Inspection items and methods for fans, inspection, factory inspection, certification and other services

Fans are commonly used in summer cooling devices, and their quality and safety are directly related to the user experience and personal safety. For inspectors, during the inspection, factory inspection, and final delivery of fan products, they must systematically master various inspection items and testing methods to ensure that products comply with relevant national standards and customer requirements. Based on industry practices, this article outlines a comprehensive fan inspection process and testing specifications for reference by quality control (QC) personnel.

1. Packaging inspection

Packaging is the first protective barrier in the product circulation process. Its integrity, labeling accuracy and completeness of accessories are the basic inspection items.

1. Outer and inner box inspection

   • Check the outer box for damage, deformation, stains, or mold;

   • Check whether the mark information (such as product name, model, quantity, production date, etc.) is consistent with the order and whether the printing is clear and correct;

   • Confirm whether the packaging method (such as partitions, foam, plastic bags) meets customer requirements.

2. Color box and accessories inspection

   • Check whether the color box material, printing content and color are consistent with the confirmed sample;

   • Check whether all accessories are complete, including fan blades, mesh cover, screw package, remote control, instruction manual, warranty card, etc.

   • Confirm that the text and icons on all packaging materials (such as instructions and labels) are consistent with the language and regulations of the sales location.

3. Review of installation instructions and warnings

   • The instructions should include installation steps, applicable environment (such as whether it can be installed on a wall or window), and safety warnings (such as the ceiling fan installation height requirement of ≥2.3m);

   • Duct fans and partition wall fans must be clearly marked to avoid the risk of gas backflow.

2. Security Testing

Safety performance is the core of fan inspection, and testing must be carried out in strict accordance with international or regional standards.

1. Structural safety inspection

   • Check the product for sharp edges and metal burrs, especially the grille and motor head;

   • Check whether the power cord is intact, without damage or exposed copper, and pay special attention to the insulation protection at the outlet.

2. Electrical safety testing

   • High-voltage test : According to IEC 60335-1, IEC 60335-2-80 or UL 507 standards, set the corresponding voltage (such as 1000V + 2 times the rated voltage), current (such as 5mA) and time (1 minute). The test is qualified if there is no breakdown or flashover;

   • Ground test : measure the ground resistance, which is generally required to be no more than 0.1Ω;

   • Note : All testing instruments must be within the valid calibration period and operators must have the corresponding qualifications.

3. Appearance quality inspection

Appearance inspection must be carried out in a well-lit environment to ensure that the product is consistent with the sample, drawing, and order requirements.

1. Overall appearance

   • Check for defects such as dirt, scratches, deformation, shrinkage, color mixing, uneven spraying, poor electroplating, oxidation and rust;

   • Pay special attention to whether there is rust on the motor housing, deformation of the mesh cover or peeling of the coating.

2. Logos and Labels

   • Check whether the nameplate information is complete (such as voltage, power, model, manufacturer);

   • Fans used in tropical areas must be marked with a "T" logo, and high temperature environments (>40°C) must indicate the applicable temperature;

   • For ceiling fans, make sure the L/N/E polarity labels are correctly affixed.

4. Mechanical and assembly inspection

Evaluate the product's structural reliability, assembly accuracy and usage stability.

1. Assembly quality

   • Check whether all parts fit together properly without excessive gaps or steps;

   • Pat and shake the product with your hands to check if there is any foreign object, noise or loose parts;

   • Place the product on a level glass plate and check if the base is stable. Use a feeler gauge to measure the gap if necessary (except for ceiling fans).

2. Installation of grille and fan blades

   • Confirm that the front and rear grilles are firmly installed without being loose or misplaced;

   • Check whether the fan blades are installed in a balanced manner without shaking or swaying.

5. Functional performance test

Functional testing is the key to determining whether a product is qualified and must cover all explicit and implicit functions.

1. Switches and control systems

   • Test whether all buttons, knobs, and remote controls function normally (turn them on and off more than 3 times), whether the contacts are reliable, and whether there are any stuck buttons or malfunctions;

   • The speed control gears should be clearly distinguished, and there should be no phenomenon of two gears being connected at the same time or unable to reset.

2. Operating performance

   • Oscillating function : Table fans/floor fans should swing flexibly without shaking, abnormal noise or tooth scraping;

   • Speed ​​and input power : Measure the speed and power at each gear. The deviation must meet the standard (e.g., IEC requires a deviation of ≤±20% when the power is >25W and ≤300W).

   • Noise test : In an environment with background noise less than 30dB, measured at a distance of 1 meter from the fan, the noise level should be within a reasonable range (usually ≤60dB) when running at high speed.

   • Forward and reverse function : The ceiling fan should be able to rotate forward (blowing air downward) and reverse (blowing air upward), with smooth switching.

3. Stability testing

   • Table fans/floor fans should be placed on a 10° slope and should not fall over;

   • Floor fans with a height greater than 1.7m or a weight greater than 10kg should remain stable after a horizontal force of 40N is applied at a height of 1.5m.

6. Special Testing and Reliability Verification

This type of testing is designed to simulate actual usage environments and extreme conditions to verify product durability and compliance.

1. Nameplate durability test

   • IEC standard : rub 15 times with water, gasoline or alcohol cotton cloth and 1000g weight;

   • UL standard : Rub 10 times with a thumb applying 18N force;

   • The markings must be clear and not fall off, and the 3M tape adhesion test must show no warping.

2. Grille protection test

   • Apply a 20N thrust or pull along the motor axis, and then use a Type B test probe (φ50mm baffle) to check whether dangerous moving parts are accessible.

3. Power cord pull test

   • IEC : Apply a tensile force 25 times based on the product weight, with a displacement of ≤2mm;

   • UL : Apply 35 pounds (about 155N) of force for 1 minute, displacement ≤1.6mm.

4. Motor stall test

   • Lock the fan blades and apply rated voltage until the fuse blows. The motor must not catch fire, the insulation must not be carbonized, and it must pass the withstand voltage test.

5. Mechanical strength test (ceiling fan)

   • Apply a load of 4 times the weight for 1 minute, and then apply a torque of 1 N·m in both the forward and reverse directions for 1 minute each. The suspension system has no breakage and the structure is not damaged.

6. Short-term aging test

   • Continuous operation for 4 hours at rated voltage without malfunction, overheating, melting or deformation.

7. Barcode and drop test

   • Scan the outer box barcode 3 times, and all of them should be recognized correctly;

   • Perform a box drop test according to ISTA or customer standards and record any damage.

7. Summary of Common Defects

During the inspection process, special attention should be paid to the following high-frequency quality issues:

Conclusion

Fan product inspection is a multi-dimensional, systematic quality assessment process encompassing packaging, safety, appearance, mechanical structure, and functional performance. Inspectors must be proficient in international and domestic standards, rigorously implement all tests according to a practical checklist, and maintain an objective, rigorous, and meticulous work attitude during both factory inspections and spot checks. Only through comprehensive and in-depth inspections can we effectively manage product quality risks and enhance customer satisfaction and market competitiveness. At China Huibang Focus, we specialize in product inspection and quarantine, testing and certification, supplier background checks, audits, and factory inspections.