I have a 230v 50w extractor fan that runs a little louder than I'd like.

Is it safe to use something like this to slow it down?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yosoo-Cont...e-Regulator/dp/B010S8K9I6/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa

The fan is used in my shed to exhaust fine dust.

 

That is a simple Triac controller most likely will work for you.

 

Does it have an induction motor or a universal motor? It will definitely work with a universal motor, and maybe work with an induction motor.

 

The universal motor is a type of electric motor that can operate on either AC or DC power and uses an electromagnet as its stator to create its magnetic field. It is a commutated series-wound motor where the stator's field coils are connected in series with the rotor windings through a commutator.

You can quickly identify an induction motor because it has a capacitor.

 

You can quickly identify an induction motor because it has a capacitor.

It was only £20 and very light. So I am assuming its not an induction motor.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/manrose-xf150bs-150mm-axial-kitchen-extractor-fan-white-240v/11640

 

It was only £20 and very light. So I am assuming its not an induction motor.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/manrose-xf150bs-150mm-axial-kitchen-extractor-fan-white-240v/11640

Those generally induction shaded pole type.

 

A universal motor is one with a commutator and brushes and a wound rotor. THAT is usually easy to spot. And I can not imagine ever using a universal motor for a fan application in an area with AC mains. Universal motors ar way to noisy.

 

A universal motor is one with a commutator and brushes and a wound rotor. THAT is usually easy to spot. And I can not imagine ever using a universal motor for a fan application in an area with AC mains. Universal motors ar way to noisy.

I am assuming you meant wound field?
Also the rotor is required to be in series with the field.

 

I never mentioned a field at all. A commutator and brushes are obvious, as is the wound rotor. A field is not quite so obvious and so I did not mention it;

 

My point was, a wound commutator motor can involve a few different motors.
A Universal is defined by the series field and can be used on both AC & DC.

 

The lesson here is that it's likely to cost You more to control the "cheap-Fan"
that it would have cost to buy something more appropriate to the job.

You need a "low-rpm" Motor with a very "high-pitch" Fan-Blade, or a Centrifugal-Blower,
this arrangement will move more Air, while creating the least amount of noise.

A Centrifugal-Blower, running <1000rpm, would probably be the best solution.
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