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Solenoids > Linear Solenoids: Selection Guidelines - DC Open Frame Solenoids
DC Selection Guidelines
Product comparison and links to datasheets
Imperial (inches)
Metric (cm)
Imperial Magnetic Latching
Metric Magnetic Latching
The open frame solenoid is the simplest solenoid device consisting of an open iron frame, an overmolded or taped coil, and a movable plunger in the center of the coil. Open frame solenoids are the least expensive of all the solenoid types, and are typically selected for applications in which extremely long life and precise positioning are not critical.

Applications for Dormeyer® Products DC open frame devices are numerous. As with all types of solenoids, open frame models are well suited for applications which require either locking or latching functions.

Applications for DC open frame solenoids include residential and commercial door locks, credit card key "smart" locks, self-cleaning oven locks, front-loading washing machine and dishwasher locks, computer cartridge locks, and many more.
Recommended Applications
(Low cost - high volume)
  • Appliances
  • Printers
  • Coin dispensers
  • Security door locks
  • Cameras
  • Storage/retrieval systems
  • PC board insertion equipment
  • Vending

Open Frame Solenoid Selection Overview
Applications for DC open frame devices are numerous. As with all types of solenoids, open frame models are well suited for applications which require either locking or latching functions. Open frame solenoids are available in a variety of models and sizes. Use the selection chart on page G5 to determine which model offers the desired performance and mechanical specifications. Refer to the individual frame size specification pages for complete performance and mechanical data. Even though Ledex® offers many standard solenoid designs, our customers often require a product with unique features or performance capabilities. If you don't find what you're looking for in the catalog, please give us a call and talk to one of our application engineers.
C Frame Solenoid
C Frame solenoids consist of a formed C shaped steel frame and solid plunger. Therefore, these solenoids are less efficient and less costly than their Box Frame counterparts.

Open Frame Solenoid Construction
Open frame solenoids are designed with two frame styles, the C Frame style, in which the coil is enclosed on one side, and the Box Frame style in which the coil is enclosed on two sides. The Box Frame style provides slightly higher force output and is more rugged in design.

Tapped mounting holes are used for easy installation and interchangeability.

Most models have slotted and cross drilled plungers for easy load attachment.

The plunger is zinc chromate plated for corrosion resistance, and provides a low coefficient of friction and long life.

Over molded coils are available in both Box Frame and C Frame solenoids and offer excellent protection from moisture and humidity. Some solenoids are UL recognized. Most have UL recognized coil insulation systems.

Open Frame Solenoid Principle of Operation
The open frame solenoid is the simplest solenoid device consisting of an open iron frame, an exposed coil, and a movable plunger in the center of the coil.
Box Frame Solenoid
This Box Frame solenoid has a 4- sided closed box frame and solid plunger and is, therefore, more electrically efficient than the C Frame solenoid. The closed, box frame also provides improved mechanical strength. Box Frame solenoids are also referred to as D frame solenoids. The frame encloses four of the six sides of the actuator and provides higher force outputs than a comparable C Frame construction. Models available for use with DC current, continuous and intermittent duty.

Imperial DC Open Frame Selection Overview

Size

Frame
Type

Coil
Type(1)

Height
(inches)

Width
(inches)

Length
(inches)

Max.
Stroke
(inches)

Nominal
Stroke
(inches)

Typical Force (lb)
Nominal Stroke and
100% Rated Voltage @
100% Duty 25% Duty

B4HD

Box

OM

1.63

1.45

2.18

1.00

0.50

0.8

3.5

B11

Box

OM

1.18

0.94

1.86

0.80

0.40

0.2

1.0

B11HD

Box

T 1.25 0.94 2.00 0.70 0.40 1.3 3.0
B12

Box

T 0.40 0.32 0.63 0.20 0.07 0.48 2.2

B14

Box

T

1.02

0.79

1.45

0.60

0.20

0.5

1.9

B16

Box

T

0.48

0.39

0.99

0.15

0.05

0.1

0.3

B17

Box

T

0.59

0.51

0.79

0.18

0.05

0.2

0.6

B20

Box

T

0.94

0.81

1.14

0.50

0.25

0.1

0.4

B21

Box

T

1.31

1.31

1.20

0.50

0.25

0.6

2.2

B22

Box

OM

1.47

1.31

1.61

1.00

0.40

0.6

2.2

B27

Box

T

0.93

0.81

1.62

0.40

0.20

0.3

0.7

B28

Box

T 1.19 0.94 1.13 0.70 0.30 0.2 0.7
B28HD

Box

T 1.25 0.94 1.23 0.50 0.20 0.5 2.2

B41

Box

T

2.03

1.73

3.05

1.00

0.50

3.0

11.0

B75M

Box

T

1.14

1.00

1.63

0.60

0.20

1.1

3.4

C5

C

T

0.46

0.41

0.94

0.20

0.05

0.2

0.7

C8

C

OM

0.81

0.75

1.13

0.50

0.25

0.05

0.3

C9

C

T

1.25

1.38

1.06

0.50

0.25

0.3

1.0

C15

C

T

1.00

1.06

1.14

0.50

0.25

0.1

0.6

C26

C

OM

0.90

0.85

1.73

0.75

0.50

0.1

0.5

C33

C

OM

1.14

1.31

1.36

0.50

0.25

0.3

1.1

C34

C

OM

1.44

1.31

1.66

1.00

0.50

0.2

1.0

(1) OM = Overmolded; T = Taped

Metric DC Open Frame Selection Overview

Size

Frame
Type

Coil
Type(1)

Height
(mm)

Width
(mm)

Length
(mm)

Max.
Stroke
(mm)

Nominal
Stroke
(mm)

Typical Force (N)
Nominal Stroke and
100% Rated Voltage
@ 100% Duty 25% Duty

B4HDM

Box

OM

41.4

36.8

55.4

25.4

12.7

3.6

15.6

B11M

Box

OM

30.0

23.9

47.2

20.3

10.2

0.9

4.4

Box

T

31.8

23.9

50.8

17.5

10.2

5.8

12.6

B12M

Box

T

10.2

8.0

16.0

5.1

1.3

0.1

1.0

B14M

Box

T

25.9

20.1

36.8

15.2

5.1

2.2

8.5

B16M

Box

T

12.2

9.8

25.1

3.8

1.3

0.4

1.3

B17M

Box

T

15.0

13.0

20.0

4.6

1.3

0.9

2.7

B20M

Box

T

23.9

20.6

29.0

12.7

6.4

0.4

1.8

B21M

Box

T

33.3

33.3

30.5

12.7

6.4

2.7

9.8

B22M

Box

OM

37.3

33.3

40.9

25.4

10.2

2.7

9.8

B27M

Box

T

28.9

25.4

41.4

15.2

5.1

4.9

15.1

B28M

Box

T

30.2

23.9

28.7

17.5

7.5

0.9

2.9

B28HDM

Box

T

31.8

23.9

31.2

12.5

5.0

1.8

10.8

B41M

Box

T

51.6

43.9

77.5

25.4

12.7

13.3

48.9

B75M

Box

T

27.9

25.4

41.4

15.2

5.1

4.9

15.1

C5M

C

T

11.7

10.4

23.9

5.1

1.3

0.9

3.1

C8M

C

OM

20.6

19.1

28.7

12.7

6.4

0.2

1.3

C9M

C

T

31.8

35.1

26.9

12.7

6.4

1.3

4.4

C15M

C

T

25.4

26.9

29.0

12.7

6.4

0.4

2.7

C26M

C

OM

26.9

21.6

43.9

19.1

12.7

0.4

2.2

C33M

C

OM

29.0

33.3

34.5

12.7

6.4

1.3

4.9

C34M

C

OM

36.5

33.3

42.2

25.4

12.7

0.9

4.4

(1) OM = Overmolded; T = Taped

Imperial Magnetic Latching DC Open Frame Selection

Size

Frame
Type

Coil
Type(1)

Height
(inches)

Width
(inches)

Length
(inches)

Max.
Stroke
(inches)

Nominal
Stroke
(inches)

Typical Force
(lbs) Nominal Stroke(2)
and 100% Rated Voltage
@ 25% Duty

B14-L

Box - Latching

T

1.02

0.79

1.45

0.6

0.10

2

B16-L

Box - Latching

T

0.48

0.39

0.99

0.15

0.05

0.15

B17-L

Box - Latching

T

0.59

0.51

0.79

0.16

0.08

0.2

B22-L

Box - Latching

OM

1.47

1.31

1.61

0.35

0.10

3.3

C5-L

C - Latching

T

0.46

0.41

0.94

0.20

0.05

0.4

C8-L C - Latching

OM

0.81

0.75

1.13

0.50

0.20

0.6

(1) OM = Overmolded; T = Taped
(2) Using flat face plunger

Metric Magnetic Latching DC Open Frame Selection

Size

Frame
Type

Coil
Type(1)

Height
(mm)

Width
(mm)

Length
(mm)

Max.
Stroke
(mm)

Nominal
Stroke
(mm)

Typical Force (N)
Nominal Stroke(2) and
100% Rated Voltage
@ 25% Duty

B14M-L

Box - Latching

T

25.9

20.1

36.8

15.2

2.5

8.9

B16M-L

Box - Latching

T

12.2

9.9

25.1

3.8

1.3

0.7

B17M-L

Box - Latching

T

15.0

13.0

20.0

4.1

2.0

0.9

B22M-L

Box - Latching

OM

37.3

33.3

40.9

8.9

2.5

14.7

C5M-L

C - Latching

T

11.7

10.4

23.9

5.1

1.3

1.8

C8M-L

C - Latching

OM

20.6

19.1

28.6

12.7

5.1

2.7

(1) OM = Overmolded; T = Taped

(2) Using flat face plunger


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