Splash Proof Fan Selection Guide: Differences Between Axial, Centrifugal, Blower and ACDC Fans

As outdoor equipment, renewable energy systems, EV chargers, telecommunications infrastructure, and industrial automation equipment continue to evolve, cooling systems are facing increasingly demanding environmental conditions.

In many applications, cooling fans are exposed to rain, dust, humidity, condensation, and other harsh environmental factors. Therefore, conventional cooling fans may struggle to maintain long-term reliability and performance.

To address these challenges, SANYO DENKI offers a comprehensive lineup of San Ace Splash Proof Fans, including:

• Axial Splash Proof Fans

• Splash Proof Centrifugal Fans

• Splash Proof Blowers

• Splash Proof ACDC Fans

Although all of these products provide excellent water and dust resistance, their airflow characteristics, static pressure performance, installation requirements, and application scenarios differ significantly.

This article explains the key differences between these four types of Splash Proof Fans and helps engineers select the most suitable solution for their equipment.

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What Is a Splash Proof Fan?

A Splash Proof Fan is a cooling fan specifically designed for environments where exposure to water, moisture, dust, or condensation is expected.

To prevent water and dust ingress, the motor windings and electronic components are protected by resin coating and sealing technologies. This structure helps maintain stable operation even in harsh outdoor or industrial environments.

Compared with conventional cooling fans, Splash Proof Fans offer:

✔ Enhanced reliability

✔ Improved environmental resistance

✔ Longer service life

✔ Reduced maintenance requirements

Typical applications include:

• PV inverters

• Energy storage systems

• EV charging stations

• Outdoor telecommunications equipment

• Digital signage

• Industrial control cabinets

• Refrigerated showcases

• Plant cultivation systems

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Understanding IP Protection Ratings

The waterproof and dustproof performance of Splash Proof Fans is defined by the IEC 60529 Ingress Protection (IP) Code.

IP Rating	Dust Protection	Water Protection
IP54	Limited dust ingress allowed	Protection against splashing water
IP55	Limited dust ingress allowed	Protection against low-pressure water jets
IP56	Limited dust ingress allowed	Protection against high-pressure water jets
IP68	Complete dust protection	Protection against continuous immersion

Among these ratings, IP68 provides the highest level of protection commonly available for industrial cooling fans.

IPX8 Test Requirements

For SANYO DENKI Splash Proof Fans:

• The fan is submerged in water equivalent to a depth of 2 meters for 60 minutes while powered off.

• The fan is then operated at rated voltage for 15 minutes in free air.

After testing:

• No degradation of dielectric strength is permitted.

• No deterioration of fan characteristics is allowed.

This demonstrates exceptional reliability in severe environmental conditions.

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1. Axial Splash Proof Fan

Operating Principle

An axial fan moves air parallel to the rotational axis of the fan.

Air enters and exits in the same direction as the shaft, making axial fans the most common type of cooling fan.

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Key Features

High Airflow Performance

Axial fans are designed to move large volumes of air efficiently.

IP54, IP55, and IP68 Protection Ratings

Suitable for a wide range of outdoor and industrial environments.

Long Life Expectancy

Selected models offer an expected service life of up to:

180,000 hours (approximately 20 years)

under specified operating conditions.

PWM Speed Control

PWM-compatible models allow fan speed adjustment according to thermal requirements, reducing:

• Power consumption

• Noise

• Wear

Sensor Options

Available options include:

• Pulse sensors for speed monitoring

• Locked-rotor sensors for fault detection

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Typical Applications

• PV inverters

• Energy storage systems

• EV chargers

• Industrial power supplies

• Outdoor communication equipment

• Battery cabinets

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Recommended When

Choose an Axial Splash Proof Fan when:

✔ High airflow is required

✔ Installation space is relatively open

✔ Energy efficiency and reliability are priorities

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2. Splash Proof Centrifugal Fan

Operating Principle

A centrifugal fan draws air into the center of the impeller and discharges it radially, perpendicular to the inlet direction.

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Key Features

High Airflow and High Static Pressure

Compared with axial fans, centrifugal fans generate significantly higher static pressure.

This makes them suitable for:

• Restricted spaces

• Complex airflow paths

• High airflow resistance systems

Excellent Water and Dust Resistance

Available with:

• IP54

• IP56

• IP68

protection ratings.

PWM Speed Control

Remote fan speed control can be achieved without changing the input voltage, enabling:

• Intelligent thermal management

• Noise reduction

• Energy savings

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Typical Applications

• Cellular base stations

• Outdoor communication cabinets

• Heat exchangers

• Digital signage

• Energy storage cabinets

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Recommended When

Choose a Splash Proof Centrifugal Fan when:

✔ Airflow resistance is high

✔ Space is limited

✔ Higher static pressure is required

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3. Splash Proof Blower

Operating Principle

A blower draws air axially and discharges it at approximately 90 degrees to the intake direction.

Unlike conventional axial fans, blowers naturally redirect airflow without requiring additional ductwork.

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Key Features

Very High Static Pressure

Among the four fan categories, blowers typically provide the highest static pressure.

This makes them ideal for:

• Narrow airflow channels

• Dense heat sinks

• Long airflow paths

IP68 Water and Dust Resistance

Provides complete dust protection and immersion resistance.

No External Duct Required

The built-in airflow redirection capability helps reduce overall equipment size.

Low Noise Design

Optimized impeller and frame designs enable:

• High static pressure

• Low acoustic noise

simultaneously.

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Typical Applications

• Servers

• AI computing equipment

• Telecommunications systems

• Medical equipment

• Industrial control systems

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Recommended When

Choose a Splash Proof Blower when:

✔ Maximum static pressure is required

✔ Equipment space is extremely limited

✔ Cooling targets are densely packed

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4. Splash Proof ACDC Fan

What Is an ACDC Fan?

An ACDC Fan, also known as an EC Fan, contains an integrated AC-to-DC conversion circuit.

This allows the fan to operate directly from AC power while delivering the performance advantages of a DC fan.

Supported input voltage:

• 100 VAC

• 115 VAC

• 200 VAC

• 240 VAC

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Key Features

DC Fan Performance with AC Power Input

Compared with conventional AC fans, Splash Proof ACDC Fans offer:

✔ Lower power consumption

✔ Longer service life

✔ PWM speed control capability

✔ Improved efficiency

Wide Input Voltage Range

Input voltage range:

100–240 VAC

This allows the same fan to operate globally without performance changes.

IP56 and IP68 Protection Ratings

Suitable for harsh outdoor and industrial environments.

Reduced Energy Consumption

Optimized motor drive and conversion circuits help improve overall energy efficiency.

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Typical Applications

• Power equipment

• Energy storage systems

• Industrial cabinets

• Telecommunications equipment

• Inverters

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Recommended When

Choose a Splash Proof ACDC Fan when:

✔ Only AC power is available

✔ Energy efficiency is important

✔ Global voltage compatibility is required

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Quick Comparison of the Four Splash Proof Fan Types

Fan Type	Airflow	Static Pressure	Protection Rating	Typical Applications
Axial Splash Proof Fan	Excellent	Moderate	IP54/IP55/IP68	EV Chargers, PV Inverters
Splash Proof Centrifugal Fan	High	High	IP54/IP56/IP68	Telecom Equipment, Digital Signage
Splash Proof Blower	Moderate	Excellent	IP68	Servers, AI Equipment
Splash Proof ACDC Fan	Excellent	Moderate to High	IP56/IP68	Energy Storage, Industrial Equipment

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Typical Splash Proof Fan Application Examples

EV Charging Stations

• Enhanced durability for outdoor installations

• Up to 70% reduction in fan power consumption

• Up to four times longer service life

Digital Signage

• Improved cooling performance in thin-profile designs

• Waterproof protection for outdoor deployment

Bakery and Confectionery Equipment

• IP68 protection in humid and dusty environments

• PWM control for precise airflow management

Refrigerated Showcases

• Protection against water droplets generated during defrosting

• Reduced power consumption

Plant Cultivation Equipment

• Customized waterproof connectors available

• Improved overall facility energy efficiency

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Conclusion

As outdoor electronic equipment, renewable energy systems, EV charging infrastructure, and industrial automation continue to expand, cooling fans must provide not only thermal performance but also exceptional environmental protection.

SANYO DENKI's San Ace Splash Proof Fan lineup offers protection ratings from IP54 to IP68, service life of up to 180,000 hours, PWM speed control, and multiple fan configurations to meet diverse cooling requirements.

Whether your application requires high airflow, high static pressure, compact installation, or direct AC power input, there is a suitable San Ace Splash Proof Fan solution available.

By understanding the differences between Axial Splash Proof Fans, Splash Proof Centrifugal Fans, Splash Proof Blowers, and Splash Proof ACDC Fans, engineers can make more informed cooling system design decisions and improve long-term equipment reliability.

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