Swapping Kessil A360 fan into H380

[ca1ore]

Has anyone done this? When one of my A360s shorted out last year, I pulled out the fan before tossing the rest because my sump based H380 goes through fans faster than the other components. Thought that I could swap in the A360 fan when the H380 fan goes kaput. Sure enough, this week fan goes kaput. So I open up the H380 and remove the fan. Although it’s the exact same fan model in both lights, the one from the H380 has three wires (black, red and yellow) versus just two on the A360 fan (just red and black). What gives? I swapped it in anyhow, and the H380 now appears to function properly and the fan runs. Can anyone offer a reason why this would be an unwise thing to do?

 

[Crabs McJones]

Following along for the answer. If they're anything like CPU fans, the yellow wire is considered a "tachometer" wire, basically telling the CPU that the fan is spinning. Possibly something to do with kicking off the leds if the fan fails?

 

[Triggreef]

I've just been in contact with kessil over an a360 they want $100 just to diagnose. They said if it wasn't cost effective to repair they would give a discount on a new one. I know that doesn't answer your question, but I also took mine apart and I'm fairly sure the problem is the circuit board. I already contacted them to try to buy one and they won't sell parts. Sucks because I could probably fix it.

 

[ca1ore]

I have very rudimentary electrical skills, and an the worst solderer in the entire world; so when my A360 went I just tossed it. Kessil offered me a discounted replacement, but I’d decided to buy a new 360X so didn’t bother. Just saved the small fan. H380 works with the A360 fan so I’ll just keep my fingers crossed. I just want to be sure I’m not doing something unsafe.

 

[ca1ore]

Following along for the answer. If they're anything like CPU fans, the yellow wire is considered a "tachometer" wire, basically telling the CPU that the fan is spinning. Possibly something to do with kicking off the leds if the fan fails?

Yeah, I wondered about it being some kind of control wire - not sure why the H380 would need it versus the A360 though?

 

[Crabs McJones]

Yeah, I wondered about it being some kind of control wire - not sure why the H380 would need it versus the A360 though?

What version was the A360? Was it the E model or prior. If it's an older model the third wire may have been part of the updated version.

 

[ca1ore]

The A360 was the most recent model (well, prior to the X).

 

[Crabs McJones]

The A360 was the most recent model (well, prior to the X).

This may be a dumb question but when the light turns off the fan kicks off as well right? Only other thing I can think of

 

[ca1ore]

Yes it does. Perhaps I shall call Kessil and inquire .....

 

[ca1ore]

Never got around to calling ..... light worked fine for the 18 hour cycle last night and is working fine again tonight. I shall deem this a successful swap. To $#&& with the yellow wire.

 

[ca1ore]

Well, replaced fan crapped out after about a week. Clearly the weak link in these lights. Since I don’t care about aesthetics in my sump, on to plan B.