How many amps is the solenoid in a 3469 Dump Car?
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Seriously doubt it is even an amp. Probably on the order of about 100mA (or less).
Thanks.
Do you have a meter? They cost about $10 and are indispensable in determining the answer to a lot of electrical questions and problems. Here's what you need. I have seen them for as little as $3 at York.
Just to be clear, a coil does not have amps. A coil has inductance and resistance. You can measure the current draw, in amps, of an energized coil using an ammeter.
Have a VOM meter but was sure if it could handle the amps on the track.
Most of the el cheapo ones have a 10-amp capability. if you're not sure if yours will handle the job, measure the resistance of the coil. Then solve (very rough estimate, but close enough) using Ohm's law.
Current (in amps) = voltage / resistance
Use 20 volts as a general value.
Thanks, i'll check it out tonight.
Using a ZW at full voltage (~21 vac), 2.1 amps.
Just a FYI here, but Harbor Freight has a nice little clamp on ammeter for about $14 (they have gone up a little) that comes in handy for amp measurements on our train layouts. It's small and works pretty well for the price. I have had one for several years, used to be around $10 I think, IIRC that is.
It's a 6 Function Mini Digital Multimeter Item #96308 Seems to be something wrong with the direct link to the ammeter, but here's a search page that lists it. Maybe they will fix the direct link soon?
