What is Plenum?
A plenum is an enclosed space within a building that is used to distribute air as part of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
Definition
Purpose
Plenums provide a pathway for moving air between different areas of a building. They are commonly incorporated into HVAC systems to distribute conditioned air and circulate air between occupied spaces and HVAC equipment.
Because plenum spaces can contain electrical wiring, ducts, and other building services, materials and equipment used within them may need to meet applicable fire and safety requirements.
Examples of Use
- Air Distribution: Plenum spaces can be used to move conditioned or return air between HVAC equipment and occupied areas.
- HVAC Systems: Plenums form part of the air circulation path in commercial, residential, and industrial HVAC systems.
- Ceiling Plenums: The space between a suspended ceiling and the structural floor above can serve as a return-air plenum.
- Raised-Floor Plenums: The space beneath a raised floor can be used to distribute conditioned air, particularly in buildings with underfloor air distribution systems.
Notes
- A plenum is an air-handling space rather than a specific piece of HVAC equipment.
- Common plenum locations include spaces above suspended ceilings and below raised floors.
- Plenum spaces may be used for supply air, return air, or ventilation.
- Materials installed in plenum spaces may be subject to specific fire, smoke, and building code requirements.
- Properly designed plenum spaces help support efficient air distribution throughout a building.
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