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Tempest has a separate dealer network for each industry: Fire Fighting/Rescue, Golf/Turf, Industrial/Commercial/Rental, and Hot Air Ballooning. Contact Tempest Customer Service at 800-346-2143 for the dealer nearest your area or email for assistance with order placement or for additional product information.

How can I arrange a demonstration of a Tempest product?
Contact your local dealer to arrange a demonstration. Tempest Fire Power Blowers: 5 years
Tempest Industrial Use Blowers: 1 year
Tempest Golf/Turf Blowers: 3 years
Honda, Tecumseh, and Briggs engines: 2 years
Electric Motors and components: 1 year
Smoke Machines: Up to 1 year
VentMaster Fire & Rescue Saw: 1 year180 days
Consult Tempest product catalog for specific warranty information.

How do Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) and Positive Pressure Attack (PPA) work?
There is a complete explanation of Positive Pressure Ventilation principles and applications on our web site. What is the difference between Positive Pressure Ventilation and Negative Pressure Ventilation?
PPV gives you complete control over where the exhaust air travels by choosing the exhaust opening. With Positive Pressure Ventilation, you blow into the structure and literally “pressurize” the entire structure. In Negative Pressure Ventilation, a suction fan is placed in a doorway or window “pulling” the air outward. Pricing and Delivery
List prices are available on our published price list. Contact your local dealer for specific quotes that can include all shipping and handling charges. You can receive a copy via fax, email or mail by contacting Tempest Customer Service at 800-346-2143 or by email.

Parts prices are available on our published parts price list. You can receive a copy via fax, email or mail by contacting Tempest Customer Service at 800-346-2143.

You can find out the status of your order by calling your local dealer if the order was placed with them, or call Tempest Customer Service at 800-346-2143.


Tempest Blowers
How do I determine which blower model I have?
On each Tempest blower engine is a decal displaying the serial number and model designation of that blower. Belt Drive blower model numbers begin with BD. A BD18-H-5.5 references a belt-drive eighteen-inch with a Honda 5.5HP engine.
Direct Drive blower model numbers begin with DD.
Electric blower model numbers begin with EB. An EB 24 references a an electric twenty-four inch blower.
The first Tempest blowers produced in the late 1980’s were called “TGB’s” followed by three numbers, such as TGB 214, which indicates a 21 inch four cycle Tecumseh 5hp engine; TGB 244, indicating a 24” four cycle engine with a Tecumseh 5hp or Honda 9hp engine or TGB212, indicates a 21” 2 cycle Kawasaki (Parts are no longer available.

How do Air Flex blades hold up in cold weather?
The Tempest Air Flex blades are operationally rated at - 50 through + 250 degrees – which covers the range of most normal operations of the blower.

Can early Tempest blowers be retrofitted with the new Air-Flex blades?
Earlier Tempest blowers can be retrofitted with the new Air Flex blade. The Air Flex blades have been AMCA tested on the belt-drive, direct-drive, and electric blowers with increased CFM of as much as 30%. Call Tempest Customer Service for more info on retrofits.

Can other manufacturer’s blowers be fitted with the Tempest Air-Flex blade?
The Air Flex blade is designed and engineered specifically for Tempest Power Blower models. While the Air Flex blades could be “fitted” to the shaft of other fans or blowers, without specific engineering of the impeller to a particular engine and shroud design, results could not be guaranteed.

What does CFM mean?
CFM stands for “Cubic Feet Per Minute”. It is a measure of the blower’s air movement performance. The CFM performance of all Tempest Blowers is tested and certified by a third party organization, Air Movement and Control Association, called AMCA. How can I find out the CFM of a particular blower?
A complete listing of the CFM ratings for all Tempest blowers can be found on our web site. Go to the main page and click on the product link that says “Blowers”. This information is also available in the current Tempest product catalog and can be requested by calling Tempest Customer Service.

What is the difference between a blower with a shroud and a blower with a cage?
A shroud is one of the most important features a blower must have for effective PPV. The shroud helps to shape the airflow into a cone shaped pattern and, with the Turbo 2000 Shroud, the slight taper increases the forward velocity and pressure of the air. It is this “air cone” that allows you to completely seal the entrance opening and pressurize the structure. A blower that uses a cage instead of a shroud is not able to shape the air and produce the “air cone”. A caged blower creates a shaft of air. Placing the blower farther away reduces its velocity and performance for PPV.

How long will my blowers last?
The Tempest Power Blower has proven its durability by withstanding the rigors of fire service use. Tempest initiated the “Five Year Warranty” for PPV blowers in the fire service.
Tempest started manufacturing blowers for the fire service in 1987 and many of the blowers that we sold in the beginning are still in service.

Which industries currently use Tempest power blowers?
The primary use for the Tempest Power Blower is for fire fighting. Fire fighters use our blowers to remove the heat, gas, and smoke from a burning building as they attack the fire inside. PPV also helps fire fighters find victims faster for rescue and locate and extinguish the fire.

The Tempest Power Blower is also used by golf courses to circulate the air over golf greens. Air circulation helps to reduce heat stress of the grass during the summer and helps to dry wet greens. The down stream pressure created by the Tempest Power Blower is the key to the effectiveness of this type of blower when used in such large open areas.

Contractors use the Tempest Power Blower to remove dust, fumes, odors and carbon monoxide from confined spaces similar to the same way firefighters use the Power Blower. Almost any industrial or commercial project that temporally requires large amounts of air movement, negative or positive pressure, can benefit from a Tempest Power Blower.

Whom do I call if my blower needs service?
You can call the dealer you purchased the blower through or contact the factory at 800-346-2143. General maintenance and repairs to out-of-warranty gasoline engines can generally be accomplished by contacting an authorized small engine repair shop near you.

A Belt-Drive Blower uses a pulley system to power the blade. On a Direct-Drive Blower, the blade is mounted directly to the shaft of the engine.

The Belt-Drive system is a more efficient design and eliminates vibration and movement while the blower is operating. The Belt-Drive system is better because:
The engine sits lower on the blower. The engine also sits lower on the frame, lowering the blower’s center of gravity. The gasoline engines used on the Tempest Power Blower are designed to turn a pulley or gear, connected to a belt or chain (Power Take Off, or PTO). This is the proper application of a PTO engine. This design will extend engine life because there is less stress on the engine bearings.
The belt helps to absorb engine vibration. By limiting the amount of vibration transferred to the rest of the unit, the blower will not “walk”. It is important that the blower remain in place for PPV operations.
This allows us to take advantage of the unique torque curve of each engine, thereby maximizing blade RPM and airflow performance.
The direct-drive system is less expensive because:
There are fewer precision parts in a direct drive system.
How long will our blower run on a tank of gas?
Run times will vary depending upon the speed of the engine. You can receive a list of the dB levels of various Tempest Power Blowers by contacting Tempest Customer Service at 800-346-2143 or by email.

What is the green coverage of your golf turf blower?
Usually one EB-24 (24”, 1hp electric) blower with an oscillator will cover a standard size green. Two Tempest Power Blowers per green offers an extra measure of assurance. A complete listing of the weight and dimensions for all Tempest blowers can be found on our web site. Go to the main page and click on the product link that says “Blowers”. This information is also available in the current Tempest product catalog and can be requested by calling Tempest Customer Service.

The exhaust of all internal combustion engines generates Carbon Monoxide (CO). Tempest offers an exhaust extension that can be attached to the muffler of all gasoline-powered models. This is designed to move the exhaust away from the blower’s intake, limiting the amount of CO that is pulled into the blower.

To learn more about the CO output of gas-powered blowers, visit the “Download Library” of the Tempest web site to view reports conducted with the Phoenix FD, Salt Lake City FD, and Maryland Fire Rescue Institute.

Tempest also manufactures a large selection of electric powered blowers that are available with optional Explosion Proof Motors that can be used where feasible and necessary. Contact our Customer Service Department for specific information about this subject.


Ventmaster Ventilation Rescue Saws
What is the difference between the VentMaster Fire/Rescue Saw and other chain saws used by the fire service?
The VentMaster has been specially designed for fire and rescue applications. Features incorporated in its design enhance its ability to work in heat, smoke, rain and other harsh environments found only in fire and rescue work. Engine design, bar and chain design, and the KIS-40 Depth Gauge are explained in our literature and on our web site.

What kind of power head does the VentMaster use?
The VentMaster uses a powerful 5.5 hp, 73.5cc Husqvarna power head modified by Tempest for Fire and Rescue use. What type of chain is used on the VentMaster?
The VentMaster features the exclusive Raptor Carbide chain. It is a .404 (also available in .375) pitch; .063-gauge chain built to Tempest’s specifications and it is designed to cut through many materials encountered during fire and rescue operations. It features a dual, open raker design, which provides extra protection for the carbide cutter and allows the chain to self-clean and ventilate. It also features a wide gullet, which allows the saw to cut more material, faster than narrow gullet saws. These features also reduce the heat build up during heavy metal cutting. The Raptor Carbide Chain stays sharper longer and retains cutter life longer than other carbide chains used by the fire service.

Can I put the Raptor chain on my existing chain saw?
Most chain saws can be fitted with the Tempest Raptor carbide-tipped chain. The power head must be 5.4 hp or greater to maintain the proper speed for the .404 Pitch/.063 Gauge Raptor Carbide Tipped Chain. A 4.5hp or greater saw head must be used to run the .375 Pitch/.063 Gauge Raptor Chain.

What is the cost of sharpening my Raptor chain?
Contact Tempest Customer Service for additional information on chain repair prices.

Can I put the VentMaster sprocket-nose bar on my existing chain saw? Tempest sprocket-nose bars will fit a variety of chain saw makes and models and can upgrade most saws of recent manufacture.

You can purchase a professional VentMaster sprocket nose .404 pitch, .063 gauge bar, designed specifically for the KIS-40 depth gauge and Raptor Carbide Chain.

What is the RPM and chain speed of the VentMaster?
The power of the VentMaster power head maintains the critical speed of the chain in heavy cutting that allows the cutters to remain intact and to cut quicker.

What types of materials can the VentMaster saw cut through?
The Ventmaster can cut through wood framing, sheet metal, asphalt shingles, and green wood. Does Tempest manufacture a rotary cutoff saw?
Contact Tempest Customer Service at 800-346-2143 for more information on the Ventmaster
375K, 396K and 3120K rotary cutoff saws.

Can I use a gas stabilizer in the Ventmaster fire rescue saw?
The Tempest VentMaster is equipped with the 570XT/575XT Husqvarna power heads. If the recommended Husqvarna XP 50:1 oil is used, it has a gas stabilizer in the mixture that increases storage time up to 120 days. Chain speed and power are critical in the use of carbide tipped chain. The power head of the VentMaster Fire/Rescue Saw will supply plenty of torque to keep the speed of the chain at full speed providing it is tuned and operating properly. Air filters should be kept clean and fuel mixtures should be proper and fresh.

It is essential when using a carbide-tipped chain to enter the cut with the power head at full throttle, keeping it at full throttle while making the cut and while exiting the cut. When cutting through materials with nails or metal, do not force or put added pressure on the chain. This can cause unwanted chipping or breakage of cutters. Let the speed of the chain do the work. Any slowing of the chain while cutting can cause the cutters to break off or chip.

Can the raptor chain be used to cut trees and other wood items?
Softer grade carbide performs better but will wear faster than the haerder carbide that is strictly used in the forestry service. Never use synthetic oils in the fuel/oil mixture.


Tempest Electric Blowers
What are the power requirements for Tempest electric blowers?
Tempest has developed a chart showing the power requirements of our electric blowers. It is available in the Download Library on the Tempest web site.

Can I get my electric blower with an explosion proof motor?
Explosion proof motors are available on most Tempest electric models. TEFC stands for Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled. An explosion proof motor should be used any time the blower is operated in an explosive environment. There are different grades of explosion proof motors based upon the type of environment. Be sure to specify the type of environment that the blower will operate within when ordering an explosion proof motor.

What can cause a blower to overload a circuit breaker?
If the breaker is not sufficient to handle to starting amps of the blower, the breaker will activate. (All Tempest standard electric blowers require a 20 Amp breaker.)

As circuit breakers age, their resistant to spikes in amp draw will deteriorate. Why is the 220V electric blower delivered without a plug?
The blowers are shipped without a plug so the customer can use an experienced installer abiding by local protocol and regulations to properly attach the plug best suited for their needs and location.


AMCA
What is AMCA?
AMCA (Air Movement Control Association)They have developed a series of standards and testing criteria for different types of fans and blowers. They have developed a standard specifically for Positive Pressure Ventilation blowers called 240-96.

Tempest was the first PPV manufacturer to have their blowers tested and certified by AMCA. Since that time, many other manufacturers have begun using AMCA to certify the performance of their products. Before buying any fan or blower the consumer should insist that the performance of their purchase be Certified– not just tested, by a third party source using the AMCA PPV Test Standard #240-96. You can learn more about AMCA by visiting their web site at www.AMCA.org.

Be cautious of companies that claim to have “AMCA tested” but not “AMCA certified” products. A blower may be AMCA tested but not AMCA certified. Does the CFM rating include entrained air movement?
The AMCA-240-96 Test Standards used by Tempest to certify our Positive Pressure Ventilation Performance (measured by “CFM rating”) takes into consideration the “entrained air” moved by the forward velocity of the power blower as “set back” from the entry way into the test chamber.
This test standard was developed by the PPV manufacturing industry in conjunction with AMCA to allow any fan or blower or air mover, of any design - whether caged or shrouded, prop blades or turbo blades, centrifugal or vane axial, gas or electric, etc. to be tested. How can a smaller blower produce more CFM than a larger blower?
A number of variables affect the CFM testing results conducted by AMCA. The distance the blower is set back away from the entrance. Engine rpm can vary up to 15% according to the manufacturer. The engineering of the impeller to a given engine horsepower and rpm in regards to the diameter of the blades, the number of blades, the pitch of the blades, and placement of the blades within the shroud are just a few of the factors that can influence the performance of the blower. Tempest continues to re-engineer and test our blowers to gain maximum performance from each blower we manufacture.

Set back is the optimal distance that a blower should be placed away from the entrance opening for the highest volume of CFM and is determined during AMCA testing. The blower is tested the first time and then moved forward and tested. If the CFM increases, then it is moved forward again. If the CFM falls from the first test, the blower is moved backward past the first test spot and run again. If the CFM increases it is moved further back and again tested. Why is the AMCA CFM rating so low on the older blowers when the new blowers are made the same way?
The first AMCA tests back in 1989 were performed using the AMCA 210 standard. This was not the best method for testing PPV blowers because it did not take into consideration that the blower is placed away from the entrance opening. In 1995, AMCA developed the latest test standard, AMCA 240-96, with the assistance of a committee of PPV manufacturers. The new standard was a more effective measure of a blower’s performance and the test results were around 30% more than with AMCA 210 test.


Smoke Machines
What are the CFM’s of the Tempest Shadow smoke machines?
Fluid Throughput
Rosco feels it is better to compare smoke machines by fluid throughput (fluid consumption), since there is no testing standard.

Shadow - 1 liter per hour
Shadow I - 3.6 liters per hour

Smoke Density
Rosco smoke fluid provides the densest smoke available because it has a higher ratio of chemicals (glycols) to water than other brands.

Which Shadow smoke machine is the equivalent to the older Tempest 1601, 1801, and 9000 Power Smoke machines?
The Tempest Shadow is comparable to the older Tempest 1601 machine and 1801 smoke machines. The Tempest Shadow 1 is equivalent to, the Tempest 9000 smoker and 5000 fogger.

What type of smoke fluid should I use in my smoke machine?
You should use only Tempest Shadow “Rosco” smoke fluid in Tempest Shadow “Rosco” Smoke Machines. Tempest offers a “generic” smoke fluid that is designed to be used in other smoke machine brands.


Parts
Can I order an exhaust extension hose to use with my blower?
Tempest’s 10’ X 2” exhaust extension hose provides the best solution for preventing CO from being drawn into the air stream of a PPV blower. All Tempest blowers manufactured after July 1, 1999 are equipped with a 2” muffler deflector to accept the 10’ X 2:” exhaust extension.

The earlier Tempest TGB models can be retrofitted to accept the exhaust extension. Blowers manufactured between September 1993 and June 1999 need the Universal Muffler Adaptor (Pt# 725-044). Contact customer service for retrofitting blowers manufactured prior to September 1993.

Visit our web site Download Library to view independent test results of CO concentrations while using the Tempest Exhaust Extension Hose.

Why are mounting holes not drilled in replacement shrouds?
Are wheel kits available for the Stubbys (CA 1800, CA2100M, CA2400)?
Wheel kits are not available for these earlier Tempest blowers, which were manufactured by “Controlled Airstreams” (CA), a company that Tempest purchased in 1990.

Are wheel and handle kits available for early Tempest blowers?
Retrofit Wheel and Handle kits are available for blowers manufactured with out wheels or handles (1986-92 models). Call Customer Service at 800-346-2143 with your model and serial number for prices and availability.


Product Maintenance
Is there a lot of maintenance required for a Tempest blower?
Tempest Power Blowers require minimum maintenance. Belt Drive blowers generally will be more dependable, require less maintenance, and have a longer life than Direct Drive blowers. What can cause a blower to vibrate or shake?
If the impeller is not attached properly to the power shaft it can create a wobbling effect and cause excessive vibration or shaking.

On Direct Drive units, engine shaft bearings can become worn with the same results. Why does a blower “walk” or move from a stationary position?
Direct Drive blowers have a tendency to “walk” if not monitored properly and set up correctly. Direct Drive blowers can also begin to vibrate badly and produce a grinding noise when there is engine shaft bearing wear. However, with the NEW Tempest Air-Flex Impeller, and the improved small engines used by Tempest today, there is less vibration to produce movement and shaft bearing damage.
Belt Drive blowers do not “walk”! The belt acts as a buffer for the vibration created by the motor and possible intake air current disturbance to the impeller.

What will cause a belt to break?
If the belt is not adjusted properly it can wear prematurely. Contact the factory before attempting to remove or replace the blade. Step-by-step instructions can be found in the Blower Operations Manual.