Dual voltage consumer appliance oddity

[JT Smith]

I finally got around to finishing my hair dryer project. After completing the modifications I put it back together and discovered that what I had originally concluded about the "dummy" voltage select switch isn't exactly correct. The voltage switch *does* have a function. While it has no direct electrical connection it has a small plastic slot that interlocks with a plastic tab on the main speed/heat switch. This interlock prevents one from selecting both 250V and HIGH simultaneously. FWIW.

 

[JT Smith]

I think there must be some other, more proper ways to run a 12V DC motor from 120V AC mains...

Maybe. Like what? The original design is the motor (with a full wave rectifier) in series with a resistor. I just wanted a bigger resistor.