Indicator Light for Electric Fan

Hello all,

Let me first say this site has proven to be extremely helpful in the past as I have used a few to the diagrams without much knowledge of electricity and it’s functions.

Hers is my dilemma. I’ve installed an electrical fan in my vehicle. I would like to install an indicator light so I know when it is on. I’ve found very limited information online so I’ve come here a I know someone smarter then me would know a solution. Simply tapping the power feed of the fan would cause a back feed that would cause a false indication of the fam on when air is flowing thru the fam causing it to generate electricity. People have mentioned using a diode however they also say the power output of the fan would be lessened because of it. This is not ideal.   

My idea would be to somehow install a relay that would get power to trigger the relay only after the fans actually came on. (If that makes sense) and in turn power the light.

I appreciate any help you can offer.

Best regards,
Jay

It's a little extra work, but you could add another relay to power the fan. The original power output to the fan could both power your indicator light, as well as trigger a relay to power fan. That would eliminate any false indication from electricity generated by the motor.

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My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.

Thank you so much for the reply. I hate to be the guy but could I trouble you for a diagram? I’m still trying to understand for relays work.

It would basically be like this diagram:

https://www.the12volt.com/relays/relaydiagram25.html

The old power lead from the fan would go to 86. The indicator would also connect to 86.

Ground 85.

Connect a fused 12 volts to 87.

Fan now connects to 30.

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My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.

Thank you geepherder! I guess it’s confusing because I had it set up as per the manufacturer instructions. But now I think I understand it. 🤞🏽