MisterMateo
New Member
Hello,
I am installing a new over the counter microwave that also functions as a vent hood for my oven. The microwave has a 300 CFM fan that allows me to install a 6" vent pipe that I can run up my wall and into my attic and from the attic to the roof or the side of my home. The length of piping needed is about 15 feet or less and falls within my installation guidelines.
As I was prepping for the install I was thinking it would be helpful to install another "booster fan" inline with the vent pipe in the attic to increase the effectiveness of the ventilation. I am also installing a damper as well.
Here's where I am stuck. I was planning to somehow run the wiring from my microwave fan through a current sensor switch which in turn would switch on the booster fan simultaneously. The microwave fan has two speeds, but I would not require two speeds on the booster fan, but would like it to turn on any time the microwave fan is turned on. This would only help vent the air as I know that most OTR microwave fans are probably marginal at best at really doing the job. I understand this is a common method used on dryer vents.
Another option I am considering is to remove the microwave fan altogether and connect the booster fan directly to the wiring chasis in the microwave or run a similar relay as in the first option. I can install a nice booster vent up up to about 480 CFM, and would also include my own high quality damper to avoid back flow of cold air. I am concerned about wiring directly from the microwave to the booster fan, since I could void or damage electronics in the microwave by having it directly linked to the booster fan. Removing the fan in the microwave would lessen noise and yet provide a better flow of air by using a slightly stronger fan that would be located about 5-6 feet above the microwave in my attic.
Here is an example of the type of booster fan I am considering. Better quality than a typical booster fan you would find in large box stores. If this system works, I would like to do the same to my dryer and bathroom vents as well.
https://www.fantech.net/FG-6M_enus-40466.aspx
Thanks in advance for any feedback you may have.
I am installing a new over the counter microwave that also functions as a vent hood for my oven. The microwave has a 300 CFM fan that allows me to install a 6" vent pipe that I can run up my wall and into my attic and from the attic to the roof or the side of my home. The length of piping needed is about 15 feet or less and falls within my installation guidelines.
As I was prepping for the install I was thinking it would be helpful to install another "booster fan" inline with the vent pipe in the attic to increase the effectiveness of the ventilation. I am also installing a damper as well.
Here's where I am stuck. I was planning to somehow run the wiring from my microwave fan through a current sensor switch which in turn would switch on the booster fan simultaneously. The microwave fan has two speeds, but I would not require two speeds on the booster fan, but would like it to turn on any time the microwave fan is turned on. This would only help vent the air as I know that most OTR microwave fans are probably marginal at best at really doing the job. I understand this is a common method used on dryer vents.
Another option I am considering is to remove the microwave fan altogether and connect the booster fan directly to the wiring chasis in the microwave or run a similar relay as in the first option. I can install a nice booster vent up up to about 480 CFM, and would also include my own high quality damper to avoid back flow of cold air. I am concerned about wiring directly from the microwave to the booster fan, since I could void or damage electronics in the microwave by having it directly linked to the booster fan. Removing the fan in the microwave would lessen noise and yet provide a better flow of air by using a slightly stronger fan that would be located about 5-6 feet above the microwave in my attic.
Here is an example of the type of booster fan I am considering. Better quality than a typical booster fan you would find in large box stores. If this system works, I would like to do the same to my dryer and bathroom vents as well.
https://www.fantech.net/FG-6M_enus-40466.aspx
Thanks in advance for any feedback you may have.
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