PDA

View Full Version : Wiring Computer Fans


Man1fesT
06-23-2009, 02:08 AM
Hey guys, I'm working with a 8.5 cubic feet grow box and I need to add an exhaust fan to blow air from my grow box through about 2 feet of flexible ducting and then into my carbon filter. I found some good computer fans at a local store that move 100+ CFM and I was wondering if its possible to wire these directly to an extension cord without killing the fan?

I've been lurking these forum for awhile and have seen a bunch of people using computer fans so I'm just wondering whats the best way to go about wiring these things since they don't come with the normal plug that fits into the average electrical socket.

If anyone could give me some pointers on how to go about doing this, if its even possible, that would be great. Thanks guys. :rasta:
Hempfester
06-23-2009, 02:48 AM
Do NOT wire those directly to 120 volts Ac....unless of course you're really bored and need some excitement in your life. :D

Computer fans are 12 volts dc I think.

Many people use a model train transformer and hook up computer fans to that. The speed control for the train also lets you control the speed of the fans.

That's probably the safest way to go.
Hempfester
06-23-2009, 03:05 AM
Video of what happens when you hook up AC power to computer parts:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7bTr_PDBlY&feature=related
fluid69
06-23-2009, 03:16 AM
just get a 12v AC adapter. you can find one @ radioshack, or you probably have one around the house.
TeaJay
06-23-2009, 06:46 AM
If you have around 20 dollars, you can get an adapter off e-bay that looks like it could come with a small laptop, and the connector end of the adapter is a 4 pin power connector. You can connect lots of fans in series that way.
GaGrown
06-23-2009, 10:20 AM
Dayton sells small axil fan for electrical cabinet cooling... They are about 3x3 and are 120 volts.... Be careful with ones your not sure of the voltage. The Dayton axil fans can be wired to a cord with a plug and ran 24/7.....:thumbsup:

Ga Grown!
Man1fesT
06-24-2009, 06:15 AM
Will a 12V DC adapter work? Or does it have to be AC?
fluid69
06-24-2009, 12:25 PM
the output needs to be 12V DC, it's called an AC adapter because it adapts your AC current to run your DC devices.
headshake
06-24-2009, 10:04 PM
the output needs to be 12V DC, it's called an AC adapter because it adapts your AC current to run your DC devices.

what he said.

you want to find one that runs at least 12 volts. i think you can push them to around 13.4 or 13.7.

you can get one that has variable voltages on it for cheap.


-shake
CollegeBud
07-08-2009, 04:12 AM
i was wondering if i could use an old wireless headset charger? It says that it is a 100-240V input and a 5.0V output. I dont really have the money to get an AC adapter....
c0mrade
07-08-2009, 04:23 AM
They're like $10 at most? 5V aint gonna do you any good specially if you've got more then one fan. Sure you can setup a parallel circuit but your still gonna have voltage drop.
CollegeBud
07-08-2009, 04:26 AM
crap. ok. ill check em out then. its kinda pointless to have fans that wont move air eh? lol.
c0mrade
07-08-2009, 04:32 AM
I know how you feel bro, I got a little pc fan in my box at the moment

http://i641.photobucket.com/albums/uu136/Bumboclad/DSC_0128.jpg

Running on a 5v Motorola charger, I'm too lazy to go out and buy a 12v lol. I just use that to move the cold air up from the bottom of the box to the top where the light is. But Im cheating lol -

http://i641.photobucket.com/albums/uu136/Bumboclad/DSC_0060.jpg

I got a big fan outside the box and I leave the door open.
CollegeBud
07-08-2009, 05:00 AM
haha it may be cheating, but it works! lol. nice plant btw. i cant wait untill mine gets big enough...
ForgetClassC
07-09-2009, 02:52 AM
use a old cell phone charger, wont be as powerful, but it will work
WickedJack
07-18-2009, 08:17 PM
Seeing as how you have pc fans..do you have a old pc anywhere..?? Just remove the power supply hook ur lights to it & your golden...
cptcannabis
07-18-2009, 08:38 PM
Forget that PC fan and go get yourself a duct fan from Home Depot. They sell 4", 6", and 8" duct fans in the same area you find flex duct. Then just get yourself a replacement cord for a handheld power tool in the electrical section, three wirenuts, and viola! You've got ventilation! I think the duct fans are like $25-$35 if I remember right.
ForgetClassC
07-19-2009, 02:31 PM
the 4 inch one is 27.35 after tax, lol
silentreatment
07-31-2009, 10:21 AM
Hey Man1fesT sorry for hijacking your thread.

Uhm i have the same question. Would the following eBay listing be adequate for wiring up a CPU fan? Would anyone be able to point me in the next direction as to how to get the fan to run from this adapter (as the adapter doesnt really have a car lighters socket)
thanks guys