DC fans, also known as direct current fans, are widely used in electronic devices to dissipate heat generated by electronic components. These fans come in different sizes and shapes, and each fan has its own wiring diagram. In this article, we will be discussing the 4 wire dc fan wiring diagram in a simplified form so that anyone can understand it.
What is a 4 Wire DC Fan?
A 4 wire DC fan has four wires namely, ground wire, power wire, tachometer wire, and PWM wire. The ground wire is the negative terminal of the fan, whereas the power wire is the positive terminal of the fan. The tachometer wire is used to measure the rotational speed of the fan, and the PWM wire is used to control the speed of the fan.
The 4 wire DC fan is widely used in personal computers, servers, gaming consoles, and other electronic devices that require efficient cooling. These fans are easy to install and have low power consumption, making them an ideal choice for electronic devices.
4 Wire DC Fan Wiring Diagram
The 4 wire DC fan wiring diagram is as follows:
| Wire Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Black | Ground wire – Negative terminal of the fan |
| Red | Power wire – Positive terminal of the fan |
| Yellow | Tachometer wire – Measures the rotational speed of the fan |
| Blue | PWM wire – Used to control the speed of the fan |
The 4 wire DC fan wiring diagram is quite simple to understand. The black wire is the ground wire, which is connected to the negative terminal of the fan. The red wire is the power wire, which is connected to the positive terminal of the fan. The yellow wire is the tachometer wire, which is connected to the motherboard or the fan controller. And finally, the blue wire is the PWM wire, which is also connected to the motherboard or the fan controller.
How to Wire a 4 Wire DC Fan?
Wiring a 4 wire DC fan is a simple process that can be done by following these steps:
- Identify the four wires of the fan – Ground wire (Black), Power wire (Red), Tachometer wire (Yellow), and PWM wire (Blue).
- Connect the ground wire (Black) to the negative terminal of the fan.
- Connect the power wire (Red) to the positive terminal of the fan.
- Connect the tachometer wire (Yellow) to the motherboard or the fan controller.
- Connect the PWM wire (Blue) to the motherboard or the fan controller.
- Turn on the electronic device, and the fan will start spinning.
Wiring a 4 wire DC fan is a straightforward process that does not require any special tools or expertise. However, if you are not confident about your wiring skills, it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional.
FAQs
What is the purpose of a tachometer wire in a 4 wire DC fan?
The tachometer wire is used to measure the rotational speed of the fan. It is connected to the motherboard or the fan controller, which displays the fan speed in RPM (revolutions per minute). This helps the user to monitor the cooling performance of the electronic device.
What is the purpose of a PWM wire in a 4 wire DC fan?
The PWM wire is used to control the speed of the fan. It is connected to the motherboard or the fan controller, which varies the voltage supplied to the fan, thereby changing the fan speed. This helps the user to balance between cooling performance and noise level.
How do I know which wire is which in a 4 wire DC fan?
Most 4 wire DC fans have the wire color code printed on the fan body or the wire itself. If the color code is not available, you can use a multimeter to identify the wires. The ground wire (Black) should have a zero voltage reading, whereas the power wire (Red) should have a positive voltage reading. The tachometer wire (Yellow) and PWM wire (Blue) can be identified by trial and error.
Can I control the speed of a 4 wire DC fan without a PWM wire?
Yes, you can control the speed of a 4 wire DC fan using the voltage control method. In this method, you vary the voltage supplied to the fan using a potentiometer. However, this method is not recommended as it can damage the fan or the electronic device.
Can I use a 3 wire DC fan instead of a 4 wire DC fan?
Yes, you can use a 3 wire DC fan instead of a 4 wire DC fan. However, in a 3 wire DC fan, the tachometer wire is not available, so you cannot measure the fan speed. Also, you cannot control the speed of the fan using the PWM method.
Conclusion
A 4 wire DC fan is an essential component in electronic devices that require efficient cooling. Wiring a 4 wire DC fan is a simple process that can be done by following the wiring diagram. The tachometer wire and the PWM wire play a crucial role in measuring the fan speed and controlling the fan speed, respectively. We hope this article has provided you with a clear understanding of the 4 wire DC fan wiring diagram.
