A ventilation tactic that uses high-volume fans positioned at an entry point to pressurize a building. The increased internal pressure forces stale air, smoke, or toxic gases out through designated exhaust openings. While primarily known as a fire service tactic, HVAC technicians use similar principles to manage building envelopes, control odors, and prevent unconditioned outside air from infiltrating clean rooms.
We set up PPV on the warehouse floor to clear out the welding fumes before the next shift starts.
Related terms
Building pressurization
Controlling the air pressure inside a building relative to outdoors, usually by bringing in more outdoor air than is exhausted.
Infiltration
Outdoor air that sneaks into a building through gaps in its shell, pushed by wind, stack effect and fans rather than by design.
ACH
Air changes per hour: how many times a space's full air volume is replaced in one hour.