic ventilation grilles) are available in a variety of colours to match or compliment the exterior of the building.
• Various sizes of plastic ventilation grilles are available, which gives different sizes of free area, which in turn allows for differences in airflow requirements.