More and more firefighting teams are choosing battery-powered fans to equip their firefighting trucks, both for their compact design and their autonomy in the field. But these are not the only reasons. So, why choose a firefighting battery ventilator? Why are they more and more used by fire stations all over the world?
They have a lightweight and compact design
They are designed to be carried by a single firefighter in order to be used as close as possible to the fire source. The battery fan is thus quickly and easily installed by a single person within the volume to be ventilated.
Some models, such as the LEADER BATFAN, are also equipped with a carrying harness (‘back carrying’ type backpack or ‘front’ if the firefighter is using Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) in order to distribute the load evenly and protect the backs of firefighters.
Compact, they are easily stored in the trunk of a vehicle. Two LEADER BATFANs occupy the same space as a single conventional ventilator.
They are autonomous
With battery-powered ventilators, you no longer need to search for an electrical outlet or need an electrical generator for your ventilation operations (although LEADER firefighting ventilators also work on electrical networks if necessary).
Only a few years ago, autonomy and power were a problem. Those days are over with the advent of lithium-ion batteries. Today, lithium-ion batteries are more powerful, have an excellent lifespan, recharge quickly and are lighter. However, they can be considered dangerous in certain environments and this is why LEADER has kept the BATFAN 45 blower/fan in its range, which is equipped with a Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery. This device with a battery can be transported without constraint in planes, submarines etc.
Swappable batteries to stay unplugged eternally
Working conditions are sometimes extreme and stressful: the intervention area is often smoky with almost zero visibility, temperatures are very high, there is a lot of noise. Firefighters have to act quickly, in gloves, in sometimes very small spaces.
Some battery-powered ventilators are equipped with swappable batteries that can be replaced during the ventilation operation in just a few seconds and without any tools.
No petrol-driven engine = no exhaust gas
Unlike thermal ventilators, battery ventilators can be used inside different volumes because they don’t emit exhaust gases. They can also be used for the rehabilitation of firefighters without any risk of CO poisoning.
They are quieter than petrol-driven ventilators
Battery ventilators have an electric motor that is quieter than a heat engine. The low noise level due to the electric motor facilitates operational communication during the response.
They are maintenance free
The electric blower does not require any oil change, does not include a timing belt, filters, spark plugs, mufflers, etc.
They are versatile
When paired with accessories, battery ventilators are more than just firefighting ventilators. For example, LEADER BATFAN portable ventilators can be used:
- in Positive Pressure Ventilation alone (PPV) or combined with other firefighting ventilators,
- in blowing or in extraction using ducts,
- as a generator of high-expansion foam (using a foam adapter)
- as a fogger (using a fog system adapter)
Ergonomic and easy to use
Once the battery is charged/installed in the fan and the battery ventilator is located in front of the opening, all you have to do is press the ‘On’ button and the firefighting fan is ready to work. There is no need to prime the fuel pump or pull a long length of electrical cable to find a power outlet.
LEADER, firefighting equipment manufacturer since 1985, offers a wide range of PPV battery fans. LEADER firefighting battery fans are entirely designed and manufactured in France (in Normandy) with the greatest care and with a high level of quality and performance.
They are all CE compliant and their flow rates are all AMCA 240 certified by official independent laboratories: AMCA – USA – Chicago, LOMC (Laboratoire Ondes et Milieux Complexes) FRANCE.
For more information about the LEADER BATFAN battery fan: visit the product page or watch the video
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