Electrical engineering knowledge required.

SamT

Moderator
Right - bit of an odd one that I'm sure some electrical boffin on here might be able to guide me on.

Just bought (off the internet from italy, so i don't expect any customer service) a rather nice and expensive cooker hood and had it fitted in our lovely now kitchen.  Get me.

It was chosen on the basis if it having a low noise rating compared to other fans.

On first trying it, we were blown away by the noise, its like a Hercules transporter plane taking off, on its lowest setting.  Instead of 1,2 3 on the power settings, it should be Hercules, Sea King, 747.

Its published dB was 52,  On its lowest setting, my App on my phone was measuring 75dB at 1m away (the level at which employers have to inform and train staff on the dangers of noise etc).

Building regs states that it should be pulling about 30l/s air flow.  Measured on the outlet outside it was pushing 65 odd l/s, so twice the rate it needs to be.

It cant really be replaced (built into kitchen) and as mentioned not expecting any kind of customer service.

So.....

I'm wondering if I can fit some sort of variable speed controller, in line to the motor, to turn the damn thing down. At the moment, we're just not using it as its too loud which makes it a very expensive, pretty, but ultimately useless addition to the kitchen.

attached are some pics showing some figures for the electric gubbins inside, but electrics is not my bag.
From googling, I expect the motor will be a brush less induction motor. Looks like there are two cables going to the motor.

Any clues as to whether or not this would be possible/feasible.
 

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beardedboy

Member
I am far from an electrical boffin, but I suspect that the fan will have a control panel. It looks like the fan is connected directly to the black box with sticker 991.03... in the middle photo. I'd pop that open and share a pic of what is inside.

The real boffins may then be able to help...
 

SamT

Moderator
Suspect you're right. There is obviously already some sort of electronic speed control (3 touch sensor buttons on the front).

Kinda thinking it would be easier to just slip a variable speed controller in line in the wire between that and the fan. then turn it down.  (so that the 3 buttons still work, but all at overall reduced rate).

I'm hoping the noise is predominantly down to air turbulence and that there might be some sort of dramatic drop off in noise with a small reduction in flow rate.

I'll have a look tonight.
 

Ian Ball

Well-known member
I've found the Italians to be pretty good when replying to queries in English for a machine we bought from their British supplier.  I would say it's worth asking them by email, and if they don't get in touch, you haven't lost much.
The English importer is based in Sheffield, Kitchen Ex, can't hurt calling them, unless they installed it?
One query I'd have is, do they sell an American 110V volt version?  It might not be set for running at 220V?


 

SamT

Moderator
Ian Ball said:
The English importer is based in Sheffield, Kitchen Ex, can't hurt calling them, unless they installed it?

Great spot Ian.  Mine was ordered over the web direct from italy (fraction of the cost).  I was going to call Faber support, not got round to it and not really expecting much help. However, if there is a sheffield based showroom then I'll definitely be calling round. Nice one!  (y)

One query I'd have is, do they sell an American 110V volt version?  It might not be set for running at 220V?

This had crossed my mind. It came with a 'euro' style plug fitted, and I'm assuming that its set at 220 for Italy/Europe.

 
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