Former EMT needs help...

[Johnjohnfla]

Hi,

I'm a former emergency medical technician with pretty severe spinal pain.

I have a metal frame adjustable bed that helps with pain, but low-intensity vibration gives much better relief.

Does anyone know if it's safe to use the following two components together?

I still have several firefighter friends, and trust me they would love it if I caught my bed on fire. I'd prefer not to give them that pleasure.

The specs and links are below.

For what it's worth these products are suggested to be bought together, but that recommendation might be from someone even more dangerous than me.

I am extremely grateful for any help you can offer!

Thanks,

John D
St Pete, FL

Massage Motor For Bed, Table or Chair with Plug
115V
60Hz
0.4A
2,400 RPM

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MFRVKNV?psc=1&smid=AX15GACXMLTQA&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp

And

KCHEX Lab Variable Fan 3 Speed Controller for Grow Tent and HVAC Intake and Exhaust Duct Fan Ventilation System
Gotham Hydroponics - Part Number: GH-M034
Voltage 12 Volts
Wattage 30.00
Speed 3

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BLOSG7I?psc=1&smid=A2WKQ23WU3PLDV&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp

 

[Harald Kapp]

John,
sorry to hear about your health issue.

Please be aware: we are a bunch of electronics experts - more or less. By no means health professionals.

• From an electrical point of view that combination may work, and if installed correctly there is probably no risk of fire or similar (assuming the internal construction of these components is according to the applicable safety standards, something we cant judge without a detailed inspection of the devices).
• From a medical point of view I (and as far as I can judge from previous posts others here too) am not qualified to recommend (or not to recommend) such a modification. Please consult a medical advisor, therapist or whoever is qualified to evaluate the (long term) safety of such a construction to your health.

If someone on this forum feels qualified to assist, please do not hesitate.
I for my part feel sorry to inform you that in my opinion this forum may unfortunately not be the right place to ask this question.

 

[Johnjohnfla]

John,
sorry to hear about your health issue.

Please be aware: we are a bunch of electronics experts - more or less. By no means health professionals.

• From an electrical point of view that combination may work, and if installed correctly there is probably no risk of fire or similar (assuming the internal construction of these components is according to the applicable safety standards, something we cant judge without a detailed inspection of the devices).
• From a medical point of view I (and as far as I can judge from previous posts others here too) am not qualified to recommend (or not to recommend) such a modification. Please consult a medical advisor, therapist or whoever is qualified to evaluate the (long term) safety of such a construction to your health.

If someone on this forum feels qualified to assist, please do not hesitate.
I for my part feel sorry to inform you that in my opinion this forum may unfortunately not be the right place to ask this question.

Harald,

Thank you so much for your quick and generous response.

From a medical standpoint, everything is good. What I'm doing is basically putting the same type of vibration and massage that's used on Craftmatic and other types of adjustable beds.

As far as the components, I know for a fact the motor is well-made and to UL standards.

There were two factory installed on my previous bed.

As for the controller, I can only rely on what research I've been able to do and comments and reviews on the internet.

I looked through the forums and I'm really only looking for help on the electronic side. But I really wasn't sure which form to post this inquiry.

If you can make a better suggestion I will be happy to follow your suggestion.

Thank you once again for your kind and very helpful reply!

John

 

[Harald Kapp]

John,

from what I take from the Amazon website the motor seems to be good for the purpose.
Unfortunately there is no information on the website about the kind of motor this is. Therefore it's a wild guess whether it will work with the kind of controller you found. The data of the controller states "for fans from 500 W to 1500W", though, but the motor is rated 120 V / 0.4 A = 48 W only. It is possible that the load this motor presents is too low for the controller to work properly. It may work, or may not work. I truly can't say.
One customer review stated that the motor didn't operate well with the recommended controller (I assume the recommendation is in the manual?) and that he uses the motor always at full power. At 48 W that probably isn't too much. You may try the motor solo at first, have it installed to your bed and see if it is good or too much vibration. If it is too much, you can always fit a controller later. The controller you found isn't too expensive, so you can simply give it a try.
You may want to look into ceiling fan controllers like e.g. this one (I do hope the page comes up in English if called from the USA - it is German for me but obviously translated). This specific controller is rated for a 100 W load, twice what your motor needs so it matches well. It doesn't offer continuously variable speed settings, just 4 (off, low, med, high) but it has the advantage of a timer function. So you can have the vibration stop some time after going to sleep. That may be an interesting option.
Have the installation done by a qualified electrician or someone who knows what he is doing.

Cheers,

Harald Kapp

 

[Johnjohnfla]

Hi Harald,

I like your suggestion of trying the massage motor without the controller and see how that works.

And the link you provided for the fan controller worked perfectly (and in English). So I now have that option as a back up.

If I do try the fan controller I will most definitely hire a qualified electrician.

Again, I am so grateful for your kindness and willingness to share your expertise.

I hope you don't mind if I check in in the future.

Warmest regards,

John