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dbmaybee

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I'm making a new hood for my tank and I have purchased 4 computer fans to keep it cool. Can I run 4 parallel circuits to the same 12V adapter? Or will this overload the adapter or cause the fans to run too slow?
Thanks.
 

Rob Top

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What I did was bought radio shack fans that can go 110 and wired them in with the lights that way when the lights went on and off so did the fans. Don't know if this is an option or not for you, but worth considering
 
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Anonymous

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The computer fans should have the amount of current they draw listed on them in Amps, or Milliamps. If its listed in anything else there are conversions you can look up on the web.

The adapter must be the same voltage, and rated for more amps than all four of the fans added together.

Hope that helps....
 

Rikko

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You're right on the money about the parallel wiring - the 12V will then be constant across the circuit..

Caveat: Just because an adapter says 12V on it only means there's more than 3V and less than 20V. The ratings are generally meant when the adapter is running under the load they are designed for - if you have less of a current draw than the cell phone/whatever, the voltage can very possibly be higher

That said, your fans will run just fine at 14V, 15V, even 17V, though they'll be incredibly noisy and won't live as long. But wire 'em up and see what happens.

Check the current rating on the adapter - that's your total current the adapter can deliver. If your circuit tries to draw more, the voltage starts to collapse and you end up with a lower voltage and a bit more current. Adapters are funny that way - they'll also obviously run quite a bit hotter since you're pushing them hard.

If your fans are 170mA (I think that's the standard for 80mm 12V computer fans), as long as the adapter is rated at 700mA or higher, it's fine to use.
 

dbmaybee

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Thanks very much for all the replies. Sorry it's taken me so long to get back, but I've been working on my new setup:)
 

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