Computer Fan Wiring Problem

TLR

Well-Known Member
So I've asked some friends and searched this forums trying to figure out how to wire my fans to some old adapters I have lying around.

Based on what I know, there are 6 possible combinations for having a computer fan with a red, black, and yellow wire; as well as an adapter with a positive (non-marked) and negative (white marked) wire.

The combinations are as follows:
1. negative red + positive black
2. negative red/yellow + positive black
3. negative red + positive black/yellow
4. negative black + positive red
5. negative black/yellow + positive red
6. negative black + positive red/yellow

I've done this numerous times and each time with a 12v adapter and a 9v (the fans require 12v but I've heard that having less v just means it will run slower) and each time it hasn't worked at a all.

Can anyone help me? Are there any alternatives?
 

epixbud

Well-Known Member
First off man, you gotta understand,
a Computer fan Only has a red/black for power,
if there is a yellow it is for the speed control,
and you don't need to bother with the yellow unless you gonna add a speed control dial....

As long as you are using a proper adapter and voltage/wattage,
then just go white to red and black to black....

And if that don't work, ether the fan or the adapter is fried!.........
 

cantbereal

Active Member
the black i and read are right. Also be sure your adapter is between 9v and 13.8 volts. And it must bew DC output not AC. If it is not labeled then look for a stright line with dots under after the voltage that is for DC. If you see a sideway S then that is AC and won't work. You will also need enough current to drive a fan, a phone adapter might not do. each fan will have around 100ma on it. 1A = 1000ma . Dont worry about which wire is for red, if the fan blows the wrong way switch them. You want it to blow the right way, look for an arrow showing the wind direction.
 

TLR

Well-Known Member
Thanks for your help. I think the problem might be that I've been using AC outputs, not DC ones. I might order one online but I really want it now, it just sucks because I know if I go to radioshack they'd charge me an arm and a leg for one.

Do you guys know if its possible to wire both fans to one DC output adapter?
 

DubRules

Well-Known Member
just go to radio shack and buy a 12v power supply.
then cut and wire it to the fan.
it's as simple as electrical wiring gets.
 
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