Basic Power Supply Question: Amp requirements for shared power supply

Other Hardware General Electronics
1

This question is so simple that its almost too embarrassing to post, but here goes:

I have two DC motors, each with an operating voltage of 12 volts and rated current of 2.1A. I want to be able to drive the two motors simultaneously. I will be driving them through a Sainsmart relay (itself controlled by a Leonardo) to control when power gets to the motors. To keep the wiring simple, I would prefer to have a common power supply for both motors.

Would I need a 12v power supply that could provide at least 4.2A (2 times the 2.1A of each motor)?

2

Yes at least 4.2A but I would recommend at least 6A

3

Thanks, Guix!

4

Datasheet for motors please.... "2.1A rated" could mean several different things.

5

Here are the datasheets, MarkT :slight_smile: I was relying on the stated amp rating on Conrad.com, but I'd be grateful if you could take a look at them. Both datasheets mention stall current (1.6A for Motor 1, and 1.5A for Motor 2)

Motor 1
Datasheet

Motor 2
Datasheet