The continuous duty Insulated 12 Volt Steel Case Solenoid from Buyers Products features low-input, high-output operation that makes it ideal for 12V vehicle starters, snow plows, lift gates, spreaders, or cranes. The solenoid features 5/16 in.-24 thread terminals for easy installation and is PVC coated for protection from the elements.
Specifications
| Color | Grey |
|---|---|
| Compares To | Cole Hersee 24117-01 |
| Current Rating | 85 |
| Depth | 1.9 |
| Duty | Continuous |
| Height | 2.4 |
| Housing Material | Carbon Steel |
| Mount Style | Flat |
| Number of Terminals | 4 |
| Width | 2.9 |
The Insulated 12 Volt PVC Coated SPST Solenoid, engineered for continuous duty applications, represents a critical component for robust electrical control systems in demanding environments. This electromechanical switch, meticulously designed by Buyers Products, facilitates the efficient transfer of power within 12-volt systems, acting as a reliable interface between a low-current control circuit and a high-current power circuit. Its inherent capability for sustained operation, combined with superior environmental protection and a resilient carbon steel housing, positions it as an indispensable device for a wide array of heavy-duty vehicular and industrial applications.
Understanding Solenoid Functionality: The Electromechanical Principle
At its core, a solenoid operates on the principle of electromagnetism. It comprises a coil of wire wound around a ferromagnetic core, often referred to as an armature or plunger. When an electrical current is applied to the coil, it generates a magnetic field. This magnetic field exerts a force on the movable plunger, causing it to actuate. In the context of a solenoid switch or relay, this mechanical movement is harnessed to physically open or close electrical contacts. The design of this particular solenoid ensures a predictable and decisive actuation of its internal contacts, facilitating seamless circuit control.
Specifically, this unit functions as a Single-Pole, Single-Throw (SPST) switch. This configuration means it controls one circuit (pole) and has only two states: either open (no current flow) or closed (current flow). When the control coil is energized, the plunger moves to close the main power contacts, completing the high-current circuit. When the coil is de-energized, a spring typically returns the plunger to its original position, opening the contacts and breaking the circuit. This straightforward yet highly effective design makes the SPST solenoid exceptionally reliable for on/off control functions in power distribution systems.
Optimized for 12-Volt Systems: The Automotive Standard
The selection of a 12-volt operational voltage is a deliberate engineering choice, aligning with the ubiquitous electrical architecture found in most automotive, commercial, and heavy-duty vehicles. This standardization simplifies integration, reduces complexity in power supply design, and leverages readily available power sources such as lead-acid batteries. The solenoid's design is precisely calibrated to draw an appropriate coil current at 12 volts DC, ensuring efficient magnetic field generation for reliable contact actuation, while minimizing parasitic power draw from the vehicle's electrical system. The 85 Ampere current rating further underscores its capacity to manage substantial electrical loads, a common requirement in starter motors, hydraulic pump motors, and other high-demand subsystems.
Continuous Duty Rating: Engineering for Sustained Performance
A hallmark feature of this solenoid is its "Continuous Duty" rating. This classification is paramount in applications where the solenoid is expected to remain energized for extended periods without interruption, or for the majority of an operational cycle. Unlike "intermittent duty" solenoids, which are designed for short bursts of activation followed by adequate cooling periods, a continuous duty solenoid is constructed to dissipate the heat generated by its energized coil and contact resistance indefinitely without sustaining damage or experiencing premature failure. This requires specific material choices for the coil windings, contact materials, and a robust thermal management design within the housing. The implication for users is unparalleled reliability and longevity, even under the most rigorous and prolonged operational demands.
Robust Construction and Material Science: The Foundation of Durability
The physical integrity and environmental resistance of any electromechanical component are critical for its longevity and reliable performance. This solenoid incorporates several advanced design features and material selections to achieve exceptional durability:
Carbon Steel Housing: Structural Integrity and Electromagnetic Shielding
The primary housing of the solenoid is constructed from robust carbon steel. Carbon steel is renowned for its high tensile strength, excellent resistance to impact, and inherent rigidity. This provides superior mechanical protection for the internal components, shielding them from physical damage due to vibrations, shocks, or incidental contact in harsh operating environments. Furthermore, a steel casing offers an degree of electromagnetic shielding, which can be beneficial in mitigating electromagnetic interference (EMI) from or to adjacent sensitive electronic components. The inherent durability of carbon steel ensures that the solenoid maintains its structural integrity throughout its operational lifespan, even under challenging conditions as prevalent in heavy machinery.
PVC Coating: Advanced Environmental Protection
Supplementing the robust steel housing is a specialized PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) coating. This external layer serves multiple critical functions. Firstly, it provides an exceptional barrier against environmental ingress, protecting the underlying steel from moisture, road salts, dust, and other corrosive agents that are commonly encountered in outdoor or vehicle-mounted applications. PVC is naturally resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including oils, greases, and many solvents, which further enhances the solenoid's resilience against chemical degradation. Secondly, PVC possesses excellent dielectric properties, meaning it acts as an electrical insulator. This adds an extra layer of protection against potential short circuits or accidental electrical contact, thereby enhancing operational safety. The coating's flexibility ensures it resists cracking and peeling under temperature fluctuations, maintaining its protective integrity over time.
Internal Insulation: Electrical Integrity and Safety
Beyond the external PVC coating, the internal electrical components, particularly the coil windings and contact assembly, are meticulously insulated. This internal insulation is crucial for preventing short circuits between turns of the coil, between the coil and the housing, and between different electrical potentials within the contact system. High-grade dielectric materials are selected to withstand the operational voltage and potential voltage spikes, ensuring consistent electrical performance and mitigating the risk of dielectric breakdown. Proper insulation is fundamental to the solenoid's reliable operation, ensuring current flows only along the intended paths and enhancing overall system safety by preventing unintended electrical discharges.
Precision Terminal Design: Secure and Efficient Electrical Connectivity
The solenoid features 5/16 in.-24 thread terminals, a specific and well-regarded standard in heavy-duty electrical applications. The 5/16-inch diameter provides ample surface area for secure electrical contact and robust mechanical attachment of high-gauge wires or battery cables. The 24 threads per inch (TPI) ensure a fine thread pitch, which allows for a very strong and vibration-resistant connection when properly torqued. This precision threading minimizes the risk of loosening due to mechanical vibrations inherent in vehicular operation, which could otherwise lead to increased electrical resistance, heat generation, and potential system failure. The material of the terminals themselves, typically brass or copper alloys, is chosen for its high electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance, ensuring minimal voltage drop and maximum power transfer efficiency from the power source to the connected load. The presence of four terminals indicates a common configuration for solenoids of this type: two smaller terminals for the control coil circuit (e.g., ignition switch input and ground) and two larger terminals for the main power switching circuit (e.g., battery positive and load positive), allowing for distinct separation and control over high and low current pathways.
Electrical Performance Characteristics: Unpacking the 85A Current Rating and Low-Input, High-Output Operation
The 85 Ampere (A) current rating signifies the maximum continuous current that the main power contacts of the solenoid can safely carry without overheating or degradation. This robust rating is indicative of the solenoid's suitability for applications that demand significant instantaneous or sustained current draw. Careful selection of contact materials, such as silver alloy compounds, is critical in achieving such high current ratings, as these materials offer excellent conductivity, arc resistance, and wear characteristics even under repetitive switching cycles. This ensures that the power circuit maintains its integrity and efficiency, minimizing energy losses and preventing component damage over time.
The concept of "low-input, high-output operation" succinctly describes the solenoid's fundamental role as a power amplifier in an electrical control system. A relatively small current applied to the control coil (the "low input," typically from a switch on the dashboard or a control module) is sufficient to generate the magnetic force required to actuate the plunger. This, in turn, closes the much larger main power contacts, allowing a significantly higher current (the "high output," up to 85A) to flow to the primary load. This design protects sensitive control switches and wiring from high currents, enhancing overall system safety, reducing wire bulk, and simplifying control circuitry design.
Versatile Application Spectrum: Powering Critical Systems
The design and robust specifications of this insulated, continuous duty solenoid make it exceptionally well-suited for a diverse range of demanding applications across various industries:
- 12V Vehicle Starters: A primary application involves activating starter motors in vehicles. Starter motors require very high instantaneous current to crank an engine. This solenoid acts as the critical link, allowing the low-current ignition switch to safely engage the high-current starter motor, protecting the ignition circuit from excessive current. Its continuous duty rating is beneficial even in starter applications, as the solenoid may be engaged for several seconds repeatedly during starting attempts, requiring robust thermal handling.
- Snow Plows: In snow plowing operations, solenoids are essential for controlling hydraulic pumps that lift, angle, and lower the plow blade. The continuous duty nature is vital here, as the plow may be in constant use for hours, requiring the hydraulic system and its controlling solenoids to operate without overheating. The PVC coating provides excellent protection against the corrosive mixture of snow, ice, and road salts.
- Lift Gates: Commercial vehicles equipped with lift gates rely on solenoids to control the hydraulic pumps and motors that power the lifting and lowering mechanisms. Safety and reliability are paramount. This solenoid ensures consistent power delivery for precise and safe operation, with its continuous duty capability supporting frequent and sustained use cycles encountered in delivery and logistics operations.
- Spreaders: For salt, sand, or fertilizer spreaders used in agricultural or municipal applications, solenoids control the motors that drive the augers or spinner mechanisms. These environments are often corrosive and dusty. The PVC coating offers crucial resistance to these elements, while the continuous duty rating ensures the spreader operates reliably for the duration of its task, whether it's de-icing roads or distributing seeds.
- Cranes: Mobile and stationary cranes utilize solenoids extensively in their hydraulic and electrical control systems. They often control hydraulic valves, winch motors, and safety interlocks. The ability to handle high currents continuously is essential for the precise and safe manipulation of heavy loads. The solenoid's robust construction ensures it can withstand the vibrations and operational stresses inherent in crane applications.
Optimized Form Factor and Integration: Dimensions and Mounting Style
The physical dimensions of the solenoid – with a depth of 1.9 inches, a height of 2.4 inches, and a width of 2.9 inches – are designed for compact integration into existing electrical enclosures or mounting brackets. This compact footprint minimizes space requirements, which is often a premium in vehicle engine bays or equipment chassis. The "Flat Mount" style indicates that the solenoid is designed to be securely fastened to a flat surface using bolts or screws, typically through mounting holes integral to its housing. This mounting method offers robust stability, essential for mitigating the effects of vibration and shock experienced in mobile or heavy machinery applications, ensuring the solenoid remains firmly in place and its electrical connections undisturbed.
Comparability and Industry Standard Adherence: Cole Hersee 24117-01 Equivalent
The specification noting its comparability to the Cole Hersee 24117-01 is a significant advantage. Cole Hersee is a well-established and respected manufacturer in the heavy-duty electrical products sector, and its 24117-01 solenoid is a widely recognized and frequently specified component. This comparability implies that the Buyers Products solenoid meets or exceeds the form, fit, and functional requirements of the industry standard. This ensures interchangeability, simplifying procurement, maintenance, and replacement for operators and technicians who are accustomed to working with established components. It speaks to the product's adherence to proven design principles and performance benchmarks within the industry.
Operational Longevity and Reliability in Harsh Environments
The combination of a continuous duty rating, robust carbon steel housing, and comprehensive PVC coating signifies a product engineered for exceptional operational longevity, even in the most challenging environmental conditions. Factors contributing to this include:
- Thermal Stability: Designed for continuous operation, minimizing heat-related degradation of internal components.
- Corrosion Resistance: PVC coating and terminal material selection provide superior protection against environmental contaminants.
- Vibration and Shock Resistance: Sturdy housing and secure terminal connections ensure mechanical integrity.
- Electrical Integrity: High-quality insulation and contact materials prevent electrical breakdown and wear.
Conclusion: A Benchmark in Heavy-Duty Solenoid Technology
In summary, the Insulated 12 Volt PVC Coated SPST Solenoid from Buyers Products stands as a testament to advanced engineering in electromechanical switching. Its continuous duty capability, robust carbon steel construction with environmental PVC coating, precision 5/16 in.-24 thread terminals, and 85A current rating collectively deliver a solution that is both highly dependable and exceptionally durable. Optimized for 12-volt systems, it seamlessly integrates into critical applications such as vehicle starters, snow plows, lift gates, spreaders, and cranes, providing reliable low-input, high-output control. Its adherence to industry standards, as evidenced by its comparability to the Cole Hersee 24117-01, further solidifies its position as a trusted and high-performance component. This solenoid is not merely a switch; it is a meticulously engineered component designed to ensure uninterrupted, safe, and efficient operation in the most demanding heavy-duty environments, representing a vital asset for any system requiring steadfast power management.
