If the cut off plate is removed from a blower assembly, how would this effect blower performance?

• A. Increase airflow
• B. Decrease airflow
• C. No change in airflow
• D. Increase power consumption

Answer: (B)

The cut-off plate shapes and confines the air flow inside the blower housing, helping to minimize leakage around the impeller and to direct air efficiently toward the discharge path. When you remove this plate, air can wander around inside the housing instead of being properly guided to the outlet. This increases internal recirculation and leakage, so less air actually makes it out the discharge. The blower can end up fighting more turbulence, and while power draw might rise a bit as it tries to maintain flow, the net result is a decrease in the airflow delivered.