What is another common name for a centrifugal fan?

The term “squirrel cage” is commonly used to describe a type of centrifugal fan due to the distinctive shape of its rotor, which resembles a caged squirrel. In the construction of this fan, the impeller is typically enclosed within a cylindrical housing, allowing air to be drawn in axially and expelled radially. This design enables efficient airflow primarily for ventilation purposes and is often used in HVAC applications for its ability to move a large volume of air against resistance, such as static pressure in duct systems.

Understanding this nomenclature is crucial for HVAC technicians as it helps in identifying the right equipment and understanding their applications within systems. The distinction of a squirrel cage fan also aids in discussions about fan performance characteristics and design efficiencies related to airflow, pressure, and energy consumption.