Finding the right fan controller for my extraction fan?

HandyGringo

HandyGringo

Well-Known Member
I'm trying to find a proper fan controller for my extraction fan, since my fan is pulling roughly 130m3/h, and I need it to pull something like.. 60m3/h

Currently using one like this:



Which doesn't actually work, it can slow the fan down by like 15%, anything more than that and the fan shuts off entirely.

My fan is this exact one:



And I was considering getting something like this instead:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fan-Speed-Controller-Electronic-Type-3-0-Amp-690W-230V-/182162419959

How do I know if it will work with my fan? And how do I know what kind of amp I need? they come in 1.5, 3, and 5.. I have no idea which one is right for my fan.

Anyone who can help me out?

Cheers
 
xmatox

xmatox

Well-Known Member
HandyGringo said:
I'm trying to find a proper fan controller for my extraction fan, since my fan is pulling roughly 130m3/h, and I need it to pull something like.. 60m3/h

Currently using one like this:



Which doesn't actually work, it can slow the fan down by like 15%, anything more than that and the fan shuts off entirely.

My fan is this exact one:



And I was considering getting something like this instead:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fan-Speed-Controller-Electronic-Type-3-0-Amp-690W-230V-/182162419959

How do I know if it will work with my fan? And how do I know what kind of amp I need? they come in 1.5, 3, and 5.. I have no idea which one is right for my fan.

Anyone who can help me out?

Cheers
Click to expand...
Have you tried something like this?
https://www.amazon.com/Variable-Controller-Hydroponics-Exhaust-Adjuster/dp/B00U3LD1WA/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1475604578&sr=8-6&keywords=fan+speed+controller

Is your fan 220v? Most fan controllers are plug and play with pretty much any fans. You are not using a large fan, so it shouldn't be an issue as far as power is concerned. I would just make sure you are using the right plug when buying.
 
HandyGringo

HandyGringo

Well-Known Member
xmatox said:
Have you tried something like this?
https://www.amazon.com/Variable-Controller-Hydroponics-Exhaust-Adjuster/dp/B00U3LD1WA/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1475604578&sr=8-6&keywords=fan+speed+controller

Is your fan 220v? Most fan controllers are plug and play with pretty much any fans. You are not using a large fan, so it shouldn't be an issue as far as power is concerned. I would just make sure you are using the right plug when buying.
Click to expand...
Can't find anything like that one with a European plug, and yeah I think It's 220v. The one I linked above is roughly the same, except I have to wire it myself. Which doesn't look that complicated. The only thing confusing me is the amp.
 
Chef420

Chef420

Well-Known Member
xmatox said:
Have you tried something like this?
https://www.amazon.com/Variable-Controller-Hydroponics-Exhaust-Adjuster/dp/B00U3LD1WA/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1475604578&sr=8-6&keywords=fan+speed+controller

Is your fan 220v? Most fan controllers are plug and play with pretty much any fans. You are not using a large fan, so it shouldn't be an issue as far as power is concerned. I would just make sure you are using the right plug when buying.
Click to expand...
I have one that looks exactly the same and it has two settings: high and higher. Same problem.
 
twalte

twalte

Well-Known Member
Chef420 said:
I have one that looks exactly the same and it has two settings: high and higher. Same problem.
Click to expand...
When I was using a cheaper fan that came with my standard tent setup from the grow shop, I had the same problem. However, once I moved to a Hurricane 435cfm fan, it worked perfectly. I wonder if it has something to do with the lower powered fans.
 
Tim Fox

Tim Fox

Well-Known Member
twalte said:
When I was using a cheaper fan that came with my standard tent setup from the grow shop, I had the same problem. However, once I moved to a Hurricane 435cfm fan, it worked perfectly. I wonder if it has something to do with the lower powered fans.
Click to expand...
i beleive his current fan uses a start solonoid ,, and those seem to have trouble working with a typical speed controller,, i returned one once for that reason,,
your right the hurricane is a big upgrade,, i use a can fan,, very simular
 
xmatox

xmatox

Well-Known Member
HandyGringo said:
Can't find anything like that one with a European plug, and yeah I think It's 220v. The one I linked above is roughly the same, except I have to wire it myself. Which doesn't look that complicated. The only thing confusing me is the amp.
Click to expand...
Go to a hardware store and ask someone what wiring would run 220v with a 5amp load. I believe its a number 6 or 8 wire, but double check. Might be able to get away with a smaller wire since you are not pulling that many amps, but ask the store or find a chart online. You can buy the pronged part of the plug itself separate, and hook it up to the wiring you buy. The installation should be straight forward. Bottom line is getting the correct wiring will solve your amp concerns.

Maybe this could work too.
https://www.amazon.com/Lotos-Technology-PT01-LTP5000D-LTPDC2000D/dp/B00NVOW83O/ref=sr_1_3?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1475605921&sr=1-3&keywords=110v+to+220v

Chef420 said:
I have one that looks exactly the same and it has two settings: high and higher. Same problem.
Click to expand...
Weird because I have many of those and they work exactly how they are suppose to. Maybe it's a fan issue?
 
loftygoals

loftygoals

Well-Known Member
You're best off with an Xpelair WAC1 which can be had under £30.

No hum, cheap, well documented to work with various fans with good control... only issue is they can't handle 8+ inch fans. For the fan you have it'd be perfect.
 
HandyGringo

HandyGringo

Well-Known Member
twalte said:
When I was using a cheaper fan that came with my standard tent setup from the grow shop, I had the same problem. However, once I moved to a Hurricane 435cfm fan, it worked perfectly. I wonder if it has something to do with the lower powered fans.
Click to expand...
I was considering getting the weakest quality fan I could get.. Of the same build as the hurricane. Not sure what that kind of fan is called, but I have been considering it. Since it seems like everyone is running those.

Tim Fox said:
i beleive his current fan uses a start solonoid ,, and those seem to have trouble working with a typical speed controller,, i returned one once for that reason,,
your right the hurricane is a big upgrade,, i use a can fan,, very simular
Click to expand...
How do I know if my fan uses solonoid? No idea what it is, but I need to be sure before going shopping.

xmatox said:
Go to a hardware store and ask someone what wiring would run 220v with a 5amp load. I believe its a number 6 or 8 wire, but double check. Might be able to get away with a smaller wire since you are not pulling that many amps, but ask the store or find a chart online. You can buy the pronged part of the plug itself separate, and hook it up to the wiring you buy. The installation should be straight forward. Bottom line is getting the correct wiring will solve your amp concerns.

Maybe this could work too.
https://www.amazon.com/Lotos-Technology-PT01-LTP5000D-LTPDC2000D/dp/B00NVOW83O/ref=sr_1_3?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1475605921&sr=1-3&keywords=110v+to+220v


Weird because I have many of those and they work exactly how they are suppose to. Maybe it's a fan issue?
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip on the wires! I'm still confused as to what the amps mean? Like I literally have no idea, it is just the amount of power they can tolerate? If so a 3 amp would probably be fine for my little fan..

loftygoals said:
You're best off with an Xpelair WAC1 which can be had under £30.

No hum, cheap, well documented to work with various fans with good control... only issue is they can't handle 8+ inch fans. For the fan you have it'd be perfect.
Click to expand...
I don't like the idea of only 4 settings, and the first post I found about it said that the settings were a bit unreliable? Like the first 2 settings were too fast, the third one was too slow and barely moving the fan, and the last setting didn't work at all. I wouldn't want to risk that. :/
 
HandyGringo

HandyGringo

Well-Known Member
Tim Fox said:
TD-SILENT-T models
TD-SILENT versions fitted with a run-on-timer adjustable within 1 and 30 minutes and onespeed motor not suitable for speed control.

http://www.solerpalau.com/td-160-100-n-silent-230v50hz.html

not suitable for speed control.
Click to expand...
My version isn't the T version though, the T version is a timer one. And my fan has 2 options for speed, like if I wire it differently.. I found a pdf with a lot of data about the fan, but on the same site you linked it says


"Motors
Speed controlable 230V-50Hz motor, of two speed motors. IP44."

Not sure if that counts as being controllable or not. It's a tad confusing.


Also here's the pdf..
http://www.a-r.co.il/image.ashx?i=1097632.pdf&fn=td_mixvent_fid5722-1.pdf

Roger A. Shrubber said:
there ya go, there are one speed motors...that are one speed motors, if they say two or more you can usually slap a controller on them
Click to expand...
Well it does have two speeds I can set up by wiring it. Like I had the choice between 160m3/h or 130m3/h.
 
Roger A. Shrubber

Roger A. Shrubber

Well-Known Member
HandyGringo said:
My version isn't the T version though, the T version is a timer one. And my fan has 2 options for speed, like if I wire it differently.. I found a pdf with a lot of data about the fan, but on the same site you linked it says


"Motors
Speed controlable 230V-50Hz motor, of two speed motors. IP44."

Not sure if that counts as being controllable or not. It's a tad confusing.


Also here's the pdf..
http://www.a-r.co.il/image.ashx?i=1097632.pdf&fn=td_mixvent_fid5722-1.pdf



Well it does have two speeds I can set up by wiring it. Like I had the choice between 160m3/h or 130m3/h.
Click to expand...
if it has two speeds it can have more, they just didn't put the rheostat in it. thats what the router controller is for, they even put an empty box on the outside of a lot of fans to put them in
 
Uberknot

Uberknot

Well-Known Member
Those type have a special speed controller that's for the type of motor in them.

At least I know the smaller 4" one does.

I bought one of those plug in dial type and tried it did not work.
 
Last edited:
HandyGringo

HandyGringo

Well-Known Member
Uberknot said:
Those type have a special speed controller that's for the type of motor in them.

At least I know the smaller 4" one does.

I bought one of those plug in dial type and tried it did not work.
Click to expand...
I guess I'll give it a go. Since my fan already has 2 speed options it might be suited for it.. Also your signature tricked me..
 
Uberknot

Uberknot

Well-Known Member
HandyGringo said:
I guess I'll give it a go. Since my fan already has 2 speed options it might be suited for it.. Also your signature tricked me..
Click to expand...
My fan has two speed options a well I wired it to be on all the time on the lower speed option.

It's something about the type of motor in the fan, the wiring, and certain types dimmers.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top