We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Electrical

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Most Common Solenoid Problems?

By Jeremy Laukkonen
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 32,104
References
Share

There are many different types of solenoids, though the problems that typically occur with these components can be grouped into a few basic categories. Common solenoid problems include plungers that are stuck either in or out, attached valves that are frozen in place, bad internal coil windings, and excessive noise during operation. Some of these problems are the result of internal solenoid issues, while others are typically caused by external components. The process of fixing solenoid problems differs from one instance to another, as it is sometimes possible to repair a defective unit, while others must be simply replaced.

Solenoids are electromechanical devices typically used to regulate the flow of various substances. The basic structure of a solenoid typically consists of a helical coil wrapped around a steel or iron armature. When electric power is applied to the solenoid, it can be converted into mechanical energy in a predictable manner. Solenoids are often paired with valves and used to open or close them based on whether or not an electrical signal has been applied. In other cases, solenoids can be used to perform other mechanical work, such as closing a set of contacts.

Due to the fact that solenoids depend on inductive coils to operate, many common solenoid problems revolve around this system. Internal windings that have gone bad can cause a solenoid to cease working properly, and it is possible for coils to melt, burn or simply short circuit. Similar issues can occur if the armature is bent or soiled, if there is excess heat or moisture present, or if an incorrect voltage is applied to a unit.

Many other common solenoid problems relate to the valves that these components are often designed to open and close. Solenoid valves can be two, three or four way and increase in complexity accordingly. If a solenoid fails to open or close properly, one common issue is dirt or other contaminants in the valve seat. This type of grit can cause a valve to become stuck or prevent it from settling into place correctly. Improper voltages can also cause this issue, as can corrosion and burnt out coils.

Most solenoid problems result in a component failing to work properly, though other issues simply create unpleasant or annoying sounds. Solenoids that buzz or clack during operation usually do so because of internal valve components. In most cases, these noises are caused by excessive fluid pressure differentials between the inlet and outlet sides of a valve. If this is the case, the noise can typically be reduced by taking measures to decrease the pressure on the inlet side.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Discussion Comments
By Telsyst — On Mar 10, 2014

In this age of making everything smaller and smaller the solenoid is being reengineered all the time.

Robot engineers want to build flexible components for more realistic movement in modern robots. These new advancements have even more of an upside in creating artificial body parts. A human hand has many little movements it needs to make. Twisting a hand this way and that takes many different movements and they need to happen accurately and at the same time. Every day engineers come closer to making an almost human working limb replacement.

There may be a day when tiny antlike robots with super small moving parts are able to complete delicate surgery. One day, we may eliminate the need to make an incision on a patient to do complicated medical procedures.

Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-are-the-most-common-solenoid-problems.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.