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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

Showing 1 response by newbee

newbee
4,794 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.
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