wiring fans

[lReef lKeeper]

Does anyone know how to wire an after market (the one with the lights built in) computer fan to plug into a wall ?? I NEED to get some fans in my canopy and all i have are these.

[perpetual98]

Take a 12V DC wall wart adapter, probably around 200mA-300mA, lop the end off, then wire it to the fan. The fan will only turn when it's wired correctly, so you have a 50% chance of getting right on the first try.

[lReef lKeeper]

cant seem to find them online. where can i get one or is there an easier way ??

[perpetual98]

Easier way? If you can't wire up a fan, you're in the wrong hobby. :) They're one of the easiest things ever to wire up. Two wires. Start checking your junk drawers and stuff for 12V DV adapters. Your cordless phones and stuff all have them. OR you can get one at Radio Shack, but odds are you've got one laying around the house.

[davejnz]

Yeah,and if you reverse the wires,the only thing that will happen is the fan will spin the opposite way.Chances are,you probably have an AC/DC converter laying around somewhere.I know i have 2 or 3 from old appliances.Heck,if you want to go all out,remove the battery from your car and wire it to that(just kidding).Seriously though,look at the label on those black boxes(converters),check the output rating,the voltage should be the same as your fan and the current(mA)should be the same or slightly higher than your fans mA rating.

[perpetual98]

I've never had a DC fan spin the other way. It just won't spin at all when I hook them up backwards. :)

[lReef lKeeper]

well guys i got 1 to work but only the lights on the other one.

[davejnz]

Your probably right Eric,I was recalling my recent fan install and having the wires crossed and it spun backwards.I forgot they were 110vAC though.

[dakar]

well guys i got 1 to work but only the lights on the other one.

Are they wired in parallel or series to the power supply?

[lReef lKeeper]

they are just wired to an old plug that i cut off of a charger or something. but when they were all in my computer they worked. now even with the same plugs only one is working. i would like at least two on my new VHO's.

[davejnz]

Dakar,I think you need to put it in lamens terms for Bobby,LOL.Did you combine each wire from the 2 fans together then atttach it to the converters wires?.Did you check the mA rating on your converter and see if its putting out enough juice for each fan?
Dont forget to double the mA rating for the fan since your installing 2.Your fans are probably around 150mA so get a 300mA converter @12vDC.
And lose the LED's on your fans,they are probably whats giving you trouble.

[at]

Perpetual 98 is correct some DC voltage fans will not run if wired incorrectly, but a 120 volt fan motor is almost impossible to mess up. I would assume Radio shack carries them for about 6-7 $

[rickm]

I use a RadioShack 120v fan in my sump. Works great! I got a cord at HomeDepot that just had the male end and 2 wires on the other end. Picked up a plastic junction box and cover and made the connection in there.Mounted the box with velcro on the outside back of my stand. Made a bracket and mounted the fan on an adjustable speaker bracket, the kind that can swivel in any direction.

[lReef lKeeper]

thanks for all replies. the fans are up and running keeping all my bulbs and endcaps cool.

FEEL FREE TO LOCK IT UP, DAVE.