Fan guards are a type of wire form that can be placed over any type of fan for safety purposes. Fan guards protect people from accidental injury by providing a physical barrier between the fan’s spinning blades and the surrounding area. They can also be called fan covers, fan blade guards, or finger guards. In addition to providing protective coverage, fan guards may provide noise reduction and improved airflow. Some fan guards can even improve energy efficiency.
To manufacture a fan guard, different kinds of metal wire, made of stainless steel or bright basic steel, are typically resistance or arc welded into a variety of shapes, from circular to rectangular to custom configurations and sizes depending on their intended use. Protective finishes may then be applied to the finished product, including chrome plating, zinc plating, powder coating and UV-resistant polyester or urethane finishes. Fan guards typically have an outer ring, concentric ribs and a mounting hole in the center and/or some type of brackets or fasteners around the outside to mount them to the fan or motor. They may be flat, domed and with flat or bowed sides, in addition to custom shapes and configurations. They are often used in conjunction with HVAC motor mounts.
Fan guards are essential for safety. They are manufactured in a wide range of sizes and configurations, and may be made of steel or other metals. In addition, fan guards can be anodized, painted and finished in different ways to suit the application and for cosmetic purposes. For example, for exterior or outside fan guards made of metal, a waterproof coating or other finish can help to prevent rust, oxidation and degradation of the materials over time from exposure to the elements. These fan accessories may also be plated or powder coated to protect against wear and corrosion. For fans used outside, urethane or polyester can provide resistance to UV rays and prevent materials degradation. Cosmetic finishes include nickel chrome, black or virtually any color.
Fan guards are used for many different applications that involve a fan. These applications include automotive engines, ventilation, heating, air conditioning systems, and large-scale industrial applications. Other examples include cooling towers, refrigeration unit fans, duct fans, exhaust fans, air conditioners, computers and other electronic products. In HVAC applications, fan guards maximize the flow of air to ensure effective cooling, heating and/or ventilation. Another common application is in electronic products that contain one or more fans to cool different motorized parts. Fan guards are often necessary in commercial and industrial settings to ensure compliance with safety regulations, such as those mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Most manufacturers stock a range of sizes and configurations and can also custom make virtually any size or shape of fan guard.