power fans using external USB unit.
Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 7:50 pm
I'm trying to run a DIY external HDD box, and i want a fan to cool them.
1) I can use a regular AC mini fan, but that's a little bit over kill.
2) I decided hey, computer fans will do the trick... but powering them is problematic.
then I remember I have a bunch of those outlet USB thing, can they power fans?
i googled and found that people have been able to power computer fans with USB cables... however...
the fan is 12V @ .15A
the USB outlet unit is 5V @ 500ma = .5A
so my question is that will i burn the house down if i run the fans for a long period of time? i mean wattage wise the unit can handle the fan (5 X .5 = 2.5W which is more than 12 X .15 = 1.8W), however they're at different voltage... any electrician out there?
1) I can use a regular AC mini fan, but that's a little bit over kill.
2) I decided hey, computer fans will do the trick... but powering them is problematic.
then I remember I have a bunch of those outlet USB thing, can they power fans?
i googled and found that people have been able to power computer fans with USB cables... however...
the fan is 12V @ .15A
the USB outlet unit is 5V @ 500ma = .5A
so my question is that will i burn the house down if i run the fans for a long period of time? i mean wattage wise the unit can handle the fan (5 X .5 = 2.5W which is more than 12 X .15 = 1.8W), however they're at different voltage... any electrician out there?