dimming fans??

[trynagethigh]

also might i add to check the amperage that the rheostat will manage. its not the volts that will cook either its the amperage that will. the motor should have its amps draw listed on a sticker somewhere on it, just get the fan rheostat that will fit the amperage and you should be fine. and if you dont know what your doing messing with electricity, let someone who does hook it up for you, some things arent worth the risk.:thumbsup:

trynagethigh Reviewed by trynagethigh on 01-27-2008. dimming fans?? I know i have read its a very bad idea to use a light dimmer switch to slow down a fan but what can you use then? I have a decent size squirrle cage fan, it is pushing a ton of air but its just to much. it is very loud and i think if i could just slow it down a bit it would be perfect. thanks for any help!!:rastasmoke: Rating: 5

[gainesvillegreen]

This is not complicated. Just buy a ceiling fan control. They cost sightly more because it's not the same as a dimmer.

1.5 Amp White Slide-To-Off Quiet Fan Speed Control

Pick a fan controller with a higher rating if yours needs more than 1.5 amps.

Listen to Pepper here. A/C motors, unless they come with variable speed build in, are not designed to run at varied speeds. A rheostat will increase resistance in the circuit which allows less power for the fan, causing the fan to spin slower than it should. This works for D/C circuits, but A/C is frequency modulated, not voltage. This can cause a lot of stress to the fan and can cause the motor to stall and overheat, with the possibility of catching fire.

Another difference between a rheostat and a fan speed controller is that a rheostat will operate from 0-100% whereas the fan controller will run something like 40-100%, which keeps the fan from stalling and becoming a hazard.

Fork out the extra $10 for all the good a real fan controller will do, it's worth it

[BobBong]

I've been running an 8" Elicent fan on a ceiling fan control dimmer without any problems.. I never run the fan less than 50% Power though as doing so reduces the quality of airflow greatly.

Dunno about fires though..

[norkali]

This thread is a perfect example of why growers should either take a class on basic electrical beforehand, or just hire a certified electrition for their grow rooms.

Why take that chance? Electricity does not mess around.

Neither does fire.

[gainesvillegreen]

I've been running an 8" Elicent fan on a ceiling fan control dimmer without any problems.. I never run the fan less than 50% Power though as doing so reduces the quality of airflow greatly.

Dunno about fires though..

If you are using an actual ceiling fan dimmer, then you are good. They are designed specifically for the purpose you are putting them to (except for the ceiling part )

There's actually a whole article about it on the main cannabis.com website. Cannabis.com dimmer for fan

[xcrispi]

I did a bit of reading before buying my blowers.

Dayton squirell cage fans are to be run at 100% only . No use of any solid state controllers / speed controllers . Says so right in the directions in about 4 dif languages .

Hurricane , Vortex , Can , Ecotek / centrifugal blowers can be used w/ fan controllers .
Peace
Crispi :jointsmile: