Solving Electromagnet Problem with 24V 24A DC Power Supply

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges faced when connecting a 50-loop electromagnet to a 24V 24A DC power supply. The user, Stephen, experiences sparking and humming when connecting the electromagnet directly, and finds that adding a 220-ohm resistor reduces sparking but significantly weakens the magnetic field. The underlying issue is identified as insufficient current, as the resistor limits the current to approximately 0.1 A, which is inadequate for generating a strong magnetic field. To resolve this, Stephen needs to eliminate the resistor to allow maximum current flow from the power supply.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnet principles and how magnetic fields are generated by current.
  • Familiarity with Ohm's Law and its application in electrical circuits.
  • Basic knowledge of DC power supplies and their specifications.
  • Experience with wiring and circuit assembly, particularly with electromagnets.
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  • Research how to calculate the required current for electromagnets based on wire gauge and number of loops.
  • Learn about the effects of resistors in series with inductive loads and alternatives to using resistors.
  • Explore the design and construction of electromagnets for optimal performance.
  • Investigate safety measures when working with high-current DC power supplies.
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Electronics enthusiasts, hobbyists building electromagnets, and engineers looking to understand the relationship between current and magnetic field strength in DC circuits.

StephenDoty
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Hello All!

I have a 24V 24A DC power supply that I am trying to hook a 50 loop electromagnet using 22 gauge non insulated copper wire and a small steel nail. Every time I hook the electromagnet to the power supply it sparks and Humms. So I put a 220 ohm resistor inline and it did not spark but there was almost no magnetic field strength. When I hooked my electromagnet to two D batteries that I tapped together using electrical tape the magnetic field was SOOO much stronger than when I hooked it up to the power supply. What?!? That shouldn't happen. It should be the opposite. What am I doing wrong? Is there something else I can put inline besides the resistor so that the magnetic field will be strong? I really want to use the power supply to power the electromagnet. How can I make this work?


Thanks everyone.
Stephen
 
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bump...

I would really like to know how I can get my electromagnet to work with my 24V 24A DC power supply. Any Ideas?
 
StephenDoty said:
bump...

I would really like to know how I can get my electromagnet to work with my 24V 24A DC power supply. Any Ideas?

Easy, you don't have very much current (24V / 220 Ohm is about 0.1 A) Since the field is proportional (roughly) to the current, you don't have a very high magnetic field.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnet#Magnetic_field_created_by_a_current
 

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