Hella Turbo fans burn up

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thinwater
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Hella Turbo fans burn up

Post by thinwater »

I don't know how many of you have these, but we have 4 (2 salon, 2 cabins). However, we have had 2 failures in the last week, and they are all going in the trash bin when we get back home.

One failed when turned on. Sparks flew out of the switch, along with some smoke. We were at dock.

The other spontaneously turned itself on and started smoking while on a coastal passage, 3 hours from any harbor. That was a bit more exciting, as we searched the boat to find the source of the smoke.

I don't consider this to be an acceptable failure mode. We will be replacing them with the Caframo Bora, which is quieter and moves more air. It also fits the same mounting base, so it is an easy swap.
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mikeandrebecca
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Re: Hella Turbo fans burn up

Post by mikeandrebecca »

Whoa! We were just about to buy a couple of these!
Marc Gershel
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Re: Hella Turbo fans burn up

Post by Marc Gershel »

Just as a side note, all West marine fans are all on sale for 15% off.
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Re: Hella Turbo fans burn up

Post by Tanah-Keeta »

WOW! I had 4 of these on my 36 and now have 5 on my 34. Never had a problem. Having 2 go so close together is supicious. Have you checked your wiring and power supply for any problems?
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Re: Hella Turbo fans burn up

Post by duetto »

we have one in our bunk that we run constantly at night and after 5 years of living on the boat no problems. let's hope it stays that way.
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Re: Hella Turbo fans burn up

Post by thinwater »

I don't fault their durability. They are 13 years old, but saw only light use.

It is the failure mode that bothers me. Fire and smoke are unnerving, off shore.

Thought there were some poor wiring practices, there was enough voltage and 3 amp in-line fuses that did not blow,
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