Solenoids are used in door bells and electronic valves and switches. Every washing machine has solenoids to open or close the valves or release detergents into the washing machine when needed. A solenoid is a three- dimensional coil of wire.
When a solenoid is connected to an electrical current, it creates an electromagnetic field within the inside of the coil of wire. When you run a current through a solenoid, you create an electromagnet. A solenoid is an appliance that changes energy into linear motion.
This energy can come from an electromagnetic field, a pneumatic chamber, or a hydraulic cylinder. These devices are most likely found in electric bell assemblies, automotive starter systems, industrial air hammers, and many other machines.