R32 and the use of Electrical solenoid actuators

[mikeleslie]

So basically if it has a field coil and doesn't rotate then it qualifies. Like a striker on a doorbell or a small starter solenoid? or am i missing something.

[PAR_WIG1350]

Everybody, this is a solenoid.

A solenoid actuator uses one of these to move something (the "armature") through its center. Typically the armature is either magnetic or ferrous (so that it will react to the field created by the coil.

Here is a good cross-sectional image of one (in this case it is used as a valve actuator, not unlike the pneumatic solenoids we use).

Most of the solenoids here are similar to the ones the rule is referring to.

I hope this helps someone.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Solenoids that fit the rule can be found at McMaster Carr.

[Tristan Lall]

Originally Posted by rsisk

What is the difference between these two things?

The door lock actuators described above are an electric motor hooked to a lead screw and/or reduction gears (like this). The solenoid actuators (like the ones Alan linked) don't have motors inside.

Originally Posted by mikeleslie

So basically if it has a field coil and doesn't rotate then it qualifies. Like a striker on a doorbell or a small starter solenoid? or am i missing something.

We've argued about this definition in the past. My impression is that a solenoid actuator necessarily implies a proper solenoid (i.e. an energized coil that produces a substantially uniform magnetic field in the space along the length of its internal axis, with a plunger that moves along that axis, through that space, as a result of the electrical current supplied to the coil); others have suggested that a less restrictive definition satisfies the rule. In my opinion, a conventional electric bell is not a solenoid actuator.