Standard SmartFan AC Fan &
Motor Speed Control Products
Control Resources is a leading manufacturer of AC motor speed control products that control motors, fans or pumps for a variety of industry applications with current rating up to 18 amps. Our AC motor speed controls regulate motor speed based on inputs that include temperature, analog (0-20mA, 0-10VDC) signal or remote transducer control. Mounting options include DIN rail, open frame, with and without metal enclosures.
If you do not find a standard SmartFan® AC motor speed control to fit your specifications, we can customize an existing design or create a completely new design.
Control Resources is a smart choice:
- We have 400+ microprocessor-based and analog power electronics designs to our credit.
- We design and manufacture under one roof; and we only manufacture what we design.
- You’ll work with an engineer, not a salesperson.
- Our innovative Design Fee Assurance reduces your design costs while providing a buyout option.
When a DC fan or motor is available and DC power is available, nothing beats a DC control for energy savings, cost, size, safety or controllability. When circumstances do not permit the use of a DC fan or motor, CRI offers 3 AC motor speed control technologies to consider; TRIAC (voltage or phase control), VFD (Variable Frequency Drive), or ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor).
Standard SmartFan AC Fan & Motor Speed Control Products
| Model |
Current Rating (Amps) |
Motor Type |
Control Type |
RFI Filter |
Input Voltage Range (AC, Single Phase) |
|
|
4A @ 50ºC |
1 Phase or 3 Phase Inverter duty |
VFD |
No |
104 – 253 VAC |
||
|
7.5A @ 40ºC |
1 Phase TRIAC controllable induction motor |
TRIAC |
No |
95 – 250 VAC |
||
|
18A @ 65ºC |
1 Phase TRIAC controllable induction motor |
TRIAC |
No |
85 – 300 VAC |
||
|
N/A |
ECM |
ECM |
N/A |
22- 26 VAC |
||
|
Control Resources specializes in providing custom control and alarm products to cost-effectively meet your specific requirements. For more information visit our Custom SmartFan Controls and Alarms page. If you are not finding what you need, talk to one of our engineers. Email or call 978-486-4160. |
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Control Technology Overview: TRIAC, VFD & ECM AC Motor Speed Control
 |
TRIAC Control:If system cost is the number one concern, choosing an induction motor [Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) or Shaded Pole] and a compatible TRIAC control may be the way to go. TRIAC controls also tend to be more energy efficient at higher speeds than VFDs. Drawbacks of this technology include relatively high minimum speeds and potentially nonlinear control curve (input signal vs. motor speed). Please check out our AC Motor Compatibility page for an explanation of the TRIAC AC motor speed control motor requirements and risks. |
 |
VFD Control:Not all AC motors are TRIAC controllable. In many of these cases, an inverter duty motor can be successfully controlled with a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD). VFDs tend to be more energy efficient than TRIAC controls at lower speeds and can be run at lower speeds. Drawback to VFDs include, controller cost, size and potential bearing noise. Please check out our AC Motor Compatibility page for an explanation of the Variable Frequency Drive AC motor speed control motor requirements and risks. |
 |
ECM Control:In recent years, the availability of ECM motors has greatly increased. These are basically DC motors with built-in transformers allowing them to be powered from the AC line. As a result, these motors are the most energy efficient and easiest (inexpensive and accurate) to control. But of course there is no such thing as a free lunch. ECM motors can be pricey and are not always available in the size required. |
TRIAC, VFD & ECM AC Motor Speed Control Comparison
|
TRIAC / Phase |
Variable Frequency |
ECM |
|
| Energy Use |
Good* |
Good* |
Best |
| Controller Accuracy |
Good |
Better |
Best |
| Low Speed Capability (<50%) |
Good |
Better |
Best |
| Motor Availability |
Better |
Best |
Good |
| Induced Bearing Noise |
Better |
Good |
Best |
| Controller Size & Cost |
Better |
Good |
Best |
| Motor Cost |
Better |
Best |
Good |
*TRIACs are often more energy efficient at high speeds, Variable Frequency more efficient at low speeds.
Applications – TRIAC, Variable Frequency Drives, & ECM AC Motor Speed Control
Pump Control
SmartFan AC motor speed control products are capable of controlling small AC pumps.
Clean Room Pressurization
SmartFan AC motor speed control products can be used to help keep positive pressure in clean rooms.
Humidity Control
SmartFan AC motor speed control products can automatically regulate fan speed when connected to a humidity sensor.
VentilationSmartFan AC motor speed control products can be used in conjuction with a ceiling fan, attic ventilator or duct fan to remove hot air or noxious fumes.
Electronics CoolingSmartFan AC motor speed control products & DC motor speed control products can be used in electronics cooling applications to regulate air mover speed to control temperature and reduce acoustical noise.
ECM Motor Control
SmartFan Cirrus-ECM motor speed control can be used in HVAC applications to regulate air mover speed.
