Mode shifters vs solenoids, an actuating question

[adam-aussie-vac]

Hey guys, I’ve got a bit of a project when I get back home, and so my question to you is what is more reliable, mode shifters, or actuator solenoids? as well as, if you have the choice in between using one for the brake application of a machine, which one would you pick? As I’m currently trying to find some continuous duty solenoids, as all the ones from China say “must not be energised for more than one minute continuously, otherwise coil burnout Will occur.” I’ve tried Ebay, but those are the ones that say they are not continuously rated.

Does anybody have an idea of where I can get some at a reasonably decent price (less than 60 USD) and it must be rated for 240 V, 50 Hz

 

[rinso]

I grew up in the 50's. I remember well the loud, banging solenoids of machines back then. It was almost as if Speed Queen and Maytag AMP had a contest to see whose washer could scare a family pet out of the room. Oh, and let us not forget the Norges for their equally loud parking brake solenoid. Kudos to Whirlpool who found a way to make its solenoids much more distinguished by us small solenoids to activate cam bars for invoking functions. (buzz, click, snap.)

 

[maytag85]

That’s a good question. From my experience and others, I’d say a solenoid would be more reliable. My Whirlpool (Kenmore compact washer as well) are still on their original control magnet assemblies that are still working decades later. A mode shifter works as well, but not nearly as long lasting and reliable as a simple electromagnet solenoid with a plunger.

 

[adam-aussie-vac]

I’m just currently thinking where on earth do I get solenoid as I’ve looked at all the ones from China, but those don’t really seem to be decent enough quality

 

[brisnat81]

Hi Adam, have you looked at the mode shifters like used on the Simpson or Hoover machines?

I think they’re electrically self contained, in that you apply power and they engage, then when you remove power they unwind. Could those be adapted to work on the extractor?

I actually just found this on eBay, it should be exactly what your looking for

Pardon our interruption...

 

[adam-aussie-vac]

I thought about doing something with one of those

Mode shifters found on newer machines, but I’m personally not really a fan of the delay, I like that instant snap and clunkiness, and I might decide to try and get my hand on one of those, I may need to fashion a bracket as I think the original solenoid Was probably about 4” x 2”