Fume Cupboards

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 the recommended face velocity of 0.5 m/s and exhausting contaminated air from the workspace. The face velocity creates a natural barrier that prevents contaminants from escaping into the laboratory, reducing the risk of fume exposure. It achieves this using a centrifugal fan fitted inside the cabinet (or roof), which generates the negative pressure needed to pull the required volume of air.

While the rear baffles control the direction and distribution of air across the cabinet's work surface, the sash handle stabilises the inflow. It then passes through the interior of the fume cupboard, at which point it is either filtered and recirculated or exhausted into the atmosphere.

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. A good example of ducted fume cupboards can be found by viewing our Cytiva case study.

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. Jenavalve is a prime example.

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. A fume cupboard is the same as a fume hood. Although it depends on which side of the Atlantic you are. Americans tend to use the terminology "Fume Hood", while Europeans say "Fume Cupboard". However, both phrases have the same meaning.

Other names include a fume cabinet, chemical hood or fume closet. People often confuse these phrases with extractor hoods or extraction arms found in commercial kitchens and industrial settings. It's important to identify this distinction when searching for your product. Otherwise, you could be left with a substantial amount of time wasted and little to show for it.

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. These tests must be performed once every 14 months. Failure to do so breaches BS EN 14175 standards, which could place your staff in danger.

If a fault is detected, we will provide recommendations based on the unit's age, brand and part availability. We offer 1, 2 and 3-year service contracts with nationwide coverage and paperless documentation. That's right. We provide an online asset register that includes the location, serial number and certificates associated with each cabinet. It's simple, efficient and digital.

For more information on fume cupboard commissioning, please visit: "How Often Does My Fume Cupboard Need Servicing?"

The primary purpose of a fume cupboard is to exhaust chemical vapours. So, before you start, check your airflows to ensure the exhaust and fan are functioning correctly. Next, you should 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 unit's specifications. Some products feature modern touch-screen control systems, while others use mechanical switches. If in doubt, reference your product manual before switching the unit on. On the other hand, gas taps, sinks and electrical sockets should function similarly regardless of brand.

When working inside the fume cupboard, keep your materials at least 150mm (6 inches) behind the sash to maintain airflow and minimise turbulence. You should also avoid overcrowding the workspace, as this can disrupt the airflow and compromise containment. Once finished, close the sash fully, switch off any services and leave the fan running if required to ensure any residual fumes are gone.

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

The difference between a CAV and a VAV-enabled fume cupboard lies in the exterior airflow controls. A constant air volume (CAV) system maintains a fixed air velocity regardless of the cabinet's sash height.

In contrast, a variable air volume system adjusts its airflow based on the sash height. Variable air volume controls reduce the volume of exhausted air while maintaining the required face velocity when the sash is lowered.

The airflow is controlled by an electronic damper positioned inside the ductwork above the fume cupboard, which communicates with the system's pressure sensors and bleed valve. Although it may seem complex, it's a relatively simple process that can reduce a fume cupboard's energy usage by up to 80%.

On the other hand, a CAV-enabled fume cupboard maintains a constant air velocity at all times, increasing the cabinet's energy usage. For more information on the benefits of variable air volume, please visit: "What Is Variable Air Volume And Why Is It Important?"

Absolutely. TION delivers a complete, end-to-end installation service that ensures your fume cupboards are efficient, safe and compliant from day one. Our engineers cover everything from final connections to turnkey mechanical packages, including ductwork, fans, dampers and motors to keep your project moving.

Working with contractors? No problem. We work seamlessly with consultants, architects, construction companies and mechanical engineering specialists. Whether you’re installing a standard benchtop cabinet or a large-scale recirculating walk-in enclosure, our team will ensure your systems are fitted, tested and ready for handover.

To learn more about planning a successful project, explore our guide: “Purchasing Your First Fume Cupboard in Three Simple Steps".

We manufacture height-adjustable fume cupboards designed for ergonomic and inclusive use within the lab. Our cabinets prioritise wheelchair users, those with hearing disabilities, limited mobility or touch. Every element of your fume cupboard can be configured, including the sash, workbench, stand, controls, accessories and alarm systems.

We also provide technical support on the installation process and make recommendations on service connections and ducting. For more information, read our latest article "The Complete Guide to Accessible Fume Cupboards".

Fume cupboard pricing depends on the type of unit you're purchasing and the complexity of the design. A standard ducted fume cupboard typically ranges from £10,000 to £15,000, while a ductless alternative comes in lower at £6,000 to £10,000.

Bespoke modifications, such as changes to the size or height, will push costs up, as will accessories like gas taps, electrical sockets, height-adjustable stands, or sash mechanisms. While these additions broaden what the unit can do, they do come with a price tag, so it's worth budgeting for them early. Take our CPI case study, what originally started as a standard walk-in fume cupboard, quickly evolved into five-meter-high enclosure.

The golden rule? Let the science drive the specification. If your lab processes demand extra workspace depth, a reinforced worktop, or any non-standard features, flag this with your supplier from the outset. Getting the spec right up front avoids costly retrofitting down the line and keeps the project on track. For more information, read our article "How Much Does A Fume Cupboard Cost".

Selecting the right fume cupboard comes down to one thing: what's happening inside your lab. Ducted fume cupboards are the workhorse of the fume extraction industry, versatile, robust, and built to handle a broad range of chemicals and acids. They're the go-to solution for R&D facilities and complex chemical environments where performance and reliability are non-negotiable.

In Contrast, ductless fume cupboards offer flexibility. These plug-and-play units use carbon or HEPA filtration to capture airborne particulates, gases, odours, and volatile organic compounds, and because they're mobile, they can be deployed wherever they're needed. That said, their filter-based design means they're best suited to low-volume applications.

For labs that need to house large equipment or store bulk materials, a walk-in fume cupboard is the natural choice. These application-specific systems offer more space and flexibility than standard units, and are available in both ducted and ductless configurations to suit your setup. In 2024, we worked with Teesside University to design, deliver and install no less than twelve ducted variants.

Remember, selecting a fume cupboard is rarely a simple decision. Contact your local provider, discuss your project requirements in detail, then focus on designing a solution. For more information on this subject, visit "Purchasing Your First Fume Cupboard In Three Simple Steps".