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Solenoids

A handy electromechanical device for giving something a nudge.

It consists of an electromagnet with a moveable magnetic plunger down the middle. When a current flows through the electromagnet coil, it becomes magnetised and pulls the plunger into the centre of the coil.

Like the motor, the solenoid requires a high current, and so a driver circuit is needed. There is a risk of a high voltage generated when the solenoid switches off and the magnetic field collapses. Again, a diode should be used to protect the electronic components.