How to tell them apart
- Single inlet (single width, single inlet): open on one side, with a solid back plate and the hub on the other.
- Double inlet (double width, double inlet, DWDI): open on both sides, with a center disc that carries the hub. It moves roughly twice the air of a single inlet wheel of the same diameter.
Where each is used
Single inlet wheels are common in direct drive blowers, plug fans and exhausters. Double inlet wheels are used in furnaces, air handlers and DWDI air kits, where the blower housing has inlets on both sides.
Measuring
Measure both the same way: diameter across the blade tips, width from end ring to end ring, and the bore. On a double inlet wheel the width includes both halves. Full steps are in how to measure a blower wheel.
Sizes we build
We build 37 standard single inlet sizes and 70 standard double inlet sizes, plus any size to order up to 40".
Questions
What does DWDI mean?
Double width, double inlet. The wheel is open on both sides, with a center disc.
Can a double inlet wheel replace a single inlet wheel?
No. The housing is built for one or the other. Replace a wheel with the same inlet type.