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Electrical Question

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Cybball, Dec 10, 2009.

  1. Dec 10, 2009 #1
    Cybball

    Cybball Inactive User

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    Ok, I heeded some advice and picked up a second 4 inch fan for my new canopy.  This time, rather than the $58 icecap fan, I did the $24 Radioshack version.  This version, however, requires a plug to be hard wired onto the fan.  I've heard that cell phone charging cords can be used.  I tried this, but the fan did nothing. 
    Anyone with some experience in this know what I did wrong or have some advice to get this baby cranked up?  I would love to get it installed this evening if possible.
    Thanks,
    Jason
     
  2. Dec 10, 2009 #2
    B-Rad

    B-Rad Inactive User

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    You must check the specs on the fan first, Volts, amps. You will need a power converter that will deliver the SAME volts, and will handle more amps then the fan can draw. Example fan 12 volt DC at 0.250 Milli amps. You would need a converter that would take 120 volt AC down to 12 DC and can handle 0.500 Milli amps. Also most fans must be wired + to + and - to -, if you have the wires backwards they wont work.
    Hope this helps.
     
  3. Dec 10, 2009 #3
    CyberJester

    CyberJester Inactive User

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    Odd, I did this exact same thing recently to build a stir plate worked just fine.
    I would have to say check the wattage of the plug you are using?
    If you got the 4" inch fan from radio shack, you should be using a cord rated for 12 watts.
    You could try to find a different plug around the house.
     
  4. Dec 10, 2009 #4
    jtesdall

    jtesdall Expert Reefkeeper

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    Jason, what voltage is the fan? You will have to match the voltage to an appropriate ac/dc adapter. If it is 120v use a lamp or computer cord. If it 9 or 12v use an old charger (from cell phone, tape player or anything really) that is marked as the same voltage. I always save that stuff but if you don't you can get them back at radio shack.
     
  5. Dec 10, 2009 #5
    jtesdall

    jtesdall Expert Reefkeeper

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    Now there is service! What a great community this is, three replies within one minute!
     
  6. Dec 10, 2009 #6
    B-Rad

    B-Rad Inactive User

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    LOL and all with great advice [​IMG].
     
  7. Dec 10, 2009 #7
    KirklinsClownfish Robins Ia

    KirklinsClownfish Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Robins Ia
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    Next time you need a fan let me know.  I can hook you up with these and the plug in jumper cords for them too.
    This is Betty Kirklin and I would be happy to help too. I work for Allied Electronics. www.alliedelec.com I carry quite a few different fans and some are specifically for the aquarium lighting cooling. Please feel free to call me anytime and I would be happy to help. I sometimes can even get samples or give you my discount which is 10% above cost plus shipping. Just let me know. Work number is 800-433-5700 ask for Betty or email me at work at betty.kirklin@alliedelec.com. Our home info is on our profile. Thanks! - Betty
    P.S. - if you do call me please let me know you are from GIRS site so I know.  I have over 150 customer accounts including all the John Deere locations that I deal with.
     
  8. Dec 10, 2009 #8
    Cybball

    Cybball Inactive User

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    I just looked. IT is a 115VAC. Says 115VAC, Voltate range 105-125AC. 60Hz / 20W.

    I just checked the plug I was trying and it says the output was only 3.7vdc.

    So.........Sounds like I need to go the route of the lamp/computer cord. I'll have to hunt for that.
     
  9. Dec 10, 2009 #9
    jtesdall

    jtesdall Expert Reefkeeper

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    /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/biggrin.gif
    Umm Jason, you are worrying me a bit. If you want to bring that by I will give you a computer cord and wire it up for you for free! Don't want you burning anything down. I have boxes full of cords.
     
  10. Dec 10, 2009 #10
    B-Rad

    B-Rad Inactive User

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    PLEASE be care full you are messing with 110 volts. It can kill! [​IMG]
    I would recommend letting Joel help you!! [​IMG]
     
  11. Dec 10, 2009 #11
    Cybball

    Cybball Inactive User

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    I worry myself about myself all the time. Alright, I did find a cord in the old cord bin (yes, I have one). It was a standard plug that was labled as 125V. I spliced it to the fan with small wire nuts, electrical taped them up seperately and then together, and the fan runs perfectly. Does it sound like my work needs a once over, or am I good? I really was careful in my connections, wire nuts, and tape. If I need to change something, let me know as I haven't hooked it up to the canopy yet.

    B-Rad, I did lick the wires and they made my teeth tingle. Tasted like 110. :)
     
  12. Dec 11, 2009 #12
    B-Rad

    B-Rad Inactive User

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    LOL, I'll have try that sometime.[​IMG]
     

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