sci.electronics.basics

"les"

> And Phil, the device is a whole house fan, 1600 cu. ft/min displacement,
> hence the
> large current draw.


** Then it is not a fan motor designed for variable speed operation - like
all domestic and pedestal fans are.


I want to slow it down to 33% if possible to cut down on
> noise.


** Using a triac dimmer will almost certainly make the fan motor buzz -
possibly quite loudly.



> Domestic made, though I don't know if the motor itself is from US.
> I know Triacs are intended for resistive loads, so my eyes lite up when I
> noticed
> the claim that this "special dimmer" was intended for inductive loads. So
> the next
> question is what components are in this unusual dimmer, and would it
> suffice
> in
> my intended experiment........
> I don't want to damage the windings in the motor by overheating.


** May I suggest using a Variac.

I use one with a small pedestal fan on hot nights to create a very light
breeze.

Totally silent.




....... Phil