Fan voltage

[terisk]

Could you connect a potentiometer to b/n the fan and power supply, and just control the voltage (speed) of the fan by turning it?

 

[outhouse]

I think this is a common practice.

goodluck

 

[terisk]

What specifications does this common practice require? I was at radioshack, and there are all sorts(linear and stuff) Which do you reccomend?

 

[Hoot]

Do not[b/] connect a potentiometer in series with the +12 to your fan. Potentiometers can not handle that kind of wattage. Use a wirewound rheostat.

Hoot

 

[Sharp]

BTW the best rating is 25 ohm, it'll provide 7~12v range for most fans [for some lower power fans it'll go below 7v.] Also the wattage is listed on the potentiometer/rheostat [as said before you wont find a conventional potentiometer with the required wattage, get a wirewound one.]