Explosion-proof exhaust fans

[Kerry- in Calgary]

Does anyone know where to get an explosion proof fan that could be installed in a basement WW shop? I have an area in my shop about 6' by 8' that I would like to isolate from the rest of the shop with a poly curtain and use it as a finishing area, but I have no ventilation in there.

I installed a fresh air circulating fan in my 400 sq. ft. shop but it is inadequate for providing the necessary ventilation for finishing. Besides, I would like to isolate the finishing area so that I can continue to work if something is drying.

Any other suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks.

[Kerry- in Calgary]

Ooooh, I just noticed my post time.

Happy Canada Day everyone!!!

[Gord - Cambridge]

Hi Kerry

Try here, they will be able to tell you where a canadian dealer is.

http://www.steamjenny.com/fans/explproof.html

[W.Y.]

You can get one at www.princessauto.com (http://www.princessauto.com) Expensive but very necessary. Wise decision to get a sealed explosion proof motor for spraying. I was spraying some guitars years ago with a motor that looked sealed all right but it wasn't explosion proof. Cleaning out the gun with laquer thinner and there was a loud bang and flames. Luckilly I had a fire extinguisher right beside me.. Which leads to another suggestion........Have a good fire extinguisher at arms reach in any kind of spray booth with any kind of fan motor. Good luck and work safely.
W.Y.

[Ken (Ottawa area)]

Our local Co-op (farm supplies) carry explosion-proof fans for use in ventilating barns.

[E. Tonks]

Once you have rounded up an explosion-proof fan, the next thing you must check out is explosion-proof lights. Ordinary lights can creat a spark or arc which can ignite the flamable fumes. Actually all wiring within the paint booth must be explosion proof also -- or eliminated. Explosion proof flourescent lamps are extremely expensive. Years ago, my father owned an autobody repair shop, and had explosion proof lights installed in has paintshop. They had cast bases and a domed glass cover that screwed onto the base just like a mason jar onto its lid. They were large enough for a 200w bulb, and were the least expensive.

A word of caution, spray painting inside a building is dangerous, laquer is very dangerous (it is made of nitro-cellulose, a cousin of nitro-glycerin) and should not be used without all the safety and protection methods available.

[Harvey Freeman - Halifax.]

Kerry;

I use an HVLP sprayer with water based acrylic paint in my small with no spray booth at all but would never think of spraying quick dry industrial enamel paint there.

I am considering building a shelter in the back yard to provide sufficient enclosure from wind but still very well ventilated naturally where I can spray the industrial enamel.