Over the years we have heard many different questions from customers about installing HVLS fans. To help those who are interested in buying an HVLS fan, we decided to provide more detailed answers to three of the installation questions we hear most frequently.
1. Where do I put the variable frequency drive (VFD)?
The variable frequency drive on an HVLS fan regulates the speed at which the fan runs by controlling the amount of power that is sent to the motor. If the VFD is improperly installed, electricity will not transmit properly to the actual fan which can damage or even permanently disable it.
If you have a gearless HVLS fan like the MacroAir AirVolution-D, there is no VFD because the technology that controls the HVLS fan is built into the fan itself. Other fans usually come with guidelines about how close or far away the VFD needs to be from the actual fan. Some companies advise customers to put their VFD on top of the fan itself to eliminate the chance of signal interruption, but this placement can contribute to overheating.
You also have to consider the VFD's accessibility. It needs to be in a place where it can be repaired or reprogrammed without much difficulty. If you chose to go with an older model HVLS fan that is not gearless and has a VFD, your best bet on properly placing the VFD component of your HVLS fan is to follow the guidelines set out by the manufacturer and use all of the cables and connections they provide.
2. How do I install an HVLS fan if I have a sprinkler system?
HVLS fans can be safely installed with an existing sprinkler system. In an earlier blog post we discussed the legal requirements for HVLS fan placement when used with sprinklers, as set by the National Fire Protection Agency. Many research studies have found that as long as HVLS fans are installed based on these guidelines and properly placed, they will not impact the sprinkler system's ability to protect a building from fire.
3. How do I tie my HVLS fan into a fire suppression system?
Linking your HVLS fan and your fire suppression system is vital to protecting your facility in the event of a fire emergency. Most of today's HVLS fans come standard with a system for linking into a building's fire suppression system so that the fan will turn off and will not feed the fire with air. The specific way that your fan connects to the fire suppression system will vary depending on your fan's manufacturer: consult with your fan's documentation to ensure you make the connection properly.
The Bottom Line
Installing an HVLS fan often seems more complex than it actually is. By adhering to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer of your HVLS fan and an understanding of the applicable building standards, you will generally have an easy time getting your HVLS fan or system of fans up and running.
More Info: https://macroairfans.com
