Powering a 12VDC Air pump with Arduino Uno

Other Hardware Motors, Mechanics, Power and CNC
1

Hello!

I am trying to control a 12 VDC air pump (Vacuum Pump - 12V - ROB-10398 - SparkFun Electronics) and am a little unclear on what all is necessary to power this using an arduino uno board. I basically want to have it turn on when one of my sensors reads above a certain number.

I assume I will need to use a separate 12V power source (if anyone can recommend the cheapest easiest source that'd be great) and then my knowledge of electrical engineering is very minimal so what other components would I need?
In similar posts I've heard mention of something called a MOFSET, and I have an IRF520 MOFSET (https://www.vishay.com/docs/91017/91017.pdf) though not entirely sure if this is something I could use or not. Anything else to ensure I don't damage my arduino board?

I realize I am asking for a lot, but I am obviously very much a beginner and any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you! :slight_smile:

2

The IRF520 won't work with Arduino. You need a logic level MOSFET instead, something like this one. An example connection diagram is shown below.

The pump consumes 12 Watts, but the starting current could be higher than 5 Amperes, so to be safe, you should have a 12V power supply that provides at least 5 Amps.

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You can power the Arduino from the pump power supply but also to be safe, use a 5V buck regulator and power the Arduino through the 5V output.

Don't forget to connect all the grounds.

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3

I also have the octocoupler 4N35 (https://www.vishay.com/docs/81181/4n35.pdf) so maybe a method similar to the method described in Part 1 here: Arduino for Beginners: Controlling a 12V DC motor/fan with an Arduino would be good?

I'd still have to buy a SPDT relay and a power source, but seems simpler ?