If you are looking for a guide on how to wire a 4 wire DC fan motor, you are in the right place. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about this topic. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced electrician, you will find this guide helpful.
What is a 4 Wire DC Fan Motor?
A 4 wire DC fan motor is a type of motor that has four wires instead of the usual two wires found in regular motors. The additional wires are used to control the speed of the fan. With a 4 wire DC fan motor, you can adjust the speed of the fan to suit your needs. This makes it ideal for applications where you need precise control over the fan speed, such as in cooling systems.
How Does a 4 Wire DC Fan Motor Work?
A 4 wire DC fan motor works by using four wires to control the speed of the fan. The first two wires are used to power the motor, while the other two wires are used to control the speed of the fan. When you apply voltage to the first two wires, the motor starts spinning. To control the speed of the fan, you need to vary the voltage applied to the other two wires. The more voltage you apply, the faster the fan will spin.
What are the Wires Used for?
The four wires in a 4 wire DC fan motor are used as follows:
- Positive Voltage Wire (VCC or +): This wire is used to supply voltage to the motor. It is usually the red wire.
- Negative Voltage Wire (GND or -): This wire is used to complete the circuit. It is usually the black wire.
- Tachometer Wire (TACH): This wire is used to measure the speed of the fan. It is usually the yellow wire.
- Pulse Width Modulation Wire (PWM): This wire is used to control the speed of the fan. It is usually the blue wire.
What Tools Do You Need to Wire a 4 Wire DC Fan Motor?
To wire a 4 wire DC fan motor, you will need the following tools:
- Wire stripper
- Soldering iron
- Solder
- Heat shrink tubing
- Electrical tape
How to Wire a 4 Wire DC Fan Motor
Now that you know what a 4 wire DC fan motor is and what it is used for, let’s look at how you can wire it. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Strip the Wires
Using a wire stripper, strip about half an inch of insulation from the end of each wire.
Step 2: Solder the Wires
Solder the wires together as follows:
- Positive Voltage Wire (VCC or +): Solder this wire to the positive voltage input on your device.
- Negative Voltage Wire (GND or -): Solder this wire to the negative voltage input on your device.
- Tachometer Wire (TACH): Solder this wire to the tachometer input on your device.
- Pulse Width Modulation Wire (PWM): Solder this wire to the PWM input on your device.
Step 3: Insulate the Wires
Use heat shrink tubing and/or electrical tape to insulate the wires and protect them from damage.
Step 4: Test the Motor
Before you use the motor, test it to make sure it is working properly. You can do this by applying voltage to the positive and negative voltage wires and then varying the voltage applied to the PWM wire to adjust the speed of the fan.
FAQ
What is the Difference Between a 2 Wire and 4 Wire DC Fan Motor?
The main difference between a 2 wire and 4 wire DC fan motor is that a 2 wire motor only has two wires, while a 4 wire motor has four wires. With a 2 wire motor, you cannot control the speed of the fan. With a 4 wire motor, you can control the speed of the fan by varying the voltage applied to the PWM wire.
Can I Use a 4 Wire DC Fan Motor with a 2 Wire Fan Controller?
No, you cannot use a 4 wire DC fan motor with a 2 wire fan controller. A 2 wire fan controller is designed to work with a 2 wire motor, not a 4 wire motor. To use a 4 wire motor, you need a fan controller that is designed to work with a 4 wire motor.
What is Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)?
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is a method of controlling the speed of a motor by varying the amount of time that the power is on versus the amount of time that the power is off. By varying the amount of time that the power is on, you can control the speed of the motor.
How Can I Tell Which Wire is Which?
The positive voltage wire is usually red, the negative voltage wire is usually black, the tachometer wire is usually yellow, and the PWM wire is usually blue. However, if the wires are not labeled, you can use a multimeter to test the wires and determine which one is which.
What is a Tachometer?
A tachometer is a device that is used to measure the speed of a motor. In the case of a fan motor, the tachometer measures the speed of the fan and sends that information to the controller.
Conclusion
Wiring a 4 wire DC fan motor is not as complicated as it may seem. With the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you can wire a 4 wire motor and control the speed of the fan. We hope this guide has been helpful to you and has answered any questions you may have had about this topic.
