Extending Fan Cables

[Honkyharris]

Hey all,

   Does anyone have a recommended method for extending 120mm case fan cables? I plan on adding some to help move air, but the cables that case fans come with are only about 12" long and obviously won't reach the top of my case. I've read somewhere that stripping the cables then extending them using the twist/electrical tape method can be bad and cause a short. I just wanted to know if there is a method of best practice for this.

Thanks,
Honkyharris

[drventure]

Just get some 4 conductor phone cord, cut the fan cable in the middle, splice in the phone cord and use heat shrink around each wire and one more piece around the whole thing.

[bungy]

I would definitely steer clear of the twist/electrical tape method.

Your best bet is to solder and use heat shrink, but if that is too much trouble, use some butt connectors:
http://www.wiringproducts.com/contents/en-us/d495.html

You can find these at auto parts stores, and usually there is a cheap kit with a crimper.  The wires on the fan are probaby pretty thin so go with the 22-18 gauge size, or fold the stripped wire if using a larger gauge connector.

[DaOld Man]

It looks like your case fan is probably 12 volts DC, so telephone wire would be fine for that, but just a word of caution, if the fan is 120 volts AC or higher, dont use telephone wire, use wire that has insulation rated for at least the voltage of the fan.

Also, ditto on the heat shrink tubing. Radio Shack carries it, and it looks very professional.

[Honkyharris]

Wonderful, I'll stop by my local "Shack" to look for the bits I need.

Thanks all,
Honkyharris