Battery Room Ventilation and Exhaust Systems
- Discover Additional Solutions:
- VS-12-110VAC
- VS-12-LINF-110VAC
- VS-12-24VDC
- VS-12-48VDC
- VS-24
The VS-12-LINF-110VAC is the intake-only variant of the VS-12 platform—a motorized, louvered wall inlet with an integrated MERV-13 filter. It’s designed for battery rooms and other spaces where hydrogen monitoring is required. This model does not include a fan; it opens on command to admit make-up air and stays sealed/filtered the rest of the time to keep out dust, debris, and pests.
How it works (control-on-demand)
A hydrogen gas detector (Eagle Eye HGD-Series or any detector with a dry-contact relay) is typically set to open the louvers at 1% H₂—about 25% of hydrogen’s 4% LEL.
- When the detector trips, the relay energizes the 110 VAC actuator and the louvers open to allow clean make-up air into the room, supporting the exhaust path.
When the hydrogen level falls below the 1% setpoint, the louvers close and the MERV-13 filter helps maintain room cleanliness while blocking rodents and wind-borne debris.
Compliance context (system-level)
This intake is purpose-built for demand-controlled battery room ventilation, a strategy commonly used to document code-aware design with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Typical references include:
- NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 480 (storage batteries) and—if a classified location applies—equipment selection per Article 501 (Class I, Div. 2).
- NFPA 1 / IFC provisions for ventilation of battery rooms.
- IEEE guidance for battery rooms and maintenance (e.g., IEEE 1635/ASHRAE 21 for ventilation/thermal management; IEEE 1187/1188/1189 for maintenance practices).
Hydrogen’s Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) is 4% by volume; opening intake at 1% H₂ (and alarming at higher setpoints, e.g., 2% H₂) provides a wide safety margin below flammability. Always follow stamped drawings, verify equipment listings/labels, and commission the detector-to-louver-to-exhaust sequence per AHJ-approved plans.
Typical applications
Battery rooms (VLA/VRLA/Li-ion), UPS plants, telecom/DC power rooms, energy storage enclosures, and industrial spaces requiring monitored, intermittent ventilation.
Benefits
- Clean make-up air on demand; sealed & filtered during normal conditions
- Energy-savvy versus always-open intakes; helps maintain room pressurization/temperature
- MERV-13 filtration for fine particulate control; helps deter pests and debris
- Simple integration via detector dry-contact relay; no proprietary controls required
- Completes a system when paired with a VS-12 exhaust fan (e.g., VS-12-24VDC or VS-12-110VAC) or an equivalent exhaust device
Key Features
- Demand-controlled make-up air for battery rooms and DC power spaces
- Opens on signal from hydrogen detector; closes below setpoint
- Integrated MERV-13 filter helps keep out dust, debris, and pests
- Pairs with VS-12 exhaust units to form a complete ventilation system
- Simple integration via detector dry-contact relay (no proprietary controls)
Technical Specifications
| Part Number | VS-12-LINF-110VAC |
| Function | Motorized louvered intake with MERV-13 filtration (no fan) |
| Actuator Supply | 110/120 VAC |
| Control Input | Dry-contact relay from hydrogen detector (N.O./N.C. per wiring) |
| Typical Setpoint | Opens at 1% H2 (~25% of 4$ LEL); closes below setpoint |
| Cutout Opening | 12.25 in x 12.25″ in (311 x 311mm) – compatible with VS-12 envelope |
| Wall Thickness Range | 1.5 to 8″ in with sliding collar (typ. VS-12 range) |
| Filter | 2MERV-13 replaceable |
| Enclosure/Ingress | Install per site design and AHJ |
| Pairing | Use with VS-12 exhaust fan (24 VDC or 110 VAC) and HGD-5000 detector |
Resources & Support
Product Literature
Support Documents
FAQs
What is the VS-12-LINF-110VAC and how does it differ from the VS-12 exhaust fans?
The VS-12-LINF-110VAC is a motorized louvered wall intake with an integrated MERV-13 filter. Unlike the VS-12 exhaust fan models (which actively move air out of the room), this unit has no fan. It serves as the make-up air intake component of a complete battery room ventilation system. It remains closed and sealed under normal conditions and opens automatically when triggered by a hydrogen gas detector to allow clean filtered air into the room.
How does the VS-12-LINF-110VAC work with hydrogen gas detectors?
It operates on a demand-controlled basis. A hydrogen gas detector (such as the Eagle Eye HGD-5000 or any detector with a dry-contact relay output) is typically set to energize the 110/120 VAC actuator at 1% H₂ concentration (≈25% of hydrogen’s 4% LEL). When the relay activates, the louvers open to admit make-up air. Once hydrogen levels drop below the setpoint, the louvers close automatically. The built-in MERV-13 filter keeps dust, debris, and pests out while the unit is closed.
What are the key benefits of using this motorized intake instead of a traditional always-open vent?
- Energy efficiency — Only opens when needed, reducing heating/cooling losses and helping maintain room pressurization and temperature.
- Improved air quality — The MERV-13 filter captures fine particulates and helps block rodents, insects, and wind-borne debris.
- Better safety & compliance — Supports demand-controlled ventilation strategies referenced in NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 480, NFPA 1/IFC, and IEEE guidelines.
- Pest and weather protection — Stays sealed when not in use
What are the installation and compatibility requirements for the VS-12-LINF-110VAC?
- Wall cutout: 12.25 in × 12.25 in (311 × 311 mm) — matches the VS-12 exhaust fan envelope.
- Wall thickness: 1.5 to 8 inches (with sliding collar).
- Power: 110/120 VAC for the actuator.
- Control: Dry-contact relay from a hydrogen detector. It is designed to pair perfectly with any VS-12 series exhaust fan (110 VAC, 24 VDC, or 48 VDC models) to create a balanced intake/exhaust ventilation system
How often does the filter need to be replaced and what maintenance is required?
The MERV-13 filter is replaceable. Replacement frequency depends on the environment and how often the louvers open, but it should be inspected during routine battery room maintenance visits. Overall maintenance is minimal: perform periodic visual inspections to ensure louvers are unobstructed, test the actuator operation with the detector’s test function, and verify proper opening/closing. The actuator is rated for a high cycle life (~100,000 cycles under typical conditions).
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