Darkroom building/ventilation advice

[jp80874]

Hi,

Built my first darkroom a year and a half ago after a year using a University darkroom. I have learned that a darkroom is an evolving place. What made sense two years ago has been over ruled by what I have learned to do, what I have learned I want to do and the courses I’ve taken.

I put in 14 electrical outlets, twice the number I needed. Two are free now. I suggest ground fault so we can continue this conversation after the first spill.

Bathroom fans are noisy. I spend a lot of time in the darkroom, some times in silence, some times with music I enjoy. On another form I learned about Panasonic fans. Very quiet. A 70 cfm 7” fan pushes air into the room from the basement through a high quality furnace filter. On the opposite wall two 120 cfm 4” fans suck air from the far side (from me) of a 5’ x 20” SS sink outside through 4” white PVC drain pipes. All you can hear is air moving through the pipes. The fans came mail order from South Cal. I can get part #s and source with a little looking.

I have a concrete basement floor. Half inch rubber mats feel very good after an hour or two.

We have a well and a septic tank. The local University lets me put spent fixer through their silver recovery system rather than back in my well. They help fund photography. I get to live a little longer.

Good luck. Remember that the best plans often get changed by even better ones.

John Powers

[blaze-on]

14 outlets-wow. I can't seem to fathom what all those would be for, but I'll add a couple more to be better equipped. The Panasonic fans sound good John, and the web link or phone would be awesome-thanks.

The planning is tough...am anxious to start drywalling the new wall, but best to know exactly what I'll be doing so thanks to all.

I'm even thinking a canopy or sorts (like a stove fan type) over the sink area
now....all responses have been helpful. Thanks.

[jp80874]

I hope I didn't mislead you with 14 outlets. I meant 14 plugs rather than 14 multiple outlet fixtures.

I bought the fans from:
R.E. Williams Contractor Inc.
25876 The Old Road #71
Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381

Toll Free: 1-888-845-6597 http://www.rewci.com/

Panasonic Whisperline FV-10NLF1 Ventilation Fans
5505.71-FV10NLF1 120 cfm This mounts in the rafters and is used as my exhaust. The intake goes through white 4” drain PVC to the back of the sink. The exhaust goes outside through a flapper to keep the bugs out. I started with one and added a second three months later. You don’t need a riggers line to stay on the floor, but fresh air is good.

Panasonic Whisper Wall™ : Wall ventilation fan 70 cfm - Free Shipping
FV08WQ1 You have to build a frame in the wall to hold the furnace filter for this.

Besides fresh air for breathing (does there have to be another reason) as another poster mentioned this drastically cuts dust. The only way I can quantify what that means is that next week I need to present twenty two 11x14” B&W prints as a final for my advanced photo course. I mounted them yesterday and as I went over each one I decided that one picture needed to have one pin head size spot toned. If that isn’t worth the investment then go for the breathing as justification.

What to I put in 12 outlets? Can’t stress ground fault too much.

One plug in fluorescent fixture beyond the regular lights.
Safelight - Jobo
Hair dryer - Radio/CD player
Air purifier (not using yet so that didn’t catch the dust)
Enlarger - Enlarger timer
Light table - Printer dryer
Clock - Sweep second timer

Later this month I will add UV light source and densitometer for platinum printing.
I’m out of plugs. Obviously everything doesn’t go on at once, but my plan of doubling my need 18 months ago wasn’t enough.

Good luck. Be safe and enjoy. I’m 64 and having a ball.

John Powers

[blaze-on]

Thanks John for the lead on fans...sounds like the way to go. I'm sure others might appreciate that info as well.

[jstraw]

I thought these ventilation links might be helpful to others:

http://www.suncourt.com/

and as a supplier of these and other items:

http://www.hvacquick.com/index.php