FAQs
What is the difference between your quality after-market solenoids and original OEM?
The quality after-market solenoids come out of the same country as the original OEM solenoids, and are built to the same standards as the OEM solenoids. We’ve worked closely with the manufacturer to produce high-quality, dependable products. After-market products have become so popular that we now have equipment manufacturers using only our after-market products and receiving sizable cost savings.
What is the main cause of failure on most solenoids?
Most failures occur because of improper installation. Some of the solenoids have a switch under the plunger to switch from the high-amperage coil to the low-amperage coil when the plunger is fully pulled in. So, at installation, if the linkage is not adjusted properly, and the plunger cannot fully seat, the solenoid could have a catastrophic failure in 10-15 seconds. Plunger binding and starter circuit failure also can cause the solenoid to fail, which is why we always recommend a slow blow fuse in the high-amperage side of the solenoid. This is outlined in the literature sent with the solenoid or you can call us at (352)-236-7908 for more information.
What is the distance the solenoid can pull.
Many solenoids have a 1” pull. We carry some solenoids with 1.5” pull but they are limited. Longer pull solenoids are more expensive and must be placed on a special order with a minimum order quantity and an extensive review process before ordering. Keep in mind, the plunger travel is from fully pulled in, bottomed out in the coil housing, then 1” out from the bottom is the travel. Anything outside the max travel of that solenoid will not provide enough iron core to pull in the plunger. The closer to the bottom of the coil housing is ok, so anything less than the max stroke puts more iron in the magnetic field and creates a stronger pull.
What is the difference between an internally switched solenoid and an externally switched solenoid?
First of all, both solenoids have two coils. One coil is a high-amperage coil and its only job is to pull the plunger in. The second coil is a low-amperage coil and its only job is to hold the plunger in place once pulled in. The externally switched solenoid has the wiring of the coils separated on the outside of the solenoid so you can control each coil using outside means, such as a timer or other device. The internally switched solenoid is automatic when powered up as it has a small switch that is activated by the plunger when energized. This switch is inside the solenoid and cannot be accessed by other means. In both cases the plunger needs to not be in a bind or hindered from its full travel.
What exactly is a Contactor?
Simply put, a Contactor is a big switch. The contactor is used to take the load so the control circuit does not have to. A lot of control circuits cannot handle too many amps, so it controls the contactor and the contactor switches the big load in amps. A majority of our contactors are non-latching, so they are either on with power to the smaller terminals or off without power to the smaller terminals. There is a large array of different configurations, so we assist our customers to help them find what they need for their application.
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