Plate Fans
Plate fans — also called plate mounted axial fans or plate axials — mount an axial impeller on a flat steel plate that fixes directly over an opening in a wall, panel or ductwork. They’re the simplest way to move serious volumes of air through a building envelope: no long casing, no complicated ductwork, just a robust fan that bolts flat to the structure. At Alpha Air we supply plate mounted axial fans from 250mm up to 1000mm diameter, in single phase and three phase versions.
Which plate fan do I need?
Our HCBT plate mounted axial fans offer the widest choice, running from 250mm all the way to 1000mm with a choice of duty variants (H-AX/L-AX) on the 800–1000mm sizes. The HCBB and HXBR ranges cover 250–630mm, and the HXTR adds a further 250–630mm option.
From Elta we offer two plate axial ranges. The Compact SCP (250–710mm available) is a low-profile fan for vertical or horizontal installation, available in AC and energy-saving EC versions with full speed control. The Raptor SPA (250–710mm) is a true industry workhorse with corrosion-resistant construction suitable for external mounting and Ziehl-Abegg impellers for quiet, efficient running.
Buying plate axial fans in the UK
We’re a Leicester-based UK ventilation supplier. Stocked items ordered by 3pm are dispatched for next-day delivery, made-to-order fans show their lead time on the product page, and mainland UK delivery is free on orders over £400 ex VAT. AC models can be paired with an S&P speed controller for adjustable airflow.
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Compact SCP
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HCBB Plate Mounted Axial Fan
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HCBT Plate Mounted Axial Fan
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HXBR Plate Mounted Axial Fan
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HXTR Plate Mounted Axial Fan
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Raptor SPA
What Is a Plate Fan?
A plate fan (also known as a panel fan or wall fan) consists of an axial impeller mounted on a flat plate or ring that bolts directly onto a wall, panel, or bulkhead. Unlike inline or case fans, plate fans do not require ductwork — they ventilate by drawing air through the wall opening and exhausting it directly to the outside (or vice versa for supply).
This simplicity makes plate fans the fastest and most economical ventilation solution for spaces that need high-volume air exchange without the complexity of a ducted system.
Standard vs Fire-Rated Plate Fans
Standard Plate Fans
For general ventilation in factories, workshops, warehouses, agricultural buildings, car parks, and similar spaces. Rated for ambient air temperatures up to 40°C. Available with fixed or adjustable pitch blades, and with optional speed controllers for variable airflow.
Fire-Rated Plate Fans (Kitchen Extract)
Purpose-built for commercial kitchen extraction, rated for continuous operation at 300°C for 60 minutes or 400°C for 120 minutes. UK Building Regulations require fire-rated fans on commercial kitchen extract systems to ensure smoke and heat continue to be removed during a fire. Our fire-rated plate fans comply with BS EN 12101-3.
Sizing and Selection
Plate fans are specified by:
- Impeller diameter — determines the maximum airflow capacity
- Airflow (m³/h) — must meet the ventilation rate required for the space
- Motor power and supply — single-phase (230V) for smaller models; three-phase (400V) for larger, industrial units
- Duty — extract only, supply only, or reversible
Because plate fans operate without ductwork, they develop very little static pressure. They are not suitable for systems with any significant length of ductwork, filters, or dampers. For ducted systems, use an inline or case fan instead.
Installation
Plate fans mount over a circular or square wall opening with the plate flange bolted to the wall face. A weather louvre or external grille should be fitted on the outside to prevent rain and debris ingress. For kitchen applications, an intumescent grille or fire shutter may be required on the external face. Ensure the electrical supply is correctly rated and protected.
Why Choose Alpha Air?
Alpha Air stocks standard and fire-rated plate fans from leading manufacturers for same-day dispatch. With many years in the industry, we can recommend the right fan for your space based on airflow calculations and Building Regulations requirements. Free delivery on orders over £400. Call 0116 246 0031.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a plate fan be used with ductwork?
Plate fans generate minimal static pressure and are designed for direct through-wall ventilation without ductwork. Adding even a short length of duct will significantly reduce airflow. If you need a ducted system, use an inline fan or case fan instead.
Do I need a fire-rated plate fan for my kitchen?
For commercial kitchens, yes. UK Building Regulations and BS EN 12101-3 require kitchen extract fans to be rated for continuous operation at elevated temperatures (300 degrees C / 1 hour or 400 degrees C / 2 hours). Domestic cooker hoods do not typically require fire-rated fans.
What size wall opening do I need for a plate fan?
The required opening diameter is specified in the fan datasheet and is typically slightly larger than the impeller diameter. Check the installation instructions for the exact opening size. We can advise if you contact us on 0116 246 0031.
Can plate fans run in reverse for supply ventilation?
Some plate fan models are reversible, allowing them to switch between extract and supply modes. Check the product specification for reversibility. Note that airflow performance may differ between extract and supply modes due to the blade pitch angle.