wiring for 12v O2 Cool fans?

[JonnyQuest]

I just bought one of the O2 cool fans (ac/dc type) to experiment with, as many SBO-ers like them. I'm not electrically inclined however, and would like to know how to wire it to the 12v system onboard. Currently it came with a 12v to 110v ac adapter, which mint be nice if it is located near a power outlet in the saloon. It did not come with a 12v dc connecter however, I would need to buy one. But since all I want to do is to strip the wires and connect it to the 12v wiring onboard, could another O2 cool owner let me know if the 12v connecter is simply straight wiring and no transformer of any sort? I assume I could get the proper 12v male end at Radio Shack and then wire straight into the boat 12v system if there isn't a transformer of any sort needed.

Or is it the cigarette plug adapter type? If so, would it be best to wire in a cigarette lighter receptacle to the boat wiring instead of clipping the fan's cigarette lighter cord?

******
PS: Sumner's website gives me some good general ideas, as well as a strong endorsement for the Caframo fans should we want to go with better fans if/when the O2 Cool fan kicks the bucket:
http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor2/inside-31.html
Thanks!

 

[Mike B1026]

If you look on your plug in transformer it will say 12vdc output probably. So, no you don't need any type of transformer going to your boat's 12vdc system. I would take your transformer to Radio Shack and buy the correct male plug. (there are many types)
If you went with a cigarette type of plug and mount multiple receptacles, you could move the fan around.

I concur with Sumner, we have three Caframo fans. If you shop around and take your time, you can sometime get them at a better price. Google them.

 

[JonnyQuest]

Thanks for the info Mike, I'll do that. Ditto on the Caframo fans in the future too. Regards, JQ.

 

[Bill Roosa]

If the transformer says 12v dc output you can wire direct. With that said you would need a set of wires that has 12 volts already going to them or run the wires from the dc panel. Do you have lights or other appliances that you can tap into?
the alternative is to put cigarette lighter outlets all over the boat but you still have the problem of where do the lighter outlets get their juice.
I've found that the D-cell battery powered fans will run for about 5 nights on fresh batteries and you can put them anywhere. FWIW

 

[Merlin Clark]

Caframo option

One of the other members posted this link in another thread, said they work for him:
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...10053&langId=-1&keyword=Caframo&storeId=10051
Worst Marines has the same fan at $52.99 vs HDs $24.99.
They don't have timers or all the positioning options but they're only 1/4 the price of one of the high end Caframos.

 

[JonnyQuest]

If the transformer says 12v dc output you can wire direct. With that said you would need a set of wires that has 12 volts already going to them or run the wires from the dc panel. Do you have lights or other appliances that you can tap into?
the alternative is to put cigarette lighter outlets all over the boat but you still have the problem of where do the lighter outlets get their juice.
I've found that the D-cell battery powered fans will run for about 5 nights on fresh batteries and you can put them anywhere. FWIW

Hi Bill, I will probably try out with the batteries for a bit to consider placement, amounting etc. Currently the existing fan is a smaller oscillating fan near doorway from saloon to forward areas; I could use that wiring.

Regarding placing lighter outlets throughout the boat, my existing incandescent lights are scattered throughout the boat, and I suppose I could pig-tail off of each outlet, allowing for a fan near each rear quarter berth, center saloon, head, and V-berth as well. I understand that many of the multi-outlets are fused, but would I also want an additional fuse inline between the connection at the interior light fixture and the fan? I will be replacing the lights with new LEDs with on/off rocker switches, so all individual fans and lights will be individually controlled after powering that accessory circuit at the fused circuit panel.

Thanks for wiring advise.

 

[BobT]

The O2 fan saved us on a few hot nights. I would note that the internal rechargeable batteries need attention on the off season. Ours will no longer take a charge after a winter in the boat. It still works fine on the 12v cord/lighter plug. I thought ours came with one.

 

[JonnyQuest]

I appreciate the input here. It's given me time to reconsider whether I should be looking at the 757 model Caframo fans instead since they wouldn't require buying and installing 12v lighter outlets. Home Depot website no longer lists them so the best I am seeing is just under $50 each including shipping and taxes. I'll keep looking.