Solenoid Actuator Legality

[MariOlsen]

Our team is using these solenoid actuators:
http://www.amazon.com/400mA-Frame-So...productDetails

It's a bit late, but we wanted to make absolutely sure we satisfy R18, specifically that they have a "rated electrical input power no greater than 10 watts (W) continuous duty at 12 volts (VDC)". Since the specs don't list a power rating, we used P=IV to calculate that (.4A)*(12V)=4.8W. Was this the correct approach? Thanks!

[GeeTwo]

Looks correct to me (MS Physics) - the power can't be any greater than VI. Be sure to bring a copy of (and link to) the "See more product details" page to competition so you can make your case with the inspectors.

[JohnFogarty]

Just to let you know. Your PCM will only be able to handle one of those solenoids. The PCM per cross the road's manual can only handle a load of 500mA across the solenoid ports.

If you were going to use a spike relay you can ignore my previous statement.

[GeeTwo]

Originally Posted by JohnFogarty

If you were going to use a spike relay you can ignore my previous statement.

Absolutely. Solenoids controlled by the PCB (which I hadn't though of because it wasn't stated as a pneumatics issue) have much stricter standards in terms of current/power draw.

[MariOlsen]

Originally Posted by JohnFogarty

If you were going to use a spike relay you can ignore my previous statement.

Thanks! We are using a single Spike to run both.