used in high power circuits for switching purposes by using a small electrical control signal. This switch mainly uses decision making as well as extensive logic circuits to perform on economical microchips & tiny electronic parts. It also allows high power switching apparatus to be restricted to a remote area. These switches are normally used in automobiles to start the engine systems. This article discusses an overview of what is a solenoid switch and its working.
What is a Solenoid Switch?
Definition: An electrical switch that is frequently used where a high current circuit namely a starter motor circuit is brought into action with the help of a low current switch is called a solenoid switch. This switch turns ON a durable switch to connect the battery of a vehicle to the motor’s starter. Once the ignition key is activated then a switch connects the drive pinion of starter. The main features of solenoid switches are high performance, reliability, and durability.
Working Principle
Solenoid switches are wire wound magnetic coils including an open core to get a cylindrical plunger with sliding. Once the coil is activated then, a magnetic field can occur within the hollow opening which drags the cylindrical plunger into it depending on the direction of the switch as well as the plunger’s poles. Here the connection of plunger can be done to a set of switch contacts by mechanically to execute the high-power switching.
On a Plastic Case Solenoid switch, there are four connector terminals are there where the coil uses two and can be most frequently isolated from all the remaining terminals. So that it keeps the coil totally independent. Generally, the terminals of the switched current are significantly heavier compared with the terminals of the coil.
Solenoid Switch Types
Most of these switches include only one switched pole because of the current flow through them. Some switches operate only for a moment like a starter used in automobiles. When the engine of an automobile is activated, then both the motor’s starter, as well as a switch, is totally isolated from the electrical system. Some of the automotive systems include the moving plunger for sliding the starter pinion with the starter shaft. So that it connects the flywheel and also gives power to the starter motor.
How to Wire a Solenoid Switch
These switches mainly used for controlling the circuit with a large current by using a switch with low current.
These devices have a switch with high current, controlled through a magnetic actuator known as a solenoid. Once small current supplies through the solenoid, then the core of this will move to force switch which has high current to the closed location. Based on the solenoid size, it includes four terminals. From that, two terminals are used for low current circuits whereas the remaining terminals are used for the high current circuit To connect a solenoid switch, there are different steps involved like the following.
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Connect the terminals of high current switch to the solenoid switch, and then observe the documentation supplied using the switch for the position of two terminals.
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Slash two pieces of black wire and connect one finish of the initial black wire to the -ve terminal of the battery. Similarly, connect the second end of the wire to one of the high-current terminal of the switch.
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Connect the other black wire to another high-current terminal of the switch. After that, attach the next end of that similar wire to the DC motors -ve terminal.
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Slash one part of red wire and connect one finish to the +ve terminal of the motor & attach the other finish to the +ve terminal of the battery. So that a high current circuit can be formed.
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Slash two parts of black wire & attach one finish of the primary wire to the initial low current terminal over the switch. Attach the remaining finish to one of the terminals of the 6V switch and the remaining terminal can be connected to the –Ve terminal of the 6V battery.
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Arrange one red color wire among the +ve terminal of the battery & fix the remaining finish to the next low-current terminal over the switch. So that a low current circuit can be formed.
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At last, switch ON the 6V switch then DC motor will start running.
Solenoid Switch in Automobile
The role of solenoid switch in automobiles includes the following.
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carry a current that, when energized, creates a magnetic field. This magnetic field produces a high force and current source of power for activating devices used in electrical applications and vehicles, such as automotive and industrial
