Re: Marine starter automoitve solenoid
Yes. (And that is coming from the guy who used to enforce the laws on this). Electrical parts on a boat must be ignition protected if they are in a place where gas fumes might accumulate. The engine compartment is one. Ignition protected means it will not create a spark that could ignite gas fumes. A solenoid is inherently ignition protected. It is simply a large coil of wire that when energized creates a very strong magnetic field, that moves the shaft (or piston) in the solenoid, and causes the gear on the starter shaft to engage the teeth on the flywheel. There are no parts in a solenoid that can create a spark. Some solenoids have a relay that trips first and activates the solenoid and that can create a spark, so the relay must be sealed so it won't ignite vapors. So be cautious. If in doubt, pay the extra bucks and buy one that is a marine part.
That said, the bolt on the solenoid where the positive wire connects must be covered with a rubber boot or other shield. This is to prevent accidental contact by metal tools that may be also in contact with other grounded metal parts and causing a huge spark.
Sothe answer is yes, but.....
