Choosing the Right Fan Controls Package: Premium, Basic, Fused Disconnect, and Fan Only Explained

When specifying a fan system, selecting the right controls package is just as important as selecting the fan itself. The wrong choice can add cost and complexity, or leave gaps in safety and performance. The philosophy behind our approach is simple: one size never fits all. That realization led us to create four packages designed to cover the full spectrum of project needs, from simple power delivery to advanced integration and diagnostics.

The right controls package helps contractors install faster, engineers design smarter, and facilities teams operate and maintain equipment more easily. This guide explains each option, what it includes, and when to use it.

The Four Controls Packages

Fan Only

Fan Only is the simplest option and does not include an external Q-PAC control panel. Power and controls from your BMS land at a single connection point on the Fan Controller, which manages all motors together as one fan. The fan outputs analog airflow, supports Modbus communication, and through Modbus can provide individual motor status reporting. A fan status relay is also included.

• Best for: Projects where the building management system (BMS) or a third-party controller provides all logic and protection.
• Key benefits: Lowest upfront cost, while still delivering airflow and motor data for integration when Modbus is used.
• Considerations: No disconnect switch, start/stop circuit, or local control features.

Fused Disconnect

Fused Disconnect builds on Fan Only by adding a fused disconnect from Q-PAC mounted outside the airstream. Power and controls still land at a single point on the Fan Controller, which operates all motors together as one fan. The system provides analog airflow reporting, Modbus communication, individual motor status reporting (via Modbus), and a fan status relay, with the added ability for technicians to safely cut power locally.

• Best for: Installations where external systems control the fan but service safety and compliance require a disconnect switch.
• Key benefits: Simple, code-compliant, and service-friendly, while retaining airflow and motor data outputs.
• Considerations: Does not include start/stop, local speed control, HOA, or BACnet.

Basic Control Panel

Basic includes an external Q-PAC control panel that is built with your Q-PAC Fan and provides a balanced mix of control and monitoring. It includes a fused disconnect inside the panel, a Hand/Off/Auto (HOA) switch, local speed control, analog airflow reporting, a safety circuit, a fan status relay, and start/stop capability. If a motor fails, an alarm relay will trigger, but the panel will not identify which motor has failed.

• Best for: Applications that require straightforward fan control and airflow monitoring without advanced integration.
• Key benefits: Practical, cost-effective, and equipped with the features most projects need.
• Considerations: Does not include BACnet, HMI, safety interlocks, fireman override, constant airflow/static pressure operation, or power consumption reporting.

Premium Control Panel

Premium delivers the most advanced set of features. It includes everything in Basic, plus BACnet MS/TP or IP, an HMI, safety interlocks, fireman override, constant airflow or static pressure operation, individual motor status reporting, a fan status relay, start/stop control, and power consumption reporting. The HMI can display airflow, alarms, motor status, and power consumption, and provides a convenient touchscreen for quick setup.

• Best for: Complex systems needing maximum oversight, building integration, and simplified commissioning.
• Key benefits: Full diagnostics, advanced communication, and performance optimization.
• Considerations: More capability and cost than simpler projects require.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Making the Right Choice

Each project has different needs:

• If you want simplicity with airflow, Modbus, fan status, and motor reporting, choose Fan Only.
• If you want the same simplicity plus a safe, local disconnect, choose Fused Disconnect.
• If you need practical local control, a safety circuit, start/stop, and fan status, Basic strikes the right balance.
• If your system requires full monitoring, advanced protection, start/stop, power consumption reporting, and integration, Premium delivers the complete package.

By aligning your project with the right controls package, you can reduce installation challenges, improve safety, and ensure long-term performance.