Solenoid Electric Door Lock 12V 0.9A

Light duty solenoid electric door lock

DESCRIPTION

This is a light duty solenoid electric door lock that allows a door to be unlocked using a key card, hidden pushbutton or similar means.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Qty 1 – Solenoid Electric Door Lock, 12V, 0.9A

KEY FEATURES OF SOLENOID ELECTRIC DOOR LOCK 12V 0.9A:

• 9-12V Operation
• 0.9A / 10W power draw
• Locking latch can be rotated to all 4 different directions
• Fully enclosed heavy-duty stainless steel construction

Solenoids are electromagnets.  When power is applied, a coil of copper wire inside is energized and becomes magnetized.  The armature of the solenoid that is attached to the locking latch is magnetically drawn into the center of the coil of wire, thus unlocking / opening the latch.  When power is removed, the magnetic field is removed and a small spring pushes the latch back out into the locked position.

This solenoid door lock is intended for light duty use as it has a fairly low extraction force.  It is best suited for light doors such as cabinet doors where little side force is applied to the latch.

Rotating the latch assembly:

For flexibility, the latch can be rotated to any of the 4 directions depending on mounting requirements.  To rotate the latch:

1. Remove the 2 cover screws and the cover.
2. Locate the black C-clip between the spring and the latch head and remove it with needle nose pliers or a small flat bladed screwdriver.  Be sure not to lose the clip.
3. With the C-clip removed, the latch can be pulled part way out and rotated to the desired direction.
4. Reinstall the C-clip using needle nose pliers or a similar tool
5. Reinstall the cover using the 2 cover screws.  Ensure the wires exit the small cutout in the cover to avoid pinching the wires when it is reassembled.

Driving the Solenoid:

Latch Extended

 

The solenoid requires a 12V power source that can supply at least 900mA.  The solenoid will operate down to 9V, but with a reduction in pull strength.  Since the power is just being used to energize windings, polarity of the two wires is not important to the operation of the solenoid.

A simple 12V AC/DC wall adapter can be used to power the solenoid.  The power is only applied for a short time to unlock the door, so some method of controlling the power is required.

A hidden momentary ON pushbutton is the simplest method. When the button is pushed, the solenoid is energized and the latch retracts for as long as the button is pushed.

If a logic controlled lock is desired, such as using a card reader to unlock a door, then a logic control power switching setup is required.  This can be something like a small relay or a power transistor to control power to the solenoid.  Because of the magnetic windings, a shunt diode may be required to

Latch Retracted

 

handle the current spike when the magnetic field collapses after the solenoid is de-energized.

As with all solenoids, power should only be applied for a short period of time (approximately < 20 seconds) to avoid overheating the windings.

When the latch is retracted, it sit flush with the housing.

OUR EVALUATION RESULTS:

These are nice quality solenoids perfect for light duty applications or to experiment with the technology.

As noted above, if using in an live application, ensure the lateral side force placed on the latch is minimal or the latch may not be able to open when power is applied.  For some snug applications, applying a little hand pressure to the door to relieve the pressure on the latch will allow it to operation.

For a stronger solenoid, check out our 12V 1.7A version below.

BEFORE THEY ARE SHIPPED, THESE MOTORS ARE:

• Tested at 12VDC for normal operation and current draw
• Packaged in padded resealable bag

Notes: 

1. None

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS