Master solenoid

[Kitfox Pilot]

Can a master solenoid be mounted flat on a plate or does it have to be vertical for a reason?

I asked this question earlier but can't find were it went on as so if this is a double post please delete . Thanks

[Dave S]

Harlan,


Needs to be mounted vertically; and, a good idea to go to the solenoid manufacturers documentation - depending on the manufacturer, orientation may be cap up or cap down.

If mounted sideways, the contactor operation may be intermittent as there is very little travel before the solenoid hits the stop inside.

Do a search on "relay failure" there is a contribution by three of us on the subject plus some photos of the guts of these things and why the orientation is important.

[Kitfox Pilot]

Thanks Dave. I searched before I asked but didn't find anything. Glad I asked because I had decided it would be ok laying down. I made a bracket to put it vertical, thanks for the info to keep me on the right track!

[Kitfox Pilot]

Dave, everything I read says to put a diode on the master and start solenoids but I can't find any supplied. I know very little about this other than where they go. Are these 5 watt diodes ok to use for that?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/26479237674...sAAOSwkrRfCVJy

[Av8r_Sed]

Dave, everything I read says to put a diode on the master and start solenoids but I can't find any supplied. I know very little about this other than where they go. Are these 5 watt diodes ok to use for that?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/26479237674...sAAOSwkrRfCVJy

Hi Harlan,

Weighing in here: the 12 V Zener you provided a link for would not be a good choice for the flyback diode on the solenoid. It would affect your electrical system and possibly burn out. Try something like a 1N4004 (instead of the 1N4148) in the diagram below.

[jrevens]

The very common White-Rodgers type 70 or 71 should be mounted vertically with the”cap” down. There are other types/brands that may not have that recommendation or requirement.

[jrevens]

The diode is recommended to protect the contacts on the switch that is used to control the solenoid. When the coil is de-energized & the magnetic field collapses, a high voltage “spike” can be induced that causes arcing at the switch contacts. An inductive load, like a relay coil, should ideally have a diode to protect the controlling switch contacts. Some solenoid relays will have one built in. A simple silicon diode of the proper voltage rating is what’s needed. The 4000 series are a good choice.

[Kitfox Pilot]

Thanks again for all your help guys!

[Kitfox Pilot]

Thank you very much!

Hi Harlan,

Weighing in here: the 12 V Zener you provided a link for would not be a good choice for the flyback diode on the solenoid. It would affect your electrical system and possibly burn out. Try something like a 1N4004 (instead of the 1N4148) in the diagram below.

[Shadowrider]

Harlan they should of came with your vertical power.