Cooling Fans

zelmo · 12-11-2005, 07:58 PM

I searched the forum and got some good ideas about installing fans to cool down the canopy, but I need a simple question answered.

There are several wiring options to choose from when ordering the fan. Can someone explain the difference between a 3-pin and 4-pin arrangement? I will be using the DC converters and I can solder.

yoink · 12-11-2005, 08:22 PM

If you are ordering computer fans, the three wire connector is for a motherboard fan header. The four wire connector is for a connection to the power supply of the computer. Both configuration only use two wires for your purpose, so either should be fine. If you are going to use a computer power supply to power the fans you will want the 4 pin option.

zelmo · 12-11-2005, 08:24 PM

Thanks. When I get them are the power leads generally red & black?

trc_pdx · 12-11-2005, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zelmo

Thanks. When I get them are the power leads generally red & black?

They have been on the fan's I've used (Panaflow).

yoink · 12-12-2005, 12:55 AM

The wires are sometimes red/black or yellow/black.

zelmo · 12-14-2005, 09:50 PM

If a fan's specs are 12VDC & 160mA, What happens if you power it with an adapter rated 9VDC & 300mA? Does it just run slower?

12-11-2005, 07:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
zelmo Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0) Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 133	Cooling Fans I searched the forum and got some good ideas about installing fans to cool down the canopy, but I need a simple question answered. There are several wiring options to choose from when ordering the fan. Can someone explain the difference between a 3-pin and 4-pin arrangement? I will be using the DC converters and I can solder.

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12-11-2005, 08:22 PM	#2 (permalink)
yoink Algae Crumpler (View User Tanks) PTrader: (66) Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,977	If you are ordering computer fans, the three wire connector is for a motherboard fan header. The four wire connector is for a connection to the power supply of the computer. Both configuration only use two wires for your purpose, so either should be fine. If you are going to use a computer power supply to power the fans you will want the 4 pin option.

12-11-2005, 08:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
zelmo Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0) Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 133	Thanks. When I get them are the power leads generally red & black?

12-12-2005, 12:55 AM	#5 (permalink)
yoink Algae Crumpler (View User Tanks) PTrader: (66) Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,977	The wires are sometimes red/black or yellow/black.

12-14-2005, 09:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
zelmo Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0) Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 133	If a fan's specs are 12VDC & 160mA, What happens if you power it with an adapter rated 9VDC & 300mA? Does it just run slower?

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