FAQ | HVLS Fans | Arbon

Q: How does air circulate below and outward from the Rite-Hite HVLS Fan?

A: Air is pulled from above an industrial fan and pushed down in a conical shape to the floor below. Air travels in this cone shape until it hits the floor and then moves in a horizontal stream away from the diameter of the fan. The fan will move air up to 85 feet (Revolution & Rogue) or 50 feet (Rave & Renegade) from the fan’s center in all directions.

Q: What is the wing on the end of the blade?

A: The vortex technology (VT) tips reduce the noise of the fan. These tips also create more air movement at the perimeter of the fan.

Q: What does AMCA stand for?

A: The Air Movement and Control Association. For more information, visit www.amca.org

Q: How do I know what size HVLS fan is needed?

A: Size does matter when placing Rite-Hite HVLS Fans. Larger diameter fans will move air further down rack aisles and over some obstructions. Smaller diameter fans can be most effective in specific work areas or where installation space is limited.

• Air velocity will vary throughout the zones depending on the industrial fan’s diameter and speed setting.
• When used for cooling people, choose a Rite-Hite HVLS Fan that moves air at a minimum of 2 mph in the targeted zone.
• The minimum air speed needed for destratification is 1/2 mph.

Q: Should a Rite-Hite HVLS Fan be run backwards in the wintertime like my ceiling fan at home?

A: It can be run in reverse. While the Rite-Hite HVLS Fans can be run in reverse, it will not be as efficient. Some applications may require air movement without creating a significant airflow beneath the fan. The fans can be run at half speed or less to mix the warm air from the ceiling with the cooler air near the floor.

Q: What is the recommended spacing for the Rite-Hite HVLS Fans?

A: There are multiple variables that are taken into account when placing an HVLS fan. Request a site survey from your Rite-Hite Fan Representative.

Q: What is the ideal mounting height for a fan?

A: Because HVLS fans uses the air from above it, there is a minimum clearance required between the fan blades and the ceiling. Rite-Hite HVLS Fans have different minimum clearance requirements based on diameter.

If the ceiling support structure is an open-web design, all hanging dimensions can be taken from the underside of the ceiling. If the ceiling’s support structure is a solid beam or solid channel, all measurements must be taken using the bottom of the beam as the basis point for the hanging dimension. If the roof is pitched, this must also be accounted for above the tips of the blades. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in limited air movement by the fan.

Q: What if the minimum distance to the ceiling deck is not available?

A. There are several options available. Request a site survey from your Rite-Hite Fan Representative.

Q: Will obstructions disrupt the air flow created by a Rite-Hite HVLS Fan?

A: Yes. Air movement is blocked by solid objects. The more open the area is around the fan, the better the air flow will be.

Q: How close can you mount an HVLS fan to obstructions like mezzanines or racking?

A: The closer you are to obstructions, the more turbulent the air is. Air will bounce off things in close proximity and cause turbulent air movement that will affect an industrial fan’s performance. When possible, keep blade tips at least two fan blade lengths from walls or solid obstructions.

Q: What size Rite-Hite HVLS Fan can fit between lights or sprinklers in a grid?

A: A light or sprinkler grid can use an industrial fan with a larger diameter than the grid itself. See example below, a 12′ diameter industrial fan fits into a 10′ grid.

Q: What do you need to be aware of when placing HVLS fans in buildings protected by sprinklers?

A: The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has updated the 2013 Edition of NFPA 13:  Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. The Standard now includes specific installation requirements for HVLS fans.  This update applies to all manufacturers of HVLS fans.

The new application information is listed in Chapter 11 (11.1.7) which covers Design Approaches and Chapter 12 (12.1.4) which covers General Requirements for Storage. The text is identical in both chpaters and is written below for your convenience.

High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) Fans. The installation of HVLS fans in buildings equipped with sprinklers, including ESFR sprinklers, shall comply with the following:

1. The maximum fan diameter shall be 24′ (7.3m).
2. The HVLS fan shall be centered approximately between four adjacent sprinklers.
3. The vertical clearance from the HVLS fan to sprinkler deflector shall be a minimum of 3′ (0.9m).
4. All HVLS fans shall be interlocked to shut down immediately upon receiving a water flow signal from the alarm system in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72.

All Rite-Hite HVLS fans have the ability to receive a low voltage stop command from the alarm system, which addresses #4 above. Please consult Rite-Hite Fan Applications with any specific questions on

Q: Can Rite-Hite HVLS Fans work with a VESDA or other aspirating smoke detection equipment?

A: Yes. The standard Rite-Hite HVLS Fan is capable of receiving a stop command from the fire panel, a VESDA, or any number of smoke, flame or heat detectors.

Q: What are the electrical requirements for a Rite-Hite HVLS Fan installation?

A: Consult Rite-Hite Fan Applications.

Q: What functions are on the control box of a Rite-Hite HVLS Fan?

A: Each Rite-Hite Fan comes with a membrane touch pad control box that includes on/off, speed adjustment and forward/reverse settings. The compact box fits into a standard electrical housing. The controls can be covered by a standard lockable thermostat cover.

Q: What are the components inside of the control box?

A: The NEMA 12/13 (standard interior usage, dust sealed) control box is UL listed to U.S. and Canadian safety standards. Our European design has CE approval. The Revolution HVLS Fan uses all Touch-Safe components and a solid state variable-frequency drive.

Q: What does the variable-frequency-drive do?

A: The variable-frequency drive allows you to control the fan’s speed. It also transforms single phase power to 3 phase power if needed.

Q: Will there be feedback from the variable-frequency drive?

A: Electrical noise is present with any variable-frequency drive. This can be minimized by changing the frequency on the program after the product is installed. Please note that HVLS fans will not be completely silent when operating. There will be some motor and wind noise from the fan when in use.

Q: Will the variable-frequency drive need to be reprogrammed if the power is interrupted?

A: Like any computer, all logic is loaded into the memory chip so it is not necessary to reprogram. However, the fan will need to be reset. This is done by turning the on/off switch to off, waiting for 5 seconds, and then turning the switch back on. This resets the variable-frequency drive.

Q: What if there is frequency interference from other sources in the plant?

A: You can order the control box with EMC filters. This optional control box feature helps to limit interference from electromagnetic sources. Some sources to consider prior to installation are power lines, electric motors, radio receivers, wireless and radio frequency transmissions like RFID scanners. This option ships independent of the control box for easy field installation.

Q: What planned maintenance is required?

A: Minimal planned maintenance is required. Please reference the Installation and Owner’s Manual.

Q: What safety features are built-in to the design and installation of a Revolution HVLS Fan?

REVOLUTION & ROGUE ONLY

A: There are several safety features included with every Revolution HVLS Fan:

1. Cable(s) that wrap around the bolted brackets at the ceiling and the top of the extension tube; and around the bottom of the extension tube and the top of the motor housing. Depending on the installation, this is achieved by using one (1) to three (3) cables.
2. Four stabilization cables from the motor housing to ceiling limit vibration and provide added safety.
3. The hub is attached to motor with a reverse-threaded bolt and tapered aluminum bushing.
4. A unique safety ring is provided for back-up security for the motor to hub connection. Each hub “blade arm” is connected to the safety ring.