Difference Between 3 Terminal and 4 Terminal Solenoid
Updated 04/17/2018 | Published 04/14/2018
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Working on aux charge solenoids on our camper. I find there are 2 types of solenoids, the 3 terminal and the 4 terminal type. I believer the 2 large terminals on both carry current from the charging location to additional batteries. If using the 3 terminal, the body of the solenoid is the ground with the small terminal wired to a power source to complete the circuit. With the solenoid with the 2 small terminals, one side is required to be the ground while the other is the power closing the circuit. Thanks for the help.
asked by: D G
Expert Reply:
You are correct. With a 3 terminal solenoid like the # PK5231201, the mounting hardware will serve as the ground connection. A 4 terminal solenoid like the # PK5232401 will require a dedicated ground wire from that additional terminal for this function.
When choosing between the two, I do recommend going with a 3 terminal like # PK5231201, as it simply eliminates the need for a separate ground wire, which will in turn require you to drill another hole into the trailer's frame.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Starter Solenoid - SPST - 12 Volt - 100 Amp - Continuous Duty - Grounded
- Accessories and Parts
- Battery
- Switches and Solenoids
- 100 Amp
- Pollak
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Error Code 9 Under Current On Air Lift WirelessAIR Compressor System
- Video: A Closer Look at the Opti-Brite LED Strip Light for RV Awnings
- Shop: Starter Solenoid - SPST - 12 Volt - 100 Amp - Continuous Duty - Grounded
- Shop: Starter Solenoid - SPST - 24 Volt - 100 Amp - Continuous Duty - Insulated
- Q&A: How to Wire a 4-Terminal Solenoid That Replaced a 3-Terminal Solenoid
- Shop: Starter Solenoid - SPST - 12 Volt - 100 Amp - Continuous Duty - Insulated - UL Listed
- Search Results: hitch cargo carrier
- Shop: Opti-Brite LED Strip Light for RV Awnings - Weatherproof - Black Housing - 11" Long
- Search Results: rv radio
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Video: A Look at the Power Mountain Tallboy 6 Ton Off-Road Bottle Jack with a Military Cargo Trailer
- Q&A: Does etrailer Carry Furrion Chill Cube w/ Heat Pump to Replace Dometic Duo-Therm
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Collar for 2" Hitch Receivers
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Article: 30-Amp and 50-Amp RV Service: What's the Difference?
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch Manufacturer Breakdown
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Video: Clean Up Your Trailer Wiring
on Accessories and Parts
