TIL a blown fuse on my solar fan taught me more than any tutorial

I was testing my DIY solar fan in the backyard last Saturday, had it wired up to a 6V panel from an old yard light, and heard a pop when I hooked it to my battery pack. The fuse blew because I forgot to check the amp rating on the motor (it was pulling 2.5A, not the 1A I assumed). Has anyone else had a simple mistake like this totally change how you approach your builds?

2 comments

2 Comments

nathanbennett1mo ago

Wait, you just wired up a 6V solar panel and a motor pulling 2.5A without checking the fuse rating first? That's like the one thing I always thought was basic beginner stuff, but I guess we've all been there with that "it'll be fine" mentality. Honestly though, that pop and the blown fuse probably saved your whole setup from going up in smoke.

matthew_owens91mo ago

@nathanbennett that loud pop is usually the universe telling you to slow down...