Centrifugal Fan Belt Guard

The belt and sheave assembly that rotates between the motor and fan shaft in a belt-drive centrifugal fan is a hazard that no facility can legally leave unprotected. A Centrifugal Fan Belt Guard blocks exactly this danger area. It physically surrounds the drive section in such a way that no hand, tool or loose clothing can accidentally pass near the belt and pulley junction or nip point. The laws or regulations on machine guarding are very clear in this regard:

1. The openings or gaps in the guard must be small enough to prevent contact with any moving or rotating parts inside.

2. The guard must be firmly attached during fan operation (normal operation).

3. The guard itself should not create any new hazards. For example, its edges should not be excessively sharp or it should not obstruct the view of the interior during maintenance and inspection.

The size of the guard is not based on generic enclosure sizes but rather is based entirely on the actual geometry or structure of the drive. Typically, the coverage above and to the sides of the guard is at least one-quarter wider than the belt. Additionally, according to the Mechanical Power-Transmission Guidelines, any rotating part below seven feet from the floor must be covered with a guard with an opening no larger than half an inch. The guards are mainly made of galvanized wire mesh or perforated steel panels to the dimensions of the pulleys and belts. This makes the drive completely safe for workers and since air circulates through the mesh gaps, there is no heat buildup inside during continuous operation. A properly designed Centrifugal Fan Belt Guard must have a hinged or removable panel. This makes it easy to tension the belt, check alignment or change sheaves without the hassle of opening and disassembling the entire guard.