replacing a light with a fan

[C Striker]

I'm thinking of switching out a factory light on the factory panel with a 12 volt fan and was wondering if the guage is big enough... I rarely use more than the v berth light. The radio is great as a night light.

Has anyone ever done this ?? I think it will be fine, don't hurt to ask though.

thanks,
Erik

[kmclemore]

If you do, get one of the Hella fans - they draw *far* less power than any other circulating fan. I have one and love it... quiet and low power. I'm sure it uses less than a factory light.

[dbcounihan]

Another option is to use computer cooling fans. The downside is that you may have to build a bracket for them.
The upside is you can usually get them for free from a computer shop, they use very little power, yet they move a lot of air.

[darekluczak]

I think it's a good idea, I've never thought of that.
Especially for V berth, but I would use the wire fron head side instead, my son likes to read there.
I have done it with my stereo, tapped into light feed wire.

Darek

[Kelly Hanson East]

just like Admiral Mclemore promised

Hella fan (single speed) draws 6.5W electrical power, while the stock lamps pull 12W IIRC

(nice new avatar btw)

[kmclemore]

(nice new avatar btw)

Thanks. I changed it out again, though.... not many folks would get the artsy reference, I think... so I'll go with Heath's theme.

[PatrickS]

Another option is to use computer cooling fans. The downside is that you may have to build a bracket for them.
The upside is you can usually get them for free from a computer shop, they use very little power, yet they move a lot of air.

If you go that route, make sure you get one with less than 20db, usually labeled "stealth" or "silent". Alot of those case fans can be noisy/whiny in an annoying way (not just white noise in the background).

I have several for locker ventilation, and yes, they were cheap, and they move *alot* of air, but I may be swapping them out for the "stealth" type (at about twice the price).

Patrick