Question about solenoids?

[loply]

Hi folks,

Quick question - for the typical off-the-shelf, non-latching, DC low voltage "pull" solenoid, will the plunger retract if you just push on it, in addition to if you apply the voltage to it? Does it have some internal spring typically which then pushes the solenoid back out?

Or is it somehow locked in place until the thing is powered?

[Bluechip]

Loply

[1] Yes, most likely it will. 

[2] How the solenoid restores is up to you, some have a spring around the plunger [ armature ] some rely on the external mechanism.

Dave

Cute little giffy thingy

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=solenoid&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=solenoid&sc=8-8&sp=-1&sk=#view=detail&id=C373FCC2192CA813B9779EEA849E4A8D2C401FED&selectedIndex=6

[loply]

Thanks Bluechip.

[John Rudd]

Solenoids that are used in safety critical applications generally are reaet manually....