Fan control speed?

I have a vivosun fan speed controller for my vortex s line fan 6” (exhaust) and when I turn the knob to med or low the fan hums is this ok?

That don't sound good but you might be better off contacting Vortex about this. Have the model number of the controller and maybe look up the technical data for it as not all controllers use the same method and electronics. I made a speed controller out of a ceiling fan controller and it works fine on my no-name 6" inline fan. Really. No name or ID plate on it at all. Got it well used from a buddy and it's been making noise for the last few years but keeps chugging along. Bad bushing or bearing and the motor is totally sealed so I can't get in to lube it. Makes noise when plugged right into the wall too so it's not the controller. Rattles if I use my variac to slow it down and that for sure would trash it quick.

I'm hot for an 'S' series myself but on a lowwwww budget.

That hum may be normal but I don't know for sure and it doesn't cost nothing but a bit of time, (maybe some long distance charges too), but cheaper than a new fan.

Good luck.

Its common for fan hum if you use a speed controller which works by switching between on and off many times a second.
Those speed controllers work just better with certain motor types.
A variable transformer will work without creating the hum but they cost 5-10 times the coin.
Like OMU says, contact the manufacturer of both controller and fan, im sure they will give you a more detailed explanation of the situation. I do think it wot be a problem as long as you can live with the hum.

corbin5754 said:

I have a vivosun fan speed controller for my vortex s line fan 6” (exhaust) and when I turn the knob to med or low the fan hums is this ok?

Click to expand...

Those types of controllers use a triac circuit to clip the AC sine wave; as corey pointed out it is stopping and starting your motor continuously. That absolutely will wear it out prematurely and cause it to run hot. Do yourself a favor and get the variac transformer type that will still have nice wave but with reduced amplitude and offers a wide range of output. Another point is those triacs will not last long.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FTCV4Y...&pd_rd_r=a1188359-5e0b-11e9-99af-1d04fb59fc70

What they said!
A Variac connected to my 6in fan provides full rpm control. Zero RPM to full blast, smooth and progressive control.
Frickin spensive.....grumble.

My 12 inch Vortex hums on reduced speeds , ultimately, I ended up running full 2200cfm 24/7
Not in a tent though

I simply bought some good low noise fans. I use these fans for my grow rooms and server racks/closets. They work extremely well an they’re super quiet all while moving a good deal of air.
https://www.acinfinity.com/componen...h-temperature-and-humidity-controller-8-inch/

Btw I got the ones without the fancy speed controller and opted for the more basic speed controller.

If you want a quiet fan use a variac. Many speed controllers mess up the wave form and thus the groan. A variac keeps the pure sine wave and only changes the amplitude (voltage).

Dont be cheap and buy the variac, mine was £70 and probably last forever so money well spent