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Current limiting value

StephenByrom

May 10, 2016
2
Joined
May 10, 2016
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2
Hi,
I am recently retired and want to take up basic hobby electronics, so I have bought a bench-top power supply unit for testing and prototyping. The supply unit I bought (http://www.maplin.ie/p/100w-slim-bench-power-supply-n93cx), is a budget one until I gain a lot more experience.
I presently have extremely limited experience but hey,... you're never too old to learn.
My question is this;
Most of my projects will be driven in the real world with a 12V power supply, so that setting is pretty simple, but what should I set the "Current Limiting Value" at?
I can appreciate that this probably depends on the project, but is there a "rule of thumb" formula that I could calculate myself? Or is it dependent on the LED's or other components used?
 

davenn

Moderator
Sep 5, 2009
14,254
Joined
Sep 5, 2009
Messages
14,254
Hi Stephen
welcome to EP :)

I can appreciate that this probably depends on the project

yes, that is your answer
but remember a 200mA drawing project will still only draw 200mA regardless of if it is powered from a PSU capable of 200mA, 1A or 10A

since your PSU has got current limiting, just set it for a little higher than what the circuit requires to operate correctly

Dave
 

dorke

Jun 20, 2015
2,342
Joined
Jun 20, 2015
Messages
2,342
For the first time you connect a newly-build project .
I would set the current limit at zero,
then gradually make it higher till it gets a bit above what is required by the project (like Dave suggested).
It may save you smoke,fireworks and devices....;)
 
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