power supply unit for Arduino/solenoid project

I'm trying to find an off the shelf plug in ac/dc power supply unit to work with my project. I want to power an Arduino Duemilanove and six 12v 1A solenoids. Here's the solenoids -> http://www.rapidonline.com/productinfo.aspx?&tier1=Electronic+Components&tier2=Relays+%26+Solenoids&tier3=Solenoids&tier4=PCB+miniature+solenoids&moduleno=29536&catref=60-3210

I'd like to buy one of the power supply units from this page -> http://www.rapidonline.com/Electrical-Power/Power-Supplies/Plug-In-PSUs

But I don't know how to work out the right one. Cheers

Answer

1. 
   

   Figure out what voltages you need. You say the solenoid needs 12V, then you need to check the Arduino Duemilanove. Will it work with 12V, or does it require a different voltage.

   
   


2. 
   

   Figure out the maximum power you will need. 12V * 1A = 12W, seems high for a small solenoid, but I don't have a lot of experience with them. Sum this for all the components you will be running simultaneously.

   
   


3. 
   

   Select a power supply that provides the required voltage(s), plus at least the maximum current you need. You should probably pick something that provides a bit more than what you need, because running a component at 100% is generally a bad practice.