Let’s face it, the loud noise from your switch fan is driving you crazy. You’ve tried everything, but nothing seems to make that annoying sound go away. What gives? Today, we will look at why your switch fan is so loud and what you can do about it.
Switch fans are essential in many applications. They move a lot of air, and you’ll find them in everything from small electronics to large industrial machines.
If you find that your switch fan is running loudly, it could be caused by several things. This article will address them.
Why Is My Switch Fan So Loud?
Fans can make a variety of noises that lead to an eventual failure. If a switch fails in the on position, it can start making a grinding noise. This is due to the motor trying to turn but not being able to because the contacts are stuck in place.
The most common causes of a switch failure in the on position are dust and wetness. A single grain of sand can be enough to jam the contacts in place, preventing them from sliding back and forth as they should. The same goes for water, which will cause corrosion inside the switch and cause it to fail.
Why Does My Switch Fan Make So Much Noise?
A fan is a mechanical device used to move air. The fan has moving blades that create a low pressure, which draws in air from the surrounding environment.
A noisy fan is a fan that makes an unusual, loud noise. Generally, it is caused by excess vibration when the fan blades are hitting the housing or another object nearby. You need to figure out how to fix it when this happens, and fast!
The typical fan used for a switch has four blades, usually about 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter, as a refresher. The idea is that with four blades instead of 2, there is less noise and more airflow.
But when you think about it, there are ways to have the same amount of airflow but less noise. So why do we still have this old design?
The answer lies in the physics behind it all. Blade size, rotation speed, and rotational stability contribute to how loud your switch fan could be. So why does the switch fan make so much noise anyway?
Switch fans are designed to cool high-density servers with a lot of hard drives in them, and the noise is a result of having to move a lot of air through a small space. It’s like trying to cool your house on a hot day by opening all your windows.
A typical computer fan has blades that spin between 2,000 and 10,000 RPM, pushing as much air as possible through the tiny spaces between the blades.
The faster they spin, the harder they push air. You can hear this as a low hum or whistle.
If your switch fan is making noise, there isn’t much you can do about it. They need to be maintained occasionally, but most maintenance is preventative. You should check the slider once in a while to ensure that it hasn’t worn out or broken.
But if the switch is making loud grinding noises, the problem isn’t something you can fix.
How Do I Fix My Noisy Switch Fan Without Replacing It?
A noisy switch fan can be difficult to fix without replacing it. However, there are some things you can do to help quiet it down.
- The first step in fixing a noisy switch fan is testing the fan by itself.
If it continues to make noise after checking the connections and speed knob, then you know that it’s probably a speed control switch problem.
- The next step is to isolate the problem by removing all of the other components. Fans produce noise for various reasons, but it’s usually not the fan itself.
To troubleshoot a noisy switch fan, you need to isolate the problem. It can be challenging to determine whether the issue is with the motor or the switch that controls the speed.
Common Causes and Fixes of Noisy Switch Fans
If you have a noisy switch fan and you’re planning to fix it without replacing it, check these three things first:
1. The fan may need cleaning
Dust, dirt, lint, and other loose particles can get between the fan blades and the casing and cause noise. A soft brush can help remove this debris.
2. Maybe the bearings are worn out.
Sometimes the noise is caused by a faulty, overworked bearing inside the fan. This is easy to replace and will get rid of the noise.
You require a tri-wing screwdriver for this. Use cotton buds and isopropyl rubbing alcohol to clean the bearings.
If the bearing isn’t overworked, the bearings holding the blades onto the motor shaft might be the problem. If this is the case, then you will need to replace them or find a way to re-glue them securely in place.
3. Blades
The reason your fan makes so much noise has to do with something called “blade passing frequency .”The blades of your fan are supposed to spin at a particular speed.
However, they create a frequency when they pass each other( which they always do). The frequency is the noise you hear.
This problem is more common in fans with large blades. The blades of these fans are more extensive and more extended, which means they have to spin faster to get enough air moving.
This also means that when they pass each other, they create a higher frequency than smaller fans. So what can you do about it? Well, there are several things you can try before replacing your fan altogether:
- First, you can try tightening the blades. This may sound like a no-brainer, but it works. By slightly tightening the screws that hold the blades in place, you will reduce the amount of friction between them.
This means they will spin more efficiently and quietly.
- If that doesn’t work, try using some lube on your fan’s blade brackets if that doesn’t work. The lube will reduce friction and help to eliminate noise as well.
My Switch Fan Makes Loud Clicking Noises When It Spins Up – What Can I Do?
The solution is to apply some silicone lubricant to the switch. You can remove the backplate and drip some into the mechanism. It might get a bit messy, but it’s worth it in the end!
The switch fans on the old units can be a bit noisy. This is caused by the concave blades needed for high-speed operation. A good idea might be to add some soft material or rubber mounts around them to dampen the sound.
My Switch Fans Are Making Loud Grinding Noises – What Can I Do?
Grinding noises cry for help; it signals that your fan is dying! If you have a Switch and it’s making loud grinding noises, try this:
- Switch off the console by holding down the power button for several seconds
- Remove the controller from the Switch dock and close any open game software
- Gently flex and wiggle the controllers to dislodge any dust or debris once this is done.
- Check for any loose connection or foreign debris in or around the motor and motor housing area.
- Finally, if you still have problems, try replacing the fan blades with ones with a lower noise rating. While this won’t eliminate the noise, it will reduce it significantly.
Alternatively, you can buy new ones to replace them; they are cheap and affordable, and it’s not that complicated to replace them yourself. If you like you can take it to a local repair shop.
Most switches have a tiny little fan inside to keep them cool. Usually, the fan is so weak that you cannot hear it. However, if the switch starts making a buzzing sound or becomes hot to touch, you should replace it.
What Kind Of Problem Do Noisy Switch Fans Cause?
Well, they can harm the performance and overall life of your controller. The more noise they make, the faster your fans need to spin to keep your system cool.
If your fans are too slow, your processor may overheat and cause a hardware failure or reduce the life of your hardware. That’s why it’s always important to check the speed of your fans now and then and clean them if they are dirty.
Conclusion
A loud switch fan is a problem for many. In this article, we’ve provided explanations and solutions that should help make the process of fixing your noisy switch fan easier to understand.
There are many reasons why your switch fan can make a lot of noise, but you don’t have to accept the noisy status quo. Keep in mind that your switch fan should be quiet while it’s on.
If your switch fan is too loud for your liking, consider following the tips above to help minimize the sound levels. Good luck!
