FAQs – Frequently asked questions
Browse these FAQs to find answers to the most commonly raised questions about our products. You can read more about our range of products in the relevant articles and references.
Wive
What is the minimum wall dimension for the filter?
The VILPE Wive can be mounted on walls with a thickness of at least 255 mm. If the wall is thicker than 440 mm, additional pipe parts will be needed.
How far into the installation pipe should the filter be placed?
First, make sure that the filter is securely attached to the valve. Attach both the metal parts included in the supporting structure to the mounting holes inside the round plastic part. The metal parts must cross over each other. Pull the white cloth filter over the support structure and fasten it with a rubber band. The rubber band is to be fitted over the recess of the metal parts, not on the plastic part.
Push the valve and filter into the pipe until you can attach them to the mounting frame. Make sure you hear a click. This means the valve has been securely fastened in place.
Which filter should I use for the VILPE Wive intake vent?
Wive intake filters fit wall-mounted Wive intake vents. As these filters are designed specifically for these products, we can guarantee excellent filtering efficiency. If you have a Wive installed onto a window vent, you can also use the Wive coarse filter.
Roof fans
What criteria should I use when selecting a VILPE roof fan for exhaust air ventilation?
The roof fan should be selected based on the ventilation needs of the building or property. The quick selection table for VILPE roof fans can be used to select a roof fan for an ordinary detached house. To select a suitable roof fan, the pressure caused by the duct system and the necessary air volumes must be known. When the operation point of the roof fan has been determined, the most suitable roof fan for the intended use can be selected by examining roof fan performance value tables. A model that consumes the least energy and emits the least noise at the specific operation point should be chosen. An ECo roof fan must be selected for room ventilation, because only the ECo series of roof fans meets the requirements of ecological design regulations.
When are roof fans suitable for house ventilation?
Passive ventilation can be upgraded to mechanical ventilation using roof fans from the ECo series in combination with the ECo Ideal Wireless system. ECo Ideal is an automatic and demand-controlled roof fan control system. It can also be used for ventilation in recreational homes, warehouses and garages.
What kind of ventilation system should I choose for the house?
New buildings commonly use a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. When renovating older buildings, we recommend the VILPE ECo Ideal Wireless control system. ECo Ideal is an automatic regulation system for roof fans, which adjusts ventilation according to indoor air quality by removing excess moisture and carbon dioxide. To complete the ventilation system, supply air is also needed to replace the bad air. This can be done with an intake vent: for example, the VILPE Wive. ECo Ideal is also suitable for ventilation in recreational homes, warehouses and garages.
Which VILPE roof fans can be used with a cooker hood?
VILPE E-series roof fans can be used with cooker hoods designed for external fans with AC-powered blower control capability. If the range hood is capable of controlling an EC-model roof fan (0–10V DC), VILPE ECo series roof fans should be used with it. Be sure to check the duct size and control with the cooker hood manufacturer.
What is the difference between VILPE E series and VILPE ECo series roof fans?
VILPE E series roof fans are AC-powered fans. VILPE ECo series roof fans represent next-generation fan technology which is quieter and more energy-efficient than AC models. EC is an abbreviation for ‘Electronically Commutated’, which in the case of a roof fan means a fan with a brushless DC motor. DC motors are about 30 per cent more powerful than AC motors.
What criteria should I use when selecting a roof fan?
See the sections “What criteria should I use when selecting a VILPE roof fan for exhaust air ventilation?” and “Which VILPE roof fans can be used with a cooker hood?”.
Why should I choose a VILPE FLOW roof fan?
The lower pressure drop in FLOW products reduces the power consumption of the ventilation unit. In addition, the roof fans in the series are EC-controlled and have a service switch.
FLOW products have:
- State-of-the-art water separation
- Up to 40 percent less pressure loss (for exhaust pipes) compared to older models
- Modern design
What is a suitable service set for a VILPE roof fan?
A service set should be selected based on the roof fan model, which can be seen on the cowl’s number plate. For example, the E190/E120 service set is suitable for the VILPE E120 and E190 roof fans. Likewise, the ECo220 service set is suitable for the VILPE ECo220 roof fan.
If the number plate has faded or you are unable to find it, the motor type is marked underneath the motor.
How do I adjust the power of the VILPE radon fan?
The VILPE ECo 110 FLOW roof fan is controlled by an external control panel. It is suitable for applications where separate alarm data is required. The rotational speed can also be controlled by the house automation system at a voltage of 0–10 V.
The VILPE ECo 110 roof fan is controlled by an internal potentiometer regulator, so there is no need for a separate control panel.
It is important to remember that electrical installations may only be carried out by authorised companies.
Can I connect the VILPE ECo 110 radon fan or eco-toilet fan to an external control panel installed inside the building?
The ECo110 FLOW can be controlled with an external control panel, and the VILPE ECo motor control panel can be used for regulation.
Which control panels can be used with VILPE E fans and VILPE ECo fans?
For ventilation purposes, the appropriate control panel system must always be used. The VILPE ECo Ideal Wireless roof fan system is a wireless, demand-controlled ventilation control system.
For non-dwelling ventilation purposes, the VILPE ECo motor control panel for both surface and flush mounting is a suitable choice. The range also includes a pressure control panel to maintain the desired pressure difference in the duct or between different areas.
A thyristor or step transformer regulators intended for AC fans can also be used with VILPE E fans. Make sure that the control panel’s power range corresponds to the fan’s motor power. VILPE motor control panel models are available for both surface and flush mounting.
The roof fan can also be adjusted with a cooker hood. Check with the hood manufacturer for the correct type of roof fan. Learn about VILPE roof fan control panels here.
How and where are the low-current wires of the VILPE ECo roof fan attached?
The electrical specifications of VILPE ECo roof fans and further information on the fans and their performance values are available on our website, from the price list, and in the VILPE Roof Fans and Exhaust Pipes brochure.
There are two cables in every VILPE ECo fan: one is used to supply 230 V electricity to the roof fan, and the other provides a coupling for the roof fan’s control panel. Please see the installation instructions for more information on couplings: Wiring diagrams for VILPE ECo roof fans (ECo 110 + ECo 190, ECo 220, ECo 250)
NOTE! Electrical installations may only be carried out by professional electricians.
How can the VILPE ECo roof fan be connected to a building’s technology system (SAS), and what information can then be obtained about the roof fan?
VILPE ECo roof fans can be connected to the building’s technology system if the system has the capability to control rotation speed with 0–10 V DC voltage. An alarm can be provided using the VILPE ECo Monitor operation monitor. The operation monitor emits an alarm as output data if the rotation speed falls below 200 rpm.
The pulse data received from the VILPE ECo roof fan can also be connected to the building’s technology system, in which case alarm limits can be integrated into this system. The pulse data is generated by an open collector, with a maximum input voltage of 47 V. This must be checked with the system supplier. There is one pulse per revolution of the roof fan, and the alarm limit can be set at various values (e.g. 300 rpm).
NOTE! Electrical installations may only be carried out by professional electricians.
How are VILPE Eco fans connected?
Wiring diagram for VILPE ECo roof fans
VILPE ECo high-performance specifications, additional information on roof fans, and their performance are available on our website and in our pricelist.
NOTE! Electrical installations may only be carried out by professional electricians.
Why does ice accumulate in the roof fan and the exhaust pipe, with water dripping onto the stove?
Warm air normally rises via ducts and structures, and cold air moves downwards. When a cold surface and warm air come together, and the relative humidity is 100 per cent, a dew point is formed, causing water to drip from the ducts.
How to solve the problem:
- Check that the ducts are properly insulated. Insulation thickness on ducts in cold space must comply with building regulations. The thickness of the rockwool insulation on the ducts must be at least 150 mm.
- Check that ventilation in the apartment has been adjusted correctly. Usually, ventilation should be adjusted so that there is about 3–5 Pa under-pressure. If the problem cannot be eliminated by adjusting ventilation and insulating the ducts, the range hood should be fitted with a fully closing damper. This prevents humidity from rising in the duct and becoming condensed.
If the fan has frozen up and cannot rotate freely, the automatic thermal relay switches on to prevent the fan from breaking down. When the ice has melted, the thermal relay is reset, and the fan is again operable. The easiest way to defrost a frozen fan is to blow warm air into the duct – for example, with a hairdryer.
If the roof fan is switched off immediately after cooking, a large amount of steam and warm air will remain in the ducts. Water vapour condenses in the ducts and the fan motor, forming ice in cold weather. The next time the fan is used, the ice melts, and water drips from the ducts onto the stove. The fan should be kept running as long as possible after cooking so that the ducts have enough time to dry. The best way to prevent condensation is to keep the fan on constantly on low power.
What is the service life of VILPE roof fans?
The normal service life of VILPE roof fans is 15 to 20 years. The motors have a long service life, and they seldom break down prematurely.
The most common reason for reduced fan power is breakage of the capacitor. It is quite easy to change the capacitor, but this should be done by an electrician.
If increased sound is heard from the rotor at higher speeds, there may be a bearing fault. A maintenance set is available for each fan model. The maintenance set includes the motor and the capacitor.
Pass-throughs, exhaust ventilation pipes and other ventilation pipes
How do I select a suitable pass-through for my roof and roofing material?
Selecting a pass-through is easy with the VILPE pass-through selector. If you cannot find the right alternative from the selector, please contact VILPE technical support.
Why do I have to install an Underlay seal?
Underlay seals protect roof structures and insulation material from water condensation on the lower surface of the roof. The seal also prevents any humidity caused by water and snow from entering the intermediate floor through ventilation openings in the ridge. The VILPE Underlay 2K seal extends from the surface of the roof covering to the upper surface of the pass-through, and thus completely closes the gap between the roof covering and the roofing material, prevents humidity from entering the building’s roof structures, and ensures that the roof remains waterproof. See the section “What is a VILPE Underlay 2K seal, and why should it be used?” Learn about the VILPE Underlay 2K seal by watching this installation video.
What is a VILPE Underlay 2K seal, and why should it be used?
The VILPE Underlay 2K seal is the only pass-through accessory on the market which guarantees that the roofing structures it is installed onto remain fully waterproof. Using the Underlay 2K seal also ensures that natural discontinuity points in the roofing material, combined with winds and driving snow, do not impose any extra humidity load on the roof structures. The Underlay 2K seal effectively seals the pass-through and the roof-covering into a single watertight and wind-tight component. Learn about the VILPE Underlay 2K seal by watching this installation video.
Should I choose an insulated or uninsulated Ø 110 mm sewer ventilation pipe?
Given the prevailing conditions in the Nordic countries, an insulated sewer ventilation pipe model should always be used. Only an insulated sewer ventilation pipe prevents the condensation of humidity in the sewer and the accumulation of ice in the pipes. It the pipes freeze, sewer ventilation will not work, which may lead to the emptying of water seals and cause a bad smell inside the building.
Can a cowl be placed on top of a sewer ventilation pipe?
We do not recommend placing a cowl on top of a sewer ventilation pipe. However, a cowl can be used if the intention is to make the sewer pipe look the same as the other pipes on a roof. If a cowl is used, the rain collar inside the cowl should be removed in order to improve ventilation.
To avoid freezing, we recommend the insulated VILPE 110/ER/500 ventilation pipe for sewer ventilation. Uninsulated sewer pipes can be insulated later by mounting the VILPE Freeze cover on top of the pipe.
Can I use VILPE ventilation pipes to ventilate roof structures?
Yes, VILPE ventilation pipes can also be used to ventilate roof structures, and where necessary, roof ventilation can be improved using a ventilation pipe. When ventilation pipes are used to ventilate roof structures, it must be ensured that any water condensing onto the pipe walls is directed to a place where it does not cause damage to the building’s structures. This can be done, for example, by placing a plastic container of an approximately 1 litre capacity under the ventilation pipe in order to collect and evaporate the water produced by condensation.
Can a VILPE exhaust pipe be converted into a roof fan without replacing the whole product?
In many cases, a range hood with an internal blower can be replaced with a range hood which requires an external blower, thereby converting the exhaust pipe into a roof fan. This makes the kitchen much quieter.
If there is a need to convert an exhaust pipe into a roof fan, we recommend that the exhaust pipe be completely replaced with a VILPE roof fan. The whole package is then ready for operation without the need for additional testing or separate wiring. Waterproofing can only be ensured by means of a readymade component.
The cowl of the most widely used ventilation exhaust pipe, the Ø 125 mm pipe, can be replaced with the VILPE S series VILPE E120S roof fan. The cowl of the exhaust pipe is removed and replaced by a fan that is attached to the exhaust pipe from its lower part with three screws.
Converting an exhaust pipe of Ø 160 mm into a roof fan using the VILPE E220S fan is slightly more difficult, because in addition to removing the cowl, the plastic cone-shaped air deflector between the exhaust pipe and the cowl must also be removed.
It must be noted that in the case of conversions, a separate pass-through must also be provided in the roof for the fan’s electric wire. According to fire regulations, electric wires cannot be directed to the controller via the duct system. In many cases, a hole is made in the plastic pass-through for the electric wire, and the gaps are then sealed using a cable pass-through and sealing mass.
NOTE! Electrical installations in connection with changes and installations may only be carried out by professional electricians.
What is the best pass-through alternative for solar panel pipes and cables?
VILPE Solar pass-through sets are intended for passing the supply and return pipes of solar thermal collectors, cables and other smaller pipes through the roof. VILPE Solar pass-throughs can be used with all of the most common roof types and roofing materials.
VILPE Ross ventilation poles
How many VILPE Ross ventilation poles do I need for underfloor ventilation, and how large an installation opening should I have in the foundation for each ventilation pole?
It is specified in Section 3.2.1.5, part C2, of the National Building Code of Finland that the total surface area of underfloor ventilation openings must be at least 4 per mil of the surface area of the underfloor space. The Finnish Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate provides instructions for determining the ventilation needs of different underfloor space types. To determine your project’s specific ventilation needs, please contact a skilled HVAC or structural designer.
For the VILPE Ross 125 ventilation pole, an opening of at least Ø 135 mm must be provided in the foundation, and for the Ross 160 ventilation pole, an opening of at least Ø 170 mm must be provided.
Free surface area of the openings for VILPE Ross ventilation poles:
- VILPE Ross 125: 95 cm²
- VILPE Ross 160: 201 cm²
- VILPE Ross 200: 314 cm²
VILPE Ross ventilation poles can also be used for:
- Ventilation of radon gas
- Providing inlet air to fireplaces
- Providing supply air for mechanical or passive ventilation
Warranty
What does the aesthetic warranty of VILPE products mean?
The aesthetic warranty applies to deformations in the product, major cracks in the product, and any major discolouration of the product’s plastic parts under conditions where the surface of the product is subjected to a steady environmental or climatic impact (such as sunlight). This warranty does not cover normal discolouration, or colour changes or corrosion damage in motors, electrical parts, sealants, sheet metal parts, screws or seals. The full VILPE warranty policy is available here.
What should I do in the event of warranty-related issues?
The valid terms of the warranty issued by the manufacturer for VILPE products and instructions on the warranty procedure are described in the warranty policy.
We take care of warranty issues as soon as possible. To ensure quick service, please first contact VILPE technical support, tel. +358 (0)20 123 3233, or sales at myynti@vilpe.com (for export sales: tel. +358 (0)20 123 3222 or sales@vilpe.com).