Caframo Bora Fan
- Action: To Do List item B0289 - Replace fan on starboard side of the forward main cabin wall.
- Completed: 12 April 2018
- Cost: $66.45
A black Caframo model 747 Ultimate 12 Volt DC fan was installed on the starboard side of the forward main cabin wall; its manual is available on manufactures new website. It was electrically connected by a 12 volt cigarette-lighter style plug inserted into a 12 volt receptacle. On more than one occasion as we passed by it, our arm was struck by the rotating fan blades - ouch! - this would have to change. Added to the To Do List item B0289 to replace this fan. The existing fan would be retained and relocated to a different location.
Researching the internet yielded many options, but Practical Sailor reviews and a large base of customers comments narrowed our decision to a model 748CAWBX Caframo Bora fan as the replacement. This fan had a protective fan blade grill enclosure so it would reduce the chance of the fan blade hitting us. Also this fan was touted for its quality construction, low noise, low power consumption, and longevity. As this fan was reviewed by "knowledgeable experts" and had widespread use for a long time, any potential negative issues should have already surfaced. A few negative reviews were found claiming inoperative switches, noise due to warped plastic, burnt semiconductors on speed control board, smoked motors, brittle wire, short life span, etc., but most reviews were favorable.
We downloaded the Caframo Bora Operating Instructions manual from the internet, as it was not available at the original Caframo website (https://www.caframolifestylesolutions.com/) - this seemed very strange. The Caframo Bora Operating Instructions manual is now available on their new "Seekr" website. The installation instructions stated: "Requires a 3 amp fused circuit. Use the two supplied machine screws to attach the fan base. Connect the wire marked (+++) to a positive wire and connect the other wire to a negative ground wire. If the fan does not rotate in a clockwise direction, reverse polarity to correct." The original specifications stated: "(3 Speeds) - 12 volts: 0.14, 0.19, and 0.25 amps."
Something did not seem right - a 3 amp protective fuse for a maximum current draw of 0.25 amps. A 3 amp fuse is twelve (12) times larger than the normal expected maximum current draw. Rechecked the internet and found no issues raised related to the use of a 3 amp fuse. However, found a few cases of fans that "smoked" with a burnt speed control circuit board or motor - strange - not one case of a blown fuse or popped protective device was reported. Some folks stated they had wired this fan into existing 15/20 amp lighting circuits without additional fuse protection considerations - probably not a wise decision. The general fuse protection recommendations for electric motors varies from 1.5 - 2.0 times the Full-Load-Amperage (FLA) rating of the motor depending on the over current, short circuit, or overload conditions protection desired. The 3 amp fuse rating could be due to a high starting current, but without the DC motor specifications, could only guess as to the rationale. As we had a 12 VDC fan motor in our Dickinson Marine Diesel Heater rated at 0.17 amp current draw with recommended 1 amp fuse protection, this added to our suspicions that the 3 amp protective fuse might be a bit too large. The 3 amp fuse rating could have also been chosen based on the current carrying capacity of the wire, but the wire size was not disclosed.
When we received the Caframo Bora fan we noticed that the provided length of wire attached to the fan was 5-6 feet long, however the wire was pretty small. The wires were printed with: "AWM 2468 VW-1 80C 300V E108485 22AWG REI HSING CSA AWM I A/B 80C 300V 22AWG LL84687 FT-1 -F- ROHS REACH". From the information printed on the wire, the following was obtained from the internet.
Cable Marking Information Decoded:
AWM - Appliance Wiring Material.
2468 - UL AWM Style 2468 - Reprinted from the Online Certifications Directory with permission from UL - © 2018 UL LLC.
VW-1 - Vertical Wire (VW) Flame Test 1 - indicates tested per Section 1080 of UL 1581.
80C - Dry temperature rating in degrees Celsius.
300V - Voltage rating - is the highest voltage that may be continuously applied to a wire/cable per applicable standard or specification.
E108485 - UL designation of the wire manufacture - E108485 is identified as REI HSING WIRE CO LTD, 56-5 JIUN-ING ST, SHUH-LIN, TAIPEI HSIEN 238 TAIWAN. Manufacture wire data sheet states UL2468 Flat Ribbon Wire 80 C 300V with Application: For use in Internal wiring of applications computer.
22AWG - Identifies wire conductor as 22 American Wire Gauge (AWG) wire size.
REI HSING - Wire manufacture company name.
CSA - Canadian Standards Association.
AWM I A/B - CSA AWM Specifications. Class I - internal wiring of equipment. Group A - not subject to mechanical abuse. Group B - potentially subject to mechanical abuse. Note: Wire IS NOT designated Class II - External/interconnecting wires.
LL84687 - CSA designation of the wire manufacture - 84687 is identified as Rei Hsing Wire Co., Ltd., No 56-5, Juin-Ing St, ShuLin City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan 238. This wire equates to CSA Class Number 5851-01 which states under section Coverage, "These wires are not for use for connecting to the source of supply of electricity (branch circuits), but may be used for interconnection between pieces of equipment when permitted by a Canadian electrical code."
FT-1 - CSA Vertical Flame Test per CSA C22.2 No. 0.3-92 Para 4.11.1.
-F- - Abbreviation meaning Fixture wire, standard stranding.
ROHS - Restriction of Hazardous Substances (ROHS) - Indicates compliance with Directive 2002/95/EC that restricts the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products.
REACH - Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) - Indicates that a product is compliant with the EU REACH regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.
The Caframo Bora fan wire was a flat white ribbon style cable made of two 22 AWG wires. The Appliance Wiring Material (AWM) style was 2468 which stated its intended use as "internal wiring". The "internal wiring" designation usually infers it is intended for use in internal electronic enclosures; not the open spaces of a boat in a marine environment. The interpretation of the information printed on the wire was very clear, "These wires are not for use for connecting to the source of supply of electricity (branch circuits)....", yet the fan wires were intended for this exact purpose by the manufacture.
The Caframo website, brochures, and manuals conveniently do not disclose the wire type or size - wonder why? As part of the planning process for installation, I really want to know the wire size so I can determine if wire splices to accomplish the installation need to be ordered.
The Caframo website, brochures, and manuals show only two conformity logos.
CE marking is a certification mark that indicates conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA).
The RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) is used to indicate compliance with both electrical safety requirements and EMC requirements per the Australian Communications and Media Authorities EMC labelling notice.
Clearly lacking from Caframo website, brochures, and manuals is a conformity logo of US origin, US standards organization, or of any boating organization. The Caframo Bora fan advertisement, "The quietest and most powerful marine fan in its class!" states the fan is intended for the marine environment, but does not claim compliance with any applicable US or worldwide marine standards. Somehow we missed this discrepancy when we researched the internet - lesson learned - look for the facts of what is and is not claimed versus the generalized reviews/opinions by magazines and consumers.
On the new Seekr website FAQs page, Question 16. Do your fans have a CSA or UL rating? Answer: "Our Marine fans are low voltage fans that do not plug into the grid, therefore they do not require CSA or UL certifications." This says and reveals all about standards and certifications compliance!
So what guidance do the US regulatory and standards organizations provide in this case?
- 33 CFR §183.425 Conductors: General. Subsections (d) Each conductor in a multiconductor sheath must be at least a No. 18 AWG conductor. (e) Each conductor installed separately must be at least a No. 16 AWG conductor. (f) Each No. 18 AWG conductor in a multiconductor sheath may not extend out of the sheath more than 30 inches. (g) This section does not apply to communications systems; electronic navigation equipment; electronic circuits having a current flow of less than one ampere; conductors which are totally inside an equipment housing; resistance conductors that control circuit amperage; high voltage secondary conductors and terminations that are in ignition systems; pigtails of less than seven inches of exposed length and cranking motor conductors. [Note: 33 CFR §183.401 Purpose, applicability, and effective dates. Subsections (a) This subpart applies to all boats that have gasoline engines, except outboard engines, for electrical generation, mechanical power, or propulsion.]
- 46 CFR §183.340 Cable and wiring requirements. Subsections (c) Conductors in power and lighting circuits must be No. 14 American Wire Gauge (AWG) or larger. Conductors in control and indicator circuits must be No. 22 AWG or larger. (d) Cable and wire for power and lighting circuits must:(1) Meet Section 310-13 of NFPA 70 (incorporated by reference; see 46 CFR 175.600) except that asbestos insulated cable and dry location cables may not be used; (2) Be listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), as UL Boat or UL Marine cable; [Note: 46 CFR §183.130 Alternative standards. Subsections(a) A vessel, other than a high speed craft, of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length carrying not more than 12 passengers, may comply with the following requirements instead of complying with the requirements of this part in their entirety: (1) Section 183.420; and (2) The following American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Projects where applicable: (i) E-8, “Alternating Current (AC) Electrical Systems on Boats;” (ii) E-9, “Direct Current (DC) Electrical Systems on Boats;” and (iii) A-16, “Electrical Navigation Lights.”]
- The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standard E-11 AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats states: Paragraph 11.14.1.1.2 Conductors shall be at least 16 AWG. EXCEPTIONS: 4. Conductors on circuits of less than 50 volts having a current flow of less than one amp in communication systems, electronic navigation equipment and electronic circuits.
- The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 302 Fire Protection Standard for Pleasure and Commercial Motor Craft states: Paragraph 10.13.7 Conductors, other than those contained completely within equipment or enclosures, shall be at least No. 16 AWG. Paragraph 10.13.8 All conductors shall meet UL 1426, Standard for Safety for Electrical Cables for Boats, and shall be so labeled.
- NFPA National Electrical Code (NEC) 70 states: Paragraph 402.6 Minimum Size. Fixture wires shall not be smaller than 18 AWG. Paragraph 402.12 Uses Not Permitted. Fixture wires shall not be used as branch-circuit conductors except as permitted elsewhere in this Code.
Both the 33 CFR §183.425 and ABYC E-11 have an exception of does not apply to electronic circuits having a current flow of less than one ampere. The Bora fan has a current draw of 0.25 amps at highest speed – seems to meet the exception rule, but the manufacture recommends a protective fuse of 3 amps – seems to not meet the exception rule. The NFPA 302 standard identified no exceptions, but its applicability is voluntary. The requirements of 33 CFR §183.425 are not applicable to our situation as we don't have a gasoline engine, ours is diesel. The requirements of 46 CFR §183.340 are mandatory and enforceable by law, but allow substitution of compliance with ABYC E-9 in this case. Since ABYC E-8, E-9, and A-16 are incorporated into the CFR by law their requirements are mandatory and enforceable by law also. ABYC E-11 is not incorporated into the CFR even though it supersedes ABYC E-8 and E-9, so E-11 compliance is not enforceable - but advisable to review, as incorporation is just a matter of a CFR revision and time.
The wire specifications for low amperage circuits are not addressed in current standards/laws as all the regulatory wire data tables go no smaller than 18 AWG – maybe this needs improvement in light of today’s available low amperage electrical options. For wire specifications smaller than 18 AWG, we used the Tables of AWG wire sizes available on the internet at Wikipedia's website.
So in our situation, the official requirement enforceable by law is per ABYC E-9, Direct Current (DC) Electrical Systems on Boats dated May 28, 1990, incorporated into 46 CFR §183.340(b), paragraph E-9.16 Installation, subsection (h.) Conductors shall be at least 16 gauge. EXCEPTION: 18 gauge conductors may be used if included with other conductors in a sheath and do not extend more than 30 inches outside the sheath.
So what does all this mean in regards to the Caframo Bora fan wires? The wire size of 22 AWG is not compliant with the law - ref ABYC E-9.16.h. The wire insulation is also not compliant with the law - reference ABYC E-9 paragraph E-9.14.b - The construction of insulated cables and conductors shall conform with the requirements of SAE J378, J1127, J1128 or UL1426 "Boat Cable".
It is interesting to note: UL 758 Standard for Appliance Wiring Material paragraph 1.7 states "The final acceptance of AWM is dependent upon its use in complete equipment that conforms with the standards applicable to such equipment". As the Caframo Bora fan wires were built to be in compliance with UL 758, the final acceptance is dependent upon if it conforms to the standards of the complete equipment - in this case the complete equipment is a boat and the standards are the ABYC standards incorporated into the CFR which are enforceable laws - the wiring does not met the required standards.
Tried to seek an answer from the manufacture, so sent the following email to them at contactus@caframo.com.
Just purchased three Caframo Bora fans model 748CAWBX for use on our boat. When we received (3 month transit via ocean freight) and inspected the Caframo Bora fans we noticed that the provided length of wire attached to the fan was 5-6 feet long, however the wire seemed pretty small. The flat white ribbon cable wires were printed with: "AWM 2468 VW-1 80C 300V E108485 22AWG REI HSING CSA AWM I A/S 90C 300V 22AWG LL84687 FT-1 -F- ROHS REACH".
As this wire does not appear to meet the size (ABYC E-9.16.h – 16 AWG) and insulation specifications (E-9.14.b – UL1426) for compliance with the US CFR (46 CFR §183.430/.130) for marine/boat use, plan on replacing it with approved wiring.
Would like to know the Full-Load-Amperage (FLA) rating of the electric fan motor to determine proper fuse size requirement. Believe the recommended use of a 3 amp fuse might be based on the wire ampacity rating of 22 AWG which is 3 amps per the NEC.
_____________________________________________________________________________
A Caframo's representative responded as follows:
Thank you for your email regarding your 748 Bora model fans.
Caframo meets many standards, and our Engineering team has determined that this wire is adequate. We sell to Marine stores worldwide, this has never been an issue. I’m sorry but I am unable to provide any information that would involve modifications for our products.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Sent the following reply back to Caframo:
First, thanks for providing a response.
In regards to your statement, “I’m sorry but I am unable to provide any information that would involve modifications for our products”, there must be some confusion as I requested no information on modifications – I just asked what the Full-Load-Amperage (FLA) rating of the electric fan motor was. Regardless, I have already obtained that information from the manufacture’s DC motor datasheet.
In regards to your statement, “Engineering team has determined that this wire is adequate…”, I am not of the same opinion as your engineering team for the following reasons. Please inform them of the following for their further evaluation and maybe product improvement.
The information printed on the wire states:
AWM 2468 – This is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Appliance Wiring Material (AWM) Style 2468 which designates USE as “Internal Wiring”.
CSA AWM I A/B – This is Canadian Standards Association Appliance Wiring Material (AWM) specifications: Class I - internal wiring of equipment. Group A - not subject to mechanical abuse. Group B - potentially subject to mechanical abuse. Note: Wire IS NOT designated Class II – External or interconnecting wires.
LL84687 - CSA designation of the wire manufacture - 84687 is identified as Rei Hsing Wire Co., Ltd., No 56-5, Juin-Ing St, ShuLin City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan 238. This wire equates to CSA Class Number 5851-01 which states under section Coverage, "These wires are not for use for connecting to the source of supply of electricity (branch circuits), but may be used for interconnection between pieces of equipment when permitted by a Canadian electrical code."
Rei Hsing Wire Co., Ltd datasheet states it is UL2468 Flat Ribbon Wire 80C 300V with Application: For use in Internal wiring of applications computer.
Based on the information printed on the wire, the wire is not intended for use in the marine environment of a boat as external power conducting wire.
As the Caframo Bora fan only bears the CE and RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) logos, it is the consumer (me) that must ensure compliance with applicable regulations for its use – installation on a boat means compliance mandated by the Code of Federal Regulations which includes incorporated by reference standards – ABYC, UL, NEC, etc.
From the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR):
46 CFR §183.340 Cable and wiring requirements. Subsections (c) Conductors in power and lighting circuits must be No. 14 American Wire Gauge (AWG) or larger. Conductors in control and indicator circuits must be No. 22 AWG or larger. (d) Cable and wire for power and lighting circuits must:(1) Meet Section 310-13 of NFPA 70 (incorporated by reference; see 46 CFR 175.600) except that asbestos insulated cable and dry location cables may not be used; (2) Be listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), as UL Boat or UL Marine cable; [Note: 46 CFR §183.130 Alternative standards. Subsections(a) A vessel, other than a high speed craft, of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length carrying not more than 12 passengers, may comply with the following requirements instead of complying with the requirements of this part in their entirety: (1) Section 183.420; and (2) The following American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Projects where applicable: (i) E-8, “Alternating Current (AC) Electrical Systems on Boats;” (ii) E-9, “Direct Current (DC) Electrical Systems on Boats;” and (iii) A-16, “Electrical Navigation Lights.”]
As ABYC E-9, Direct Current (DC) Electrical Systems on Boats, dated May 28, 1990, is also incorporated into the CFR by reference; it states the following in regards to wiring:
- E-9.14.b The construction of insulated cables and conductors shall conform with the requirements of SAE 1378, J1127, 11128 or UL1426 "Boat Cable".
- E-9.14.e.(2) Conductors, if used for bilge blowers, electronic equipment, navigation lights and other circuits where voltage drop must be kept to a minimum, shall be sized for a voltage drop not to exceed 3% (see Table VII).
- E-9.16.(h) Conductors shall be at least 16 gauge. EXCEPTION: 18 gauge conductors may be used if included with other conductors in a sheath and do not extend more than 30 inches outside the sheath.
National Electrical Code (NEC) National Fire Protection Association 70 states,
- 402.6 Minimum Size. Fixture wires shall not be smaller than 18 AWG.
- 402.12 Uses Not Permitted. Fixture wires shall not be used as branch-circuit conductors except as permitted elsewhere in this Code.
Based on the information printed on the wire and regulatory requirements mandated by law the Caframo Bora fan wiring is not the correct wire size and insulation type for use in a marine environment on a boat.
I would also recommend that you update your manual to identify the AWG wire size. It will aide your customers by enabling them to know the size of the wire splice needed for installation, and if needed, purchase it at the same time.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Did not receive any further response from Caframo about the wiring issue.
As the Caframo Bora fan wiring was not of the proper size or insulation type, the markings on the wire clearly indicated it was not to be used in a power conducting circuit, and the wire was intended for use only in an electronic enclosure - not the open marine environment of a boat; the only viable option left was to replace the fan wiring. We decided to use UL1426 16/2 AWG duplex wiring as we had it available; we could have used 18/2 AWG as it meets regulatory requirements, but we did not have any on hand.
The following picture depicts the wiring diagram.
The following items were purchased to support this installation.
| P/N | Item | Q | Each | Total |
| 748CA-WBX | Caframo Bora 748 Fan | 1 | $63.99 | $63.99 |
| 16/2 AWG Duplex Tinned Marine Wire, Red/Yellow (250 Feet - $91.95) | 4 | $0.37 | $1.48 | |
| 16-14 AWG #8 Ring Heat Shrink Splice | 2 | $0.25 | $0.50 | |
| 5235100 | Blue Sea Systems ATO/ ATC Fuses - Pack of 25 - $17.11, 1A fuses | 1 | $0.18 | $0.18 |
| Cable/Tie Straps | 3 | $0.10 | $0.30 | |
| TOTAL | $66.45 |
The fan was disassembled (see here for example on how to take apart - original website discontinued see PDF file of same here.), existing wire leads removed for the internal circuit board, and new wires attached with solder. The wire were routed through a hole in the starboard forward cabin wall where the fan was mounted. The wires were then attached to the fuse block with a protective 1 amp fuse in the circuit.
