Despite the claims that the device shuts off after it is opened or closed, others claim it still draws power.
Now I know I can use a resistor/transistor (or MOSFET) /diode to power the device on/off, but what are some options for sending the power to the Red or Blue wires? I want to make sure that no matter what happens, both can't be used at the same time, or else it will burn out the solenoid.
Would I replace SW with a transistor/relay? Would I need a diode or even two (blue and red)?
It may be required that the actuator is powered in both states, to hold the actuator in place. This may explain why the device draws power (current) even after reaching the desired position.
I.e. what happens when you disconnect (unplug) the external circuitry?
How is the device powered, only from the external power source?
What's the voltage of the power source, how much current is drawn by the actuator?
The safest solution is an ordinary SPDT relay, controllable by the Arduino or other device. Other (silicon) solutions may require additional circuitry, like clamping diodes or snubbers, and (optionally) fail-safe extensions to prevent simultaneous activation.
"Thierry says: it is made for PLC or any other kind of automation like arduino you can program it to open it only 3 seconds or close it 3 seconds you should not be powering it all the time no matter what state or you will burn the internal motor"
That's why I think you should try dual SPST controls wired as shown. If using switches, they can be pushbutton or paddle (momentary-ON) type). Could also use 2 relays where the NC terminals are not used.
Referring to the diagram, notice that in no case could the valve's open and closed terminals be energized at the same time. Also, the default condition will apply no power whatsoever to the valve. Furthermore, I believe you could apply a timed signal to control the %opened or %closed state.
It won't draw power once it has hit the limit switch.
"Thierry says: it is made for PLC or any other kind of automation like arduino you can program it to open it only 3 seconds or close it 3 seconds you should not be powering it all the time no matter what state or you will burn the internal motor"
That is why it is made with limit switches.....so you don't burn the motor out and you do not rely on timers to go blindly from open to close.
How about this? (I'm using two motors to simulate the valve, and an SPDT relay to ensure that only an open or closed command can be issued at any given time).
PIN 3 runs the top or "open" motor and PIN 2 runs the bottom or "close" motor. The sketch for each pin will set the relay to the correct position.
Am I protecting everything that needs to be protected from EMF?
There are very few relays (would only be a reed relay, and changeover reed relays are uncommon, let alone rated for controlling motors) with a coil resistance greater than 200 Ohms and operating at 4.5 V that would thereby be suitable for direct connection to an Arduino output pin.
just to correct your terminology,
the metal bits that touch pipes and the fluid are called a valve.
the motorized thing on top that drives the valve is an actuator, in this case a motorized actuator (as opposed to a pneumatic actuator)
there are two devices here.
in electronics, we use specifics. we don't have a couple power supplies, we have a 5volt power supply and a 12volt power supply the omission of the differentiation causes obfuscation. it is better to eschew obfuscation.
