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Powering 2 12V Electromagnets

gub11

I am still trying to understand ohms law, which looked simple at first, and it probably is simple, but when i look at charts that have the laws for resistance voltage wattage and current, I get confused, because often times you are given 2 variables, how do you get all four?  My main question is what voltage would I need to power 2 12v electromagnet, would i need a 12v psu or 24v, or something in between?

Thanks

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    Hi, perhaps this can help just a little.  First the ohms law stuff is P = I * E so you have power in watts is equal to current (I) in amps multiplied by voltage (E - electromotive force) in volts. Then the other part of the pie chart is E = I * R or voltage in volts is equal to current in amps times resistance in ohms.  The rest of the stuff are the factors of ten for milli, mega, nano, etc. Those pie charts usually have the equations for the different groupings added in as well, like  P = I2 * R

     

    Two 12v electromagnets are probably best connected in parallel, so the required voltage is delivered to both equally.  The factor that changes in this case is the required current is doubled because it needs to travel down two paths. This means you need a higher power output for your supply (remember P = I * E).  Remember have some resistance in the lines as well, or you could damage your power supply, a coil (which is the usual form for an electromagnet) acts as a resister only for a brief time in a DC circuit, then it becomes "saturated" and acts as just a plain wire after that, and will create an infinite current situation E = I * R or I = E / R when R == 0. Most often this is observed as thermal runaway (gets smokin' hot).

     

    So to address the question, 12v supply for your power, and link the magnets in parallel.

     

    Hope this helps,

    Jack

  • 0 in reply to jack.chaney56

    Jack Chaney wrote:

     

    12v supply for your power, and link the magnets in parallel.

     

    I would agree

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