This 12V Push-Pull Solenoid provides linear movement for mechanical and electronic projects, with a compact 30mm body, captive armature, built-in return spring and mounting tabs. Requires a suitable power supply and driver circuit.
Solenoids are basically electromagnets: they are made of a big coil of copper wirewith anarmature (a slug of metal) in the middle. When the coil is energized, the slug is pulled into the centre of the coil. This makes the solenoid able to pull (from one end) or push (from the other).
This solenoid in particular is fairly small, with a 30mm long body and a 'captive' armature with a return spring. This means that when activated with up to 12VDC, the solenoid moves, and then the voltage is removed it springs back to the original position, which is quite handy.
Many lower-cost solenoids are only push-type or only pull-type and may not have a captive armature (it'll fall out!) or don't have a return spring. This one even has nice mounting tabs, it's a great all-purpose solenoid.
To drive a solenoid you will need a power transistor and a diode, check this diagram for how to wire it to an Arduino or other microcontroller. You will need a fairly good power supply to drive a solenoid, as a lot of current will rush into the solenoid to charge up the electro-magnet, about 250mA, so don't try to power it with a 9V battery!
Features
30mm compact solenoid body
Operates up to 12VDC
Push and pull functionality
Captive armature with return spring
Automatically resets to original position when deactivated
Integrated mounting tabs
Requires approximately 250mA current draw
Needs power transistor and diode for microcontroller operation
Suitable for Arduino and similar platforms
Specifications
12 VDC operation (please note lower voltage results in weaker/slower operation) - ~300 mA current draw
Push or pull type with 5.5 mm throw
DC coil resistance: 40 ohms
0.5 Newton starting force (12VDC)
5.0 Newton retentive force
1.4 oz / 39 grams
24AWG
Revision History
As of Jan 17, 2018 we're selling this solenoid with a 12VDC actuation voltage instead of 24V.
