Electrical protection refers to a set of measures and devices designed to prevent damage to components and electrical systems in the event of malfunctions, faults, or abnormal operating conditions. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the integrity of devices and ensure the safety of the entire system by limiting risks such as overheating, short circuits, overloads, and other phenomena that could compromise system operation or pose dangers to people.
In the context of electrical panels, component protection is a crucial factor for ensuring a long service life and safe operation of equipment. Fans play a key role in maintaining optimal temperatures and, in turn, preventing overheating of internal circuits. For this reason, fans for electrical panels are also equipped with various protection systems, each designed to respond to specific risks and needs.
Let’s take a look at the main types of electrical protection used in fans for electrical panels.
Impedance protection
Impedance protection is commonly employed in compact alternating current fans (AC). This type of protection leverages a design feature of the motor, where the windings have a high impedance. This means that, in the event of fan blockage, the current flowing through the motor does not increase enough to overheat the windings.
Fans with impedance protection have low torque, and the higher impedance in their windings ensures that even under blocked conditions, the motor can remain safe without suffering permanent damage. This type of protection is ideal for fans operating in applications where occasional accidental blockages may occur, without the need for complex protection devices or immediate maintenance interventions.
Thermal protection
Another form of protection commonly used in electrical panel fans, with larger dimensions than compact ones and with higher performance, is thermal protection, which functions through an internal device, typically a thermal overload protection (PTO) unit. This device is mounted between the motor windings and is responsible for monitoring the temperature.
The thermal pad works as a normally closed bimetallic switch: when the motor’s temperature reaches a critical level, the contact opens, cutting off power to the fan and preventing further damage caused by overheating. Once the temperature has dropped, the system automatically resets, and the fan becomes operational again without requiring manual intervention. This type of protection is particularly useful in applications where the risk of overheating is high or where the fan is subjected to intense work cycles.
Electronic protection
Finally, electronic protection is an advanced system used primarily in direct current (DC) compact fans or electronically commutated (EC) compact fans. This protection utilizes the electronics integrated within the fan itself to continuously monitor the unit’s proper operation. In the event of issues such as a rotational blockage, the system automatically intervenes by cutting off power to the windings, stopping the motor to prevent further damage.
One of the distinguishing features of electronic protection is the system’s ability to attempt a restart. If the blockage is not resolved, the fan remains in protection mode, preventing overheating or additional damage to the motor. This self-monitoring and progressive restart capability makes electronic protection a highly efficient solution for fans used in environments where obstacles or sudden mechanical malfunctions may occur.
Fandis solutions for fan electrical protection
Fandis offers a comprehensive range of fans for electrical panels, equipped with the most suitable protection: the different types of protection, impedance, thermal or electronic, in fact, offer different advantages, from ease of use and reliability to the possibility of advanced monitoring and restart automation. Each electrical panel has specific needs depending on the operating conditions. Choosing the right fan allows you to have at the same time the most appropriate electrical protection to safeguard the entire system.
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