Using PC controller panels for electrical needs?

[SubaruDave]

I've been looking into different options for controlling lights and/or fans inside the trailer that I'm planning on building soon. I was wondering what everyone is using for switch panels for different things.

I've been into building computers for quite a while and was thinking about using one of these to power my LED lights inside and outside the trailer.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... _-11997014


Also thinking about getting a fan speed controller to adjust the speed of the fans as well as dimmable lighting (CCFLs) inside the trailer, I don't like being blinded by bright lights first thing in the morning. Here is a link to the one I was looking at. Of course I'd most likely get them both the same color.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811999171

[eamarquardt]

I've been looking into different options for controlling lights and/or fans inside the trailer that I'm planning on building soon. I was wondering what everyone is using for switch panels for different things.

I've been into building computers for quite a while and was thinking about using one of these to power my LED lights inside and outside the trailer.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... _-11997014

Those switches are rated for about 8 amps. Probably plenty for what you want to switch. Here is a link to switches with a higher rating for a fraction of the price:

http://www.delcity.net/store/Heavy!duty ... 788975.a_1

There is no minimum order but if you buy 500 at a time you get a nice discount! They also sell them with screw terminals. Making a panel to mount them in wouldn't be hard. A trophy shop can make you a panel and engrave the names of each circuit and I don't think it's too expensive.

Also thinking about getting a fan speed controller to adjust the speed of the fans as well as dimmable lighting (CCFLs) inside the trailer, I don't like being blinded by bright lights first thing in the morning. Here is a link to the one I was looking at. Of course I'd most likely get them both the same color.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811999171

I'm not sure if those will work on CFLs. I poked around on the internet and found mixed answers. So, the fan controller may or may not work for your application.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Gus

[GuitarPhotog]

I use one of those multi-channel fan speed controller in my teardrop to control the speed of the computer fan I use for ventilation. You certainly could not use one of those for CFLs. CFLs run at 120VAC, computer fans run at 12VDC.

<Chas>

[SubaruDave]

Im talking CCFLs or Cold Cathode Flourecent Lights not Compact Florescent Lights, sorry for the confusion. They're used in the car show world and to modify PC cases (accent lighting).

I was just wondering what other people use for dimmers for lighting and for fan different speeds.

[GuitarPhotog]

Sorry, I missed that extra "C"

I think my fan controller (controls 3 fans) is made by Antec, the folks who make most of the computer fans.

I find that a computer fan run at about 10% speed provides enough air circulation to keep the interior of my teardrop from becoming stuffy, without making any appreciable noise.

<Chas>

[SubaruDave]

Do you personally use a PC fan for ventilation? I was thinking of the same. I've found a few fans that move 200+ cfm that look like a nice buy.