I have 4 server case fans from a wayback machine:
That's all I know about them. I presume they don't just plug straight into the mains. What protection do I put in the line for them?
I will just try the one out until I am sure they won't burn the house down.
Mains fans just need a fuse, 2A is good.
NT
Yes, they will be directly mains powered, assuming they are two terminal devices (plus earth if relevant). They are not as efficient as 12V types of the same size.
You should fit a 1A fuse, but they are normally impedance protected against stalling (i.e. enough self-impedance to avoid burning out if the impeller jams). I have several Papst fans which used to be used in the minicomputers I used to work on - I still use the fans ranging from 80cm to 160cm in various applications. We used to get over 10 years average life from them when they were on 24x7, but I suspect they were the top spec ones from Papst at the time., and I know they were very expensive.
Mine are all metal. I did buy a mains one for a new application a few years ago, and the motor (centre) part is all metal, although the impellers and outer casing are plastic. It was a chinese manufacturered one which was running continuously for 6 years when I last saw it, but I no longer have contact with the kit I built it into.
All the mains ones I have seen are ball-bearing types. IME, these fail by the bearings getting louder and louder, so you get plenty of warning to replace them.
Thanks all for the reassurance. I have an old radio lead that will do for a trial. I will get some fuses too. The one in the radio plug is 5 amp but...
Cheers.
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