Solution 1 — Historical Evaporative Coolers / Legacy‑to‑Current Evaporative Cooler Equivalence (Airflow-Based)
Category: Sizing / Design / Replacement / Changeover→ Evaporative Cooling
Title: Legacy‑to‑Current Evaporative Cooler Cross‑Reference (2025–26)
Summary: Airflow-based equivalence guide mapping legacy Breezair and Braemar models to current EXS / LCQ / LCQV / LPQV / BMQ / CPQ models. Includes @80 Pa airflow verification method and dropper compatibility notes.
Legacy-to-current evaporative cooler cross‑reference guide (2025–26) for Breezair and Braemar models. Includes airflow‑based equivalence, @80 Pa verification, dropper compatibility, outlet capacity checks, sizing requirements, and replacement best‑practice tips. Covers EXS, LCQ, LCQV, LPQV, BMQ, CPQ, and RPSI models with full airflow/kW comparison tables for accurate replacement, changeover, and design assessments.
1) Notice on this information
This guide provides general airflow-based equivalence to help identify suitable replacements for Breezair and Braemar legacy evaporative coolers. These equivalences are approximate only.
Installers must verify:
- Cooling capacity (kW)
- Airflow at expected system static pressure (@80 Pa)
- Ductwork and outlet capability
- Dropper and roof opening size
- On‑site conditions
- Current Seeley International specifications (may change without notice)
A kW‑based sizing calculation to confirm suitability is mandatory before final model selection.
2) How to Use This Guide
- Identify the existing (legacy / historic) cooler model onsite.
- Locate the model in the tables below (Sections 3–4).
- Review its closest current equivalent(s) based on airflow.
- Cross‑check cooling capacity using the Quick Cooling Area Sizing Guide (see Solution 2 - kW of Cooling Capacity ‑ Cooler Sizing & Verification (@80 Pa Outlet Check)).
- Compare airflow @80 Pa against total outlet capacity (method in Section 6).
- Verify dropper/roof opening compatibility.
3) Breezair — Legacy / Historic‑to‑Current Cross‑Reference
AX Series — Axial (Convair/Breezair)
All AX series use 550×550 droppers; airflow values are nominal/free discharge.
| Legacy Model | Airflow (L/s) Nominal | Current Approx. Airflow Equivalents |
|---|---|---|
| AX80 | 1510 | EXS160, LCQ350, LCQV250, BMQ650, CPQ450 |
| AX110 | 1980 | EXS160, LCQ350, LCQV250, LPQV350, BMQ650, CPQ450 |
| AX140 | 2730 | EXS200, LCQ450, LCQV450, LPQV450, BMQ850, CPQ850 |
| AX170 | 3070 | EXS220, LCQ550, LCQV550, LPQV550, BMQ1150, CPQ1100 |
EM / ES / EXH Series — Centrifugal (Breezair) (@80 Pa)
All use 550×550 droppers.
| Legacy Model | @80 Pa (L/s) | Current Approx. |
|---|---|---|
| EM/ES105 | 1450 | EXS160, LCQ350, LCQV250, BMQ650, CPQ450 |
| EXH130 / EM/ES125 | 1563 | EXS160, LCQ350, LCQV250, BMQ650, CPQ450 |
| EXH150 / EM/ES145 | 1943 | EXS160, LCQ350, LCQV350, LPQV350, BMQ850, CPQ700 |
| EXH170 / EM/ES165 | 2319 | EXS180, LCQ450, LCQV450, LPQV450, BMQ1150, CPQ850 |
| EXH190 / EM/ES190 | 2583 | EXS200, LCQ450, LCQV450, LPQV450, BMQ1150, CPQ850 |
| EXH210 / EM/ES210 | 2786 | EXS220, LCQ550, LCQV550, LPQV550, BMQ1150, CPQ1100 |
EA Series — Centrifugal (Breezair, Braemar, Convair) (Nominal Airflows)
All EA models use 550×550 droppers.
| Legacy Model | Airflow (L/s) Nominal | Current Approx. Airflow Equivalents |
|---|---|---|
| EA82 | 1820 | EXS160, LCQ350, LCQV250, LPQV350, BMQ650, CPQ450 |
| EA90 / EA9 | 1900 | EXS160, LCQ350, LCQV250, LPQV450, BMQ650, CPQ450 |
| EA100 / EA10 | 2370 | EXS180, LCQ350, LCQV350, LPQV450, BMQ650, CPQ700 |
| EA120 / EA12 | 2650 | EXS200, LCQ450, LCQV450, LPQV550, BMQ850, CPQ850 |
| EA140 / EA14 | 2800 | EXS220, LCQ450, LCQV450, LPQV550, BMQ850, CPQ1100 |
| EA150 / EA15 | 3150 | EXS220, LCQ550, LCQV550, LPQV550, BMQ1150, CPQ1100 |
4) Braemar — Legacy / Historic‑to‑Current Cross‑Reference
RPC / SSC Series — Centrifugal (Braemar) (Nominal Airflows)
All models use 550×550 droppers.
| Legacy Model | Airflow (L/s) Nominal | Current Approx. Airflow Equivalents |
|---|---|---|
| RPC / SSC 250 | 1900 | EXS160, LCQV250, BMQ650, CPQ450 |
| RPC / SSC 320 | 2600 | EXS200, LCQ350, LCQV350, LPQV350, BMQ850, CPQ700 |
| RPC / SSC 400 | 3280 | EXS220, LCQ550, LCQV550, LPQV550, BMQ1150, CPQ1100 |
| RPC / SSC 450 | 3400 | EXS220, LCQ550, LCQV550, LPQV550, BMQ1150, CPQ1100 |
RPA / RCA / FG / FPA Series — Centrifugal (Braemar) (Nominal Airflows)
Various dropper sizes.
| Legacy Model | Airflow (L/s) Nominal | Dropper | Current Approx. Airflow Equivalents |
|---|---|---|---|
RPA / RCA / FG / FPA 4 | 1730 | 405×405 | EXS160, LCQV250, CPQ450 |
RPA / RCA / FG / FPA 5 | 2420 | 450×500 | EXS200, LCQV350, LPQV350, BMQ650, CPQ700 |
RPA / RCA / FG / FPA 6 | 2920 | 500×500 | EXS220, LCQV450, LPQV450, BMQ850, CPQ850 |
RPA / RCA / FG / FPA 8 | 3455 | 605×605 | EXS220, LCQV550, LPQV550, BMQ1150, CPQ1100 |
SVA / STA / SSA — Axial (Braemar) (Nominal Airflows)
Various dropper sizes.
| Legacy Model | Airflow (L/s) Nominal | Dropper | Current Approx. Airflow Equivalents |
|---|---|---|---|
SVA / STA / SSA 200 | 2080 | 550×550 | EXS160, LCQ350, LCQV250, BMQ650, CPQ450 |
SVA / STA / SSA 300 | 2810 | 550×550 | EXS200, LCQV450, LPQV450, BMQ850, CPQ850 |
SVA / STA / SSA 350 | 3350 | 550×800 | EXS200, LCQV550, LPQV550, BMQ1150, CPQ1100 |
SVA / STA / SSA 400 | 3950 | 550×800 | EXS220, LCQV550, LPQV550, BMQ1150, CPQ1100 |
SVA / STA / SSA 450 | 4555 | 550×800 | EXS220, LCQV550, LPQV550, BMQ1150, CPQ1100 |
Warning: 400 & 450 series have significantly higher airflow than current models → Sizing by kW required.
TCL Series — Axial (Braemar) (Nominal Airflows)
Various dropper sizes.
| Legacy Model | Airflow (L/s) Nominal | Dropper | Current Approx. Airflow Equivalents |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCL80 | 2080 | 550×550 | EXS160, LCQ350, LCQV250, BMQ650, CPQ450 |
| TCL90 | 2500 | 550×550 | EXS200, LCQV350, LPQV350, BMQ850, CPQ700 |
| TCL105 | 2810 | 550×550 | EXS200, LCQV450, LPQV450, BMQ850, CPQ850 |
| TCL125 | 3350 | 660×660 | EXS220, LCQV550, LPQV550, BMQ1150, CPQ1100 |
| TCL140 | 3950 | 660×660 | EXS220, LCQV550, LPQV550, BMQ1150, CPQ1100 |
| TCL160 | 4555 | 660×660 | EXS220, LCQV550, LPQV550, BMQ1150, CPQ1100 |
Warning: TCL 140 & 160 exceed airflow capability of modern models → Sizing by kW required.
5) Current Model Performance (2025–26)
Use these to confirm your selection and verify that the number and size of existing outlets able to deliver the required airflow @80 Pa (see Section 6).
Breezair — EXS Series
| Model | Cooling Capacity (kW) | Airflow (L/s) Nominal | Airflow @80 Pa (L/s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXS160 | 10.8 | 2050 | 1720 |
| EXS180 | 11.6 | 2360 | 2070 |
| EXS200 | 14.3 | 2520 | 2320 |
| EXS220 | 15.1 | 2720 | 2540 |
Braemar — LCQ (Paradigm Series)
| Model | Cooling Capacity (kW) | Nominal (L/s) | @80 Pa (L/s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCQ350 | 10.2 | 2540 | 1890 |
| LCQ450 | 13.2 | 3050 | 2570 |
| LCQ550 | 14.1 | 3250 | 2800 |
Braemar — LCQV (SuperStealth Series)
| Model | Cooling Capacity (kW) | Nominal (L/s) | @80 Pa (L/s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCQV250 | 8.1 | 2100 | 1500 |
| LCQV350 | 9.9 | 2450 | 1990 |
| LCQV450 | 13.5 | 3030 | 2620 |
| LCQV550 | 14.3 | 3450 | 3070 |
Braemar — LPQV (Ultra‑Low Profile)
| Model | Cooling Capacity (kW) | Nominal (L/s) | @80 Pa (L/s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPQV350 | 10.4 | 2480 | 2010 |
| LPQV450 | 11.8 | 2820 | 2390 |
| LPQV550 | 13.2 | 3320 | 2850 |
Coolair — CPQ Series
| Model | Cooling Capacity (kW) | Nominal (L/s) | @80 Pa (L/s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPQ450 | 8.0 | 2060 | 1570 |
| CPQ700 | 9.5 | 2560 | 2000 |
| CPQ850 | 11.8 | 2950 | 2560 |
| CPQ1100 | 13.3 | 3100 | 2710 |
Braemar — BMQ Series
| Model | Cooling Capacity (kW) | Nominal (L/s) | @80 Pa (L/s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMQ650 | 6.9 | 2340 | 1380 |
| BMQ850 | 9.2 | 3000 | 2070 |
| BMQ1150 | 12.0 | 3030 | 2390 |
RPSI — Commercial Series
| Model | Cooling Capacity (kW) | Nominal (L/s) | @80 Pa (L/s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RPSI2500 | 9.0 (Down/Top) / 8.3 (Side) | 2400 | 2130 |
| RPSI2800 | 10.8 (Chillcel) / 9.1 (Aspen) | 2740 | 2530 |
6) Outlet Capacity Verification Method (@80 Pa)
Rule: Total outlet airflow must be ≥ cooler airflow @80 Pa.
Typical Outlet Airflows
| Outlet Size | Typical L/s | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 300 mm | 150–170 | Small rooms |
| 350 mm | 250–300 | Most common |
| 400 mm | 350–400 | Larger rooms |
| 450 mm | 450–500 | High airflow |
| 500 mm | 550–600 | Large open areas |
Procedure
- Count outlets by size.
- Assign typical L/s per outlet size (choose mid‑range values unless measured).
- Total all outlets (sum of outlet L/s).
- Compare total outlet capacity against cooler @80 Pa airflow.
- If Total ≥ @80 Pa airflow → PASS
- If Total < @80 Pa airflow → FAIL → add or upsize outlets.
Worked Example
- System: 6 × 350 mm + 2 × 400 mm
- Typical: 350 mm ≈ 300 L/s, 400 mm ≈ 400 L/s
- Total = (6 × 300) + (2 × 400) = 2600 L/s
Model Check (@80 Pa)
- EXS220 → 2540 L/s → PASS
- LCQ450 → 2570 L/s → PASS
- LCQV450 → 2620 L/s → Borderline PASS
- LPQV450 → 2390 L/s → PASS
- LPQV550 → 2850 L/s → FAIL → add/upsized outlets required
Tip: Recalculate outlet totals when upgrading coolers. Older droppers may not suit new models.
7) Technician Replacement Checklist
- ✔ Confirm cooling capacity (kW) see Solution 2 - kW of Cooling Capacity ‑ Cooler Sizing & Verification (@80 Pa Outlet Check)).
- ✔ Compare total outlet airflow with replacement cooler @80 Pa
- ✔ Verify dropper size and roof structure / opening
- ✔ Confirm duct suitability and layout
8) Replacement / Change‑Over Tips
- Recalculate outlet totals when upgrading coolers.
- Validate dropper size/condition; adapters may be required.
- Chillcel pads significantly improve cooling efficiency vs. older pads.
- Very high‑airflow legacy axial units (e.g., TCL140/160; SVA 400/450) must be sized by kW.
9) Common Performance Issues from Incorrect Sizing
Oversized: Excess moisture, “warm/heavy” air feel, reduced effective kW, poor comfort, outlet deficiency.
Undersized: Cannot cool on hot days, long runtimes, low temperature drop.
10) Outlet Count & Distribution Best Practice
- Too few outlets → restricted airflow, low velocity, warmer rooms.
- Too many outlets → low throw, stagnant areas, incorrect pressure pattern.
- Place outlets opposite openable windows/doors for crossflow.
- Ensure droppers are structurally sound and sealed; avoid dead‑ends.
11) References & Further Reading
- Technical Specifications (Seeley International Pty Ltd) — Refer to latest PDFs for EXS / LCQ / LCQV / LPQV / CPQ / BMQ performance tables and installation requirements. Technical Specifications: Seeley International Pty Ltd
- Installation Manuals
- EXQ EXS FEAC Breezair Direct Drive Icon Installation Manual 864695 H EXQ EXS FEAC Breezair Direct Drive Icon Installation Manual 864695 H: Seeley International Pty Ltd
- BMQ CPQ LCQ LCS LPQI LCQV LPQV FEAC Braemar Axial Installation Manual 865208 M (June 2025) BMQ CPQ LCQ LCS LPQI LCQV LPQV FEAC Braemar Axial Installation Manual 865208 M - June 2025: Seeley International Pty Ltd
Specs and manuals are periodically updated—verify current versions before installation.