Questions about electromagnet design

I'm in the process of constructing an electromagnet with an iron core. I intend to use an AC input / DC output power supply. I don't have the exact one I need yet and have been referencing off of an old broken one. Kinda stumped on the connections.

On the p.s. output board there are + & - markings with wires coming out of each. Correct me if I'm wrong, but since this is a DC output and if the ends of these two wires were connected together - it would behave like connecting a wire between the + & - terminals of a D-cell battery right?

I intend to use aluminum conductor strip (looks like a roll of tape and has lots of turns) for the coil. Would there be any current differences between the adapter's copper wires?

And finally, 12 to 24vdc & 4 or more amps is the ballpark for this project. How would I determine the suitable gauge of strip coil based on these numbers? The coil diameter is going to fill about 5 inches in diameter.

Thanks in advance.

Re: Electromagnet Qs

Correct me if I'm wrong, but since this is a DC output and if the ends of these two wires were connected together - it would behave like connecting a wire between the + & - terminals of a D-cell battery right?

Click to expand...

its a short-circuit. you don't want to do that! its probably worse than connecting a D-cell because the battery has a finit impedence that is probably higher than your powersupply output (that has large capacitors with very low impedance). so your power supply will give a higher peak current. on the + side, your power supply *probably* has a fuse, or short-circuit protection so it may stop you from causing harm due to stupidity.

you're trying to build an electromagnet? there's really good information over here:

**broken link removed**

i think this link will answer all your questions

good luck,
Mr.Cool