Can I use 5v and a MOSFET to power a 12v solenoid?

Projects General Guidance
1

I'm new to this and I'm wondering if I really need a 12v external power source to power a 12v solenoid. Can I just use the Arduino with a MOSFET instead? Also if I must use a 12v external power source, how do I do it?

2

Yes, you need.
And can use a MOSFET to operate solenoid.

GroundFungus
GroundFungus321×250 16.8 KB

3

MOSFET driver circuit

4

You can power the solenoid with less than 12V, but it may not do what you need it to do.

5

Yes, and no. You need a logic level N channel MOSFET not just any MOSFET,

6

Yes you do need a 12V power source. However, you can make a 12V supply from a 5V input by using a boost circuit.

Having said that,

  1. how many solenoids do you want to use?
  2. how much current does each one take?

There is maybe not enough current available from the 5V output from an Arduino simply plugged into a USB port to supply a boost converter.

Also if the 5V is derived from the external jack or the Vin pin that means there is not enough current supplied by the onboard regulator to drive many things let alone a boost regulator.

Get the boost converter from a reputable place, none of the ones I have found on eBay will delver more than 500 to 700 mA at 12V.

7

Thanks guys! Really appreciated.