relays or solenoids

[redlinj]

I am redoing a 2 wire tnt setup. I have relays, solenoids, wire, etc. all the necessary components to finish the job. Personally, I'd rather use solenoids rather than relays----pretty much because I find them easier to wire up. Will solenoids do the same job as the relays?

 

[bruceb58]

A relay and solenoid that acts like a relay are basically doing the same thing and are wired up identically.

 

[midcarolina]

Yep........ a solenoid is nothing more than a single pole single throw high amp relay.

 

[sam am I]

If it's 2 wire motor(you report yours is), normally ya need/use relays (2 ea - SPDT type, see below) due to that one relay(the one not energized) to trim up for example, it's N.C. throw is grounding(Shown as "0V" below) one side of the motor winding, while the energized relay's N.O. throw supplies 12V(Shown as "+Ve" below) to the other side of the motor's winding. To trim down the relay's reverse this process thus reversing the current flow through the motor's windings thus turning the motor the other direction.




Drawn with both relays NOT energized.


You could use the standard auto/marine type solenoids(see below) w your 2 wire motor, but it would require 4, haven't seen that done on boats, not typically anyway. Might be a bit of a mess to wire too and should either side of the bridge have the pull up to 12V and pull down to Gnd solenoid's some how end up both "ON" at same time, POOF, smoke on the water!!...Google "H bridge".


Drawn with all solenoids NOT energized.




For 3 wire motors(not yours), you may and all that is required to use is either 2 - ea solenoids or 2 - ea. relay(SPST or SPDT would work too) due to the motor's winding is center tapped at ground(or 12V) and it only requires one side of the tap energized at a time to go up for example and then the other tapped side energized to trim down.

 

[bruceb58]

For a 2 wire motor you need 2 SPDT relays. In their non energized states, both relays are feeding ground to each wire. You energize one or the other for up or down and that particular relay supplies 12V to that wire of the motor.

 

[redlinj]

Whoops, I installed 4 spade relays. I guess they are SPST relays. Is that why they only click and the TNT doesn't work?

 

[sam am I]

Most likely.........here, this might help

 

[mashoodsheikh]

When deciding between relays and solenoids for boat repair and restoration, consider the specific tasks and functions you need to accomplish. If you require precise electrical control or need to switch high-current or high-voltage circuits, relays might be a better choice. On the other hand, if you need mechanical actuation or simple on/off control, solenoids could be more suitable.

It's also worth considering factors such as the availability of compatible components, ease of installation, durability in marine environments, and power consumption. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on the specific requirements and constraints of your boat repair and restoration project.

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