Is your fan safe?

In 2011, the IDEC (Brazilian Institute for Consumer Protection) presented a study on safety, seeing that this cheaper way of cooling off is a consumer good widely used worldwide.

The most significant risks pointed out are the contact with the propellers and the oscillation mechanism (which allows the device to move), which is permitted by gaps with enough space for an adult finger to enter.

“Accidents resulting from such failures can easily happen if the consumer tries to adjust the device while moving, and the consequences can be serious injuries.” “These problems represent a real risk in the use of the product for the consumer, children, and pets,” warns electrical engineer Marcos Pó, technical advisor at Idec and responsible for the research.

Source: https://idec.org.br/em-acao/em-foco/ventiladores-tem-problemas-de-seguranca-revela-teste-do-idec

With this, Inmetro complied with these assessments and made mandatory the Ordinance No. 20 of January 18, 2012. This way, all table fans, wall fans, pedestal fans, air circulators, or devices sold for this purpose shall undergo a certification process.

The manufacturer or importer shall apply for an OCP, such as the NCC, and, among other information, the products shall undergo safety and thermal performance tests.

For safety, see the tests that the fans shall meet:

 

Marking and Instructions;

Protection against access to live parts;

Absorbed power and current;

Heating;

Leakage current and withstand voltage at operating temperature;

Transient overvoltages;

Moisture resistance;

Leakage current and withstand voltage;

Overload protection of transformers and associated circuits;

Operation in abnormal condition;

Stability and mechanical risks;

Mechanical resistance;

Construction;

Internal wiring;

Components;

Power connection and external flexible cords;

Terminals for external conductors;

Grounding provision;

Screws and connections;

Drainage distances, separation distances, and solid separation;

Resistance to heat and fire;

Rust resistance;

Radiation, toxicity and similar hazards.

 

When fans have propeller diameters of less than 26 cm, they do not undergo energy efficiency tests, so you can look for a label like the one below, guaranteeing that your product has passed the tests mentioned above:

Suppose the fan has propeller diameters equal to or greater than twenty-six centimeters (26 cm), with a tolerance of one centimeter (1 cm) for less, or equal to and less than sixty centimeters (60 cm), with a tolerance of one centimeter (1 cm) for more. In that case, they shall meet the safety and energy efficiency requirements, so look for the ENCE label according to the model below; it will be attached to the product:

See that the ENCE label shows the performance assessment is done by type of speed. It also presents the energy consumption in kWh/month, energy efficiency, flow (how much air is ventilated per m3/s), propeller diameter, and grid diameter.

This is all assessed by NCC professionals who indicate to manufacturers/importers which correct data shall be entered on the label in addition to any technical evaluation of the product as determined in the ordinance.

Suppose you are interested in purchasing a ventilator. In that case, you shall assess and compare this label to obtain the most suitable ventilator. Knowing that your product has one of the above labels, you are ensuring your safety and that of your family and better energy efficiency.

Material subject to amendment(s) in case of change in the ordinance(s). Published: 11.10.20