Sizing Power Supply in Electrical Cabinet

AI Thread Summary
When selecting a power supply for an electrical cabinet, it is essential to consider the total current requirements of all devices, including pushbutton lights, alarm horns, and solenoid valves. Peak inrush current and average holding current should be evaluated, especially for large solenoids and motors that may draw significant inrush currents. For a 24V DC power supply fed by 120VAC, the current can be calculated using the formula Amps = VA / Voltage, while 3-phase calculations require different considerations based on whether the devices are connected as single-phase or three-phase. It is crucial to ensure the selected power supply has adequate current capacity to handle all connected devices. Proper sizing of the power supply is vital for reliable operation and to prevent overloads.
Som_P
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
What things do I need to consider when selecting a proper sized power supply? Basically this is control power, ouputs are pushbutton lights, alarm horn, and solenoid valves. Do I look at the peak inrush current? Average holding current?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
You literally may want to make a list of all of the devices being fed and add their current requirements- in our systems this exercise is part of our design requirements. Be wary of large solenoids and motors as they may have large inrush currents - as you have alluded to.
 
So basically I would be adding up the total current? Then simply select a power supply with enough current capacity? If a spec sheet list inrush current in VA, what formula would I apply to find Amps(A)? This is 3-phase by the way.
 
Last edited:
Yep, but when you said power supply I was think of a DC supply - is it DC with a 3 Phase AC source? Or describe what it is a little more.

For DC the Amps will just be x VA / Voltage. EG 300VA and 24 V ... 12.5A...

3 ph AC is a little more complicated - but for VA it will depend if the device is being connected as a 3 phase device or a single phase device. Single phase same as above, 3 phase √3*V* A(in one phase)
 
I apologize for not being clear, well not proof reading my comments. Anyway, I need to get a 24VDC power supply, this is being fed by 120VAC. My main question was to select the 24VDC power supply as it relates to total current?
 
Thread 'Weird near-field phenomenon I get in my EM simulation'
I recently made a basic simulation of wire antennas and I am not sure if the near field in my simulation is modeled correctly. One of the things that worry me is the fact that sometimes I see in my simulation "movements" in the near field that seems to be faster than the speed of wave propagation I defined (the speed of light in the simulation). Specifically I see "nodes" of low amplitude in the E field that are quickly "emitted" from the antenna and then slow down as they approach the far...
Hello dear reader, a brief introduction: Some 4 years ago someone started developing health related issues, apparently due to exposure to RF & ELF related frequencies and/or fields (Magnetic). This is currently becoming known as EHS. (Electromagnetic hypersensitivity is a claimed sensitivity to electromagnetic fields, to which adverse symptoms are attributed.) She experiences a deep burning sensation throughout her entire body, leaving her in pain and exhausted after a pulse has occurred...
Back
Top