Some important solenoid terminology is provided below.
Stroke - Stroke is the total expected movement of the solenoid plunger when power is applied. It also can be defined as the gap between the moveable plunger and the fixed pole piece when the solenoid is off.
Force - This refers to the maximum load that the solenoid can push or pull when energized.
Duty cycle - Duty cycle is the ratio between the time the solenoid is energized and the total time of a full operating cycle.
Heat rise - his is the stabilized increase in coil wire temperature that occurs during operation at a rated voltage and duty cycle in the device’sintended ambient conditions.
Return springs - These springs are used to return the plunger when the coil current is turned off.
Potted coil - For environmental protection, the coil may be hermetically sealed (potted).
Response time -This is the time delay between the instant the power is switched on and the moment the plunger reaches the end of its stroke. This time falls in the range of a few milliseconds (5 to 250 ms typically, depending on the size and stroke of the solenoid).
