Help Wiring PC Fans to Cigarette Lighter Plug

[nrgcreator44]

Hello, I’m hoping for some guidance on a project. Disclaimer, I know almost nothing about electricity, circuits, voltage and so on. I would like to make a window exhaust fan for my van to move air while sleeping in it. I have some PC fans already, but don’t know what other gadgets are needed to wire all 4 together, be able to control the speed and supply power. I’d like to use my power stations 12v DC plug so need a cigarette lighter plug at the end of the fans to connect to power source. I’ve read that I could use a "rheostat" and have a very basic idea of what that is. What I’m confused about is 1) are there different power ratings for these I need to be mindful about? 2) does this also work as the power supply (fan wires go into this unit, power plug goes out?) 3) other details I’m certain I’m missing! The fans I have are each 12v, 1.08watts and have a 3-pin pc connector on the end. Maybe there is a ready-made device that already exists? Also need everything to be as small and light as possible. Any / all help is appreciated.

 

[jay32267]

First of all....you want to wire the four fans in parallel.

Then use something like this.

https://www.amazon.com/RioRand-7-80...gulator&qid=1626442483&sr=8-3#customerReviews

Put a lighter plug on the end of a 2 conductor cable....run that to P+ and P-.....connect the fans to M+ and M-.

 

[nrgcreator44]

First of all....you want to wire the four fans in parallel.

Then use something like this.

https://www.amazon.com/RioRand-7-80...gulator&qid=1626442483&sr=8-3#customerReviews

Put a lighter plug on the end of a 2 conductor cable....run that to P+ and P-.....connect the fans to M+ and M-.

Thank you for that info and link - very helpful! Would this work for the lighter plug? https://www.amazon.com/Cigarette-Li...te+lighter+adapter+10ft&qid=1626444149&sr=8-3

 

[jay32267]

Thank you for that info and link - very helpful! Would this work for the lighter plug? https://www.amazon.com/Cigarette-Li...te+lighter+adapter+10ft&qid=1626444149&sr=8-3

Lighter plugs are generally 10 amps max. Don't go over 10 amps....and I would keep it under 8 amps.

 

[nrgcreator44]

Lighter plugs are generally 10 amps max. Don't go over 10 amps....and I would keep it under 8 amps.

Do you mean keep the plug itself under 8 amps? I looks like most are 15amp. Having trouble locating one that is 8amp? Looks like my power station DC plug output is 7amp. Does this mean i can not use the 15amp cord i linked below?

 

[nrgcreator44]

Hoping to get more clarification. I was not able to find an 8amp lighter plug. Can someone please chime in and clarify if the below components are compatible to connect to each other and then be used in a jackery power station?

Fan x 4 (4-pin PWM, 12 Volts, 2.4 watts each): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016XWZ5MQ/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

PWM DC Motor Speed Controller Switch Control 7-70V 30A Fuse: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JEXJXA...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

10Ft Heavy Duty 12V 15A Cigarette Lighter Adapter Charger Cord Fused Male to Male Cigarette Lighter Socket Plug for Car Tire Compressor Car Inverter:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B092HT2182/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=A1B5HZAY5JT7ZC&psc=1

Power station: https://www.jackery.com/products/explorer-500w-portable-power-station?variant=29227492540503

Thank you!

 

[USAFRet]

USB powered fan:
https://www.amazon.com/SmartDevil-Personal-Portable-Desktop-Operation/dp/B07PZBVLC7

USB cig lighter adapter:
https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Ainope-Aluminum-Charging-Compatible/dp/B0795DJXNH

Done.

 

[nrgcreator44]

USB powered fan:
https://www.amazon.com/SmartDevil-Personal-Portable-Desktop-Operation/dp/B07PZBVLC7

USB cig lighter adapter:
https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Ainope-Aluminum-Charging-Compatible/dp/B0795DJXNH

Done.

I need an exhaust fan, not circulating fan. The USB powered fan will not mount to my panel in the window nor will it circulate to the level of 4 of the PC fans i linked to. Thanks, though....

 

[USAFRet]

I need an exhaust fan, not circulating fan. The USB powered fan will not mount to my panel in the window nor will it circulate to the level of 4 of the PC fans i linked to. Thanks, though....

That particular fan was just an example.
There are dozens of similar.

As well as lighter plug hubs with 4 USB ports.

 

[USAFRet]

Maybe there is a ready-made device that already exists?

USB:
https://www.amazon.com/Ventilator-Exhaust-Radiator-Eliminate-Peculiar/dp/B08ZXLXLMZ

Solar powered:
https://www.amazon.com/Powered-Ventilator-Exhaust-Eliminate-Peculiar/dp/B094Z9ZRGF

Direct to cig plug:
https://www.amazon.com/AboveTEK-12V-Electric-Car-Fan/dp/B010CESJTC

 

[nrgcreator44]

That particular fan was just an example.
There are dozens of similar.

As well as lighter plug hubs with 4 USB ports.

I understand. But again, I'm mounting these fans to a panel that attaches to my window so i have a sealed exhaust. PC fans are perfect because of the low profile housing and mounts. I'm actually shocked this isn't as easy as i thought it would be. I'm not clear on what the friction point of powering PC fans via cigarette lighter, but being nobody is capable of advising me, I'm going to assume its just not possible. Thanks for your time.

 

[nrgcreator44]

USB:
https://www.amazon.com/Ventilator-Exhaust-Radiator-Eliminate-Peculiar/dp/B08ZXLXLMZ

Solar powered:
https://www.amazon.com/Powered-Ventilator-Exhaust-Eliminate-Peculiar/dp/B094Z9ZRGF

Direct to cig plug:
https://www.amazon.com/AboveTEK-12V-Electric-Car-Fan/dp/B010CESJTC

You're right! I think these will be perfect. Thank you! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093K57GQX/ref=emc_b_5_t