Cut 4 pin molex from my fan - now wondering if it's safe?

alex_ncfc · 14 Oct 2013 at 15:07

I recently fitted a 120mm case fan to the rear of the case for the exhaust.

It came with both 3 pin and 4 pin plugs, so you have the option of plugging it into the PSU or into the motherboard for monitoring.

I always intended to connect it to the 3 pin port, and the 4 pin molex was getting in the way when I was doing some re-jiggling inside my case, and in frustration I cut it off with a pair of scissors, not thinking it'd do any harm.

Now though I am wondering if there is anything else I need to do with the cut parts of cable still connected to the fan?? Is what I did safe to now leave and forget about, or do I need to do more??

Thanks for any advice

tom_e · 14 Oct 2013 at 15:12

I'd tape up the bare ends just to be on the safe side and also check how much power your motherboard headers can supply and how much the fan draws before you connect it or else you risk blowing the header if it can't keep up.

Tealc · 14 Oct 2013 at 15:14

As long as the positive voltage lead you cut is insulated you'll be fine. A bit of tape would do the job. You'd probably find the wire in question probably carries the same voltage as whatever you give the fan in normal operation and you wouldn't want that shorting to something.

Unicorn · 14 Oct 2013 at 15:46

Tape on end

Simples

alex_ncfc · 14 Oct 2013 at 15:50

Thanks for all the replies, I will look into it. I am guessing I need some sort of insulation tape? Any recommendations?

tom_e · 14 Oct 2013 at 15:52

Just any old tape will do, you're not dealing with any real voltages or anything.

Unicorn · 14 Oct 2013 at 15:54

Simple insulation tape

Can get it from anywere wilko's, wickes, b&q.. Etc just one roll of black electrical insulation tape will do the trick ...

Should be allowed to link to b&q id hope http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/electric...l-Insulating-Tape-30m-12498669?skuId=13019318

Just wrap the ends of the exposed wire making sure it covers any exposed cores from were you cut

As above any old tape would do it tbh

But as a sparky i use insulation tape for anything

alex_ncfc · 14 Oct 2013 at 16:04

That's great, thank you all!