I have a solenoid water valve that works off of 12V DC. I measured the current while it was connected to a 12V battery and it is about 2.7 Amps. I was going to buy a power supply to run this solenoid and I am wondering how much of a buffer I should give myself....in other words is a 12V 3amp suppy going to do it or should I give myself a bit more breathing room?

 

I'm wondering if maybe something like this would do it:

http://www.mpja.com/12V-35A-Ilan-Power-Supply/productinfo/16741+PS/

Its a 12V 3.5 Amp power supply.

 

I'm wondering if maybe something like this would do it:

http://www.mpja.com/12V-35A-Ilan-Power-Supply/productinfo/16741+PS/

Its a 12V 3.5 Amp power supply.

That should be more than adequate.

 

That should be more than adequate.

Outstanding! Thanks for the guidance!

 

Light bulbs and motors have a "start surge". Simple inductors like solenoids actually resist quick changes in the flow of current so you do not need to compensate for the start surge. It doesn't exist in simple inductors.