RF Interference from In-line Exhaust fan?!

BigGreenThumb

Active Member
so I’ve read that RF interference can be picked up via AM radio through digi ballasts.. is this a known issue for exhaust fans as well? I have a Terrabloom 8” fan with a speed controller that I think is causing interference but I don’t know the magnitude of it or weather or not it’s an issue beyond my room.. inside or directly around the room you can literally hear the fan speed as it increases or decreases with the dial on the controller as a high pitched scream through the speakers of the am radio. How far is it safe to assume this signal will travel? Is this something I should be concerned with? Doesn’t seem to extend more than a few feet past the room (as far as I can tell with a handheld am/fm radio) but I’m not all to sure how RFI works
 

BigGreenThumb

Active Member
All electronics cause some rf interference. I'm not sure what exactly you're concerned about.
Well “CanadianJim”.. I’m not “CANADIANBigGreenThumb” if ya catch my drift ..
I know all electronics cause some rf disturbance but this seems like it is causing more than just “some” as it completely takes over the radio. I live very close by to a couple of fire houses and hospital in a very suburban area and just trying to make sure I don’t cause issues with the power or local cable companies as well. Call me paranoid ‍♂ If my rinky am/fm radio can pick up the signal I’m assuming anyone (LE or FD) could easily hear/pinpoint a location of the interference.
 

CanadianJim

Well-Known Member
Ahh, gotcha. If it were a big issue there wouldn't be anyone using digi ballasts left. It's pretty easy to triangulate radio signals. I almost mentioned that consumer electronics are tested to make sure the interference put out is within acceptable levels. In other words before they could sell the ballast they had to make sure it wouldn't put out enough interference to cause problems. Plus if the signal is weak enough that your radio can't pick it up more than a few feet away, they can't either. It doesn't matter how big your antenna is if the signal is too weak to reach you.
Pretty sure you're okay. Besides, how can they prove what is causing the interference.
 

BigGreenThumb

Active Member
Ahh, gotcha. If it were a big issue there wouldn't be anyone using digi ballasts left. It's pretty easy to triangulate radio signals. I almost mentioned that consumer electronics are tested to make sure the interference put out is within acceptable levels. In other words before they could sell the ballast they had to make sure it wouldn't put out enough interference to cause problems. Plus if the signal is weak enough that your radio can't pick it up more than a few feet away, they can't either. It doesn't matter how big your antenna is if the signal is too weak to reach you.
Pretty sure you're okay. Besides, how can they prove what is causing the interference.
Yeah. Kind of along the lines what I was thinking but the goddam internet has me bugging out lol..

Honestly I’ll have something so small going on i may be way overthinking this, but hey I’m paranoid and feel better safe than sorry. only looking to run 1 - 600w HPS with an 8 inch inline , some rinky wall fans and call it a day.. Won’t be any need for any heaters, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, etc.. the room won’t even draw more than a single 20a circuit altogether

Thanks for the input
 
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