Switch for cooling fans / Reposted in correct forum

[MRF]

Hello All:

I just joined the Good Sam Club and RV.NET. This is my first post.

This is also my 1st RV experience. I bought a used RV from my friend and am getting a considerable education, rather quickly. I have been hit with some mechanical and electrical surprises and even a refrigerator fire, at the RV service center during a de-winterization service (and yes, we are still friends). I can't wait to use this thing!

My electrical components are sitting directly below my refrigerator. I sealed all the necessary areas and installed vents with 120 mm computer cooling fans to force cool air across my electronics and up across the back of my refrigerator area, then exhausted through my roof vent with another fan. My power source is the 12 V refrigerator wiring. For right now I do not have a thermal switch, just a SPST, 2 terminal, On, Off toggle.

I am an electrical neophyte and don't want to take any chances in the RV electrical arena, of which I have no experience. You would think wiring a simple toggle is a simple task, however I have read numerous blogs and posts, some saying connect both wires to the back of the toggle, some saying place the power wire on the toggle and run the other one to an independent ground and one with no mention of ground at all.
Which is correct????? That is the 1st question.
2nd question: Do you think I should put in an in-line fuse?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
MRF

[John_Wayne]

I use the refrig power for my fans and have never had a problem. From refrig. 12v. power inline fuse to wire on switch. Other wire on switch goes to wire on fan. Other wire on fan goes to ground. done. There is even a ground connection on the back of the refrig. If your going to install a thermal switch it goes in the line from the switch to the fan.

[enblethen]

Welcome to RV.net and the world or RVing!
Yes, you need to fuse it.
You only need a single pole single throw 12 volt switch.
You should be connecting both the ground and the hot to the system. The computer fans are two wire. They do not have a case acting as the ground return.
I would not use the refer circuit. I would use anew circuit or maybe a lighting circuit. Refers tend to be a little finicky when it comes to their 12 volt DC supply.