Add a diode to my solenoid valve?

[Bigshooter81]

Just got my switches and electrical assembly and they are recommending a diode to be installed to safeguard the switches.

Is this common practice?

Thanks.

 

[hillwood]

Probably a clamping diode. It would be for preventing back feed and spikes when operating

 

[Bigshooter81]

It's purpose is to safeguard switches when opening the circuit. Otherwise the switches could arc out and fail.

 

[/pine]

On flyback diodes polarity is critical when installing...FWIW...

 

[hillwood]

A diode lets current flow only one way. You must install correctly. An arrow on the diode should show direction of flow.

 

[Bigshooter81]

Yep. Direction is important.... wondering how common they are used on hydraulic solenoids.. anyone actually install and use them in this regard?

 

[RNeumann]

Just got my switches and electrical assembly and they are recommending a diode to be installed to safeguard the switches.

Is this common practice?

Thanks.

I'm assuming this is 12v tractor stuff. What are you switching? Type of load, amps etc. Adding a diode is not a common practice for typical automotive/tractor applications......so I'm curious!

 

[hillwood]

Any time you have an electrical component that has windings of wire in it, the windings tend to hold current for a millisecond or two when switched off. This current can feed back and damage other components. Thus the one way diode stops the feed back.
There are diodes placed where needed when the vehicle is built.
When adding components like valves with solenoids, it is just a safeguard.

 

[CalG]

Any time you have an electrical component that has windings of wire in it, the windings tend to hold current for a millisecond or two when switched off. This current can feed back and damage other components. Thus the one way diode stops the feed back.
There are diodes placed where needed when the vehicle is built.
When adding components like valves with solenoids, it is just a safeguard.

Adding a diode is a good idea.
Flyback diode - Wikipedia

 

[Dave Pee]

The diode in electronic circuits is always installed in parallel with the coil. Anode (arrow) is connected to the low/ground side of the coil of the relay/solenoid.

Lets see if this makes sense: when the solenoid is energized, it creates a magnetic field to pull/hold the armature/contacts. When the solenoid is de-energized, that existing magnetic field collapses, which induces a reverse polarity voltage, which tries to keep the current flowing in the coil. This reverse voltage is snubbed out by the diode, and therefore no other sensitive circuits are disturbed.