fridge incubator fan speed control

[Forever Constrictors]

ok, so It was time for me to upgrade to a bigger better incubator, so I have a nice true brand glass door fridge im using. Question is I really like the stock fan setup because of how well it circulates everything, except for it's a freakin wind tunnle in the fridge, I would love to know how to install a speed control switch to the stock fan set up to regulate the air flow from the outside...... any body do this before? I would really love to know how..... thanks in advance. Cheers.
-Brian

[dr del]

Hi,

In theory a dimmer switch should do it as most fans work on the less power = less speed system.


dr del

[twistedtails]

Hi,

In theory a dimmer switch should do it as most fans work on the less power = less speed system.


dr del

That would work if the fan is AC current. If the fan is DC then you will have to use a rheostat(same thing as a dimmer, it just redecues the amperage). Just make sure the rheostat is rated for more amps than the fan is putting out.

[Forever Constrictors]

great input guys I really appriciate it. How can I tell if the fan is direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) I was thinking about the dimmer switch, but the wiring part is what really confuses me.

[twistedtails]

great input guys I really appriciate it. How can I tell if the fan is direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) I was thinking about the dimmer switch, but the wiring part is what really confuses me.

Both are pretty easy to wire to be honest. Disclaimer: If you are not savy on the whole electrical wiring and ratings, I would really find somebody to help you that knows what they are doing. When buying a fan, go to Radio Shack and ask for either one, its your choice. If you chose to go with AC then you just want to hook the dimmer up in line on the hot wire. If you go with DC, it doesn't matter which wire as long as it is hooked to the right poles on the rheostat(mind you, if you hook the wires up backwards, the fun runs in reverse). My advice to you is to go with the AC fan, you dont have to figure amperage and all that good stuff that goes along with picking which transformer and rheostat to use. Like I said they can be bought at Radio Shack. The easiest way to tell which wire is hot is the fact that it is smooth. The ribbed wire is always neutral. Just remember "White men eat ribs", and no I'm not being racist guys. Just hook the hot wire up to the dimmer on one side from the wall and from the other side to the fan, the neutral stays un-interupted(solid from the wall to the fan). I will say this one last time...IF YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO MAKE PROPER ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, PLEASE ASK SOMEONE TO HELP THAT KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING. Hope this helps. If you need additional assitance PM me.

[Forever Constrictors]

Both are pretty easy to wire to be honest. Disclaimer: If you are not savy on the whole electrical wiring and ratings, I would really find somebody to help you that knows what they are doing. When buying a fan, go to Radio Shack and ask for either one, its your choice. If you chose to go with AC then you just want to hook the dimmer up in line on the hot wire. If you go with DC, it doesn't matter which wire as long as it is hooked to the right poles on the rheostat(mind you, if you hook the wires up backwards, the fun runs in reverse). My advice to you is to go with the AC fan, you dont have to figure amperage and all that good stuff that goes along with picking which transformer and rheostat to use. Like I said they can be bought at Radio Shack. The easiest way to tell which wire is hot is the fact that it is smooth. The ribbed wire is always neutral. Just remember "White men eat ribs", and no I'm not being racist guys. Just hook the hot wire up to the dimmer on one side from the wall and from the other side to the fan, the neutral stays un-interupted(solid from the wall to the fan). I will say this one last time...IF YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO MAKE PROPER ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, PLEASE ASK SOMEONE TO HELP THAT KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING. Hope this helps. If you need additional assitance PM me.

PM sent thanks.

[Twisted Reptiles]

If you wind up using AC power and you are using a proportional thermostat for your flexwatt, consider plugging the fans into the thermostat.

If your incubator is holding temps well the thermostat will usually run at 0-20% power. The fans will run at a compareable percentage. In the event that you open the door or something else to cause a larger fluctuation, the fans and the flexwatt will both operate at increased power until the temps are stabilized.

I've had good luck with keeping it set up this way.