A fume cupboard or fume cabinet is a type of containment device used in laboratories to extract toxic gases, vapours, aerosols and particulates generated during scientific experiments. It limits exposure to hazardous substances by extracting fumes into the atmosphere (ducted) or recirculating fumes through a series of filters (ductless).

Traditionally, the cabinets are manufactured from powder-coated mild steel, stainless steel or polypropylene. While mild steel is considered more cost-effective, the corrosion-resistant properties of polypropylene make it more desirable.

So, how do they work? Well, the cabinets have four enclosed sides with an adjustable front sash to regulate access. A centrifugal fan pulls air into the cabinet's workspace at the industry standard of 0.5 m/s, drawing contaminants away from the operator. The air is then exhausted into the atmosphere using a roof-mounted ventilation stack or recirculated back into the lab.

It's important to note that in the UK, fume cupboards must be tested once every 14 months to meet BS EN 14175 standards. These standards dictate the design, testing, installation and maintenance of fume cupboards. For more information, please visit "What is EN 14175?".

A fume cupboard works by pulling fresh air through the front sash at 0.5 m/s and exhausting contaminated air from the workspace. It achieves this using a centrifugal fan fitted inside the cabinet. However, the extraction method used varies depending on the type of cabinet you choose. For example, ducted fume cupboards use PVC ductwork connected to a roof-mounted ventilation stack to exhaust fumes into the atmosphere.

On the other hand, ductless fume cupboards use HEPA or carbon-based filters to recirculate air back into the lab. While ductless fume cupboards reduce the installation and energy costs associated with ducted fume cupboards, the filters need reviewing every twelve months.

For more information on the differences between ductless and ducted fume cupboards, please visit "Choosing Ducted vs Ductless Fume Cupboards".

The short answer is yes. Although it depends on which side of the Atlantic you are. Americans tend to use the terminology "Fume Hood", and Europeans say "Fume Cupboard". However, both phrases have the same meaning.

Yes, our engineers will commission your fume cupboards in accordance with BS EN 14175 standards. These tests will ensure your fume cupboards are safe to operate, and identify any significant changes in performance. Among the tests performed are airflow testing, smoke visualisation testing, filter integrity tests for ductless cabinets and general inspections of the control system and alarms.

When a fault is detected, we will make recommendations based on the age of the unit, brand and part availability.

For more information on fume cupboard commissioning, please visit: "What Is EN 14175?"

The primary purpose of a fume cupboard is to exhaust chemical vapours. So, before you start, you should always check your airflows to ensure the exhaust and fan are functioning correctly. Next, you must adjust your sash to the correct working height, wear the necessary PPE, and confirm the list of chemicals you're working with.

How you operate the cabinet depends on the specifications of the unit. Some products use modern touch-screen control systems, while others use mechanical switches. So always reference your cabinet manual before switching the unit on.

For more information on how to safely use your fume cupboard, please visit: "Top 5 Do’s and Don’ts of Fume Cupboards".