Solenoids

A solenoid is an integral component in all sizes of motors, and as a result, has many uses in daily life. Solenoids can be found in a variety of switching devices and relays, interlocks, starter motors and valves.

If you are looking for industrial solenoids, solenoid sensors, solenoid spring kits, or any other solenoid accessories, here at RS, we can help. As leading suppliers of industrial electronic components, we have a whole host of solenoids from leading brands such as Guardian Electric, Johnson Electric, and Deltrol Controls, which are ready to be shipped today.

What are solenoids?

A solenoid is an electric output device that converts electrical current into a linear mechanical motion. It consists of a coil of wire, the housing, and a moveable plunger, which is known as an armature.

After an electrical current has been introduced, a magnetic field forms around the coil, and draws the armature to the center of it.

As the coil of a solenoid is comprised of copper wire, when electrical current flows through it, a strong magnetic field is created. Normally made of steel or iron, the housing of a solenoid surrounds the coil, concentrating the magnetic field generated by the coil. The moving part of a solenoid, the plunger, is what transfers linear motion from the solenoid to the component that it is designed to operate.

How do solenoids work?

Extremely useful and versatile, a solenoid is a coil of wire that is wrapped around a piston, which is usually made of iron. When electric current passes through the wire, a magnetic field is created.

As with any magnet, a solenoid has positive and negative poles that will attract or repel materials that are sensitive to it. The electromagnetic field in a solenoid causes the piston to move either forward or backward.

Are there different types of solenoids?

There are a number of different types of solenoids available, depending on your needs.

Linear solenoids

Linear solenoids are made from a wire coil that is wrapped in a corkscrew around a moveable metal core. They use a push/pull force on a moveable metal slug, completing a circuit when the linear solenoid coils are activated by an electrical current.

Thanks to their smooth motion, linear solenoids are often used in the likes of starter motors.

Tubular solenoids

Tubular solenoids work by creating a push-pull force on a metallic core. The tubular solenoid is encased in a metallic sleeve, which assists in minimizing magnetic flux leakage.

This helps to optimize the tubular solenoid's performance, and also makes it ideal for safe installation in a broad range of ’long stroke’ appliances such as steering controls and hydraulic valves.

Rotary solenoids

Likewise, rotary solenoids utilize a wire coil around a metal core. However, in this case, the core is disc-mounted.

When the solenoid is electrically charged, a system of cut grooves and ball bearings enable rotary motion. When the current switches off, a spring turns the rotary solenoid disc back to its original position.

The advantage that rotary solenoids have over linear solenoids is that they are more robust and resilient. They are often used in precision industrial machinery such as lasers and shutters.

Here at RS, we also stock solenoid accessories, including replacement solenoid spring kits.

What are solenoids used for?

Residential equipment such as washing machines and doorbells aren’t the only places you will find solenoids. From agricultural systems and medical equipment, to air conditioning systems and industrial machinery, solenoids are highly essential in many automated applications. They are also incredibly useful to control water pressure, air pressure, and clamps.

Solenoids are used in a wide variety of applications, including:

• Industrial: In applications such as circuit breakers, metering pumps, power nailers, bank ATMs, power distribution, security key cards and medical respirators, you’ll find solenoids. Devices that require rotating, locking, positioning, diverting or holding will require solenoids.
• Automotive: Solenoids are commonly found in today’s automobiles, as they are used in the manufacturing process. Within the automotive industry, solenoids can be in security systems, air conditioning controls, and entertainment release mechanisms. You can also expect to find them in fuel system controls, variable cam phasing and timing, transmission controls, brake system controls and high-temperature valves.
• Medical: Solenoids are often vital in medical equipment. When a doctor needs to control the flow of medicine that goes into a person’s blood stream, they will use a dosing machine, which features a solenoid. A dialysis machine, in addition, uses solenoids to control an individual’s blood flow during treatment.

For applications such as agriculture and construction, well-designed solenoids help equipment meet efficiency, performance, emissions, and safety requirements.

Why choose RS for your solenoids?

No matter whether you are searching for Guardian Electric solenoids, White-Rodgers solenoid accessories, electric solenoids, or even solenoid sensors, you are sure to find what you are looking for here at RS. Not only are we the largest authorized distributor of industrial electronic components in North America, we are also proud to offer products that meet the highest industry standards of safety and performance.

To help you find what you are after, our search function will allow you to search our comprehensive selection of solenoids by the most popular options, or by specific manufacturers. Alternatively, if you know the product name/number, you can enter that into the search bar to find the electric solenoid you need.

If you are unsure about something or can’t locate the solenoid you are looking for, please do get in touch. Our friendly advisors are here if you require assistance. You can also make use of our expert content hub for further helpful information.