Overview
The Powered Aire BCE-1-42E 42-inch Air Curtain Heater from Barron Equipment provides an effective barrier against outside air infiltration, flying insects, dust, and debris. Designed for customer entrance applications, this sleek stainless steel unit enhances your building's energy efficiency while maintaining comfortable indoor conditions. The BCE-1-42E creates an invisible barrier that keeps conditioned air inside and unwanted elements outside, making it perfect for high-traffic retail and commercial entrances where customer satisfaction is essential.
This model features a gentle airflow and unique plenum design that makes it one of the quietest air curtains in the industry. The BCE-1-42E has been tested in accordance with ANSI/AMCA 220 Standard and meets the requirements for use as an exception to vestibules in various building codes, including ASHRAE 90.1 and IECC.
Features and Benefits
The BCE-1-42E is constructed of durable 18-gauge 304 stainless steel with a #3 finish for a sleek, modern appearance. It features a 1/2 HP ODP (Open Drip Proof) direct-drive dual-speed motor that provides reliable performance in demanding environments. The high-efficiency discharge plenum includes an adjustable air foil vane that can be positioned at +/-20° for optimal airflow direction.
The unit comes with factory-mounted single-stage electric heaters (10kW) that provide a temperature rise of 36°F, ensuring comfort in entryways during colder months. The heater elements are strategically mounted inside the plenum on the discharge side of the blowers, protecting them from dust accumulation and extending motor life.
With an average outlet velocity of 1,030 FPM and airflow rate of 886 CFM, this air curtain heater provides excellent coverage for standard-sized doorways. Its sound level measures only 53 dBA when positioned 10 feet from the unit, ensuring a quiet operation that won't disturb customers or employees.
For more details on the specs of this electric air curtain, see the table below:
| SKU | Width (in.) | Height (in.) | Weight (lbs.) | Voltage/Phase | Number of Motors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCE-1-42E-208/1 | 42 | 8 | 92 | 208/1 | 1 |
| BCE-1-42E-240/1 | 42 | 8 | 92 | 240/1 | 1 |
| BCE-1-42E-208/3 | 42 | 8 | 92 | 208/3 | 1 |
| BCE-1-42E-240/3 | 42 | 8 | 92 | 240/3 | 1 |
| BCE-1-42E-480/3 | 42 | 8 | 92 | 480/3 | 1 |
Applications
Our heated air curtains for overhead doors are ideal for:
- Retail store entrances
- Restaurant doorways
- Commercial building entries
- Healthcare facility entrances
- Office building lobbies
Maintenance
To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your BCE-1-42E air curtain, follow these steps:
- Inspect the stainless steel body for any scratching or denting that might indicate internal damage.
- Verify that the motor is operating correctly.
- Clean the air intake screen by removing it and flushing with hot water or steam, allowing it to dry completely before re-installation.
- Check that all air intake holes are free from obstruction.
- Confirm that discharge vanes remain properly adjusted at the factory preset position.
The motor is permanently lubricated and does not require regular greasing, simplifying your maintenance routine.
Power Requirements
The BCE-1-42E requires electrical connection suitable for the air curtain and its 10kW heating element. Power options include:
- 208V/1-phase: 49.4 amps (70A breaker recommended)
- 240V/1-phase: 43.1 amps (60A breaker recommended)
- 208V/3-phase: 29.2 amps (40A breaker recommended)
- 240V/3-phase: 25.5 amps (35A breaker recommended)
- 480V/3-phase: 12.7 amps (20A breaker recommended)
- 575V/3-phase: 10.6 amps (15A breaker recommended)
The unit features single point power connection for simplified installation.
Selection Assistance
Our product specialists are here to help you decide which commercial air curtain is best for you. Do you need assistance with finding the right one? Fill out the form at the bottom of this page and we'll be in touch with you shortly.