[OT] replacing fan with mismatched specs

[Ray Bagby]

On Wednesday 17 September 2003 07:41 pm, Chris Pressey wrote:
> On Wed, 17 Sep 2003 20:27:27 -0400
>
> Bill Moran <wmoran at potentialtech.com> wrote:
> > This is terribly OT, but I'm asking here for two reasons:
> > 1) I have no idea where else to ask
> > 2) I know that someone on this list will know the answer
> >
> > Here's the problem.  I have a switch that has a fan in it that failed.
> > I need to replace the fan.  It's a 40MM .22Amp 5V.
> >
> > I can't find a fan with those specs anywhere!  The best I can find is
> > a 40MM .13amp 5V.
> >
> > So, will that fan work?  With the amp rating different like that, will
> > the fan just burn out?  Will it run just fine?  I'm going to be really
> > upset if I have to replace the entire switch because of one fan!
> >
> > Advice is appreciated.
>
> Disclaimer: I am not a certified electrician, but...
>
> Voltage and size are the same, so that's good.  The remaining figure,
> 0.13 amp, tells you how much current the component draws from the power
> supply.  Since 0.13 is less than 0.22, that means this fan draws less
> power than the old fan.  Which means that you should be able to replace
> it without any danger of overloading your power supply (in fact your
> power supply will have a slightly easier time with the new fan.)
>
> So, in short, yes, it will work.  However, something to check would be
> the RPM of the new fan versus the old one.  A slower fan won't cool as
> well, and that might lead to problems of an entirely different nature
> (overheating.)
>
> -Chris
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-- 

Chris is right on almost all counts.
Lower current draw is no problem.
Same voltage and size is real good.
The only question I would have is: "Do they move the same amount of air?"
See if there is a CFM rating anywhere and make sure it will do the cooling 
job.

Ray