One of these days I'm gonna learn NOT to open these kind of threads!!!
Electrical devices and reloading threads are not famous for high levels of intelligence. The commentary is usually excellent. Harbor Freight is the GREATEST ! ! !
Tornado on my porch, Almost. Fan speed control ???
- Thread starter DeathGrip
- Start date
Electrical devices and reloading threads are not famous for high levels of intelligence. The commentary is usually excellent. Harbor Freight is the GREATEST ! ! !
OP
DeathGrip
US Veteran
Hey! I resemble that remark.
OP
DeathGrip
US Veteran
Here's some tips I found if anyone wants to do something similar.
Most electric motors can be used with a speed controller. Ones that feature a "soft start" are not compatible.
Make sure your amps on the motor don't exceed the speed controls rating.
Leave the fan on it's highest setting. This will help it start and keep the motor's brushes from burning.
Keep the speed control dial on it's highest setting to start and then back it down to the desired speed.
I backed it way down last night and between it and the frogs it sounded like I was in the 'Glades with an airboat idling in the distance. If I left the screen door open I coulda got the mosquitos in for the full effect.
Most electric motors can be used with a speed controller. Ones that feature a "soft start" are not compatible.
Make sure your amps on the motor don't exceed the speed controls rating.
Leave the fan on it's highest setting. This will help it start and keep the motor's brushes from burning.
Keep the speed control dial on it's highest setting to start and then back it down to the desired speed.
I backed it way down last night and between it and the frogs it sounded like I was in the 'Glades with an airboat idling in the distance. If I left the screen door open I coulda got the mosquitos in for the full effect.
venomballistics
Member
I bought a 30" pedestal fan from harbor freight for the back porch. Man that thing moves some air. Even low it's blasting.
I got to thinking. Could I use a Variac to reduce the voltage safely? Should I get a 500W or a 1000W?
Don't get to tec on me.
Cheers and thanks in advance.
dont mean to get tech on you, but imma gonna get a little tech on you
You have a hazard fraught product.
its not only cheap, its usually pretty simple too.
I'd crack open the existing 3 position control, determine how they establish speeds and mod accordingly.
Since the demise of Radioshack, parts have become easier to obtain via Digikey, Newark, Allied, and others.
also, electronics is not that hard. One need only to get over the fear of the thunder in the box and replace it with respect.
OP
DeathGrip
US Veteran
dont mean to get tech on you, but imma gonna get a little tech on you
You have a hazard fraught product.
its not only cheap, its usually pretty simple too.
I'd crack open the existing 3 position control, determine how they establish speeds and mod accordingly.
Since the demise of Radioshack, parts have become easier to obtain via Digikey, Newark, Allied, and others.
also, electronics is not that hard. One need only to get over the fear of the thunder in the box and replace it with respect.
Hardly tec.
The three position switch in the fan motor needs only to be open to high therefore not reducing the input voltage. Having eliminated the switch I am now using the router speed control for that purpose. It is fused at 15 amps. Everything is rated for 15 amps except the fan motor. It's rated at 2.4amps. Where's the hazard?
When you toast the fan motor it will not be lightly brown, it will be charred black. If there is a winding short, 15 amps will truly fry a 2.4 amp motor.
Have no fear, there is more at Harbor Freight.
Have no fear, there is more at Harbor Freight.
Huh, if plugged straight into the wall without the variac it has at least 15 amps available to it. Lowering the input voltage doesn't change amps available only used as P=ExI. Ya a winding might short, but that could happen with or without the variac. He could put a 3 amp fuse in one of the input leads to the fan. Over load of any kind= popped fuse
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DeathGrip
US Veteran
Ok All of my outlets are rated at 15, My breaker panel is 20
The way I see it is I've only replaced the 3 way switch with a veritable one that's also rated for 15. I assume the 3 way on the fan is rated for 15. At any rate the amps are probably reduced within the motor to get the 2.4 rating.
Where am I wrong?
venomballistics
Member
amp draw is determined by the load. The motor is the load and regulates draw.
since he has reduced voltage, the current draw has also been reduced.
It might be helpful to change out the fuse for something like a 4 or 5 amp against a catastrophic fault
it is a horrible fright product after all
kozmic
Member
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kozmic
Member
I prefer ceiling fans at my shop. Every time my guys walk by floor fans they stop and say "Luke I'm your Fath-har".
OP
DeathGrip
US Veteran
Didn't happen without pictures..
You want a picture of a fan and a router speed control? Get your own Harbor Freight account.
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DeathGrip
US Veteran
I've been using my Harbor Freight router speed controller with my Harbor Freight plunge router for nearly two decades. Haven't had a problem with it yet.
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OP
DeathGrip
US Veteran
Soaking an amp is totally another animal than an electric motor.
I know. Just making conversation.
