Question about electromagnet heat

I have a nice electromagnet that I got on eBay ( http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200045827548 ). I'd like to determine it's maximum current for 100% duty cycle. My plan is to apply a small voltage (say 1 volt), let it reach steady state temperature (minimum current) and calculate the temperature using R=Rs[1+a(T-Ts)]. Increase the voltage and repeat until a maximum temperature is reached. The magnet would be sitting on a piece of steel approx. 12" sq x 1/4" thick, to simulate its intended operating environment (power tool table).

1. Are there any flaws in this approach? Or should I say, what are the flaws in this approach - there must be some.

2. What maximum temperature that I should use? I assume that the magnet wire varnish would be the weak link, but that still doesn't help, much. The magnet is potted in "polymer", would that limit the temperature more than the varnish?

Thanks,
Bob

PS - if there's a better newsgroup to ask this question in, I'd appreciate being pointed there, thanks.
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Spontaneous supersymmetry breaking
    ... did exist a supersymmetric 10-D universe, what triggered the symmetry ... breaking and resulting 6-D compactification and particle creation? ... Does a drop in temperature because of the expansion after big bang cause ... The simplest example of SSB is a magnet. ...
    (sci.physics.research)
  • Re: Question about electromagnet heat
    ... My plan is to apply a small voltage, let it reach steady state temperature and calculate the temperature using R=Rs. ... Increase the voltage and repeat until a maximum temperature is reached. ... I assume that the magnet wire varnish would be the weak link, but that still doesn't help, much. ... highest temperature within the winding with a resistance ...
    (sci.electronics.misc)
  • Re: The strange behaviour of a magnet near absolute zero
    ... The strange behaviour of a magnet near absolute zero temperature ... provides the first direct evidence that some quantum phase transitions ... bandwidth on the larger net multiplied by the number of interested ...
    (sci.physics)
  • Re: OT only if you dont construct
    ... end that fits into the iron This metal has a well defined Curie point ... The sensor has a magnet that slides in the tube against a spring. ... closes the switch to the element. ... So to change the tip temperature you need to select a bit with a different ...
    (uk.radio.amateur)
  • Re: The strange behaviour of a magnet near absolute zero
    ... The strange behaviour of a magnet near absolute zero temperature ... provides the first direct evidence that some quantum phase transitions ... method of characterizing phase transitions in terms of a single ...
    (sci.physics)