“The Conventional Method” Verses “The Mag-Probe Method” When Testing Electrical Solenoid Valves & Relays

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Conventional Method of Testing Solenoid Coils

Bartol Mag-Probe Method Used for Testing Solenoid Coils

The Mag-Probe is Non-Contact and is completely separated from the power supply, therefore (the Mag-Probe offers no load to the power supply).

The First thing you do when conducting tests with a Mag-Probe is “Check the Mag-Probe to make sure it’s working properly by using the ring magnet (that Comes with the Mag-Probe inside the Red Cap) to make a self test.”

Objective of testing with the Mag-Probe is to solve the problem as quickly as possible by detecting current flowing through a solenoid valve or relay coil. Simply point the tip of the Mag-Probe near the solenoid valve or relay coil and observe the LED in the Mag-Probe during equipment operation. If the LED lights up it will indicate that current, continuity, and voltage is present.

This is accomplished in seconds.

What does this indication tell us?

It tells us that the power source , the wiring from the power source to the solenoid valve or relay coil is intact and current is flowing through the coil.

If the solenoid valve is used to dispense a measured amount of fluid, the length of time the power is applied to the coil may be measured by using the stopwatch function on a cell phone. Measure the time the LED in the mag probe is on.

Once you know the coil is activated, there must be flow through the solenoid valve ports. Sluggish or no valve opening or closing indicates mechanical movement problems. When this occurs, replace the solenoid valve.

Conventional Method of Testing Ice Cube Relay Coils & Contactors

Bartol Mag-Probe Method for Testing Ice Cube Relay Coils & Contacts

The Mag-Probe is Non-Contact and is completely separated from the power supply, therefore (the Mag-Probe offers no load to the power supply).

Once you know the coil is activated, the relay contacts must close. However if no output is observed,

the relay contacts may be burned or the source voltage may not be present at the relay contacts.

In order to save time, replace the relay.

If the relay contacts were bad, the problem is solved. If the relay contacts were not damaged, then the problem is with the input voltage that is connected to the relay contacts.

If the relay is plugged into a socket, unplug the relay and check for voltage at the socket pin’s.

If no voltage is detected, check the source voltage.

If you’re testing for relay or solenoid valve sequencing using a mag probe is ideal. You may require two or more mag probes to perform this test. By using electricians tape to hold the mag probes in place, observe the LED in the mag probes as the machine operates.