Oct. 3, 2012: HVLS Fan Research Recognized with Fire Protection Research Foundation Medal
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — A collaborative research project evaluating the effect of high volume, low speed (HVLS) commercial fans on the effectiveness of automatic sprinklers has been awarded the 2012 Fire Protection Research Foundation Medal. The research showed that these fans do not impact the performance of sprinkler systems.
Awarded by the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Research Foundation, the project, “High Volume/Low Speed Fans and Sprinkler Operation,” was a collaborative effort between HVLS manufacturers and insurer sponsors. Project participants included HVLS manufacturers MacroAir, Big Ass Fans, and Rite-Hite Fans; insurer sponsors included CNA Insurance, FM Global, Liberty Mutual, Travelers Insurance, Zurich Insurance, and XL Group. The medal was accepted during the NFPA Annual Conference by AON Fire Protection Engineering, which served as project contractor on behalf of the team. Industrial ceiling fans from Macro Air as well as the other above manufacturers provide both the reduction of carbon footprint and reduce operating costs.