Maker Pro
Maker Pro

Help with power for sous vide circulation pump

adamjohnson

Oct 14, 2016
6
Joined
Oct 14, 2016
Messages
6
Hi! I built a home sous vide setup for immersion bath cooking of meats in vacuum sealed bags. Built is a bit of an overstatement....I bought a roaster, a thermal probe, a temp controller, and relay and watched my friend wire it up. It works like a champ, BUT...there are cold/hot spots which is not good for exact temp cooking. I suppose that's why the professional models are called immersion CIRCULATORS. Soooo.....I got a submersible pump, good for high temps, and with some tubing that will solve my problem.

The pump came without a power supply, so I am looking at all my discarded transformers so see what might spec out. The instructions for the pump power supply are:

Specification: Maximum voltage: 12V DC
Maximum current: 380mA
Maximum power:5W

That's what is written on the website where I got the pump. Based on that, I have a 5VDC 1A power supply that I figured would not work because of the 1A > 380mA. :-[

However...the pump itself reads:

Input 2.5DC-12V 0.5-5W with no mention of current restrictions. ???

Do you think I can use the PS I have? If not, what's a good (common?) spec to look for? I have old unused power supplies from networking equipment, power tool chargers, toothbrushes, toys, etc. Something has to work!

Thanks!
 

(*steve*)

¡sǝpodᴉʇuɐ ǝɥʇ ɹɐǝɥd
Moderator
Jan 21, 2010
25,510
Joined
Jan 21, 2010
Messages
25,510
Probably.

If it works, it will likely draw lower current than specified because it is running at a lower voltage.

You don't need much circulation. I'd recommend that you have the inlet near a cold spot furthest from the heating element and return the flow to near the heater.
 
Top