Ventilation box, what improvements does it have for our fans?

Normally, when installing a fan, we tend to worry about what type it is. We also consider where to place it and the strength it will have at the cost of the decibel level. To enhance some of its features, one option is to mount it inside a ventilation box.

This item, which aims to improve ventilation in a room, is simply a box that will contain a fan. However, it is a solution that can greatly enhance the efficiency and, above all, the sound quality of our fans.

The ventilation box is also an interesting option in double flow ventilation systems. But it can have many other applications, usually when mounting centrifugal fans.

Typically, ventilation boxes are an optimal solution when a duct is needed for the entry of fresh air from the outside or for its exit. The centrifugal fan is a good option since it offers higher pressure and can be sufficient to extract or introduce air.

The reasons for including a ventilation box can vary:

1. Be able to direct the air. This type of system with a box includes the impeller fitted to the motor through a shaft. In addition to achieving a very easy installation, the box creates a directing effect that sends the air from its entry to its exit. This ensures that the air goes in a specific and much more direct direction.
2. Reduce noise levels. Ventilation boxes are usually made of steel. Often, they are made of galvanized steel, which provides much superior resistance. With the fan completely surrounded by steel, vibrations decrease and noise is isolated. The ventilation box is one of the best solutions to prevent noise from fans.
3. Simplified installation. Centrifugal fans often have complications when being installed in spaces with very limited dimensions. They have a spiral shape, like a snail, and also require connections and a specific assembly to be connected to the duct through which they will introduce or extract air. This is why a ventilation box can make this task much simpler. The boxes are usually rectangular, making them much easier to assemble.

Therefore, mounting a centrifugal fan in a box is a solution to consider, especially when installed alongside ducts connecting to the outside, for extracting or introducing air.

Regulations for the ventilation box

There are a number of regulatory needs for the installation of ventilation systems that take into account indoor air quality in the rooms. The ventilation box must comply with a series of standards, as specified in the Technical Building Code.

According to the stipulations in that text, the following conditions must be respected in the ventilation box regulations:

• The location must be easily accessible, as the ventilation box must be easy to maintain and clean.
• The ventilation system must prevent the reversal of airflow at each point. Where it is intended for the entry of air, it cannot be extracted, and vice versa.
• The dimensions and size of the boxes must relate to the flow rate and its conditions. The pressure exerted by the centrifugal fan must be able to compensate for the pressure losses in the system.

Beyond these specifications, some ventilation boxes use acoustic insulation with fire protection, insulating closures, and other solutions to further reduce noise coming from the fan.

One of the major advantages of the ventilation box is undoubtedly this ability to ventilate a space quietly. It is a way to lower the decibels before touching the motor. There are specific motors for ventilation boxes that are quieter and designed specifically to fit in the boxes. These box fans also enjoy greater energy efficiency and produce significant savings on the electricity bill, in addition to reducing noise.

It is also possible to find other types of ventilation boxes for much more specific uses. For example, there are boxes for industrial kitchens or for parking lots. They are also available for industry. All of them depend on a specific certification and, depending on the case, may be installed in risk areas or outdoors. Similarly, it is possible that the ventilation boxes must be installed outdoors, for which the metal used should be able to withstand atmospheric conditions. Moreover, they must also be waterproof.