has any1 used an electric fan speed controller

just wondering if any1 has used an electric fan speed controller for your extractor fan, something like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ELECTRIC-...d=100033&prg=7839&rk=2&rkt=4&sd=290915300385& will it work? will it help reduce fan noises and temperature control?

No actually using the controller will make your inline fan louder. The slower you go the louder the hum. JAS

is there any other solutions?

I use 2 6 " and 4" computer fans for my homemade poultry incubator, controling their speed with variable voltage plug. I am planning to use multiple PC fans for my growth, PC fans are more quiet, more efficient and generate very little heat as oppose to 110 V standard AC fans.

I hoard my computer and electronic junk, so I did not spent any new money on this stuff.

The above mentioned PC fans ran nonstop 24/7 from Dec to June this year, cause I was hatching chicks weekly.

If 6" fan is too small for your needs larger PC fans are available I believe.

I have a fan speed controller and it does quiet the fan not sure what Johnny apple seed is talking about..... If the fan has a thermal disconnect it will shit down as the fab will heat up because it is not spinning a fast to keep itself cool. Reduces the life of your fan

1 your fan should not be in contact with anything.... Hang it from bungee cord. 2 use insulated duct. 3 if still too loud build a box for it to hang in that hangs from the ceiling.

JonnyAppleSeed420 said:

No actually using the controller will make your inline fan louder. The slower you go the louder the hum. JAS

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Modern "electronic" controllers (dimmers) are cheap made lowering the sped of AC motor by cutting off part of AC voltage sine wave, that's what makes motor slower, more prone to heat and louder.

However if you have old type transformer type controller used to control ceiling fans in the past, it will work perfectly, and lower the noise/speed of 120V motor. A real wired transformer speed controller works by lowering voltage not cutting of sine wave. I have found three of those around the house, they have 5 speeds, work perfectly with all AC motors to up to around 100W rating power.

6" to 8" in duct fans commonly sold for growth rooms are rated 37-42 Watts, so they will work perfectly with transformer ceiling fan controller.

I use the speed controllers on 3 of my inline fans. I have to agree with tussel. I find it reduces the noise level. Although I use the fan speeds as a temp. control since I do not use A/C. I can raise or lower the temps in my room 5-6 degrees by speeding up or slowing down the fans.