Question About Using Rheostat to Slow Orion Fan

[dmiannay]

I have two Orion Fan Model OA119AP-11-1 5" fans mounted in my canopy, one on each end. The fans are very loud when running and a friend suggested installing variable resistors (rheostats?) in the power leads to slow the fans down (which should quiet them as well).

Does anyone here know what type variable resistor (rheostat) to purchase for these fans.

The fan specs are:

115VAC
130CFM

TIA for your suggestions!

[Trackz]

Basic dimmer switch for a light will work. Mount it in a single-gang and wire the fans together.

[Trackz]

I should say, if you don't like the ways those look, go to the 'fancy' lights section of HD or Lowes. They have some really nice looking slider style ones.

Radioshack also sells sliders. I don't know what the current is for those fans, but the small ones (AC) RS has are rated up to 3A, so you should be ok.

[dmiannay]

Thanks, Trackz :) ... I'll check them out!

[Trackz]

Sorry, I think I fibbed about the radioshack stuff. Their slider switches are just on/off, not what you need. All their rheostats and potentiometers appear to be rated for small-watt DC applications.

Best bet...find a wall dimmer switch.