Repairing a power cable

[TehJustinator]

Is it possible/worthwhile to repair a molex 5v power cable that comes off the connector to power a case fan? I unintentionally cut the cable when removing the case's hard drive cage (Antec 900, the cable was caught between the cage and the metal frame). Would I just remove the sheathing and reconnect it with electrical tape?

 

[jdkick]

I say repair it, but i'd do it right by soldering the wires and using some heat shrink tubing to replace the missing sheathing.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

I would solder it as well--but getting the supplies todo so might be more than the fan is worth.

 

[TehJustinator]

I might just take all the fans out and replace them with green colored ones. That would look pro.

Of course, I'd rather keep it the way it is and save time + money, but I'd rather not use a cheap-o fix (I can't solder for s***) and potentially damage a component. Is it possible to hurt a component hooked to the molex connector it is drawing power from?

 

[jackschmittusa]

Case fans are usually 12v.

When soldering, apply the heat to the wires on one side, and when the wires are hot enough, apply solder to the other side. Do not apply solder to the soldering iron tip (other than to tin it). The solder should flow smoothly toward the heat source.

I've soldered a number of fan wires when replacing fans in psus. I use a simple Western Union splice on the wires, solder, and use heatshrink tubing and a heat gun on low (hairdryer on high should work too). Works fine, lasts a long time.

 

[TehJustinator]

Red is 5v, right?

 

[RebateMonger]

You could also use twist connectors (of the appropriate size) and then wrap black electrical tape around the repair. The fan itself likely has a voltage shown on the motor.