2.What types of fans can the laboratory test?

The REEL is an HVI approved test laboratory for the performance testing of residential ventilation products.  The laboratory has several airflow chambers that allow all residential ventilation products to be tested.  Bathroom exhaust fans, range hoods, inline fans, kitchen and other household exhaust fans, whole house comfort ventilators, powered attic ventilators, static vents (such as ridge vents and soffit vents) and duct terminal fittings.

3.How does a customer start the process to have fans tested at REEL?

With a phone call or an email, a customer can contact the REEL to start the process of having a ventilation product tested.  A laboratory staff member will discuss the customer's testing requirements and assist in the development of a test plan.  After the discussions,  a formal quote will be sent to the customer that details the testing to be done, the price for the testing and a schedule for the proposed testing to be completed. Typically, products sent for certification testing will be tested within 10 working days after receiving the products at the laboratory.

4. What payment methods does REEL accept? 

Payment for testing services at REEL can be made via company check, credit card or wire transfer.  NOTE: TEES’s administrative policy requires that all international and first time customers pay the total amount stated on the contract - in full, in advance and in U.S. dollars drawn on a  U.S. bank.

5.Can I witness the testing of my products?

Yes, REEL allows customers to view the testing of their products in the laboratory.  Customers wishing to see their products tested in the laboratory must make the request in writing during the initial planning stages of their product testing.  Once informed, the laboratory will send the customer the required forms that must be completed and returned prior to issuing the contract for testing.

6.What is the difference between witnessed testing and rental of the laboratory for R&D purposes?

Witnessed testing allows the customer to observe the process of his/her products being tested in the REEL. This is a courtesy that we provide to our customers.  This is a courtesy that must be requested by the customer, in writing, during the initial conversations that lead to the contract for product testing. Upon receiving the request for witnessed testing, the laboratory will send the required release forms that must be filled out and returned during the initial discussions for product testing.   This is necessary due to insurance and risk management policies.  Rental of the laboratory for research and development is another service that we provide to our customers. This service allows the customer to “rent” the laboratory on a per day basis, one day minimum, to do research and developmental testing of residential ventilation products.  The laboratory will provide one test technician for each day to facilitate the testing.  The customer agrees to send a minimum of one person, experienced with the products to be tested.  Working together, the customers’ designated representative and the laboratory technician will mount and test the products.  If the performance goals are not achieved with the first test, then other options, such as a different motor or a different blade, wheel or grille may be tried.  If the performance goals are then achieved, the R&D test report can be upgraded to a certified test report for an additional fee.  A certified test report from the REEL is accepted by the HVI and CEC administrations.

7.What are the rights and responsibilities of the laboratory and the customer related to the laboratory rental service?  

Upon receiving written notification from the customer that the R&D service is requested, the laboratory will send out the required forms for the customer to complete and return.  The forms are for liability release and customer representative identification.  The laboratory will be prepared for the customer’s testing by adjusting the work schedule to clear the calendar day(s) reserved for the laboratory rental period.  The laboratory will also provide one technician to work with the customer’s representative and to operate the laboratory test equipment.  The customer is required to notify the laboratory in writing, during the initial stages of developing the testing contract, that the laboratory’s research and development service is desired. The customer is also required to designate and send a company representative to the laboratory that is experienced with the products to be tested. The company representative and the laboratory technician will work together to optimize the products during the laboratory testing.  The company representative will receive test data for each test performed.  The company representative is responsible for assessing the test data and determining the suitability as applied to the products being tested.  The company representative is expected to communicate the test data back to his company and to determine if upgrades to certified test reports are required.

8.How many units of each model should I send for testing?

Generally, domestic customers are asked to forward one unit of each model to be tested.  International customers are asked to forward two units of each model due to the rigorous handling encountered with international shipments.

9.How many fans can the laboratory test in one day?

This depends on the types of fans to be tested. Bathroom exhaust fans are typically small, easy to handle and mount, relatively light  and typically move less than 300 CFM.  Mounting a bath fan to a test fixture usually requires less than an hour and so the laboratory can test about three bath fans for airflow and sound in one working day (8 hours/day).  The laboratory can test more inline fans per day since they do not require any sound testing.  Typically, five to six inline fans can be set-up and air flow tested in one working day.  Whole house comfort ventilators require additional time for set up and testing as these fans are usually much larger and therefore are tested on the Figure 13 chamber.  These fans mount on top of a test fixture specifically designed for testing whole house fans.  The laboratory can test one to two of these types of products in one working day.