Metal Softbox 1000 M³

A softbox rated 1000 m³/h with the blower hung in rubber. Steel case, 250 mm flanges both sides, current draw 1.1 A.

Reading the current figures across the range

These boxes quote current in amps rather than watts, and across the four sizes that gives a useful picture: 0.4 A at 250 m³, 0.7 A at 500, 1.1 A at 1000 and 1.4 A at 1500 m³/h.

Two things follow. First, consumption rises more slowly than capacity: from 250 to 1000 m³/h is four times the air for less than three times the current. Larger fans work more efficiently, which is an argument against choosing too tight when you are between two sizes.

Second, it gives you a sense of running cost. Amps times volts gives an upper bound: 1.1 A at 230 V comes to around 250 VA. Actual consumption in watts sits below that, since this motor type has no ideal power factor, but as a ceiling it is easy to work with. Run this box around the clock and you are in the order of a couple of hundred watts continuous.

Throttle it and consumption falls with it, which alongside the quiet is a second reason to fit a speed controller.

Technical Specifications:

• Build: steel softbox
• Motor fixing: suspended in rubber
• Damping: acoustic lining inside the case
• Moves per hour: 1000 m³
• Current drawn: 1.1 A
• Flange size: 1 x 250 mm in, 1 x 250 mm out
• Supply: plug and flanges included

Frequently asked questions

How many watts is 1.1 A?
At 230 V that is at most around 250 VA. Actual wattage sits below it; we quote no figure we do not have from the manufacturer.

Does a bigger box use relatively more?
No, less per cubic metre of air. Which is a reason not to choose too tight.

Can I run it off an ordinary circuit?
Yes, with the supplied plug. Mind the total of everything else on that circuit.