1 Phase Variable Speed Drive for Commercial Kitchen Ventilation

Blauberg VSD Range – IP66 Drives for Kitchen Extractor Fans and Ventilation Systems

The Blauberg VSD range is engineered specifically for commercial kitchen ventilation systems, providing robust and reliable fan speed control for Blauberg 3-phase extractor fans operating from a 240V single-phase electrical supply. These IP66-rated Variable Speed Drives offer the ideal solution where full 3-phase infrastructure is unavailable, making them especially suited to restaurants, school canteens, hotel kitchens and fast-food catering facilities.

Built for Demanding Catering Environments

Housed in a durable, waterproof and grease-resistant enclosure, Blauberg VSDs are built for direct installation in demanding environments—whether mounted near a kitchen canopy, on a rooftop or within plant enclosures. Their dust-tight and washdown-ready construction ensures long-term reliability in areas exposed to grease, steam and airborne contaminants, typical of high-output cooking spaces.

These drives are IP66 / NEMA 4X rated, with sealed polycarbonate enclosures designed to withstand routine washdown, UV degradation, oils and harsh cleaning chemicals. This makes them a dependable choice for the food service industry where hygiene and equipment durability are critical.

Precision Fan Speed Control for Blauberg 3-Phase Fans

The Blauberg VSD range supports precise speed control of 3-phase motors using sensorless vector control, without the need for external sensors. This enables smooth motor start-up, accurate airflow regulation and quieter, more efficient operation. Whether controlling extract fans over fryers or supply fans for fresh air intake, these drives ensure optimal airflow and energy performance.

They are compatible with IE2, IE3, and IE4 induction motors, permanent magnet motors, BLDC motors and synchronous reluctance motors—offering flexibility for a wide range of Blauberg fan types used in commercial ventilation systems.

Integrated Controls for Easy Operation

Each Blauberg VSD comes with practical on-drive controls that simplify installation and user interaction. This includes a built-in rotary speed potentiometer, a lockable mains isolator and a forward/off/reverse switch on the front fascia. These features eliminate the need for separate control panels, reduce wiring complexity and allow for fast commissioning and manual override during maintenance.

The drives are equally suitable for integration into kitchen extract hoods, mechanical risers or plant rooms and can be wall-mounted or installed directly onto fan housings.

Available Sizes – All for Single-Phase Supply

The Blauberg VSD range is available in the following four models, all designed to run on a 240V single-phase electrical supply and drive Blauberg 3-phase motors efficiently:

• VSD-1-0.37-2.3 – 0.37 kW | 2.3 Amps @ 240V 1-phase
• VSD-1-0.75-4.3 – 0.75 kW | 4.3 Amps @ 240V 1-phase
• VSD-1-1.5-7.0 – 1.5 kW | 7.0 Amps @ 240V 1-phase
• VSD-1-2.2-10.5 – 2.2 kW | 10.5 Amps @ 240V 1-phase

These drive sizes cover a wide range of airflow and pressure requirements, making them suitable for everything from single-canopy systems to more complex, multi-zone ventilation configurations.

Gas Interlock and Flame Regulation Compliance

All models in the Blauberg VSD range can be integrated into gas safety interlock systems, ensuring compliance with current UK regulations for commercial catering environments, including IGEM/UP/19 and BS 6173. Each drive includes a configurable relay output to signal ventilation status, which can be wired directly into a gas proving panel or interlock controller. This guarantees that gas appliances can only operate when adequate ventilation is running, protecting staff and customers and ensuring inspection readiness.

Advanced Compatibility and Compliance

The drives are equipped with built-in EMC filters (Category C1) for noise suppression and full compliance with commercial electrical standards. They support communication protocols including Modbus RTU and CANopen, making them suitable for integration into more advanced building management systems (BMS).

With operating temperatures up to 50°C, conformal-coated PCBs, and reliable electronic protections, these drives are ideal for continuous-duty kitchen extract environments.

Ideal for All Commercial Kitchen Applications

Whether you're designing a ventilation system for a hotel restaurant, upgrading a school kitchen, or retrofitting a takeaway with a modern extract solution, Blauberg VSDs offer a simple, robust and regulation-compliant solution. Their ability to run 3-phase commercial kitchen extractor fans from a 1-phase power supply is a major advantage where electrical upgrades are not feasible.

Combined with Blauberg’s high-efficiency fans, this drive range supports effective kitchen extract ventilation, helping maintain air quality, reduce fire risk and meet health and safety obligations.

Speak to a Specialist

Need help choosing the right drive for your Blauberg fan? Our technical team is ready to support you with product selection, system design advice and regulatory guidance.

Contact us today to speak with a ventilation control specialist or request a tailored quotation.