Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Helpful Links

Click the questions below to read more. Many FAQ we have tried to answer in greater detail in our blog, which we have linked the related post under each question. If you would like more info, you can also contact us to get more answers.

Don’t assume that all motors are VFD compatible.  The majority of our fans are mounted with “inverter ready” motors with the exception of single phase motors.  If you are interested in controlling air flow and boosting energy efficiency, contact us and we’ll help you select the best fan, motor and VFD to meet your needs.  Click here to read more about it.

The lowest voltage that can be fed to a motor without damaging it is 207V. If the voltage drops below that, a 200V motor can be used.

Yes, the majority of our explosion proof fans are at least rated for Class I group D and Class II groups F & G, which covers certain flammable gases, combustible vapors, and combustible dusts. Specifically-rated motors are available on request.  We also use a cast aluminum propeller on fans located in hazardous locations.   Click here to read more about it.

It is recommended that a fan guard is used if there is a possibility of large objects getting in the airstream that could damage the fan, or if anyone will be working near the fan. OSHA states that a fan operating less 7 feet from the floor or work area must be guarded. All fan guards offered by Americraft are OSHA-compliant.

Our fans are painted using a powder coat system in our standard gray. Upon request, fans can be coated with different colors, or with different finishes such as epoxy. You can read more about our different finishes here, and about our powder coat application system here.

Not sure how to install your new fan? Want to know what goes into installation before making your purchase? Check out this blog to read about installing a wall exhaust fan

A WS-30 shutter has an inside frame dimension of 30” x 30”, but the overall frame dimension is 33” x 33”, which includes a 1 ½” flange on all sides.  All of our wall exhaust fans measure 6” more than the diameter of the fan.  Therefore, our 30” wall exhaust fans have an overall panel size of 36” x 36”.  A WS-30 or WS-36 shutter would work depending on how you mount the fan.  Click here to read more about it. There are multiple ways to mount a fan, and we have accessories to assist in the process.

Our fans should last a minimum of 20 years, although we’ve had past customers requesting replacement parts after longer spans of time.  To ensure trouble free operation and long life for a fan assembly, a preventative maintenance program that includes regularly scheduled inspections and lubrication is recommended.  The frequency of inspection and lubrication depends upon the fan, its components and operating conditions.  Click here to read more about it.

You can view our blog here to see how to calculate the volume of the space being ventilated. There is also a chart giving guidelines of how many air changes per hour certain types of rooms need. These two pieces of information can be used to determine how much CFM is recommended.

Our duct fans come in a variety of diameters ranging from 12″ to 60″. Fans up to 18″ have a 1-inch flange, and all larger sizes come with a 1.5-inch flange. All flanges have 8 holes around the perimeter at 7/16″. We also offer companion flanges as an accessory, used to attach to your ductwork and match up to our fans.

Read more about Americraft fans’ decibel levels and how they compare to other common noises

Our blog post discusses the differences between single- and three-phase motors. It could offer some insight on which is right for you and your fan.

Choosing between a direct- or belt-driven fan can come down to what the application calls for, or just personal preference. Direct drive fans require less maintenance, but are louder. On the flip side, belt-driven fans have more moving parts and need more maintenance, but are quieter. Depending on what is in the air being exhausted, a belt-driven fan may be required to keep the motor out of the airstream.

Our fans can operate in an ambient temperature up to 104°F. For belt-driven duct fans where the motor is out of the air stream, our model B can move air up to 180°F, and our model BCS can move air up to 225°F, or 375°F with high-temp construction.

Whether your prop is new or a replacement, this blog can help you understand what you need to know when selecting.

Click here to learn more about a less common form of exhausting.

The amperage of our fans ranges from 1-30A. It is affected by the horsepower, RPMs, electrical phase, and enclosure of the motor. Please contact us with the model you are looking at to get more information.

Americraft fans are “custom made to order,” however we will accept returns under certain circumstances. There may be fees for restocking product, and additional charges for repairs/refurbishing depending on the condition of the returned product. Cancelations may also be subject to restocking fees depending on where the order is in production. Restocking fees can range up to 50% of the cost of the order.

Our product warranty is the lesser of 18 months from purchase or 1 year from installation. You can read more about that in our terms and conditions.

Not sure if your needs require the power and durability of an industrial-grade fan? Read about the differences to help make a decision here.

We don’t punch holes in our fans because we don’t know how the electric at your facility is oriented.   Punching a hole to install your fan on site would not void the warranty.

Americraft offers mounting curbs for flat and sloped roofs. Sloped roof curbs are available as single- or double-pitched, up to 3″ in 12″. Our roof curbs can be installed on most roofs, except namely standing seam and corrugated roofs. Our curbs have a flat underside, and those types of roofs require a custom-made curb to fit around the seams and corrugation, respectively. If your roof is either of those, it is recommended to go directly to a roof curb manufacturer.