Newbie needs help with canopy fans

[SaltyDr]

I am buying two Vantec fans to install in my canopy. I know I need a 12V adaptor for them. Can they be wired to the same 12V adaptor or do I need to get an adaptor for each one? Sorry, I know this is a dumb question, but I want to do it right and not burn my house down . Thanks for everyone's input.

 

[rsw686]

Depends on the current the adapter supplies. Look at the current rating on the fan and add them up. Add 15% to that figure and buy a power supply that fits.

So if each fan draws 300mA, thats 600mA plus 15% so 690mA. Most supplies are rated in 500mA increments so you'll probably be looking for 1000mA supply.

The 15% number I just pulled out of my head. I wouldn't want to max out the power supply either. Better to play it on the safe side and allow a margin of error.

 

[triggerjay]

Depends on what they pull... Look at the amperage rating on the fan, and compare it to the amperage rating on the power supply. The amperage of the two fans, added together, should not exceed 80% of the power supply amperage. IE Fan 1 + Fan 2 = TOTAL amperage,... This # should not exceed 80% of the power supply rating. In the past, I have used a Computer power supply to power multiple fans. This works VERY well, and the PC power supply is fused, unlike a power "adaptor". Hope this helps. If no amperage is given for the fans, hook one up, and use an amp meter, to get your amp draw.

Jason

 

[triggerjay]

lol, sorry, we both replied at the same time..

Jason

 

[SaltyDr]

Thanks guys for the info. You both agree, so you must be right! I appreciate the input.

 

[jefathome]

So do you wire them in Series, or parallel?

 

[rsw686]

They need to be wired in parallel.