Fan Guards
Fan guards are a type of wire form. They are also known as fan covers, fan blade guards, or finger guards. They are placed over all types of fans for safety reasons, but may also provide noise reduction for the fan they cover, as well as improved airflow. Some fan guards also increase energy efficiency. Fan guards protect people from accidental injury by providing a physical barrier between the fan’s spinning blades and the surrounding area. Fan guards are commonly made from steel wire.
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Applications of Fan Guards
Fan guards have many different applications. They are used anywhere there is a fan, from automotive engines to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, to large-scale industrial applications. Some examples include duct fans, exhaust fans, refrigeration unit fans, cooling towers, air conditioners, computers, and other electronic products. In HVAC applications, fan guards maximize the flow of air to ensure effective cooling, heating and/or ventilation. Another common application is in electronic products that contain one or more fans to cool different motorized parts.
Fan Guard Design and Customization
To manufacture a fan guard, different kinds of metal wire, made of stainless steel or bright basic steel, are typically resistance or arc welded into a variety of shapes, from circular to rectangular to custom configurations and sizes depending on their intended use. Protective finishes may then be applied to the finished product, including chrome plating, zinc plating, powder coating, and UV-resistant polyester or urethane finishes. Fan guards typically have an outer ring, concentric ribs, and a mounting hole in the center and/or some type of brackets or fasteners around the outside to mount them to the fan or motor. They may be flat or domed with flat or bowed sides in addition to custom shapes and configurations. They are often used in conjunction with HVAC motor mounts.
Fan guards are essential for safety. They are manufactured in a wide range of sizes and configurations and may be made of steel or other metals. In addition, fan guards can be anodized, painted, and finished in different ways to suit an application and for cosmetic purposes. For example, for exterior or outside fan guards made of metal, a waterproof coating or other finish can help to prevent rust, oxidation, and degradation of the materials over time from exposure to the elements. These fan accessories may also be plated or powder coated to protect against wear and corrosion. For fans used outside, urethane or polyester can provide resistance to UV rays and prevent materials degradation. Cosmetic finishes include nickel chrome, black, or virtually any color. Fan guards are often necessary in commercial and industrial settings to ensure compliance with safety regulations, such as those mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Most manufacturers stock a range of sizes and configurations and can also custom make virtually any size or shape of fan guard.