Kenlowe Unifan Current draw

[trigolf]

Evening all,

Does anyone happen to know what the current draw on a) start up and b) running condition for a Kenlowe Unifan is please? I can't measure same on my mulitmeter as it only has a max 10A range and I suspect the it'll be higher than that!🤔

 

[Ian Foster]

Is there a wattage printed on the fan label?

Ian

[trigolf]

Hi Ian,

No. Label has long gone. I've tried 'tinternet, but can't find a spec.

[johny]

This site has instructions on fitting them with the required fuse sizes: markkinnon.com

[trigolf]

Found it, thanks Johny.

Gav

[Ian Foster]

1 hour ago, trigolf said:

Found it

And............!

[trigolf]

Ian, I'm revisiting the elec fan installation that I did 35 yrs ago. I followed the Kenlowe instructions at the time. They didn't include a relay in the kit, which I thought was a bit strange at the time. Anyway......time went on and I got engrossed in all the other jobs that needed doing, so sort of forgot about it! I'm completely rewiring the fit to include a relay and uprated wiring. 🙂

[Ian Foster]

2 hours ago, trigolf said:

I'm revisiting the elec fan installation that I did 35 yrs ago.

Is it a fan that is supplementary to the engine driven fan, or a stand-alone? I can't remember.

In either case I would wholeheartedly agree that a relay is required to reduce the load on the switch/sensor. Are you able to over-ride the temperature sensor (a useful feature)?

There are probably more modern fans that shift more air for the same amps, but if yours is working OK, then a revisit and improvement of the electrics will probably be more than adequate.

Ian

[trigolf]

Hi Ian,

Leccy fan only. It's a very tight squeeze with a Kenlowe, which still works fine. Even changing the fan belt is chalIenging! I would wary about replacing it with something newer, without seeing it fitted to a Vit. How many times have you been told ' oh yes it will fit', when clearly it won't! I still don't think Revotec have produced a proper kit ( with mounts) to fit a Vit yet. I've always had a manual o'ride switch, which has proved useful.

Gav

[SpitFire6]

On 05/03/2024 at 21:07, Ian Foster said:

Is there a wattage printed on the fan label?

Ian

Hi.
I am also really interested in the current draw as a lot of labelled fans are not quoting watts unless it's measuring voltage is greater than 15Volts.
OP, what amps did you measure?

Cheers,
Iain.

[trigolf]

I measured 11.2 amps initial 'start' current for about a sec. and 6.3 amps 'running'.

 

[micklewis]

what exact model fan do you have ?  what diameter ,? is it a puller or pusher ?  

there unifan range (NLA)  can run from 4 amps to 40 amps {running) depending on specification .

 

Kenlowe only supply fans to vehicle manufacturers/engineering companies and field replacements for existing specialist applications. KENLOWE no longer make or supply thermo electric fan packages for retrofit on individual cars for the automotive aftermarket.

[trigolf]

My Kenlowe Unifan is a model A, 12" fitted in 'puller' mode between rad and block. I got it from a scrapyard decades ago minus any paperwork. The reason I asked about current draw is that, according to the Kenlowe installation instuctions, they stated 'fit a 25A fuse' ! As you say, different models/diameters can draw much higher currents. I've always used a 12A fuse and it's still fine. At least I now know what my model draws.

[johny]

Those old model fans (1960s?) arent very powerful as electric motors have come on a long way since then so current readings taken sound right and the old Kenlowe mechanical thermostat switch was easily capable of switching it hence no relay was needed.

However the last of the Kenlowe fans available was a twin speed enclose unit that could be installed either side of the rad with no modification needed and they are powerful with a running current on high speed of greater than 20A. For that Kenlowe offered an electronic controller with twin relays incorporated in it...