Chapter XVIII Fans and Ventilators
133. Selecting a Fan. With the coming of electricity into the home, fans have become practical home devices. Do not buy a fan or other electrical device without ascertaining whether the current is direct or alternating, and what voltage is needed to run it. Most city homes are now supplied with current ranging between 105 and 115 volts, so most fans are made for that. Fans will run on a small wire like that used for lighting.
134. The Construction of the Fan in Common Use. A motor turns the fan. There is a regulator on some fans, so that they can be run at different rates of speed. Oil cups are important parts of fans. When a new fan is purchased, these cups are full of oil. The oil will last for many months, but if an old fan heats and sparks while being run, have an electrician examine it to see if all the parts are in order and there is a supply of oil. Figs. 64, 65 and 66 show types of fans in common use.
135. Ventilator. A hood (Fig. 67) with a pipe leading into the chimney, placed over a cook stove, will conduct hot air and steam up the chimney. This is due to the fact that warm air rises and cold air comes in to take its place. An open skylight over a cook stove, also, makes an excellent ventilator and cooling device for kitchens.
Part IV
Questions for
1. How may refrigerators be judged for efficiency?
2. What are the essentials of a good refrigerator?
3. How is an iceless refrigerator cooled? Under what conditions is it useful?
4. What may be the matter with an electric fan when it heats and sparks?
PART V
Water Supply and Sewage Disposal.