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- Verified Buyer
This review is of the Vortex Powerfans VTX800 Vortex 747 CFM Powerfan, 8"In search of an 8" wind tunnel? Here it is. This thing is a beast! Realistically, it's a commercial/industrial product, and overkill for most residential applications. However, if you are like me, you enjoy going to extremes when you build things. If that sounds like you, read on.UNDERSTAND what you are buying before you purchase! I suspect most people who have posted negative reviews did so because this product did not meet their needs or expectations. In a nutshell, this fan is similar to FanTech's centrifugal fan design, however it is a modified centrifugal design. It incorporates reverse angled blades on the intake side and parallel fixed blades on the exhaust end, resulting in a tighter cone vs. typical centrifugal designs, and an air stream that more closely resembles the output of mixed use fan types. It is NOT a mixed flow fan. It doesn't have the parts nor the room internally to twist the air quite the way that mixed use fans do, but as I said it resembles mixed use fans in terms of how the Vortex VTX800 slightly modifies the air stream output at the exhaust point.NoiseRelatively quiet for a high-output centrifugal style fan. I would not call it, "quiet," but it's not a jet-engine either. Installed in an attic or another room, you should be fine for most uses if you are not running it on full power all the time. I don't have a sound meter, but I'd guesstimate ~50db at 1 meter. The air pushed by the fan also makes noise simply because you are creating a wind tunnel.Pros> Excellent build quality> 10-year warranty> Powerful output (rated 747 CFM may be an understatement, measured at the exhaust point)> AMCA Certified (Air Movement and Control Association International)> Solid, metal construction> Powder-coated, sealed metal surface (won't rust)> Stainless steel blades and other interior parts> Permanently sealed bearings> Noise> UL, ETL listedCons> NEMA-15 power cord (could be pro or con; for my use a con)> Permanently wiring requires re-wiring the device; unclear if that impacts warranty> Expensive compared with similar products (e.g. iPower is less than 1/2 the cost, but offers only 1-year warranty)Shipping & Packaging Comments> Amazon's fulfillment center shipped it double-boxed, which is good. Even though this is a very tough-built fan, lots of things are prone to damage in transit (especially if your products arrive via UPS)A number of compatible rheostats also sold on Amazon will allow you to adjust the fan speed in real-time, such as KB Electronics 8811012 Solid State Variable Speed AC Electric Motor Control, 5.0 Max amp, 115V, # K177-1005 for hard-wired installs, or Active Air ACSC Duct Fan Speed Adjuster if you'll be using the NEMA plug the fan comes with. Make sure any controller is rated for use with motors and supports at least 2 amps @ 120vac. These work by modulating the power provided to the fan. If you use one, you will need to experiment to determine the lowest input level of current before the fan stalls. Just above the stall point is your minimum setting. Where that is will vary based on the fan and the speed controller combination.Q: Why should I this when I can buy an iPower for less than 1/2 the price???A: Modified centrifugal type in-line duct fan means the Vortex VTX800 will do a better job of directing air flow further (straight line) versus a typical centrifugal fan. It's behavior more closely resembles a mixed use fan. Solid metal construction. No plastic. Heavy. Permanently sealed bearings. Very smooth bearing operation (no noise, little friction). Takes nearly 3 minutes for the blade to stop spinning after full power (wow)!Durability and 10-year warranty. To save money, buy the iPower in-line duct fan (which is centrifugal) for <1/2 the price . If you want a bulletproof fan, buy the Vortex.Word of CautionSome reviewers advise installing a grate at the intake. I strongly advise against doing that. If you have to worry about things getting sucked into this fan, you should probably reconsider using it. In the event something gets sucked up and either stuck inside or has potentially damaged the fan, it is easy to disassemble it (see photo with screws on side of the case).
