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Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
plunger. Applying current to the coil produces a magnetic field that draws in the plunger,
reducing the air gap as well as the reluctance of the flux path. As the gap closes, the
magnetic field grows stronger, increasing solenoid force. Removing the current lets the
plunger return to its original (open) position, usually with the help of a spring.
Solenoid force is a function of the field strength, which varies with plunger position and coil
current. When the plunger is open, it produces the least amount of force; when its closed,
the maximum amount. Rated force should match the load, or the solenoid may hammer
itself to pieces (in the case of a small load) or burn up (in the case of a large load).
6-Volt DC
12-Volt DC
24-Volt DC
24-Volt AC
120-Volt AC
220/240-Volt AC
The advantage of the low voltage coils is obviously electrical safety. Hobbyists and do-ityourselfers often power the low voltage solenoid valves with wall transformers. Most smaller
valves 12 VDC valves can be powered by a 12-Volt / 500 mA power supply. However, always
make sure your power supply does meet or exceed the power requirement of the solenoid.
The 24 VAC solenoid valves appeal to hobbyists as well since they can be easily controlled
by irrigation timers. Most industrial applications and heavy machinery use solenoids with 24
VDC coils.
Encapsulated
(Molded) Coil
Types of Coil Construction
Solenoid valve coil construction usually falls in one of the following two categories:
lower resistance against moisture than encapsulated coils. In addition, encapsulated coils
have much stronger lead wires (to protect against pull-out).
Coils with DIN Connectors
Valve manufacturers often offer a DIN connector option on their coils. Instead of lead wires,
the coil will have prongs or pins to accept a standard DIN connector. The coil is considered
to have a male connection and the plug connecting to the coil is a female connector. Using a
DIN connector provides many advantages: quick valve or coil exchange, excellent insulation
properties, possible water tightness etc.
The connector standard used for solenoid valves is DIN 43650 . The DIN 43650 series
consists of five connectors, which have the following pin spacing:
Industrial Form B - 11 mm
Micro-Mini - 9.4 mm
DIN connectors can be purchased as shells to be wired by the installer or they may be
factory molded with a cable assembly. They have usually contain three or four terminals or
pins. Some DIN connectors are available with LED indicators which indicate the power state
of the coil for diagnostics purposes.
Can the same valve be used with different coils?
This depends on the specific brand of the valve. It is often possible to swap coils in order to
use a different voltage with the solenoid valve.
Latching Solenoids
A latching solenoid valve does not require current to stay in its energized position. Electrical
energy is only consumed to open and close the valve, not to keep it in either of those
positions. Latching valves are often used in battery powered applications (e.g. automatic
faucets) as they only need a pulse power to change open/closed state of the valve. The
polarity of the pulses are reversed between the opening pulse and the closing pulse.
Hit and Drop
"Hit and drop" is technique used for reducing the power consumption of solenoids valve
coils. A larger voltage (current flow) is required to energize a valve than is needed to keep
the valve in the energized position, making it possible to lower the power consumption of
the coil.
"Hit and Drop" is also known as 'Pulse and Hold', 'Spike and Hold', 'Hit and Hold', and 'Pick
and Hold'.