Built a $40 PVC coop fan vs a $200 solar unit. The cheap one won.

I slapped together a 12V computer fan with a battery pack and a switch for my coop last July. My neighbor bought the fancy solar one with auto temp control. Her chickens were panting on the same 95 degree day mine were fine. The expensive one kept shutting off when the battery got low. Mine just ran until I turned it off. Has anyone else had better luck with DIY setups over store bought?

2 comments

2 Comments

rowan_hunt81mo ago

Wait, did you wire the battery pack with a fuse? Computer fans can pull more amperage than you think and could overheat without one.

the_mary1mo ago

7 amps?! On a computer fan?! That thing must be the size of a jet engine or something, @rowan_hunt8. I'd be scared to even plug that in without a fuse.