AC Axial Fan

An AC axial fan runs straight from AC mains with no separate power supply or driver, which keeps it simple and well suited to 24/7 fixed-speed duty. A DC fan needs a 12V / 24V / 48V DC supply, is more efficient and supports PWM speed control. If you want mains input with speed control, consider an EC fan; see the full DC vs EC vs AC fan comparison.

A common estimate is: required airflow (CFM) ≈ 1.76 × heat load (W) ÷ allowed temperature rise (°C). For example, a 500W heat load with a 10°C allowed rise needs about 88 CFM. With filters or a dense enclosure, allow 1.5 to 2 times margin and check the operating point on the datasheet P-Q curve.

Shaded-pole motors are simple and low cost, suited to smaller, low-power fixed-speed cooling. Capacitor-run motors offer higher efficiency and starting torque, suited to larger frames and higher airflow (for example the MFC capacitor motor series). Send us your voltage, airflow target and environment and we will recommend a model.

No. The speed of an AC induction motor follows the supply frequency, so the same model usually runs faster and moves more air at 60Hz than at 50Hz. MAX FLOW AC axial fans support 50/60Hz; check the part-number table in each datasheet for speed, airflow and noise at each frequency.

Standard models are rated IP54 (splash resistant). IP55 versions (MF12038-IP55, MF17251-IP55) are available for dusty or humid outdoor cabinets and industrial sites.

Bearing life is 50,000+ hours (under datasheet test conditions). Motors are wound in-house and paired with salt-spray and heat resistant die-cast aluminum frames for continuous duty.