FANS


Key installation considerations In the here and now, there are a number of steps that contractors can take in order to deliver effective ventilation through intelligent installation. To aid this process, Elta Group developed an educational tool for contractors to help solve any design issues and overcome misconceptions, in the form of its ‘Give a Fan a Chance’ guide. The guide covers key considerations and


provides practical tips on delivering optimal ventilation solutions. It provides a number of simple steps to improve design, focusing on critical elements such as energy efficiency, noise control, air quality, and reduction of leakage. Below is a snapshot of some key examples of a number of situations that should be avoided when installing fans and attenuators, as part of a ventilation system. The noise of a system is an often-


overlooked factor, particularly at the point of installation. By the time excessive noise is noticed it can be too late, which is where a careful approach can add genuine value to an overall system.


Noise pollution is a hot topic for many


reasons, and substandard ventilation systems can be a real contributor as all fans move air, generate pressure and create sound. While some noise cannot be avoided, it can be minimised or reduced. When a fan is poorly


installed, or the system is badly designed, an unwanted noise is created. It can be reduced by using attenuators – which are useful for air-borne sound – or lined fan types and duct lining. Structure-borne noise is best addressed by isolating the fan from the structure and duct. Working to minimise the noise that a fan produces is central to a good installation, and can be especially important in quieter locations, such as a restaurant or library.


Another factor that needs to be accounted for when considering occupant comfort is vibration. It is inevitable that a fan will vibrate, but poor installation within a ventilation system can result in reverberation throughout the structure that it is mounted to.


Vibration isolators are the primary solution to this issue. They should be selected to offer the minimum deflection required, with care taken to ensure they are suitable for the fan and environment in which they will be operating. Flexible duct connectors can also be helpful in aiding the reduction of both noise and vibration. Although flexible ducting has its merits, it is crucial that contractors do not over-use it. That’s because it can increase system resistance, meaning a much higher pressure and power output is required. This problem is particularly prevalent in roof spaces, where


too mush flexible ducting can result in a snake shape that places additional pressure on the fan. Ultimately, this reduces airflow, and


therefore increases the risk of poor ventilation. Rigid ducting should therefore be used wherever possible, with flexible only used for final connections. Contractors should also minimise flexible duct length and ensure it is taut. Above all, the most effective ventilation installation will follow manufacturer guidance. It might seem like an obvious point, but not following guidance is one of the biggest contributors to failure of building services.


Put simply, by not achieving what has been designed through installation, the end user could be faced with a host of negative consequences, whether it be environmental, structural or in early replacement costs. A fan is designed to move an amount of air against a pressure drop, so poor installation can change that, and therefore the airflow, resulting in insufficient air changes. The above tips highlight how contractors can add value to an installation. They have a crucial role to play in delivering comfortable and healthy buildings, by ensuring IAQ is as high as possible.


X www.eltafans.com/resources


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