I have a 2 Amp (max rated) wall adapter that powers my project.
My project draws about 1 Amp (not including the solenoid).
The solenoid draws 2.5 Amps, but it is only for a fraction of a second (milliseconds), several times a minute. I've been told this won't overload my power supply, since the pulse is so quick.
However. Twice, my project locked up and the solenoid was stuck in the "on" position, but I unplugged it within seconds. This happened a long time ago, and has not occurred since. I have added measures to keep this from happening again (e.g. flyback diode on the solenoid, caps on the MCU, etc).
I want to leave my project on, overnight. But I'm worried about the tiny chance it will lock again, and draw 3.5 Amps continuously. What will be the consequences if this happens? Fire? Can someone recommend a fail-safe, for example, is there something I can build into my circuit that will cut power if it detects 3.5 Amps being drawn for too long (or something like that)?
Thanks!
My project draws about 1 Amp (not including the solenoid).
The solenoid draws 2.5 Amps, but it is only for a fraction of a second (milliseconds), several times a minute. I've been told this won't overload my power supply, since the pulse is so quick.
However. Twice, my project locked up and the solenoid was stuck in the "on" position, but I unplugged it within seconds. This happened a long time ago, and has not occurred since. I have added measures to keep this from happening again (e.g. flyback diode on the solenoid, caps on the MCU, etc).
I want to leave my project on, overnight. But I'm worried about the tiny chance it will lock again, and draw 3.5 Amps continuously. What will be the consequences if this happens? Fire? Can someone recommend a fail-safe, for example, is there something I can build into my circuit that will cut power if it detects 3.5 Amps being drawn for too long (or something like that)?
Thanks!
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