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mlittles · Oct 26, 2011, 12:42 PM

It seems most solenoids work by being normally open or normally closed, and then when activated it will open/closed until the switch is released. Is there a type that has a "toggle" switch that opens when activated but stays open until it is clicked/contacted a second time to close it?

mlittles · Oct 30, 2011, 12:05 AM

It seems most solenoids work by being normally open or normally closed, and then when activated it will open/close until the switch is released. Is there a type that has a "toggle" switch that opens when activated but stays open until it is clicked/contacted a second time to close it? Basically, a way to keep the electrical current flowing to keep the solenoid valve open or closed after the stitch has been clicked the first time, and then disconnect the current when the switch is clicked a 2nd time.

donf · Oct 30, 2011, 06:47 AM

Yes, they are called "Latched Relays".

You do not need a switch for this type of relay. When the solenoid or relay picks, it will hold until released.

Stratmando · Oct 30, 2011, 07:27 AM

Latching relays are cool. A momentary pushbutton contact will change conditions and draws no current except during switching.
Started using the Volkswagen Headlight relays since the 70's, these are 12 volts and a momentary pull of a lever or push of a button will change from High beam to low, the common of the relay is from the headlight on/off switch.
I designed a zero current Alarm system that uses the latching relay, only problem is it is a normally open circuit, and will last as long as the battery can hold a charge. Zero draw during protection.

Stratmando · Oct 30, 2011, 07:29 AM

Latching relays are cool. A momentary pushbutton contact will change conditions and draws no current except during switching.
Started using the Volkswagen Headlight relays since the 70's, these are 12 volts and a momentary pull of a lever or push of a button will change from High beam to low, the common of the relay is from the headlight on/off switch.
I designed a zero current Alarm system that uses the latching relay, only problem is it is a normally open circuit, and will last as long as the battery can hold a charge. Zero draw during protection.

mlittles · Nov 1, 2011, 06:36 PM

Thanks for the responses! However, I just realized I still didn't ask a clear question. I added

Is there a type that has a "toggle" switch that opens when activated but stays open until it is clicked/contacted a second time to close it? Basically, a way to keep the electrical current flowing to keep the solenoid valve open after the switch has been clicked (and then released)the first time.(At this point I still need the valve to be open even after the first contact and release). Then when it is contacted a 2nd time I need it to disconnect the current so that the valve will close. Does latched relays work this way?

I think, it may be a simple push button instead of a the more popular flip toggle switches that I'm looking for?