I’ve worked in a factory for almost fifteen years, and hear the term “solenoid” tossed around a lot by maintenance. I have no idea what one is, so I smile and nod.
In: Engineering
It is an switch controlled by electric current that most often turns a valve on and off. This can be for liquid or gas. You have a coil of wire that when an electric current is applied to it becomes a magnet (electromagnet) which then interacts with the steel plunger in the valve sucking it up into the ‘on’ or ‘open’ state allowing the liquid or gas through the valve.
Depending on the situation, I prefer an electrically actuated ball valves for water applications because they are much more reliable than those 3/4″ sprinkler solenoids that seem to burn up in a few weeks to a few months of use.
Bonus explanation of the applications between a relay, solenoid, and a contact switch with an automotive focus: [https://info.waytekwire.com/blog/relays-vs-solenoids-vs-contactors-a-comparison](https://info.waytekwire.com/blog/relays-vs-solenoids-vs-contactors-a-comparison)
Latest Answers