External PS to run some fans

chadomaly · 08-24-2012, 10:59 AM

Looking for info or recommendations on an external (regular household plug) power supply to run a couple PC fans (since i already have a bunch) to cool some motors on rock tumblers. Likely 3-4 80mm, maybe a 120?

Needs to be safe though, running 24/7 in a garage or attic that gets hot in summer. No idea what brands are trustworthy to not burn my house down.

Any specific recommendations on brands models or features to ensure safety quality?

C1 · 08-24-2012, 11:15 AM

If it were me, I would use an in expensive general purpose DC source wall mounted power supply. HOWEVER, I would lash it up with a circuit thermistor/thermistat to power the fans only after a selected case temperature is reached.

This should easily be able to be put together inexpensively using surplus store and Radio Shack components. If you are lazy then I believe that variable/adjustable control thermostats are available for purchase. Ive seen them available as "a front of case" mounted panel with control knob for temperature setting.

Jeff7 · 08-24-2012, 11:54 AM

Other advice: don't get cheap sleeve-bearing fans. (I use that as a general rule.)

Ball bearing, or some of the things like "hydrowave" or "hydrodynamic" from decent manufacturers. I prefer ball bearing though. Experience says that they survive much longer than sleeve bearings.

chadomaly · 08-24-2012, 01:24 PM

I'm using good pc fans, Panaflo and the magnetic bearing types. I am just running them outside an enclosure with grilles to cool the motors.

I have a kingwin hard drive kit to run internal hard drives via USB which has a molex ac adapter. For reasons unknown to me, it'll run a hdd but won't power up one of the 120mm fans I have.

I'm not handy with wiring if it requires soldering and knowledge of components and such. I was just confused as to why the ac adapter for the hdd kit didn't power up a fan and realized I apparently don't know what I need.

Lookig for a plug and play solution.

Here's the setup. External fan I just need to spin without connecting it to something made in china that'll burn down the building.