1PCS MAXAIR BT110 12038B1HL AC110V-120V 0.26A 12038 12CM Cooling Fan

MAXAIR · Axial Cooling Fan · 12038 Frame · AC 110-120V · In stock

What Is the MAXAIR BT110 12038B1HL AC Cooling Fan?

The MAXAIR BT110 12038B1HL is a 120mm x 120mm x 38mm axial AC cooling fan that runs directly on 110-120V AC mains power at 0.26A. It moves air across heat-generating components inside electrical enclosures, server racks, telecom cabinets, and industrial control panels. Unlike DC fans that need a separate power supply, this fan connects straight to the AC line — a practical choice when you already have AC distribution inside the cabinet and want to avoid adding DC conversion.

In short: A plug-and-play AC mains-powered 120mm fan for exhausting hot air from enclosed electronics — no DC power supply needed, just connect to the line voltage already present in your panel.

What to Know Before Installing an AC Cabinet Fan

1. AC vs. DC: Why It Matters for Your Application

AC fans like this MAXAIR run at a fixed speed determined by the mains frequency (50/60 Hz). There is no PWM speed control — you get one speed, and it is what it is. If your application needs variable speed (temperature-proportional cooling, noise reduction at low load), a DC fan with a PWM or voltage-speed controller is the better fit. If you simply need continuous, reliable air movement and you have AC power conveniently available, an AC fan is simpler, cheaper to deploy, and has fewer components to fail.

2. Frame Size and Airflow Path

The 12038 designation means 120mm square frame, 38mm thick. The 38mm depth (versus the more common 25mm slim profile) accommodates a larger motor and steeper blade pitch, which translates to higher static pressure capability. This matters when you are pushing or pulling air through a filter, louvered vent, or dense component array — the thicker fan fights backpressure better and maintains more of its free-air CFM rating.

3. Bearing Type and Service Life Expectation

Verify the bearing type from the product label or manufacturer datasheet. Ball bearing fans typically achieve 50,000-70,000 hours at 40 degrees C, while sleeve bearing fans are rated lower (30,000 hours) but run quieter. For 24/7 industrial operation in elevated ambient temperatures, ball bearing is strongly preferred. If the fan will be mounted vertically, confirm the bearing is rated for that orientation — some sleeve bearings wear rapidly when the shaft is horizontal.

Key Specifications

Typical Cooling Applications

• Server and network racks: Exhaust fans mounted at the top-rear of 19-inch racks to pull hot air out of enclosed IT equipment stacks.
• VFD and PLC enclosures: Forced ventilation in sealed NEMA/IP-rated cabinets where drive heat-sink temperatures must stay within spec.
• Telecom base station cabinets: Outdoor enclosures with rectifiers and RF amplifiers that need reliable airflow regardless of weather.
• CNC control cabinets: Keeping servo drives and spindle drives cool in machining environments with ambient shop temperatures.
• Audio/visual equipment racks: Home theater and pro-audio rack cooling where AC power is readily available and noise level matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which direction the air flows?

Look for the arrow molded into the fan frame — it points in the direction of airflow. Most fans also have a second arrow showing blade rotation direction. As a rule of thumb, the side with the label/sticker on the hub is usually the exhaust side (air blows toward you when you look at the label). If you are mounting the fan as an exhaust (pulling hot air out of an enclosure), point the arrow outward. For intake (pushing cool air in), point it inward. Test with a piece of paper before finalizing the mounting.

Can I slow this fan down to reduce noise?

AC fans are not designed for speed control via PWM or variable voltage — they are wound for a specific operating point at mains frequency. Reducing the voltage with a triac dimmer or variac will eventually cause the fan to stall or fail to start reliably. If your installation is noise-sensitive, consider mounting the fan on rubber isolation grommets, using a finger guard that does not obstruct airflow, and ensuring the intake/exhaust vents are large enough to avoid creating high air velocity (which is the primary source of fan noise).

What is the difference between this 38mm thick fan and a standard 25mm one?

The 38mm depth accommodates a larger motor stack and blades with a steeper pitch angle. The practical benefit is higher static pressure — the fan maintains more of its airflow when pushing against resistance (filters, dense electronics, small vents). A 25mm fan is adequate for free-air circulation in an open-back rack. The 38mm fan is the right choice when you are pulling air through a filter or pushing it through a tightly packed card cage. If your existing fan cutout accepts 120mm x 38mm, stick with 38mm depth for maximum performance.

My old fan has a 2-wire connector — how do I wire this replacement?

Most AC fans have two leads: line (typically black or brown) and neutral (white or blue). If your old fan used a specific connector, you can cut the old connector off (leaving enough wire) and splice it onto the new fan leads using insulated butt crimps or a terminal strip inside the enclosure. Match line-to-line and neutral-to-neutral. If the fan has a ground lead (green or green/yellow), connect it to enclosure ground. If you are unsure about the wiring, have an electrician verify — mains voltage is unforgiving. Browse our collections for fan guards, filters, and mounting hardware.

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