possibility of using multiple pc fans to trigger via arduino

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi,
I only used a arduino once and kind of lack the expertise to help myself, so I hoped i could find some help here. I want a trigger received by a yet to be determined sensor to activate and deactivate 5 pc fans simultaneously. Getting a trigger with a sensor is something I’ve already done but activating multiple device I have not. From what I read online I need to power the pc fans with an external battery but everything refers to using just 1 not multiple.
So my question are;

Can I power multiple pc fans at once with arduino?
Which arduino should I buy for this project?
How realistic is this for a beginner?

I appreciate your help and I’m sorry if im asking alot.
kind regards,

2

You intend to turn five DC fans ON and OFF as one so one MOSFET can switch power to run them all.

There are many discussions on the forum regarding choosing and using MOSFETs so please search and read those so you can ask questions based on what you read. I for one will NOT spend time typing up what is already available.

3

It’s not a good idea to start with the premise of ‘powering’ anything with the Arduino.
Always start your project design with a plan for powering the connected devices.
The Arduino can ‘control’ things, but is almost useless as a power source.

4

So he did say:

UtcaLuna:
From what I read online I need to power the pc fans with an external battery ...

5

Just reinforcing the point for others that will inecitably male this mistake!
cheers