AC Solenoids
Years ago solenoids tended to be larger heavy devices suitable for AC operation. These AC solenoids were of a laminated construction, expensive to produce and could be easily damaged if over energised. Generally this design has been replaced by the more robyust DC solenoid. It is not unusual to find some AC solenoid which need like for like replacement; particularly higher power devices. This design is not part of the Solenoid Company range, but we may be able to help you source replacement product.
AC power can be used to drive DC solenoids. This is done by incorporating a silicon bridge rectifier into the DC design, in the coil itself, in the leads or in the plug. Typically a 230VAC supply becomes 205VDC in this way. We publish standard data in the PDF sheets available on this site showing the performance of many of our solenoids at 205VDC.
This way the problems of an AC coil are avoided, whilst all the benefits of a DC coil become available. DC solenoids are more robust, can be overenergised, and can more easily produce a specific force stroke requirement.
The popularity of the DC solenoid has increased with the use of DC control and driver circuits. All Solenoid Company standard solenoids are DC. If you are unsure of how this may affect your application, please contact us.
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