MSA reference designs are supplied with either lead-wires or quick-connect terminals. Specific electrical connections can be provided for your application.

Yes. One can purchase selected reference designs of MSA’s electromagnetic product line through McMaster Carr.

Duty cycles are calculated as a percentage of “on time” vs. the “off time”. A typical calculation is as follows: [(30 seconds on) /(30 seconds on + 90 seconds off)] x 100% = 25% Duty Cycle

• Continuous Duty is typically defined as 100% duty cycle
• Intermittant Duty is typically defined as 25% duty cycle for D-Frame Solenoids, and 10% for cylindrical solenoids
• Pulse Duty is typically defined as 10% duty cycle (max on-time does not exceed 100ms

MSA manufacturers representatives can be found under Sales & Distribution within the Why MSA section. If a representative is not listed in your area, please feel free to contact MSA directly.

Yes. The MSA web site offers both 2D and 3D CAD files for all reference designs.

Life-cycle rating depends on many factors which are determined by the application. Under conditions involving simple linear motion, MSA’s electromagnetic style solenoids typically provide in excess of one million actuations. Higher life-cycle requirements can also be met with well-established design enhancements, and effective system design.

The typical MSA electromagnetic solenoid product line is not rated for outdoor use. MSA often designs customized solenoids which can be used outdoors.

Yes. MSA can convert our more typical DC style solenoids into AC solenoids by redesigning the coil. In some cases, a bridge rectifier can also be added to the coil.

Yes. MSA can incorporate a return spring into the solenoid to meet customer specifications.

Either gravity, or some sort of spring mechanism is needed to return the plunger to its original position after voltage is removed from the coil. MSA typically incorporates a return spring into the solenoid to meet customer specifications.

Solenoids only operate in one direction.

• When the solenoid coil is energized, a fixed internal component (called the stop) becomes magnetized, thereby attracting a moving component (called the plunger).
• This magnetic attraction creates a pulling motion, moving the plunger toward the stop.

Reversing either the current or the polarity of a solenoid does not reverse the direction of the plunger’s movement

Solenoids only operate in one direction.

• When the solenoid coil is energized, a fixed internal component (called the stop) becomes magnetized, thereby attracting a moving component (called the plunger).
• This magnetic attraction creates a pulling motion, moving the plunger toward the stop.

Reversing either the current or the polarity of a solenoid does not reverse the direction of the plunger’s movement

Solenoids only operate in one direction.

• When the solenoid coil is energized, a fixed internal component (called the stop) becomes magnetized, thereby attracting a moving component (called the plunger).
• This magnetic attraction creates a pulling motion, moving the plunger toward the stop.

Reversing either the current or the polarity of a solenoid does not reverse the direction of the plunger’s movement

DC voltage solenoids are not polarity sensitive. Other Magnet-Schultz products, such as magnetic latching products, are polarity sensitive.

MSA’s manufacturing process is geared to produce new product for volume applications used by OEMs. Intricate rework and repair is more costly than manufacturing new product, so it is seldom pursued.