On 7/29/2013 1:08 PM, heathcliff wrote:
Just bought a cheapo box fan, which we use in a window at night to
draw in cooler outside air. However, even at the slowest of its 3
speeds, the fan is too noisy. I'd like to make it less noisy, which I
think the best way would be to make it turn slower. I'm wondering if
it would be possible to wire in a resistor in series with the motor
to accomplish that. If so, what would be the correct specs on the
resistor?

thx, H


You could try a regular light dimmer. It's easy to build a unit for what
you wish to do rather inexpensively. You can use 4" conduit box,
one with the rounded corners, a dimmer, a duplex outlet and a
combination 4" metal box cover with a position for a switch and the
duplex outlet. You can get a cheep three wire extension cord and cur the
outlet end off and use it to supply power to your dimmer. You'll need a
cord grip to attach to the 4" box. Another route is to use a
regular handy box with rounded corners, dimmer, metal switch cover,
cheap extension cord, two cord grips and cut your dimmer into the middle
of the extension cord. It's very easy to make. ^_^

TDD