Latching Technology Used to Isolate Power Faults

This robust, manually resettable latching solenoid was designed to actuate the fault interrupter in pad-mounted switchgear.

Power Faults

Customer Problem

A manufacturer of medium voltage power distribution equipment needed a solution that would actuate the fault interrupter in their pad-mounted switchgear when the system detected a safety concern. Once activated, the solenoid needed to remain in the released position until the system hardware was manually reset. The solution also needed to be stable in a wide range of temperatures.

The TLX Solution

TLX Technologies designed and produced a manually resettable latching solenoid that eliminates the durability failure modes of standard U-frame designs, is temperature stable, and can release at -40°C in less than 12 milliseconds. A permanent magnet holds the solenoid in the latched position, and when the system detects a fault, a short pulse releases the solenoid to activate the system’s fault interrupter. The solenoid only resets when the technician manually resets the system's hardware after the fault is cleared.

Manual Reset Latching Solenoid

Manual Reset Latching Solenoid

Release voltage
3 to 30 Vdc
Minimum trip energy
.030 J
Coil resistance at 20°C
5.75 Ω ± 0.5 Ω
Stroke
22.3 mm ± .635 mm
Response time
12 ms max.
Latched spring load
59.16 N ± 5.78 N
Net holding force
12 lbs. min.
Operating temperature range
-40°C to 50°C (-40°F to 122°F)
Electric strength
500 Vac for 1 second
Durability
> 100K cycles

All TLX components are customized to fit system requirements, meaning technical specifications are unique to each customer and design. Examples given on our website are for illustration purposes only.

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