Fan - for 24-hour operation?

SJD · May 2, 2013

I need to fit a fan in a small utility room - which gets too warm due to a couple of fridges/freezers in there, and just a couple of air bricks for ventilation (the door needs to be kept closed). A small extractor fan should draw enough air into the room via the air bricks. The fan needs to run continuously, but also last a reasonable length of time - measured in years, not months.

Looking at product data from the likes of Manrose, Xpelair etc, for smaller fans (4 inch to 6 inch dia), I don't see any mention of being able to run them continuously, even the ones marketed as "commercial". The larger commercial ones costing £hundreds are somewhat overkill for the small room. Sometimes there is a 2 or 3 year guarantee, but I don't want to get called back in 6 months to replace it in my own time.

Any suggestions for smalll but reliable 24-hour operation fans?

monkeyelectric · May 2, 2013

This Manrose® Commercial Axial Extractor Fan | Screwfix.com albeit possibly a little large for what you want has been running non stop for 2 years in some dog kennels, i also installed one about 12 months ago at the same place that is on non stop and another just fitted to a new kennel block so i can highly reccomend them! I assume the 6" one would be the same quality

ruston · May 2, 2013

I can only suggest that you contact Delta fans. I have used their products and I am very satisfied with the reliability that I have had.
They are not cheap though, but if you buy a cheap one you may have to buy many, swings and roundabouts lol.

Welcome to Delta Electronics, Inc. - Components

SJD · May 2, 2013

I think the 6" Manrose one would be about right in terms of airflow, if it is up to running 24 hours, would be interested if anyone has used this model. I took a quick look at Delta, but as far as I could see, these are just bare fans, I'm looking more for kit ready to install in a wall.

ian.settle1 · May 2, 2013

Does it have to be on continously or can you not connect it so when the room temperature reaches a certain temperature the fan starts as the fridges and freezer compressors are not running all the time.

SJD · May 2, 2013

I was pondering about fitting a thermostat, it might reduce the fan running time somwewhat, especially in winter, though the adjacent rooms are kept quite warm all day/night, which doesn't help.

dellboy78 · May 2, 2013

I would recommend Envirovent fans. They are designed to run continuously with minimum consumption. They aren't the cheapest but they are good.

stranded · May 2, 2013

ruston said:
I can only suggest that you contact Delta fans. I have used their products and I am very satisfied with the reliability that I have had.
They are not cheap though, but if you buy a cheap one you may have to buy many, swings and roundabouts lol.

Welcome to Delta Electronics, Inc. - Components

Bit different, but i have had delta computer fans and they are excellent, they are like bloody turbines. Excellent quality.

pennywise · May 2, 2013

How about a interval timer, so the fan doesn't run continuously it just comes on for say 10 to 15 min every hour, like this one.

CasaFanVentilation technology Interval relay IVR 230 from Conrad Electronic UK

FrankUK · May 2, 2013

Contact your local branch of Fans & Spares Fans & Spares : Viewing 'Domestic & Commercial Fans'

I know they do a range of fans, with a guaranteed operating life of 10,000 hours, but can't for the life of me think of the make at the moment

ruston · May 2, 2013

FrankUK said:
Contact your local branch of Fans & Spares Fans & Spares : Viewing 'Domestic & Commercial Fans'

I know they do a range of fans, with a guaranteed operating life of 10,000 hours, but can't for the life of me think of the make at the moment

Useful link , thanks.

Marvo · May 2, 2013

The duty rating should be on the motor info plate as an 'S' designation (assuming IEC compliance not NEMA) and all fans/motors should state it.

[ElectriciansForums.net] Fan - for 24-hour operation?

If you're going to wire it to continuous run maybe suggest a slightly more expensive mixed flow or other centrif type fan which will be more efficient and save money on energy consumption.