Getting back into it with a PC grow. Fan electrical wiring question!

Runagi

Well-Known Member
So, I've revived my profile on here (after 7 years) and am going to perform a PC grow box setup. I realized the computers PSU is taking up alot of room in the case, so I'm leaning towards gutting it out and doing the 12V AC adapter (cell phone charger) to power my fans. I'm going to use these fans:

1) Noiseblocker NB-Multiframe M12-P 120mmx25mm Ultra Silent PWM Fan - 1000-2000 RPM
2) SilverStone FM121B Case Fan with Control Speed 9 Bladed Designs 120X120X25mm
3) My other leftover fans (pretty sure they're 5 volt, so not sure if I can also wire them up?)

So I have two main questions (didn't find an answer on the forum):
- Do I connect all the fans in series or parallel to my 12 volt wall adapter? Series would send the same amperage through each fan; parallel varies the current and sends the same voltage across each fan, right? (I am NOT electrically gifted but have enough sense to wonder about this)
- If using this 12V adapter, can I also hook up the 5V smaller PC fans or would I risk blowing them?

Your help is greatly appreciated, as always. It's good to be back!!! :leaf:
 

Runagi

Well-Known Member
Well, no one responded but I did some more research. I'll post my findings in case it helps someone else out in the future.
-I'm going to connect my PC fans in parallel, meaning all of the fans black wires will come together and connect to the black wire of my power adapter, and the same logic for all the red wires. With this configuration, the 12V will flow through each fan, and the amperages (which is what is super important and WILL destroy fans if done incorrectly) will vary across each fan based on each fan's needs.
-Of the two fans I have, one is rated for 170mA and the other for about 400mA. So I'm going to look for a power supply that doesn't have much amperage more than 570mA. If I get it wrong, the place burns down lol. Might call an electronically-inclined buddy to verify this... the last thing I need is to start a fire and for officials to realize the source of the fire.... LOL
 
Top