The fans are all 12 volts. When wiring something you want to make sure you have the proper voltage. Using the wrong voltage will result in 2 things. If it is too low, the fans will operate but only at a certain speed and will not be effective. If you use a cord with TOO much voltage it will call for that voltage from the outlet and short out the fans. If it DOES work with a higher voltage, unplug it asap and find a proper voltage cord because the fans just gave you chance to try again and not kill them.