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What is a Solenoid Coil?

A solenoid coil is an electrical component that consists of a tightly wound wire coil, usually made of copper or another conductive material, over a cylindrical core. It’s used to generate a magnetic field, when an electric current passes through the winding.

What are Solenoid Coils Used For?

When there's a need to convert electrical energy into mechanical work or movement, solenoid coils are an excellent choice. One particular application of solenoid coils is through electromagnets; by placing a ferromagnetic core inside the coil - like iron, for instance - this allows for increased concentration of the magnetic field resulting in a stronger attraction/repulsion force, or both. This design configuration often appears on door locks, relays, and other similar devices which require an actuator to function correctly.

Solenoid coils have been shown to be useful beyond these applications as well; they can be seen at work in transformers that transmit electrical energy across circuits, along with inductors that accumulate stored-up energy via their host electromagnetic field. They've even made their way into cutting-edge sensor technology such as magnetometers that measure variations, over time, within moving magnetic fields all around us.

How Does a Solenoid Coil Work?

When current passes through a solenoid coil's wire windings, it encounters resistance. The main determinants of this resistance are the material used, the thickness, and the length of the coil's wire. Resistance influences factors like magnetic field strength, power consumption, and voltage drop that affect overall performance greatly. Through understanding these components engineers can tweak designs and optimize solenoids to fit different purposes from a basic electromagnet or linear movement of a valve plunger.

Solenoid vs Coil

There is a difference between a “coil” and a “solenoid”. While they share similarities in function as electromagnetic components, their characteristics are distinct.

Overall, the term “coil” is more general; their wired formations cover broader variations, compared to solenoids that are specifically engineered for electromagnetic purposes.   

What is the Difference Between a Coil and a Solenoid?

In the simplest terms, a “coil” describes wound wire or conductors in the form of cylindrical or spiral shapes. These wires can be created from materials like copper or aluminum and typically comprise a central axis. The number of turns surrounding this axis differs according to needs. Coils work well for developing parts like inductors, transformers, and electromagnets used for regulating electrical flow and distribution.

Conversely, “solenoid” signifies one specific coil variation explicitly engineered with a core composed of ferromagnetic substances such as iron, positioned internally within a cylindrical casing structure. When an electric current flows through the solenoid winding, it generates magnetic fields that aid mechanical movement or control over devices using valves or relays.

What Should I Look for in a Solenoid Valve Coil?

When selecting a coil for a solenoid valve, it’s crucial that factors such as voltage, current levels, and solenoid type are determined. The practical steps below will simplify the process of defining what to look for in a solenoid valve coil:

• Voltage: Verify the voltage rating of your solenoid valve. Select appropriate matching voltage level 12V DC/24V DC/110V AC/220V AC specification while perusing available coils.
• Current Requirement: Determine the current requirement expressed in amps or mA. Ascertaining this ensures adequate positioning within the specified range in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.
• Solenoid Valve Type: Decide between direct-acting valves (low currents/voltages) and pilot-operated valves (higher threshold requirements).
• Coil Design: Consider environmental factors that influence operation and then choose either encapsulated (resistant to moisture), molded, or open-frame designs providing dust protection. Moisture resistance can be beneficial where parts may be subjected to harsher environments requiring additional protection.  
• Connector Compatibility: Verify connection compatibility between required connector types needed by both the valve and coil.
• Duty Cycle: Determine whether continuous duty or intermittent duty is suitable for your specific purpose.
• Maximum Temperature: The temperature rating for the coil form, magnet wire and potting material (if applicable) will be selected from this specification.

Order a Solenoid Coil to Meet Your Specifications

Prem Magnetics is a trusted designer and manufacturer of solenoid coils. Popular items include 12-volt, 110-volt, and 120-volt solenoid coils. We also make double-coil solenoids, and cater to all your additional custom needs. All our products are 100% tested and our custom coils are made to meet your exact specifications.

Contact Prem Magnetics today for solenoid coils designed for your application.