How to control a 12VDC latching solenoid from a standard 120V on/off wall switch

MisterBill2

Joined Jan 23, 2018
28,508
How about considering what is commonly commercially available? Older car door lock solenoids are MOMENTARY operated maintained position devices. BUT also available are momentary and maintained action solenoids.
So how about a momentary solenoid with an attached switch that opens the circuit after the gate latch is moved to the opposite position. Hardware logic!! Then use the 2 coil automotive door lock solenoid, momentary in both directions.
 

MisterBill2

Joined Jan 23, 2018
28,508
Certainly the TS will need to know how much power is required to make it actually work.
AND it may be that a 12 volt solenoid is not available .
AND, consider that there are already remote door latch releases available, but most of them use 24 volt AC power.
 

MisterBill2

Joined Jan 23, 2018
28,508
Given that the TS has aparently decided to use an ON/OFF timer for the control, and since any scheme to provide pulses is fairly complex, it seems to me that the TS will need to reconsider the concept.
 

MisterBill2

Joined Jan 23, 2018
28,508
That scheme, with a supply, three relays, 2 capacitors, and two diodes is complex relative to what the TS is considering. Depending on thecurrent required for the double solenoid, the relay ratings and capacitor values may also need some experimenting.
 

B-JoJo-S

Joined Jan 3, 2026
599
sghioto: With that system you're not using a momentary latch and momentary unlatch signals. If I recall, the TS wants an intermittent signal. Honestly I haven't been following this all that closely.
 

B-JoJo-S

Joined Jan 3, 2026
599
To the same degree as a locked house door. I copied this from a google search. "A latching solenoid control circuit uses brief (20–50ms) voltage pulses to toggle between states, reversing polarity to switch between locked and unlocked. It requires an H-bridge or DPDT relay setup to manage current direction, providing high efficiency by eliminating continuous power consumption." I am looking for someone to translate that sentence into a wire diagram that I can make.
I think you're overlooking some important issues: In your system a momentary pulse latches or unlatches the gate. I'll ask this question again (below)
Quick additional question: What happens in an emergency when you need to escape - get through the gate in a hurry?
Putting it a different way - what if you have to escape through a window and can't get to the gate switch? How do you get through the gate in such an emergency?

Consider this as part of your design, as such cases can leave you trapped. Ensure you can escape in emergencies, especially if the gate control is inaccessible. If you want to take that chance, that’s your choice. But if you have a family, prioritize getting everyone out safely. Don’t let a latched gate stand in your way. Plan an alternate escape route, and if that’s blocked, find a way to get through the gate.

I’m new here, but I’ve learned the importance of considering all possibilities. Apollo 13 imagined every possible scenario that could go wrong with the spacecraft on its way to the moon. But the unimaginable happened: an oxygen tank exploded, damaging the ship and making survival tenuous. Fortunately, the seasoned ground support crew considered and tried every possible recovery scenario to save the astronauts. You’re not building a spaceship, but you need a reliable escape plan, especially if your family depends on it.
 

Thread Starter

Oldman52

Joined Aug 26, 2022
22
Been looking but can't find a latching solenoid. But lets get this escape in emergencies thing resolved. The fence is only 4 feet high and is climbable.
 

sghioto

Joined Dec 31, 2017
8,758
Been looking but can't find a latching solenoid.
In that case I believe using a linear actuator operating a bolt latch will work.
Actuator
Operation similar to this image, using whatever size bolt required.
With a proper installation to weather and tamper proof the actuator.
Will work with circuit in #18 with a larger value capacitor.

1772739559537.png
 
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