A solenoid, or solenoid valve, is an electromechanically operated actuator found in many industrial applications. The actuator is controlled by an electric current passing through a coil of wire - the solenoid - creating an electromagnet that operates a switch.
Solenoid valves can be used for a wide array of applications, including general on-off control, calibration and test stands, pilot plant control loops, process control systems, and various original equipment manufacturer applications.
Solenoids are differentiated by their type (frame style, actuating mechanism), coil voltage and power, and maximum force and length of actuating pistons.