fan speed controller needed or not?

sunandsky

Well-Known Member
Wondering what the general opinions are on fan speed controllers.

I ordered a 4 inch carbon filter with a 4 inch 175CFM inline fan. I did not order a fan speed controller. Seems to be like at a 175cfm i don't really need it. Someone else offered the same advice, Just want to get a second, third, 8th opinion.

Will this filter be effective with the 175cfm fan? https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00E582DV2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

also, how do you go about sizing up a carbon filter to make sure its up to the task? I see it says "1050 plus IAV Australia charcoal".
 

sunandsky

Well-Known Member
after a bit of research it looks like the filter is maybe 150cfm. should be fine with a 175cfm fan right?
 

Bakersfield

Well-Known Member
I think it's dumb to use a dimmer for a 10-12w fan.
What's the next size down, a computer fan, lol. I wonder how you could hook one of those to a charcoal filter.

To the Op's original question;
I'm no electrical engineer, but supposedly dimmers and most fan controls will actually wear your fan out and possibly start a fire, unless you buy a VFD variable frequency drive controller, which cost more than just buying a smaller fan.
 

Altered State

Well-Known Member
The hydrofarm Active Air fan controller advertises itself as being safe for Fan motors unlike the $20 motor variable controllers which are actually designed for brushed motors not brushless fan motors yet sold as if they are.
Those are the Fan killers avoid them and look for one designed for brushless motors.

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