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.
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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?
 
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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.
 
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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?
 
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