The Sharper Image Soft Blade USB Fan is a personal air circulation device designed for indoor use in the United States and Canada. It is not intended for commercial or industrial applications. The fan is available in three models: SBM1-SI, SBS1-SI, and SBV1-SI.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Sharper Image Soft Blade USB Fan is to circulate air within indoor living spaces. It features soft blades, which likely contribute to a safer and quieter operation compared to traditional hard-bladed fans. The fan is powered via a USB connection, offering flexibility in power sources such as a computer's USB port or an AC adapter plugged into a wall outlet. The fan offers two speed settings, HIGH and LOW, allowing users to adjust the airflow to their desired level.
Important Safety Instructions and Warnings:
The manual emphasizes several critical safety instructions to prevent fire, electrical shock, injury to persons, and product damage.
- Intended Use: The product is strictly for indoor air circulation in the US and Canada and not for commercial or industrial use. Unauthorized use or product modification will void the warranty.
- Children and Impaired Persons: Supervision is required for children under 12 and individuals with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities during installation, operation, cleaning, and maintenance. Children should not play with the appliance, its parts, or packaging.
- Installation Warnings:
- Keep the product away from curtains, draperies, tablecloths, and other fabrics to prevent them from being drawn into the fan, which could damage the motor or cause a fire.
- Do not place any part of the product (appliance, power cord, plug, packaging) near furnaces, fireplaces, stoves, or other high-temperature heat sources.
- Do not use the product in a window, on an uneven or unstable surface, or near water.
- The appliance, power supply, power cord, and plug must not come into contact with water. Avoid using it on wet surfaces, in bathtubs, showers, laundries, swimming pools, or other water containers.
- Do not use the product outdoors or expose it to weather elements.
- Cord Management: Do not run the cord under carpeting, throw rugs, runners, or similar coverings. Do not route the cord under furniture or appliances. Arrange the cord away from traffic areas to prevent tripping. Ensure the cord does not hang over counter edges or get crimped/closed in doors. Place the appliance near an easily accessible outlet for quick unplugging in emergencies.
- Safe Use Warnings:
- To reduce the risk of circuit overload, fire, and electric shock, do not operate the fan with a solid-state speed device, such as a dimmer control switch.
- Do not operate any fan with a damaged cord or plug. Discard or return it to an authorized service facility for examination/repair.
- Do not operate the unit if it has been dropped or shows apparent damage to any part.
- To avoid electrical shock, do not attempt to repair or replace parts yourself. Only original replacement parts should be used. Contact customer service at (833.800.8669) or help@sihomecomfort.com for repair instructions.
- Power Supply: The appliance uses a detachable power supply. Only use the provided power cord and plug. Before plugging the AC adapter into an electrical outlet, verify that all electrical information on the AC adapter rating label (including voltage) is compatible with your outlet's power supply.
- Never use the cord as a handle or yank, strain, or stretch it.
- While plugged in, do not insert foreign objects into any input or output opening to prevent electric shock, fire, or product damage.
- A loose fit between the wall outlet and plug can cause overheating and plug distortion. Discontinue use in such an outlet and contact a qualified electrician to replace loose or worn outlets.
- Before moving, repositioning, servicing, cleaning, or when not in use, turn off the power using the product controls and unplug it. To disconnect the AC adapter, grasp and pull only the plug. Power off and unplug if the product will be left unattended for an extended period or during electrical storms.
- Servicing Warnings:
- Clean the product regularly as instructed in the manual. Turn off and unplug the product before cleaning. Do not use gasoline, thinners, solvents, ammonias, or other chemicals for cleaning.
- Do not open the appliance housing while the product is plugged in. All service and/or repairs must be performed by an Authorized Service Center to avoid shock risk.
Usage Features:
The fan offers straightforward operation:
- Power Connection: The fan can be powered in two ways:
- By inserting the USB plug of the DC cord into a USB connector on a computer.
- By inserting the USB plug of the DC cord into the provided AC adapter, and then plugging the AC adapter into a power outlet.
- Power ON/OFF and Speed Control:
- Touch the power button (represented by a circular icon) to turn the unit on.
- The fan has two speeds: HIGH and LOW. Touch the power button again to select the desired speed.
- Continue touching the power button to cycle through speeds and eventually turn the unit off.
Maintenance Features:
The manual provides clear instructions for cleaning and storage to ensure the product's longevity.
- Cleaning:
- Power off and unplug the unit before cleaning.
- Dust or wipe the fan with a damp cloth.
- Use the brush attachment of a household vacuum cleaner to remove any accumulated dust.
- Note: The fan's motor is permanently lubricated and does not require oiling. The fan has no user-serviceable parts inside and cannot be opened for cleaning. Only clean as instructed in the owner's guide.
- Storage:
- Unplug the AC adapter and loosely bundle the cord.
- Cover the fan or place it back in its retail carton (if available) to prevent dust accumulation.
- Store the fan in a cool and dry location.
Troubleshooting:
The manual includes a troubleshooting section to address common issues:
- Unit fails to power on:
- Check if the unit is plugged into a USB outlet or AC adapter.
- If using the AC adapter, ensure it's plugged into an AC outlet.
- Verify that a fan speed setting is selected.
- If the unit is damaged or needs repair, cease usage, unplug, and contact Consumer Service.
- If the outlet is worn or damaged, try another outlet for the AC adapter or contact a qualified electrician.
- Airflow is weak or slow:
- Adjust the unit to a higher speed setting.
- Remove any obstructions blocking the airflow.
- Adjust the direction of airflow towards the user.
- GFCI has tripped:
- Under certain conditions, changing fan speeds can trip a reset GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet. In this event, change to an outlet not connected to a GFCI device.
- A tripped GFCI could also indicate a weak or defective GFCI outlet. Contact a qualified electrician to check the GFCI outlet.
Vornado Air, LLC provides a one (1) year satisfaction guarantee and warranty for the Sharper Image® Fan.
- Warranty Coverage: The product is warranted to be free from defects in material or workmanship for one year from the purchase date. Vornado will repair or replace the product at no cost if a defect is discovered within this period.
- Service Contact: For warranty or repair service, call 833-800-8669 or email help@sihomecomfort.com to obtain a Return Authorization (RA) form. Provide the product's model and serial number, name, address, city, state, zip code, and phone number.
- Shipping for Service: After receiving the RA form, ship the product to: Vornado Air LLC Attn: Warranty & Repair 415 East 13th Street Andover, KS 67002. Packages must be clearly marked with the RA number; unmarked packages may be refused. Allow 1-2 weeks for repair and return.
- Out-of-Warranty Repairs: Repairs not covered by the warranty or outside the warranty period will incur a fee for materials, labor, handling, and shipping.
- Warranty Exclusions: The warranty does not cover defects from abuse, modification, alteration, mishandling, improper maintenance, commercial use, repairs by unauthorized personnel, damages during shipment, or acts of God. Improper product use, including using an external device that alters or converts electricity voltage or frequency, or shipping the product to a country not intended for use, will void all warranties.
- Limitation of Liability: Repair or replacement as provided under this warranty is the exclusive remedy. Vornado is not liable for incidental or consequential damages. Any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited to the duration of this warranty. Some states may not allow these exclusions or limitations.
- Manufacturer Responsibility: The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for damage caused by failure to follow instructions or improper product use, which will invalidate the product warranty.
Compliance and Intellectual Property:
- FCC Compliance: The device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules, stating that it will not cause harmful interference and must accept any received interference. Users are advised to reorient/relocate the receiving antenna, increase separation between equipment and receiver, connect to a different circuit, or contact Vornado Customer Service or a radio/TV technician if interference occurs.
- Canadian ICES-003: This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
- Modifications: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the responsible party could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
- Disposal Warning: To reduce waste and environmental harm, packaging materials are recyclable and should be disposed of responsibly.
- Copyright: All company and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. ©2019 Vornado Air LLC, Andover, Kansas 67002 USA. Specifications are subject to change. Sharper Image® name and logo are registered trademarks. Manufactured, marketed, and distributed under license by Vornado Air LLC. Manufactured in China. U.S. Patents Pending.