Wiring Computer Fans

[Man1fesT]

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:

Man1fesT Reviewed by Man1fesT on 06-23-2009. Wiring Computer Fans 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 Rating: 5

[Hempfester]

Do NOT wire those directly to 120 volts Ac....unless of course you're really bored and need some excitement in your life.

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]

Video of what happens when you hook up AC power to computer parts:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7bTr...eature=related

[fluid69]

just get a 12v AC adapter. you can find one @ radioshack, or you probably have one around the house.

[TeaJay]

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]

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]

Will a 12V DC adapter work? Or does it have to be AC?

[fluid69]

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]

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]

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....