Re: WHAT'S A FAN!?
 

Al,

Just to verify, this does not mean, however, that I can use a non-KOP fan, correct? I mean, I have a bunch of CPU cooling fans that are physically attached to heatsinks, and I would like to use the heatsink and fan together. If a fan is a motor, then this is disallowed, but if a fan is simply a COTS item, I am significantly less limited. Hiding a Muffin fan is a bit like hiding a six foot tall easter egg on Easter morning- it simply cannot be done without every little kid in a 500 mile radius sticking their fingers in!

-Ed

Re: WHAT'S A FAN!?
 

Ed,
As there is no rule that currently prevents cooling fans from being used as cooling fans, I would consider them to come under the COTS definitions and therefore be allowed. Many teams have used fans and heatsinks in the past to cool motors and have always passed inspection. Lacking anything to the contrary from the GDC, I would also use that test in inspections this year.
However, the rules also lack any electrical rules governing the wiring of electrical fans used for cooling except those used on the Victors. I would expect that to be changed (watch all team updates) to all #24 AWG and a 20 amp breaker to feed all cooling/muffin fans provided <R45> is not violated...
E. Only one wire shall be connected to each WAGO connector on the Power Distribution Board. If multi-point distribution of circuit power is required (e.g. to provide power to the three KOP breakout boards via one 20-amp circuit), then all incoming wires must be appropriately spliced into the main lead, and only one lead inserted into the WAGO connector to connect the circuit.