Electrical Question

[Bubbaboy]

So I want A fan on each of my t5 end caps and there will be a total of 8. So will this work? They are 12v .04amp. So what ac/dc adapter do I need? A 12v .32amp or 320mah? Thanks


Fans- http://cgi.ebay.com/SEPA-MF40F-12LA...842?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item56429df21a

 

[gumbii]

i wouldn't use a plug in power supply... i would do this...

http://www.wikihow.com/Convert-a-Computer-ATX-Power-Supply-to-a-Lab-Power-Supply

it will be a lot cheaper, and you can put a bunch of fans if you get like a 500A one...

i'm using one for a fan, two koralia nano 12V and a 35W HID projector off of a BMW X5... i just have to put it all together... yes, i'm that freaken lazy...

edit: i got mine for 5 bucks on craigslist... used, but still very good... but i've seen some for 20 or less that are almost new... and very powerful...

 

[BigDaddyStar]

the amps dont matter..just so long as it is at least enough capable of handling the minimum requirement.

Heres something you can also do.

Go to radio schack and get a 120vac/12vdc transformer (maybe 10 bucks)

piggyback off the power cable for your T5s to the primary side of the transformer and then run the secondary side to the fans.

This way when you turn the lights on the fans come on too and shut off with the lights.

It's easier than it sounds

 

[Bubbaboy]

the amps dont matter..just so long as it is at least enough capable of handling the minimum requirement.

Heres something you can also do.

Go to radio schack and get a 120vac/12vdc transformer (maybe 10 bucks)

piggyback off the power cable for your T5s to the primary side of the transformer and then run the secondary side to the fans.

This way when you turn the lights on the fans come on too and shut off with the lights.

It's easier than it sounds

Lol hopefully I'm confused :conf44:

 

[BigDaddyStar]

give it a shot

here is the basics if you want to try it..

From your switch (if you have one) one of the one wires comes in from the plug, then out of the switch to the ballast thats wire you want cut it(should be black)

then on the transformer you have a primary side(120V) and a secondary side(12v dc)

strip both ends and Connect the 1 wire you cut back together along with a new wire out (under a wire nut or butt splice)

Take that new wire to the primary side of the transformer
There should also be a white wire coming in from the plug, cut strip and do the same and take that new wire to the other part of the Primary side

on the secondary side it is simple 2 wires out (red/black preffered) to your fans

 

[BigDaddyStar]

oh actually you didnt state if they were AC fans or DC fans.....that matters

and get a transfomer accordingly

 

[Clifford]

So I want A fan on each of my t5 end caps and there will be a total of 8. So will this work? They are 12v .04amp. So what ac/dc adapter do I need? A 12v .32amp or 320mah? Thanks


Fans- http://cgi.ebay.com/SEPA-MF40F-12LA...842?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item56429df21a

The amps do matter. ma is milli amps and va is volt amps. If you don't get a properly sized transformer is will smoke in no time (waste of money). If you plan on running multiple items like Gumbi your best bet is a computer power supply very inexpensive and will handle more amps than you would ever put to it. Good luck

 

[Bubbaboy]

Alright thanks guys il check it out

 

[zigginit]

your plan will work fine but like i said you need to wire then in parallel circuit to use a 12 volt .32ma power supply. the amps will be divided among each fan that way. if you wire it in series then you will be way way under powered since it will divide 12 volts among 8 fans for 1.5 volts each fan.

parallel = compounded amps
series = compounded volts

 

[Clifford]

your plan will work fine but like i said you need to wire then in parallel circuit to use a 12 volt .32ma power supply. the amps will be divided among each fan that way. if you wire it in series then you will be way way under powered since it will divide 12 volts among 8 fans for 1.5 volts each fan.

parallel = compounded amps
series = compounded volts

The only thing I would add to this is a little more ma. Most electrical systems are designed to run at 80% of their rated value. Unless its an extreme condition such as lighting which draws power constantly and generates heat. When you buy the transformer get it a little more ma than you need.