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• Why is the POWERFAN™ better and safer than any other fan descender?
The POWERFAN is the culmination of years of work by world experts in the adventure industry. It has been meticulously designed and engineered to create a rapid rate of descent with a safe landing speed. Furthermore it has been designed to work repeatedly for hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of descents with the barest minimum amount of maintenance. The majority of maintenance can be done by any competent person. It has a self contained recall system, an integrated counter to ensure maintenance is carried out at the correct intervals and in place of a cable it incorporates a material called a DROPE™ which has twice the tensile strength of wire rope of the same diameter, is 5 times more resistant to fatigue and is not susceptible to rust.
The POWERFAN™ has been designed, tested and examined to the very highest industrial standards. Subject to the recommended service intervals and correct operation the POWERFAN™ is intended to provide the owner with well in excess of 1 million descents. Furthermore the POWERFAN™ and all components are continually being tested on an automated simulator. This is intended to provide advanced warning of any potential problems with the device.
There is no other such device on the market that can be considered as safe, exciting, durable, reliable or efficient.
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• How much does it cost?
The retail price of the POWERFAN™ (model PF13) is £8,750 + VAT. This excludes the cost of installation and any associated training.
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• To what standard does the POWERFAN™ conform?
The POWERFAN™ has been designed and is being independently tested to meet all relevant parts of EN: 341 and EN: 15567. Furthermore it meets the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002.
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• For how long is the POWERFAN™ guaranteed?
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• Where can it be installed?
Follow this link to view typical POWERFAN™ installations.
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• How high is the drop?
The POWERFAN™ model PF 13 is designed for descents of up to 13 meters.
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• Are there any Age limits?
There are no statutory age limits; however, a minimum age of 6 is the norm. In terms of an upper age limit common sense should prevail!
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• Are there any Ability restrictions?
With most POWERFAN™ installations a reasonable degree of physical ability and capacity to understand basic safety instructions is important.
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• Do you need any Qualifications to operate POWERFAN™?
The POWERFAN™ must only be used under the supervision of a competent instructor. POWERFAN™ can provide you with a list of approved trainers who can teach your staff to operate the device safely. A comprehensive operating manual is provided with each device.
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• What is the Through-put?
The through-put will vary depending on type of installation. Where there is free and “un-belayed” access to the dispatching platform a maximum throughput of one person a minute is possible. The POWERFAN™ takes approximately 25 seconds to recall from 13 metres after each descent.
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• What are the passenger Weight limits?
The minimum weight limit is 20kg. The maximum weight limit is 120 kg.
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• Is It Safe?
All outdoor adventure activities have some inherent risks associated with them; however, the POWERFAN™ has been designed and constructed to the highest industrial standards. Furthermore the POWERFAN™ has been independently examined and found to be fit for purpose. POWERFAN™ POD operating staff are highly trained professionals who have been independently assessed.
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• How Does It Work?
The POWERFAN has no motor of any description! It works by dissipating the potential energy created by a falling person by means of a fan. This enables users to repeatedly make a very rapid descent whilst ensuring a relatively gentle landing. It is 100% environmentally friendly.
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• Can I Change My Mind?
Yes! POWERFAN™ practices a “Challenge by Choice” philosophy, which means the final decision to POWERFAN™ remains the participants. However, no refund is given to those who choose not to POWERFAN™.
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• What Should I Wear?
Training shoes or walking boots are ideal but most securely fitting footwear (without high heels!) will suffice. Skirts and scarves may not be worn. At one hundred feet or more the pod is exposed to the elements, so a light windproof/waterproof and jumper may be necessary. In winter some warmer clothing may be necessary.
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• How Hard Will I Land?
Whilst the POWERFAN™ is designed to maximise the speed of descent, landings are intended to be as gentle as possible. For an 80kg person landing equates to jumping from a height that equates to the thickness of 2 yellow pages! Heavier people will land slightly faster and lighter people slower.
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• Are There Any Age Restrictions?
Six is the minimum age. There is no maximum age, however participants and parents/guardians are advised that prior to participation they must agree to the terms and conditions.
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• Am I Too Heavy?
There is no minimum weight limit; however the maximum weight limit is 120 kg.
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• How Fast Do I Fall?
The speed of descent is related to the weight of the participant, an 80kg person will fall at a maximum speed that equates to 87% of freefall. A heavier person will fall faster and a lighter person slower.
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