Solenoid Wiring question

disco192
01-20-2005, 07:24 PM
So im thinking that for safety reasons, I want to wire the solenoids in series instead of parallel. THis would ensure that an electrical failure on one would stop the other too.

Has anyone done this and would it work? Im not really sure because it would get half the current, but maybe it will work.

Any thoughts?

MEAN_SBC
01-21-2005, 01:12 AM
I would recommend to wire them the way the instructions say.

Just make sure to make excellent connections (soldered if possible), and you shouldn't have to worry about an "electrical failure."

The nitrous company that manufactured your kit only demonstrates the best way to install your kit in the instructions. If wiring it in series was the way to do it, then that's how they would recommend doing it. I personally have never tried it that way, but I have also never had an electrical problem period, wiring them the way that is specified in the instructions.

Injuneer
01-21-2005, 01:24 AM
So im thinking that for safety reasons, I want to wire the solenoids in series instead of parallel. THis would ensure that an electrical failure on one would stop the other too.

Has anyone done this and would it work? Im not really sure because it would get half the current, but maybe it will work.

Any thoughts?
If you wire them in series, each solenoid only sees 1/2 the voltage (and yes, 1/2 the current), and 6V might not even be enough to open a solenoid that's looking for 12V.

Why do you feel you need to shut down the second solenoid if the other one fails? If one solenoid dies and cuts 1/2 the nitrous flow, its going to run pig rich. If two solenoids are shut down, its going to run "pig richer". Not sure why you would want both solenoids to shut down in the first place. Better to consume at least 1/2 the fuel that is pouring in, rather than leave it all unburned and washing down your cylinder walls.

disco192
01-21-2005, 11:08 AM
Well if the fuel solenoid fails and closes while the N2O solenoid is still open, then it can be VERY bad.

Just wondering if anyone has ever done this. It was just a whim as I was thinking up a wiring diagram and thought that would be an interesting failsafe if it would work. Im an Aerospace Engineering student, so we sometimes way outside the box. :)

MEAN_SBC
01-21-2005, 11:17 AM
Typically if your solenoid is going to fail, it's not because of an electrical problem. If it's an electrical problem, it's just faulty wiring. Using the diagram in the instructions, both solenoids share a common power source and ground anyways, so if good connections are made, and power is lost, then both solenoids should fail anyways.

If a solenoid sticks, it will be because some foriegn trash material has gotten in it. Just use a good fuel filter, and nitrous filter, and you should be fine.

And 6 volts is not enough to make the solenoids function properly anyways.