While both fan types might appear to be the same, there are some major differences between how they are made and how they perform. The main difference between the two types is generally driven by cost.
General purpose fans use the least expensive materials and components and are designed for the residential or light duty commercial markets. These fans are used in homes, appliances and small ventilation systems.
Industrial fans are designed with heavier duty materials and components to operate longer, supply greater air flow and pressure, and meet more stringent environmental and ambient requirements.
The characteristics of the two types of fans are as follows and apply to both centrifugal fans and axial fans.
General Purpose Fans Industrial Fans Material Gauges: Light gauge sheet metal and plastic.10 gauge to plate material. Cast aluminum and stainless steel construction available.
Construction: Tabs and lock seams. Continuous welds. Bearings: Sleeve or strap type. Short bearing life. Ball or roller bearings in cast iron bearing housings. Much longer bearing life. Motors: Light duty, sleeve bearings, no service factor, minimum design features. Open Drip Proof enclosure. Continuous duty, ball bearings,with service factors, special design features, generally TEFC or EXP enclosures. Safety Factors: Slower wheel and shaft speeds. Much higher wheel and shaft speeds. Air Flow: Generally limited to 2000Air King’s industrial grade pedestal fans provides powerful air movement to industrial spaces such as manufacturing plants, gyms, auditoriums, churches and schools. Fans feature powerful motors that provide high volume airflow. The fan head can be adjusted for multiple heights. The blade, guard, pedestal and base are all powder coated steel designed for years of worry free and durable operation. ETL listed and complies with OSHA requirements. Air King industrial grade pedestal fans are available in multiple sizes with and without oscillation to meet your air movement needs.
Motor:
99532, 99533: 3-speed, 1/4 HP, 120 Volt, 1 phase, totally enclosed, ball bearing, permanently lubricated, permanent split capacitor.
9170, 9175, 9171, 9174: 3-speed, 1/3 HP, 120 Volt, 1 phase, totally enclosed, ball bearing, permanently lubricated, permanent split capacitor.
9130, 9135, 9124, 9125: 3-speed, 1/4 HP, 120 Volt, 1 phase, totally enclosed, ball bearing, permanently lubricated, permanent split capacitor.
9420, 9418: 3-speed, 1/6 HP, 120 Volt, 1 phase, totally enclosed, ball bearing, permanently lubricated, permanent split capacitor.
Controls: Rear mounted rotary switch.
Power Cord: Black, 10 foot, 3-conductor, SJT type (models 9420, 9418 – 9 foot).
Coating: Blade, Guard, and Mounts are Powder coated steel for years of durable worry free operation.
Compliance: ETL, OSHA.
Oscillation: Fan oscillates 90° for widespread airflow. Fan head can also be locked into a non-oscillation position (models 9175, 9174, 9135 and 9125 only).
Directional Airflow: Pivoting action allows fan head to be adjusted and direct the airflow to the needed area.