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Questions tagged [solenoid]

An electromagnet combined with an actuator to convert electrical energy into linear physical motion.

25 votes
4 answers
13k views

Why aren't solenoid/electromagnet windings insulated?

This has been bugging me for a long time. Take this video for example. I have always thought that electricity will take the shortest path. When the electromagnet's windings are uninsulated, it seems ...
Joel's user avatar
  • 361
22 votes
4 answers
11k views

Why did my fuse blow after 3+ years of no problems?

For several years, I've had a solenoid wired to the 24VDC output of a PLC (Rockewell Automation 1769-OB16). To protect the PLC output card, a fast-acting 500mA fuse was installed between the PLC and ...
user avatar
20 votes
3 answers
3k views

How critical is winding a solenoid/electromagnet neatly?

We've all seen the expensive toroidal winding machines on YouTube, and manufactured solenoids are always so neat in construction - as in: Each winding is neatly packed to its previous, without ...
Litch's user avatar
  • 311
15 votes
4 answers
61k views

How to properly wind coils for a solenoid?

I need to wind a small electromagnet "solenoid?". About 3cm high and 2~5cm wide running at 5V/0.5A. This magnet will be put into a desk bell so it pulls the clapper down and rings the bell. I have ...
Piotr Kula's user avatar
  • 2,144
14 votes
6 answers
23k views

My MOSFET operated solenoid circuit destroys my Arduino inputs

I made a series of PCBs to power some solenoid valves that use an external power supply. I switch them with BS170 MOSFETs using an Arduino as gate signal. I based it a solution by Jason S. This is an ...
Dyte's user avatar
  • 443
12 votes
3 answers
665 views

Electrocuting a fruit fly using magnetic induction

We are electrically inducing heart attacks in fruit flies to test the effects of various treatments on survival. We are shooting for roughly a 50% survival recovery rate in our control group. I work ...
user146252's user avatar
11 votes
1 answer
3k views

Is there such a thing as an ultra low power solenoid?

I am looking for a tiny push-type solenoid that can be driven with milliwatts. The plunger need only move 2-3 mm. Does such a thing exist?
augustzf's user avatar
  • 213
11 votes
2 answers
8k views

Do solenoids exhibit back EMF like motors?

I just purchased some pinball machine solenoids and was experimenting with them; DC resistance is about 30 ohm, they actuate at about 30 volts, and they hold at about 6. I tried controlling them with ...
supercat's user avatar
  • 47k
10 votes
5 answers
2k views

MOSFET broke after attaching capacitor bank

I have a solenoid that has a coil resistance of \$0.3\Omega\$ and accelerates a steel projectile here. I've posted the schematics below. Normal Version that acts as a control The GPIO8 goes to 5V to ...
user avatar
10 votes
3 answers
1k views

Why did the Lucas voltage regulator use rectangular section enameled wire for one of the windings?

In the 1930s and subsequently, Lucas supplied a car voltage regulator of the twin bobbin type. A detailed description of how it operated can be found here, but in summary, one solenoid operated a cut-...
Gus's user avatar
  • 109
9 votes
8 answers
1k views

Measuring the activation time of a solenoid

I'm trying to measure the activation time of a pull-type solenoid. When the solenoid doesn't have a load connected to it, you can measure its activation time through the current it consumes. At first,...
Florian Humblot's user avatar
9 votes
2 answers
625 views

Electrical behavior of holding magnets when you pull them apart

I'm going to buy a holding electromagnet and a strike plate to hold some things, and I want to design my circuit (arduino-controlled) not to fry like bacon. I'm aware that since a holding magnet is ...
Ed Krohne's user avatar
  • 300
8 votes
3 answers
8k views

Why is this reed switch / solenoid circuit not working?

The (normally open) reed switch should close by waving a magnet across it, completing the circuit. The 6v solenoid lock should pull inwards allowing the door to be opened. When the magnet is removed ...
Dominic Edwards's user avatar
8 votes
3 answers
5k views

changing direction of solenoid

note I know essentially nothing about solenoids I brought this solenoid thinking that I could use it to hit an object, but when I put it to a power supply, the only direction that it would go is down....
manoli's user avatar
  • 163
8 votes
2 answers
309 views

Can Solenoids Get Sticky From Improper Usage?

I bought three spring-return, push-type solenoid. I can't remember them being sticky from the start because I only was using one at a time, but they may have been. Now that I tried to work them ...
Andrew Spitz's user avatar

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