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Customer Service at 1-877-BIG-FANS. Did a structural engineer approve the mounting structure? See page 7 for Big Ass Fans approved mounting structures. Do you have the correct safety cable? Are you familiar with its purpose? See page 19 for information on properly securing the safety cable.
CAUTION: Exercise caution and common sense when powering the fan. Do not connect the fan to a damaged or hazardous power source. Do not attempt to resolve electrical malfunctions or failures on your own. Contact Big Ass Fans at 1-877-BIG- FANS if you have any questions regarding the electrical installation of this fan.
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ATTENTION : Faites preuve de prudence et de bon sens lors de la mise en marche du ventilateur. Ne pas brancher le ventilateur à une source d’alimentation endommagée ou dangereuse. Ne pas tenter de résoudre de vous-même des dysfonctionnements ou pannes électriques. Contactez Big Ass Fans au 1-877-BIG-FANS si vous avez des questions concernant l’installation électrique de ce ventilateur.
8’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 10’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Contents Introduction Safety Instructions Mounting Reference Guide Thank You About Big Ass Fans Pre-Installation About This Fan What’s in the Box Parts Included Tools Needed Understanding Roof Pitch Fan Diagram Preparing the Work Site Mounting Structure: 1.
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® ® 8’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 10’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Additional Input Power Delta Secondary Considerations Branch Circuit Protection Operating the Fan Heating Season Cooling Season Preventive Maintenance Annual Preventive Maintenance General Preventive Maintenance Annual Maintenance Checklist Troubleshooting Cutting the Extension Tube General Troubleshooting Troubleshooting the Fan Controller Warranty Return...
Who we are and what we do Big Ass Fans has been the preeminent manufacturer of large-diameter, low-speed fans since 1999. With a worldwide presence and located in beautiful Lexington, KY, we research, design, and manufacture the most effective air movement solutions on the market.
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Pre-Installation About this fan Powerfoil ® Controller Nominal Maximum full load Suggested Motor size, Gear Minimum required Power Airfoil rated HP output motor current distance size HP (kW) ratio supply circuit size consumption length (kW)
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Pre-Installation (cont.) About this fan (cont.) Motor Reduction gear 1 to 2 HP motor Concentric Helical Gear Reducer NEMA Design B Gear Hardened to 58-62 Rockwell C 1725 RPM Double seals keep oil in and contaminants out 60Hz, 3-phase Lubricated for life with synthetic oil Insulation: Class F...
2. Guy wires are designed to constrain fan’s lateral movement and are only included in some fan packages. Big Ass Fans recommends using guy wires if the if the fan’s extension tube is 4 ft or longer, Guy Wire hardware is bagged separately from hardware boards.
If you are uncertain of your roof pitch or do not have the correct mount to properly hang your fan, consult a structural engineer or contact Big Ass Fans Customer Service at 1-877-BIG-FANS.
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Pre-Installation (cont.) Fan diagram A. Safety Cable. A redundant safety feature that secures the fan to the mounting structure. B. Upper Yoke. Secures the fan to the mounting structure and allows the fan to adjust its center of gravity. Note: The upper yoke may differ from the illustration below.
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Pre-Installation (cont.) Preparing the work site Before beginning installation, review the mechanical and electrical installation guidelines below. Mechanical installation ® A 24-ft (7.3 m) Powerfoil 8 fan (largest model) weighs, at maximum, 415 lbs (188 kg). A suitable means for lifting the weight of the fan, such as a scissor lift, and at least two installation personnel will be required.
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® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Pre-Installation (cont.) Préparation du lieu de travail Avant de procéder à la pose, bien lire les directives concernant l’installation mécanique et électrique ci-dessous. Installation mécanique ® Un ventilateur Powerfoil 8 de 7,3 m (le plus grand modèle) pèse au maximum 188 kg. Il est nécessaire d’utiliser un dispositif adapté pour soulever le ventilateur (p.
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® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Pre-Installation (cont.) to the low pressure area above the fan where creates a convection-like air current that gathers momentum. Once this current is established, the fan begins to move air outside of the current, escalating its cooling effects.
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® 8Plus a much broader pattern. When planning fan placement, consider the Powerfoil 8 Plus fan’s larger coverage area. Note: Powerfoil Plus winglets are optional and may not be included in your fan order. Below are some techniques that make a dramatic difference in congested areas of your facility. Treat air like water, and scoop, direct, and channel it to where it is needed most.
8PLUS Mounting Structure: I-Beam Big Ass Fans can only be hung from an I-beam or bar joists. See page 13 for bar joist mounting instructions. Consult a structural engineer for installation methods not covered in this manual. WARNING: The fan should not be installed unless the structure on which the fan is to be mounted is of sound construction, undamaged, and capable of supporting the loads of the fan and its method of mounting.
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Mounting Structure: I-Beam (cont.) 2. Attach the upper yoke (to I-beam) Secure the upper yoke to the I-beam with the Beam Clip Hardware as shown. Tighten the bolts to 40 ft·lb (54.2 N·m) using a torque wrench and 3/4”...
8PLUS Mounting Structure: Bar Joists Big Ass Fans can only be hung from an I-beam or bar joists. See page 11 for I-beam mounting instructions. Consult a structural engineer for installation methods not covered in this manual. WARNING: The fan should not be installed unless the structure on which the fan is to be mounted is of sound construction, undamaged, and capable of supporting the loads of the fan and its method of mounting.
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Mounting Structure: Bar Joists (cont.) 2. Pre-drill angle irons mounting structure. Drill two Ø9/16”(1.4 cm) holes exactly 5-3/8” (13.7 cm) apart in the centers of two angle irons. Measure the distance between the mounting points of the roof structure that the angle irons will span. Measure the same distance on the angle irons and drill Ø9/16”...
Fasten the angle irons to the roof structure mounting points at each end with customer-supplied Grade 8 hardware as shown. Do not Big Ass Fans recommends orienting the angle irons so that the horizontal legs are facing each other (or the vertical legs are on the outside).
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Mounting Structure: Bar Joists (cont.) 4b. Fasten double angle irons to roof structure mounting points Fasten the angle irons to the roof structure mounting points at each end with customer-supplied Grade 8 hardware as shown. The angle irons with fan mounting holes should be positioned on the inside, facing each other.
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Mounting Structure: Bar Joists (cont.) 5a. Attach upper yoke (to angle irons) If the fan will be directly mounted to the angle irons, skip this step and proceed to step 5b. Secure the upper yoke directly to the angle irons with the Upper Yoke Hardware as shown. The angle irons should be aligned with the outermost holes of the upper yoke.
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Mounting Structure: Bar Joists (cont.) 5b. Attach main fan unit (to angle irons) ® CAUTION: The main fan unit is heavy. Use caution when raising it. A 24-ft (7.3 m) Powerfoil 8 fan weighs, at maximum, 415 lbs (188 kg).
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Hanging the Fan 1. Attach extension tube (to upper yoke) Fasten the extension tube to the upper yoke with the Extension Tube Hardware as shown. Ensure the extension tube is hanging plumb to the ground, and then tighten the hardware so that it is snug, but not fully tightened.
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Hanging the Fan (cont.) 3. Attach lower yoke (to extension tube) Attach the lower yoke to the bottom of the extension tube with the Lower Yoke Hardware as shown. Tighten the hardware so that it is snug, but not fully tightened. Lower Yoke Hardware (BAF-Supplied): a.
If guy wires are needed and were not included with your fan order, contact Big Ass Fans Customer Service at 1-877-BIG-FANS. WARNING: Disconnect power to the fan before installing the guy wires.
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Installing Guy Wires (cont.) 3. Route guy wire through Gripple ® Route the guy wire through the Gripple, the carabiner on the fan, and then back through the Gripple as shown. Do not tighten the Gripple until the remaining guy wires have been installed.
8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Installing Airfoils Big Ass Fans recommends completing electrical installation (p. 25) before installing the airfoils. WARNING: Disconnect power to the fan before installing the airfoils. AVERTISSEMENT : Débranchez l’alimentation du ventilateur avant de replacer les hélices.
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® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Installing the Hub Cover WARNING: Disconnect power to the fan before installing the hub cover. AVERTISSEMENT : Débranchez l’alimentation du ventilateur avant de replacer le couvercle du moyeu. Attach the hub cover to the hub with the Hub Cover Hardware. Hub Cover Hardware: (4) 8-32 x 3/8”...
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WARNING: Exercise caution and common sense when powering the fan. Do not connect the fan to a damaged or hazardous power source. Do not attempt to resolve electrical malfunctions or failures on your own. Contact Big Ass Fans at 1-877-BIG-FANS if you have any questions regarding the electrical installation of this fan.
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Electrical Installation (cont.) If you are installing an onboard variable frequency drive (VFD), ensure you route the power wiring to the fan location. Electrical installation overview The electrical installation section is intended for a professional electrician. If you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with installing electrical components, do not attempt to install the fan without an electrician.
Big Ass Fans controllers rely on “motor feedback” through the cabling to sense motor speed, slip, etc.
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® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Electrical Installation (cont.) Power wiring guidelines (cont.) WARNING: To avoid a possible shock hazard and/or nuisance tripping caused by induced voltages, unused wires in the conduit must be grounded at both ends. For the same reason, fan controller output wires should not share a conduit with another fan controllers output leads, or other power circuits (lighting, motors, etc.).
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Electrical Installation (cont.) Grounding Ass Fans. Due to high frequency content on the output side of the fan controller, measures must be taken to ensure that all grounding connections conform to the recommendations made in this section. The fan controller’s safety ground (PE) must be connected to system ground.
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Electrical Installation (cont.) Installing the Electronic Programming Module (EPM) If hanging multiple fans, ensure to install the exact EPM included in each fan’s packaging. EPMs are not interchangeable! CAUTION: Install the EPM prior to applying power to the fan controller! AVERTISSEMENT : Installer les MPE avant la mise sous tension du ventilateur.
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Electrical Installation (cont.) Wiring: ESFR (Early Suppression Fast Response) WARNING: Wait three minutes after disconnecting before servicing! should perform the installation. AVERTISSEMENT : Attendez trois minutes après avoir débranché avant d’utiliser le regulateur ! AVERTISSEMENT : Une installation incorrecte peut provoquer un choc électrique ou endommager le moteur et le ATTENTION: If installing the fan in the United States, the fan must be installed per the following National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines:...
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® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Electrical Installation (cont.) Wiring: 100–125V/200–250V single-phase fan controllers WARNING: Wait three minutes after disconnecting before servicing! should perform the installation. AVERTISSEMENT : Attendez trois minutes après avoir débranché avant d’utiliser le regulateur ! AVERTISSEMENT : Une installation incorrecte peut provoquer un choc électrique ou endommager le moteur et le The neutral terminal is not used when wiring the fan filter are included with this fan controller.
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® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Electrical Installation (cont.) Wiring: 200–250V three-phase fan controllers WARNING: Wait three minutes after disconnecting before servicing! should perform the installation. AVERTISSEMENT : Attendez trois minutes après avoir débranché avant d’utiliser le regulateur ! AVERTISSEMENT : Une installation incorrecte peut provoquer un choc électrique ou endommager le moteur et le A disconnect is included with the fan controller for fan controller.
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® 8 fans in Canada, of two options to avoid damage to the motor: The motors used for Powerfoil 8 fans are rated per level of the motor insulation system, resulting in a motor insulation breakdown and subsequent motor failure.
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Electrical Installation (cont.) Daisy chaining WARNING: Wait three minutes after disconnecting before servicing! AVERTISSEMENT : Attendez trois minutes après avoir débranché avant d’utiliser le regulateur ! The following illustrations and parameter changes enable daisy chaining of the Powerfoil ®...
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® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Electrical Installation (cont.) blocks require ring terminals and a 7 mm nut driver for termination. The diagrams below include L2 and L3 swap to yield proper motor rotation. Note: Swapping leads to reverse rotation is done only on the output side of the drive. Low Voltage High Voltage BLUE...
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Electrical Installation (cont.) Operating the fan controller WARNING: The following startup procedures apply to standard model controllers. Procedures may vary depending on installation options and system automation. The installer should verify proper wiring, terminations, and proper voltage AVERTISSEMENT : Les procédures de démarrage suivantes s’appliquent aux régulateurs des modèles standard.
Additional Input Power Considerations Controllers damaged by any of the conditions mentioned below may not be covered by Big Ass Fans warranty policy. This section points out additional requirements that may be needed for the fan system to operate properly. To encourage a trouble-free fan system, additional input considerations should be addressed prior to installation.
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Additional Input Power Considerations (cont.) Branch circuit protection CAUTION: Fan controllers may not be daisy chained on a branch circuit without providing either one fused disconnect or circuit breaker per controller. ATTENTION : Ne pas monter en série les régulateurs sur un circuit de dérivation sans les doter soit d’un sectionneur à fusible soit d’un disjoncteur par régulateur.
The Powerfoil ® fan should be operated continuously during the heating season and should not be operated in reverse (clockwise). Big Ass Fans are Adjust the fan speed to the appropriate starting fan speed listed in the table below. Floor-to-ceiling height (ft)
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Preventive Maintenance appliance from the power supply before servicing. WARNING: Before servicing or cleaning unit, switch power off at service panel and lock the service disconnecting means to prevent power from being switched on accidentally. When the service disconnecting means cannot be locked, securely fasten a prominent warning device to the service panel, such as a tag.
Annual Maintenance Checklist Fan Model: Fan Model: Fan Model: Serial #: Serial #: Serial #: Location: Location: Location: Date Initials Date Initials Date Initials...
(39.3 N·m). If the popping still occurs, verify that the airfoils are not contacting each Airfoil noise comes from airfoils that are other. If they are, contact Big Ass Fans Customer Service at 1-877-BIG-FANS. The fan will not start. Make sure that all wires are securely connected.
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Troubleshooting (cont.) Troubleshooting the fan controller Some controller issues can be resolved before requesting service. Review the below warning and fault messages before contacting Customer Service for support. Status and warning messages Message Description EPM Contains Earlier Firmware Version...
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® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Troubleshooting (cont.) Fault messages (cont.) Message Description Incompatible EPM fault Drive hardware error Cycle power, and then reprogram EPM. If the fault will not clear, replace the drive and EPM. External fault Digital input programmed for this feature has been energized/de-energized depending on programming.
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® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Troubleshooting (cont.) Review the diagnostics below before contacting Customer Service for support. Setting Run screen display Fault History N = 1–8 xxx = Fault code Software Version Drive ID Internal Code (x.yz) DC Buss Voltage RMS Equivalent Motor Voltage at Drive Output Terminals Motor Load...
Replacement of products under warranty acknowledgment & return instructions If you believe a part failed during normal operation and is covered under warranty, Big Ass Fans will ship a replacement part to you pursuant to your notice that you will be replacing the original part within 10 days. The replacement part will be shipped to you prior to our receipt of the item that failed, and prior to our evaluation of this part to determine the reasons for its failure and whether it is covered under warranty.
® ® 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8, 12’–24’ POWERFOIL 8PLUS Warranty Return Instructions (cont.) Warranty claim form instructions 1. Complete Warranty Claim Form and Responsibility Agreement and fax them to 859-967-1695, Attn: Customer Service. These pages will be faxed back to you for your records. The Warranty Claim Form will include our acknowledgment and a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number.
800 Winchester Road Lexington, KY 40505 Phone: 1-877-BIG-FANS Fax: (859) 967-1695 Warranty Claim Form www.bigassfans.com Name (print): Signature: Company: Shipping Address: City/State/ZIP: Phone: Fax: Date of Items Returned: Purchase: Reason(s) for Returning Item (please provide detail, including length of time after fan had been in operation that problem was noticed, nature of problem, any attempts you made to remedy the problem, etc.): Ass Fan Company Customer Service Department.
800 Winchester Road Lexington, KY 40505 Phone: 1-877-BIG-FANS Fax: (859) 967-1695 Responsibility Agreement www.bigassfans.com To: Big Ass Fan Company The undersigned understands and acknowledges receipt of the Warranty Claim Form and Instructions and agrees that Big Ass Fan Company (“Big Ass merchandise should be replaced at no cost under Big Ass Fan Company’s stated warranty policy.
2348 Innovation Drive Lexington, KY 40511 Phone: 1-877-BIG-FANS Check-In Procedure Fax: (859) 967-1695 www.bigassfans.com (for Big Ass ATTENTION: These items must be completed prior to any additional installation crew members entering jobsite or any installation material being unloaded. Date: Company: Job Name: Address: Purchase Order No.:...
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Check-In Procedure (cont.) (for Big Ass National Fire Protection Association Standard In accordance with NFPA 13 Standard from the National Fire Prevention Association as referenced in sections 12.1.4 and 11.1.7: High The maximum fan diameter shall be 24 feet (7.3 m). The fan shall be approximately centered between four adjacent sprinklers.
2348 Innovation Drive Lexington, KY 40511 Phone: 1-877-BIG-FANS Close-Out Procedure Fax: (859) 967-1695 www.bigassfans.com (for Big Ass Date: Company: Job Name: Address: Purchase Order No.: City/State/ZIP: Contact Name: Phone: E-mail: The installation is complete and on time in accordance with the original Check-In document. If not, explain: Conduit runs are installed in accordance with the Check-In document, Scope of Work, and Layout.
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Close-Out Procedure (cont.) (for Big Ass National Fire Protection Association Standard In accordance with NFPA 13 Standard from the National Fire Prevention Association as referenced in sections 12.1.4 and 11.1.7: High The maximum fan diameter shall be 24 feet (7.3 m). The fan shall be approximately centered between four adjacent sprinklers.
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*002782-01* 002782-01 2348 Innovation Drive, Lexington, KY 40511...