i have some selenoids that are marked as 12v, 5v and 3v but i want to open them using 3.3v
when i measure ohm i get those values
So how can i calculate how much current (A) i need to open selenoid if i open with voltage marked there and how much current (A) i need if i try to open those selenoids with 3.3v
Can you use Ohms Law? Current = Voltage / Resistance
@arpa123
If the solenoid is specified to be 12V and it is 6.1 ohms, then it needs 12/6.1 = 1.97A to open.
If you apply 3.3V to that same solenoid you will only get 3.3V/6.1 = 0.54A and that will not be enough to operate the solenoid.
So based on ohms Law V/R=A
it means that i can't open selenoid number 1 and 2 but i can open selenoid 3 4 5
but how can i calculate how much A i need to open them
or is it harmful for selenoid if i try to open 3v selenoid with 3.3v
That is correct
or is it harmful for selenoid if i try to open 3v selenoid with 3.3v
It only 10% higher and probably within the solenoid specification
The important point is the minimum voltage required to fully open the solenoid. The current can be calculated later, from Ohm's law.
The only harm you can do to a solenoid is overheating, either by applying a voltage that is too high, or for too long.
Check the solenoid data sheet to see if the solenoid is designed for continuous duty, or not. If not, the manufacturer will state the duty cycle (e.g. 10% or 1 minute on, 9 minutes off).
Any other questions?
Why do you want to calculate the current? Is voltage not enough?
Do you going to open solenoid with constant current power supply?
Note post #6.
Other important factors are what you are pulling or pushing with the solenoid, and the start and end points of its travel in your actual use case.
I’ve always found extensive trial/error essential.
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