2. misc-audio
  3. 1205790311

How to install a 120 Volt Cooling Fan?

I know that it is not ideal, but I have to enclose some of my components in a closed cabinet due to the WAF issue. I went out to radio shack and purchased a little 120 Volt cooling fan that I plan on installing in the wall of the cabinet to allow better air circulation. I expected the fan to come with a normal 120 Volt cord and plug that would just plug into a conventional outlet, however instead it just has two skinny little wires coming out of it and I have no idea how or where to wire it to. Has anybody had any experience with this type of a fan and how to install it? Ideally it will turn on and off automatically when I turn my system on. Are there any other ideas out there for different types of fans that I can use?
thebclshow
zargon's avatar
zargon
453 posts
 
Are you sure it is 120v? Most small and quiet cooling fans, used in computers and electronic equipment are 12v. They typically have separate small red and black wires out the back and are in a square plastic frame. If you connect these to 120v, they will disappear.
newbee
4,767 posts
 
I have used 120v fans. First they are quite noisy when operated without a speed control. The put out a lot of air, most of which you really don't need, and the air flow causes noise. You will need to get a 120v 'fan' control (a light dimmer won't work) with a constantly varible speed control which includes 'off'. The you get some lamp cord. Attach the fan wires to a length of lamp cord. Terminate the lamp cord at the 'speed control unit'. Run some more lamp cord out of the 'speed control and terminate it with a plug. You can do this in an elaborate manner with a box to contain the speed control unit or just wire/tape it all to gether and hide it so long as you can easily reach the fan control. (I screwed it on tho the back of a cabinet I was using).

If you aren't handy, find an electrician to help.

Good luck.
joeylawn36111
574 posts
 
Yes make sure it is not a 12V fan first. Zargon is right. Are the wires red and black and both very skinny (less than 2mm)? Also look at the center of the fan. There should be some kind of sticker telling what voltage it is. Do you know the Radio Shack Item number (from the packaging) - if you have that number I can look it up to see what fan you have and then tell you how to hook it up.
More to discover