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Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
How can I find out who my local
dealer is?
Tempest has a separate dealer network for each industry: Fire Fighting/Rescue,
Golf/Turf, Industrial/Commercial/Rental, and Hot Air Ballooning. Contact
Tempest Customer Service at 800-346-2143 for the dealer nearest your
area or email for assistance with order placement or for additional
product information.
How can I arrange a demonstration of a Tempest
product?
Contact your local dealer to arrange a demonstration. You can also
arrange a demonstration with a factory sales representative or one
of our independent manufacturer’s representatives. This can be
arranged through Tempest Customer Service.
What is the warranty on your
products?
Tempest Fire Power Blowers: 5 years
Tempest Industrial Use Blowers: 1 year
Tempest Golf/Turf Blowers: 3 years
Honda, Tecumseh, and Briggs engines: 2 years
Electric Motors and components: 1 year
Smoke Machines: Up to 1 year
VentMaster Fire & Rescue Saw: 1 year180 days
Consult Tempest product catalog for specific warranty information.
How
do Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) and Positive Pressure Attack
(PPA) work?
There is a complete explanation of Positive Pressure Ventilation principles
and applications on our web site. Go to the main page and click on
the link that says “PPV”. Firefighters and Industry users
alike may also want to purchase a copy of the video “Positive
Pressure Attack” directed by former Los Angeles Battalion Chief
John Mittendorf, available on our web site.
What is the difference
between Positive Pressure Ventilation and Negative Pressure Ventilation?
PPV gives you complete control over where the exhaust air travels by
choosing the exhaust opening. With Positive Pressure Ventilation, you
blow into the structure and literally “pressurize” the
entire structure. This gives you the ability to ventilate the entire
structure of dust particles, heat, gas, smoke or any other type particulate
temporarily suspended in the air.
In Negative Pressure Ventilation,
a suction fan is placed in a doorway or window “pulling” the
air outward. This is called ejection and is a very inefficient method
of ventilation because the blower
is only able to remove air that is in its general vicinity.
Pricing and Delivery
How can I find out the price of a particular
product?
List prices are available on our published price list. Contact your local dealer
for specific quotes that can include all shipping and handling charges. You
can receive a copy via fax, email or mail by contacting Tempest Customer Service
at 800-346-2143 or by email.
How can I find out the price of spare parts, and replacement
parts?
Parts prices are available on our published parts price list. You can receive
a copy via fax, email or mail by contacting Tempest Customer Service at 800-346-2143.
How quickly can my order be shipped?
An expected delivery date can be given when you place your order. Large orders
and special requests will take longer.
How can I find out if my order has been shipped?
You can find out the status of your order by calling your local dealer if the
order was placed with them, or call Tempest Customer Service at 800-346-2143.
Tempest Blowers
How do I determine which blower model I have?
On each Tempest blower engine is a decal displaying the serial number
and model designation of that blower. Belt Drive blower model numbers
begin with BD. A BD18-H-5.5 references a belt-drive eighteen-inch with
a Honda 5.5HP engine.
Direct Drive blower model numbers begin with DD. A DD 21-T-5.5 references
a direct-drive, twenty-one inch with a Tecumseh 5.5HP engine.
Electric blower model numbers begin with EB. An EB 24 references a
an electric twenty-four inch blower.
The first Tempest blowers produced in the late 1980’s were called “TGB’s” followed
by three numbers, such as TGB 214, which indicates a 21 inch four cycle
Tecumseh 5hp engine; TGB 244, indicating a 24” four cycle engine
with a Tecumseh 5hp or Honda 9hp engine or TGB212, indicates a 21” 2
cycle Kawasaki (Parts are no longer available.
How do Air Flex blades
hold up in cold weather?
The Tempest Air Flex blades are operationally rated at - 50 through
+ 250 degrees – which covers the range of most normal operations
of the blower.
Can early Tempest blowers be retrofitted with the new
Air-Flex blades?
Earlier Tempest blowers can be retrofitted with the new Air Flex blade.
The Air Flex blades have been AMCA tested on the belt-drive, direct-drive,
and electric blowers with increased CFM of as much as 30%. Call Tempest
Customer Service for more info on retrofits.
Can other manufacturer’s
blowers be fitted with the Tempest Air-Flex blade?
The Air Flex blade is designed and engineered specifically for Tempest
Power Blower models. While the Air Flex blades could be “fitted” to
the shaft of other fans or blowers, without specific engineering of
the impeller to a particular engine and shroud design, results could
not be guaranteed.
What does CFM mean?
CFM stands for “Cubic Feet Per Minute”. It is a measure
of the blower’s air movement performance. The CFM performance
of all Tempest Blowers is tested and certified by a third party organization,
Air Movement and Control Association, called AMCA. This ensures that
our customers receive accurate performance information.
How
can I find out the CFM of a particular blower?
A complete listing of the CFM ratings for all Tempest blowers can be
found on our web site. Go to the main page and click on the product
link that says “Blowers”. This information is also available
in the current Tempest product catalog and can be requested by calling
Tempest Customer Service.
What is the difference between a blower with
a shroud and a blower with a cage?
A shroud is one of the most important features a blower must have for
effective PPV. The shroud helps to shape the airflow into a cone shaped
pattern and, with the Turbo 2000 Shroud, the slight taper increases
the forward velocity and pressure of the air. It is this “air
cone” that allows you to completely seal the entrance opening
and pressurize the structure. If it could be seen, the cone would look
like a beam of light off a flashlight.
A blower that uses a cage instead of a shroud is not able to shape
the air and produce the “air cone”. A caged blower creates
a shaft of air. This means that the blower will have difficulty trying
to achieve the proper seal on the entrance. Placing the blower farther
away reduces its velocity and performance for PPV.
How long will
my blowers last?
The Tempest Power Blower has proven its durability by withstanding
the rigors of fire service use. Tempest initiated the “Five Year
Warranty” for PPV blowers in the fire service.
Tempest started manufacturing blowers for the fire service in 1987
and many of the blowers that we sold in the beginning are still in
service.
Which industries currently use Tempest power blowers?
The primary use for the Tempest Power Blower is for fire fighting.
Fire fighters use our blowers to remove the heat, gas, and smoke from
a burning building as they attack the fire inside. This creates a safer
environment for the fire fighters by allowing them to enter in a cool,
clean, upwind environment. PPV also helps fire fighters find victims
faster for rescue and locate and extinguish the fire.
The Tempest Power
Blower is also used by golf courses to circulate the air over golf
greens. Air circulation helps to reduce heat stress
of the grass during the summer and helps to dry wet greens. The down
stream pressure created by the Tempest Power Blower is the key to the
effectiveness of this type of blower when used in such large open areas.
Contractors
use the Tempest Power Blower to remove dust, fumes, odors and carbon
monoxide from confined spaces similar to the same way firefighters
use the Power Blower. Positive Pressure Ventilation is proving to be
a very useful tool for improving the health and safety of workers.
Almost any industrial or commercial project that temporally requires
large amounts of air movement, negative or positive pressure, can benefit
from a Tempest Power Blower.
Whom do I call if my blower needs service?
You can call the dealer you purchased the blower through or contact
the factory at 800-346-2143. General maintenance and repairs to out-of-warranty
gasoline engines can generally be accomplished by contacting an authorized
small engine repair shop near you.
What is the difference between direct-drive and beltdrive, which one is best?
A Belt-Drive Blower uses a pulley system to power the blade. On a Direct-Drive
Blower, the blade is mounted directly to the shaft of the engine.
The
Belt-Drive system is a more efficient design and eliminates vibration
and movement while the blower is operating. While a direct-drive system
is less expensive, it tends to walk forward and turn right. If the
unit is big and heavy this sometimes eliminates this problem. The Belt-Drive
system is better because:
- The engine sits lower on the blower. This
creates a smoother, straighter flow of air due to less blockage
of the intake area. The engine also
sits lower on the frame, lowering the blower’s center of
gravity. This makes it more stable and reduces vibration.
- The gasoline engines
used on the Tempest Power Blower are designed to turn a pulley
or gear, connected to a belt or chain (Power Take
Off, or PTO). This is the proper application of a PTO engine. This
design will extend engine life because there is less stress on
the engine bearings.
- The belt helps to absorb engine vibration.
By limiting the amount of vibration transferred to the rest of
the unit, the
blower will not “walk”.
It is important that the blower remain in place for PPV operations.
- The
RPM of the blade can be “tuned” by varying the size
of the pulleys. This allows us to take advantage of the unique torque
curve of each engine, thereby maximizing blade RPM and airflow performance.
The
direct-drive system is less expensive because:
- There are fewer precision
parts in a direct drive system.
How long will our blower run on a tank of gas?
Run times will vary depending upon the speed of the engine. The average
run time, depending on fuel quality, for a tank of gas is approximately
one to two hours.
How can I find out the dB noise levels?
You can receive a list of the dB levels of various Tempest Power Blowers
by contacting Tempest Customer Service at 800-346-2143 or by email.
What is the green coverage of your golf turf
blower?
Usually one EB-24 (24”, 1hp electric) blower with an oscillator
will cover a standard size green. Competitive turf fans usually require
a minimum of two or three blowers to cover the same area. Two Tempest
Power Blowers per green offers an extra measure of assurance. Our Turf
Dealers can help you with a site survey and recommendation.
How can
I find out the weight and dimensions of my blower?
A complete listing of the weight and dimensions for all Tempest blowers
can be found on our web site. Go to the main page and click on the
product link that says “Blowers”. This information is also
available in the current Tempest product catalog and can be requested
by calling Tempest Customer Service.
Is Carbon Monoxide a problem? How
can I prevent this?
The exhaust of all internal combustion engines generates Carbon Monoxide
(CO). Above certain levels, CO can be fatal. Tempest offers an exhaust
extension that can be attached to the muffler of all gasoline-powered
models. This is designed to move the exhaust away from the blower’s
intake, limiting the amount of CO that is pulled into the blower.
To
learn more about the CO output of gas-powered blowers, visit the “Download
Library” of the Tempest web site to view reports conducted with
the Phoenix FD, Salt Lake City FD, and Maryland Fire Rescue Institute.
Tempest
also manufactures a large selection of electric powered blowers that
are available with optional Explosion Proof Motors that can be
used where feasible and necessary. Contact our
Customer Service Department for specific information about this subject.
Ventmaster Ventilation Rescue Saws
What is the difference between the VentMaster
Fire/Rescue Saw and other chain saws used by the fire service?
The VentMaster has been specially designed for fire and rescue applications.
Features incorporated in its design enhance its ability to work in
heat, smoke, rain and other harsh environments found only in fire and
rescue work. Yet the saw will do all the other things a typical chain
saw is expected to do. Engine design, bar and chain design, and the
KIS-40 Depth Gauge are explained in our literature and on our web site.
What
kind of power head does the VentMaster use?
The VentMaster uses a powerful 5.5 hp, 73.5cc Husqvarna power head modified
by Tempest for Fire and Rescue use. It has the highest power to weight
ratio and the least vibration of any power head on the market. It has
proven its ability to stand up to the rigors of fire and rescue use.
What
type of chain is used on the VentMaster?
The VentMaster features the exclusive Raptor Carbide chain. It is a
.404 (also available in .375) pitch; .063-gauge chain built to Tempest’s
specifications and it is designed to cut through many materials encountered
during fire and rescue operations. It features a dual, open raker design,
which provides extra protection for the carbide cutter and allows the
chain to self-clean and ventilate. It also features a wide gullet,
which allows the saw to cut more material, faster than narrow gullet
saws. These features also reduce the heat build up during heavy metal
cutting. The Raptor Carbide Chain stays sharper longer and retains
cutter life longer than other carbide chains used by the fire service.
Can
I put the Raptor chain on my existing chain saw?
Yes. Most chain saws can be fitted with the Tempest Raptor carbide-tipped
chain. The power head must be 5.4 hp or greater to maintain the proper
speed for the .404 Pitch/.063 Gauge Raptor Carbide Tipped Chain. A
4.5hp or greater saw head must be used to run the .375 Pitch/.063 Gauge
Raptor Chain.
What is the cost of sharpening my Raptor chain?
In some cases cutters will need to be replaced at the same time
that the chain is sharpened. Contact Tempest Customer Service for additional
information on chain repair prices.
Can I put the VentMaster sprocket-nose
bar on my existing chain saw?
Yes. Tempest sprocket-nose bars will fit a variety of chain saw makes
and models and can upgrade most saws of recent manufacture.
Can I put
the KIS-40 adjustable depth gauge on my existing saw?
Yes. You can purchase a professional VentMaster sprocket nose .404 pitch, .063 gauge bar, designed specifically for the KIS-40 depth gauge and Raptor Carbide Chain. If your current saw has a one-piece bar and is at least 16", you can have it machined to fit the KIS-40.
What is the
RPM and chain speed of the VentMaster?
The VentMaster has a no load RPM of 13,000 and a no load chain speed
of 108 feet per second. The power of the VentMaster power head maintains
the critical speed of the chain in heavy cutting that allows the cutters
to remain intact and to cut quicker.
What types of materials can the
VentMaster saw cut through?
The Ventmaster can cut through wood framing, sheet metal, asphalt shingles,
and green wood. It is even effective on metal roll up doors commonly
found on industrial warehouses. It can also cut through car bodies,
hoods, and windshields.
Does Tempest manufacture a rotary cutoff saw?
Yes. Contact Tempest Customer Service at 800-346-2143 for more information
on the Ventmaster
375K, 396K and 3120K rotary cutoff saws.
Can I use a gas stabilizer
in the Ventmaster fire rescue saw?
The Tempest VentMaster is equipped with the 570XT/575XT Husqvarna power heads.
If the recommended Husqvarna XP 50:1 oil is used, it has a gas stabilizer
in the mixture that increases storage time up to 120 days. Additional
stabilizers should not be used.
What causes the carbide-tipped cutters
to chip or break off?
Chain speed and power are critical in the use of carbide tipped chain.
The power head of the VentMaster Fire/Rescue Saw will supply plenty
of torque to keep the speed of the chain at full speed providing it
is tuned and operating properly. Air filters should be kept clean and
fuel mixtures should be proper and fresh.
It is essential when using
a carbide-tipped chain to enter the cut with the power head at full
throttle, keeping it at full throttle while
making the cut and while exiting the cut. When cutting through materials
with nails or metal, do not force or put added pressure on the chain.
This can cause unwanted chipping or breakage of cutters. Let the speed
of the chain do the work. Any slowing of the chain while cutting can
cause the cutters to break off or chip.
Can the raptor chain be used
to cut trees and other wood items?
Yes. The Tempest Raptor chain has an open raker and wide gullet and
can be used to cut trees and other green wood materials without becoming
clogged. However, it should be noted that the Raptor Carbide Chain was designed for the fire service encoutnering a variety of materials (wood, nails, metal, plastic, etc.). Softer grade carbide performs better but will wear faster than the haerder carbide that is strictly used in the forestry service.
What is the gas-to-oil ratio for the Ventmaster saw?
The mixture should be 50:1 using a good quality petroleum-based oil
such as that offered by Husqvarna. Never use synthetic oils in the
fuel/oil mixture.
Tempest Electric Blowers
What are the power requirements
for Tempest electric blowers?
Tempest has developed a chart showing the power requirements of our
electric blowers. It explains the generator, amperage, wattage, circuit
breaker requirements and cord gauge as well as the maximum cord length
for various models. It is available in the Download Library on
the Tempest web site.
Can I get my electric blower with an
explosion proof motor?
Yes. Explosion proof motors are available on most Tempest electric
models. Be sure to specify this when you place your order.
What does TEFC mean?
TEFC stands for Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled. This is a type of motor
that, among other things, can be operated in dusty environments.
When
should I use an "explosion proof" motor?
An explosion proof motor should be used any time the blower is operated
in an explosive environment. There are different grades of explosion
proof motors based upon the type of environment. Be sure to specify
the type of environment that the blower will operate within when ordering
an explosion proof motor.
What can cause a blower to overload a circuit
breaker?
If the breaker is not sufficient to handle to starting amps of the
blower, the breaker will activate. The starting amps are a momentary
jump in amps, which are required to get the blade up to operating speed. (All Tempest standard electric blowers require a 20 Amp breaker.)
As
circuit breakers age, their resistant to spikes in amp draw will deteriorate.
Also, operating more than one piece of equipment on a
generator will limit the amount of power that a circuit breaker can
handle.
Why is the 220V electric blower delivered without a plug?
Generally, when working with 220 Volts, someone with electrical experience
or training should be involved with the deployment and set up of these
units. There are many variations of prong configuration for 220-volt
plugs. The blowers are shipped without a plug so the customer can use
an experienced installer abiding by local protocol and regulations
to properly attach the plug best suited for their needs and location.
AMCA
What is AMCA?
AMCA (Air Movement Control Association) is an independent testing organization
for manufacturers of air movement devices. They have developed a series
of standards and testing criteria for different types of fans and blowers.
They have developed a standard specifically for Positive Pressure Ventilation
blowers called 240-96.
Tempest was the first PPV manufacturer to have
their blowers tested and certified by AMCA. Since that time, many
other manufacturers have
begun using AMCA to certify the performance of their products. When
you buy an AMCA certified product, you can be assured that the CFM
numbers you receive are accurate.
Before buying any fan or blower the
consumer should insist that the performance of their purchase be Certified– not
just tested, by a third party source using the AMCA PPV Test Standard
#240-96. You can learn more about AMCA by visiting their web site at
www.AMCA.org.
Be cautious of companies that claim to have “AMCA
tested” but
not “AMCA certified” products. A blower may be AMCA tested
but not AMCA certified. Insist on AMCA certification and get the facts!
Does the CFM rating include entrained air movement?
Yes. The AMCA-240-96 Test Standards used by Tempest to certify our
Positive Pressure Ventilation Performance (measured by “CFM rating”)
takes into consideration the “entrained air” moved by the
forward velocity of the power blower as “set back” from
the entry way into the test chamber.
This test standard was developed by the PPV manufacturing industry
in conjunction with AMCA to allow any fan or blower or air mover, of
any design - whether caged or shrouded, prop blades or turbo blades,
centrifugal or vane axial, gas or electric, etc. to be tested.
The CFM ratings as the result of AMCA #240-96 certification include
ALL air, forced or entrained, forced “through the door and coming
out the back door” of the test chamber.
How can a smaller blower
produce more CFM than a larger blower?
A number of variables affect the CFM testing results conducted by AMCA.
The distance the blower is set back away from the entrance. Engine
rpm can vary up to 15% according to the manufacturer. The engineering
of the impeller to a given engine horsepower and rpm in regards to
the
diameter of the blades, the number of blades, the pitch of the blades,
and placement of the blades within the shroud are just a few of the
factors that can influence the performance of the blower. The profile
of the engine behind the intake area of the shrouded impeller is another
factor. Tempest continues to re-engineer and test our blowers to gain
maximum performance from each blower we manufacture.
What does “set
back” (S/B) mean?
Set back is the optimal distance that a blower should be placed away
from the entrance opening for the highest volume of CFM and is determined
during AMCA testing. The blower is tested the first time and then moved
forward and tested. If the CFM increases, then it is moved forward
again. If the CFM falls from the first test, the blower is moved backward
past the first test spot and run again. If the CFM increases it is
moved further back and again tested. The end results are the Set Back
is the point at which you get the highest CFM.
Why is the AMCA CFM
rating so low on the older blowers when the new blowers are made the
same way?
The first AMCA tests back in 1989 were performed using the AMCA 210
standard. This was not the best method for testing PPV blowers because
it did not take into consideration that the blower is placed away from
the entrance opening. In 1995, AMCA developed the latest test standard,
AMCA 240-96, with the assistance of a committee of PPV manufacturers.
The new standard was a more effective measure of a blower’s performance
and the test results were around 30% more than with AMCA 210 test.
Smoke
Machines
What are the CFM’s of the Tempest Shadow smoke machines?
There is no standard third party testing for measuring the density
or output of smoke machines.
The Shadow and Shadow I will fill approximately 10,000
cubit feet in one minute. The difference is that the smoke from the
Shadow will be less dense than the Shadow I but the space will still have smoke.
Fluid Throughput
Rosco feels it is better to compare smoke machines by fluid throughput
(fluid consumption), since there is no testing standard.
Shadow - 1 liter per hour
Shadow I - 3.6 liters per hour
Smoke Density
Rosco smoke fluid provides the densest smoke available because it
has a higher ratio of chemicals (glycols) to water than other brands.
Which
Shadow smoke machine is the equivalent to the older Tempest 1601, 1801,
and 9000 Power Smoke machines?
The Tempest Shadow is comparable to the older Tempest 1601 machine
and 1801 smoke machines. The Tempest
Shadow 1 is equivalent to, the Tempest 9000 smoker and 5000 fogger.
What
type of smoke fluid should I use in my smoke machine?
You should use only Tempest Shadow “Rosco” smoke fluid in Tempest Shadow “Rosco” Smoke
Machines. Tempest
offers a “generic” smoke fluid that is designed to be used in other smoke machine brands.
Parts
Can I order an exhaust extension hose to use
with my blower?
Tempest’s 10’ X 2” exhaust extension hose provides
the best solution for preventing CO from being drawn into the air stream
of a PPV blower. All Tempest blowers manufactured after July 1, 1999
are equipped with a 2” muffler deflector to accept the 10’ X
2:” exhaust extension.
Many earlier models may also be retrofitted
with this hose. The earlier Tempest TGB models can be retrofitted to
accept the exhaust extension.
Blowers manufactured between September 1993 and June 1999 need the
Universal Muffler Adaptor (Pt# 725-044). Contact customer service for
retrofitting blowers manufactured prior to September 1993.
Visit our
web site Download Library to view independent
test results of CO concentrations while using the Tempest Exhaust Extension
Hose.
Why are mounting holes not drilled in replacement shrouds?
When replacing a shroud, holes need to be drilled in the shroud because
it is not possible to pre-drill the holes at the factory and have them
match the existing holes in the frame.
Are wheel kits available for
the Stubbys (CA 1800, CA2100M, CA2400)?
Wheel kits are not available for these earlier Tempest blowers, which
were manufactured by “Controlled Airstreams” (CA), a company
that Tempest purchased in 1990.
Are wheel and handle kits available
for early Tempest blowers?
Retrofit Wheel and Handle kits are available for blowers manufactured
with out wheels or handles (1986-92 models). Between 1991-92, wheels
and handle were offered as an option. All are still available. Call
Customer Service at 800-346-2143 with your model and serial number
for prices and availability.
Product Maintenance
Is there a lot of maintenance
required for a Tempest blower?
Tempest Power Blowers require minimum maintenance. However, as with
any machinery, “basic maintenance” is necessary to assure
longer life and reliable operation. Belt Drive blowers generally will
be more dependable, require less maintenance, and have a longer life
than Direct Drive blowers. Again, be sure to follow the simple maintenance
guidelines as outlined in the literature sent with the original blower
from both Tempest and the engine manufacturer to assure reliable operation
and longer life - and to protect your warranties.
What can cause a blower
to vibrate or shake?
If the impeller is not attached properly to the power shaft it can
create a wobbling effect and cause excessive vibration or shaking.
On
Direct Drive units, engine shaft bearings can become worn with the
same results. When bearings have become worn, the shaft will not be
centered and can cause the blade to wobble when in motion which will
cause the blower to shake.
Why does a blower “walk” or move
from a stationary position?
Movement from a stationary position or “walking” occurs
because of vibration – not the fact that the impellers are pulling/pushing
air through the shroud!
Direct Drive blowers have a tendency to “walk” if
not monitored properly and set up correctly. Direct Drive blowers can
also begin
to vibrate badly and produce a grinding noise when there is engine
shaft bearing wear. However, with the NEW Tempest Air-Flex Impeller,
and the improved small engines used by Tempest today, there is less
vibration to produce movement and shaft bearing damage.
Belt Drive blowers do not “walk”! The belt acts as a buffer
for the vibration created by the motor and possible intake air current
disturbance to the impeller.
What will cause a belt to break?
If the belt is not adjusted properly it can wear prematurely. A belt
that is too tight can cause unwanted wear on the bearing assembly.
How
do I get the blade off the shaft?
Contact the factory before attempting to remove or replace the blade.
Step-by-step instructions can be found in the Blower Operations Manual.
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