Home applications that use a solenoid?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying household items that utilize solenoids, specifically seeking examples that are portable and can be carried by hand. Participants explore various applications of solenoids beyond the commonly mentioned doorbell.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants mention solenoid valves as common applications found in washing machines and dishwashers, but these items are not portable.
  • One participant questions the assertion that doorbells use solenoids, prompting a discussion about older models that do utilize them.
  • Another participant suggests that electronic door chimes may also involve solenoids, referencing their prevalence in the UK.
  • Participants propose various smaller household items that may contain solenoids, including safety/overload protection circuit breakers, microprocessor-controlled toasters, toys like USB rocket launchers, and model railroad junction switches.
  • One participant describes the use of solenoids in gas appliances for pilot light flame failure protection, explaining how a thermocouple provides the necessary current to hold the gas valve open.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding the use of solenoids in doorbells, with some participants asserting that older models do use them while others contest this claim. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific household items that can be carried and contain solenoids.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the context of the original question, with some indicating it is related to schoolwork. There are also varying definitions and understandings of what constitutes a household item with a solenoid.

raja723578
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Hi,

Can you name a few house hold items that have a solenoid in them?APART FROM A DOOR BELL.
Especially those which can be carried in hand.
Thanks.
 
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raja723578 said:
Hi,

Can you name a few house hold items that have a solenoid in them?APART FROM A DOOR BELL.
Especially those which can be carried in hand.
Thanks.

What is the context of the question? Is it for schoolwork?
 
yea it is school work,we have to bring things that use solenoid in them...

solenoid valves are in washing machines and dishwashers,i cannot carry them to school...some smaller applications that you may know of?
 
APART FROM A DOORBELL?? Can you please give your reference for this statement? No doorbell I have ever seen uses a solenoid.
 
@Bobbywhy
Older doorbells (with chimes and gong sounds) do use solenoids. Maybe you are too young and you only know fully electronic models.
And what do you think produces the sound in an electronic one? (Hint!)
 
Apart from relays/valves in whitegood appliances...? Safety/overload protection circuit breakers in some extension cords and powerboards. Some toasters (microprocessor-controlled). Some toys (USB rocket launcher and model railroad junction switch comes to mind). Oh! Flash opening mechanism in DSLR cameras.
 
Bobbywhy said:
APART FROM A DOORBELL?? Can you please give your reference for this statement? No doorbell I have ever seen uses a solenoid.

Bing Bong Avon calling! That's a solenoid door chime (or a cheap electronic imitation). They are all over the place in the UK - including B&Q for sale.
 
Delta Kilo said:
Apart from relays/valves in whitegood appliances...? Safety/overload protection circuit breakers in some extension cords and powerboards. Some toasters (microprocessor-controlled). Some toys (USB rocket launcher and model railroad junction switch comes to mind). Oh! Flash opening mechanism in DSLR cameras.

And, interestingly, in pretty well all gas appliances with pilot light flame failure protection. The gas valve is held open all the time by a solenoid and the current comes from a thermocouple, heated by the flame. Flame dies, gas valve shuts. No mains or battery needed, just a simple thermocouple. I couldn't believe you could get enough current to work a solenoid - but it will not 'pull' the valve open. It can only hold it, once pressed.
 

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