Thread: Anyone else ever hook up a 12v DC solenoid to 120AC?

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Yep, that's what I did... I have a host of solenoids in both configurations and accidentally just hooked up a pair of 12v DC solenoids to 120v AC. They actuated, got really hot, then the burning electrical smell hit me and I pulled power.

Is there anything serviceable in these (STC brand)? When I hook it up to 12v DC now, the light comes on, but the solenoid doesn't pull-in.

If not, just let it be a lesson/warning to the rest of you to be careful and pay attention.

Lke they say; "If you haven't blown up anything lately then you aren't trying hard enough."

I've done this before. I was in the routine of wiring 10 solenoids and forgot 2 of them were 12v. I did test them with 120v and realized my mistake. No damage was done to the solenoid so I replaced them with 12v power supplies.

The relay fried on that STC solenoid you just need to place it. Which is servicable.

http://www.stcvalve.com/Solenoid_Valve.htm#10

As a STC distributor, I can say that I have seen a few of my customers do this. The coil either pops a hole, or just never works again. A replacement coil costs $7.13. Much cheaper than buying a whole new valve. Putting too much voltage to the coil has never damaged a valve, so as long as the manual operator still functions the valve (only applies to 3 and 4 way valves) you'll be fine with just a coil.