Fan arrays are essential components of HVAC systems, providing the necessary airflow to keep buildings comfortable and safe. These systems help regulate indoor temperatures, prevent the buildup of harmful gases and pollutants, and maintain healthy air quality. However, fan arrays can become less efficient or even fail over time, necessitating replacement or repair. As a leading manufacturer of fan arrays, Mainstream offers a suggested scope of work for a fan array installation that will ensure a smooth and efficient process.
The first step in the fan array installation process is coordinating with the facility to ensure that the fan and fire alarm systems are properly shut down and disconnected as necessary. This is crucial to ensure the safety of the installation team and the building’s occupants. Proper coordination can help minimize disruption to daily operations and avoid any safety hazards.
The next step is disconnecting the main power and any control input wiring from the existing fan array. The installation team will then remove the existing fan wheels, motor, bearings, mounts, inertia pads, and access panels. This step may involve cutting new access doors in the air handling unit (AHU) to improve accessibility and ease of future maintenance.
Once the demolition of the existing fan array is complete, new fan array cubes or bulkheads provided by Mainstream will be installed into the existing fan section. The installation team will pay close attention to the portion of the fan section under positive pressure to ensure that it is properly sealed and secured.
Safing and sealing the fan section around the cubes using sheet metal and sealant is an important step to prevent air leakage. Proper sealing helps maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of the fan array. The fan cabinet panels will then be re-installed as necessary.
Once the fan section is secured and sealed, the new fan controller will be mounted to the side of the fan section. The installation team will then run the fan’s main wiring from the fans to the control panel and connect it to the terminal strips. For added convenience, Mainstream can provide pre-wired whips for the fans.
After the new fan control panel is connected to the main power and tied into the included disconnect, the speed signal from the Building Management System (BMS) and BACNet cabling (if applicable) will be re-connected. The installation team will then test the new fan array to ensure it is working correctly.
Finally, the smoke detector/fire alarm shutdown will be re-connected and installed in coordination with the facility. This is a critical step in ensuring the safety and well-being of the building’s occupants.
It’s important to note that a fan array installation is a complex process that requires the expertise of a trusted and experienced manufacturer like Mainstream. Our suggested scope of work ensures a smooth and efficient installation, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of the building’s occupants. By choosing Mainstream, you can trust that your fan array installation will be done right the first time.
The number of installation hours on any given project will depend on various factors such as the level of difficulty for rigging the new fans up to the area where they are being installed, the level of difficulty for demolition of the existing fan, and whether new power feed from a panel in a remote location is required. Any of these items can be just a few hours of work or days of work with a crew. This variability is one of the significant challenges in fan array installation as contractors may lack experience doing these installations, resulting in high conservative pricing and high installation costs.
19-Step Fan Array Installation Scope of Work Checklist
This list covers all aspects of a fan array installation, from the initial coordination with the facility to the final training and documentation, ensuring a smooth and efficient installation while also ensuring the safety and well-being of the building’s occupants.
- Coordinate with the facility to determine if any permits or inspections are required for the installation process, and obtain them if necessary.
- Coordinate fan/fire alarm shutdown/disconnection as necessary with facility.
- Disconnect main power and any control input wiring.
- Remove fan access panels, demolish and discard existing fan wheels, motor, bearings, mounts, inertia pads, etc.
- Assess the condition of the existing ductwork and make any necessary repairs or replacements to ensure proper airflow.
- Install access doors if needed to fan section.
- Bring new fan array cubes or bulkheads and install them into the existing fan section.
- Install vibration isolators to minimize noise and vibration from the fan array.
- Install any necessary insulation or sound attenuators to reduce noise from the fan array.
- Safing and seal fan section around the cubes using sheet metal and sealant. Pay particular attention to the portion of the fan section that is positive pressure.
- Re-install cabinet panels as necessary.
- Mount new fan control panel, connect wiring (or pre-wired whips) from panel out to each fan.
- Re-connect power wiring to Disconnect switch, speed signal from BMS and BACNet cabling (if applicable).
- Conduct a final inspection of the fan array installation to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and regulations.
- Re-connect/install smoke detector/fire alarm shutdown in coordination with facility.
- Startup – fans can be run in Local control mode if needed while control wiring is being completed.
- Provide training to facility staff on how to properly operate and maintain the new fan array.
- Provide documentation of the fan array installation, including wiring diagrams, control panel drawings, and any necessary equipment manuals.
- Schedule a follow-up visit to the facility to ensure the fan array is operating properly and address any issues or concerns that may arise.
We understand the importance of a successful fan array installation and the impact it can have on the comfort and well-being of a building’s occupants. Our suggested scope of work provides a roadmap for a smooth and efficient installation process, while also ensuring the safety of those involved.
When you choose Mainstream, you can be confident that you are partnering with a trusted and experienced manufacturer that has your best interests in mind.
So why wait? Contact Mainstream today to learn more about our fan array installation services and how we can help you achieve your goals. With our expertise and commitment to quality, you can trust that your installation will be done right the first time. Let’s work together to bring comfort and efficiency to your building.
