What’s a Pull Solenoid?

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A traction solenoid is an electromagnetic actuating device that provides linear working motion to the solenoid coil. This is in contrast to the thrust solenoids which develop their working motion away from the solenoid coil. This working motion comes courtesy of an electromagnetic field that develops around a coil of wire when energized by an electric current. The magnetic pull of the field rapidly pulls a metal plunger towards the coil. The movement of the plunger is then used to provide actuation for a secondary mechanism, such as a valve, switch or machine component.

Solenoids are the simplest of all electric actuators, with much smaller physical dimensions, fewer moving parts, and lower overall installation and operating costs than electromechanical types. Their operating principles are simple and revolve around the powerful attraction that a magnetic field exerts on any ferrous metal object. The average solenoid consists of a coil of hollow wire and a spring-loaded ferrous metal plunger positioned adjacent to or just inside the mouth of the coil. When an electric current is applied to the coil, the tightly wound windings create a strong electromagnetic field around it. This field attracts the plunger, which intelligently moves to the center of the coil, providing linear actuation motion in the process.

There are two basic types of linear motion solenoids: the push and the pull solenoids. The push solenoid is configured so that while the basic operation is identical to the pull variety, the working motion is directed away from the spool in a push motion. The traction solenoid is generally a little simpler in construction and generates its own motion towards the coil. As mentioned, the primary functioning of the two types is identical with only the plunger design being different. The choice of which type to use in a given application is usually dictated by space and the specific actuation needs of the secondary mechanism.

The traction solenoid is a common component on a wide variety of systems that require remote switching or activation. These include many automotive applications such as valves and breathers. The industrial sector is also a major user of solenoid products, with a wide range of fluid and gas flow processes, electrical control and machine actuation actuated by solenoids. Other users of solenoids include the chemical, pharmaceutical and medical industries. The traction solenoid is also found in a large number of household applications, such as cleaning equipment, water valves, and air conditioning system components.

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