Quiet network Cabinet 230v fans?

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Rabbitcat

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#273207 10-Aug-2020 12:02

Hi there, We've got a new Dynamix RWM9 9RU cabinet in our office (DIY install) and we went to plug in the twin fan unit on the top of the cabinet, and it sounded like something was going to take off! Very noisy.

We'd like to have some active fans in there to help cool it, but seems hard to source quiet fans for 230v.

Anyone had any experience in sourcing quiet 230v fans? Or ideas on how to go from 230v to 12v for 'normal' case fans?

Inside the cabinet we've got the switch, and a 4 bay NAS, and two 48 port patch panels.

Do we just put a filter over the reasonably big opening at the top of the cabinet (with the fan unit removed), and just rely on passive cooling?

Other ideas?

Lias

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#2537939 10-Aug-2020 14:54

If the cabinet is in an AC'd office you can probably get away with passive cooling.

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shrub

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#2538121 10-Aug-2020 18:21

You can rig up a 4 x 120mm to a 12v wall brick that has a 1.5-2A output. Most fans are only 0.2A when running. Requires some basic electrical knowledge to work out polarity and solder etc.

I've had 2 on 1A brick in the past and its fine.

Mehrts

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#2538123 10-Aug-2020 18:24

I've used 24v fans and run them on 12v to reduce their speed and therefore reduce the noise. Alternatively, I've used 12v fans and run them from 5v (USB) to achieve the same effect.

Obviously it reduces the airflow, however for my particular applications, this was fine.

I just use any generic 230vac-12vdc power supply, or I've even used Power over Ethernet splitters to convert 802.3af PoE from a network switch to 12vdc output, and then run the fans from that. They only draw around 1-2w, so there's minimal load.

Rabbitcat

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#2538784 11-Aug-2020 18:50

Thanks everyone. Seems either leave it open, or I've since found noctua do a 5v USB powered 120mm case fan that would probably fit the bill nicely.