The Tool Desk
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The two currents you need
| Quantity | Formula | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup or inrush current | Iinrush = VAinrush ÷ VRMS | Transformer, relay, SSR and switch pickup capacity |
| Holding (sealed) current | Ihold = VAhold ÷ VRMS | Continuous thermal and steady-state loading |
| Apparent power | VA = VRMSIRMS | Transformer, wiring and apparent-load sizing |
| Real power | P = VRMSIRMScos φ | Average watts converted to heat and mechanical work |
Read the coil’s rated voltage and frequency first, then obtain its inrush and holding VA from the exact datasheet. Bürkert and ASCO engineering information describe this VA-based method. VA is not watts; power factor equals watts divided by VA.
Worked calculations
24 V AC valve coil
For 36 VA inrush and 16 VA holding:
- Inrush: 36 ÷ 24 = 1.50 A RMS
- Holding: 16 ÷ 24 = 0.667 A RMS
A transformer must tolerate the 1.50 A pickup event, while continuous heating is based mainly on the 0.667 A holding load.
120 V AC coil
For 60 VA inrush and 15 VA holding:
- Inrush: 60 ÷ 120 = 0.50 A RMS
- Holding: 15 ÷ 120 = 0.125 A RMS
A 120 V coil marked 47 VA has an apparent-current estimate of 47 ÷ 120 = 0.392 A; this is not necessarily 47 W. See the Clark Cooper coil-current explanation.
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- As with all U.S. SOLID products, this valve comes with a ONE YEAR WARRANTY. If the valve does become defective within the first year of purchase, U.S. SOLID will gladly replace it.
230 V AC load
For 24 VA inrush and 3.4 VA holding:
- Inrush: 24 ÷ 230 = 104 mA RMS
- Holding: 3.4 ÷ 230 = 14.8 mA RMS
That very low holding current may be below the holding-current requirement of a triac output or SSR.
Why current falls after pickup
With the armature open, the magnetic air gap is large. Once the armature seats, the magnetic circuit changes, effective inductance generally increases, and impedance rises, so current normally falls. The result depends on armature position, frequency, saturation, temperature and mechanical condition; it is not a fixed resistor. Bürkert’s current-consumption guidance explains this position-dependent behavior.
If dirt, an obstruction, incorrect assembly, low voltage or damaged pole faces prevent seating, the coil can remain in its high-current pickup condition and overheat. Conventional AC coils should not be operated with the intended core missing or the armature prevented from closing.
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- Highest quality control valve available GUARANTEED! Our valves feature premium quality materials and craftsmanship. All valves undergo rigorous quality testing and inspections. Our valves are manufactured in an ISO 9001, IATF 16949 certified facility.
- PLEASE PHYSICALLY CHECK YOUR COMPRESSOR BEFORE ORDERING The manufacture used several suppliers for the AC compressor! This solenoid is only compatible with Sanden PXE16 PXE14 compressors held in with a snap ring and are visually identical. YOU CAN NOT ORDER THIS VALVE SOLEY BASED ON YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, ENGINE!
- Please note this is a new updated valve and may be longer than the valve found in your compressor. It is 100% compatible with the short style valve.
- Compatible with Audi and Volkswagen vehicles from 2006 + including Jetta and Golf TDI. The OEM and other aftermarket brand solenoid have an EXTREMELY high failure rate! Will cause intermittent / no AC issues
- THIS IS VALVE IS SECURED INTO THE COMPRESSOR BODY USING A SNAP RING. If your valve is held in with a bolt please see our other listing. This part is only compatible with Sanden compressors. If you compressors is manufactured by another company please check our other listings.
When an R–L calculation is appropriate
If resistance and inductance are known at the actual operating condition, use the fixed-coil approximation:
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Z = √(R² + XL²)
IRMS = VRMS ÷ Z
Example: at 120 V RMS, 60 Hz, R = 100 Ω and L = 0.50 H, XL = 188.5 Ω, Z ≈ 213.4 Ω and I ≈ 0.562 A RMS. This is a first-order estimate only: a moving solenoid’s inductance changes and its iron may saturate. Use the manufacturer’s VA data for equipment selection.
Why V ÷ R is usually wrong for normal AC operation
An ohmmeter measures DC winding resistance, not the AC impedance created by inductance and the magnetic circuit. Therefore V ÷ RDC does not represent normal seated AC current. DC resistance remains useful for finding an open or shorted winding, comparing replacement coils, estimating copper heating, and checking an abnormal missing-core condition.
Rank #3
- A/C COMPRESSOR CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE - This a/c compressor control solenoid valve regulates the variable A/C compressor's displacement and output. Fixes weak, intermittent, or no cold air caused by a failed compressor control valve. A direct-fit, plug-and-play replacement - no modifications required.
- COMPATIBLE WITH AUDI, VOLKSWAGEN VEHICLES - Direct-fit replacement for: Audi A3 (8P) with Sanden PXE14/16 Compressor 2006-2013 | Audi TT (8J) with Sanden PXE14/16 Compressor 2008-2015 | Volkswagen Beetle (A5) with Sanden PXE14/16 Compressor 2012-2019 | Volkswagen Golf MK6 with Sanden PXE14/16 Compressor 2010-2014 | and more. Confirm your vehicle and match your part number, then see the full compatibility chart below to guarantee correct fit.
- REPLACES PART# - 1K0820803E. Cross-references the OEM and popular aftermarket numbers above - match any one of these numbers on your original part to confirm this is the correct replacement.
- OEM FIT, QUALITY & FINISH - While this is NOT a genuine OEM part, it is a direct replacement engineered to meet or exceed factory specifications, built with a precision valve built to OEM control specifications for reliable, long-lasting performance.
- 2-YEAR/24,000-MILE WARRANTY - Backed by AA Ignition. If this a/c compressor control solenoid valve ever fails, contact us for a replacement - saving you time and money versus dealer prices. For a complete repair, we recommend inspecting the A/C system charge.
For a stalled or missing-core fault, I ≈ VRMS ÷ RDC can be a conservative estimate. It is not a precise normal inrush formula; actual current depends on saturation, waveform, supply impedance and armature motion. A simplified fixed DC R–L model uses i(t) = (V/R)(1 − e−tR/L), with initial slope V/L, but it does not predict a complete moving AC waveform. See Analog Devices CN0415.
RMS, peak, watts and VA
Datasheets may list RMS inrush current, inrush VA, peak current, first-half-cycle current, pickup current or starting VA. These terms are not interchangeable. VA ÷ RMS voltage produces RMS current; do not call it peak current unless the waveform and measurement definition are known.
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Rank #4
- [Vehicle Fitment]: Compatible with 2006-2015 Volkswagen Beetle, CC, Golf MK6, GTI MK5 and MK6, Jetta TDI MK5 and MK6, Passat B6 and B7, Rabbit MK5, Tiguan; Compatible with Audi A3, TT
- [compressor type]: San-den PXE16, PXE14 Compressor models
- [Reference Number]: 1K0820803E, 1K0820859M, 1K0820859S, 4472601705, 1K0820803F
- [OE Performance]: Confirm that this AC Compressor Control Valves for car will fit your car by using Amazon's garage. Please make sure to match photos with your existing a/c compressor
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Size the surrounding equipment
Transformer
For several coils, add the holding VA of coils that remain energized. Separately add the inrush VA of every coil that can start simultaneously. A transformer sized only for steady holding load may sag during pickup, causing failed seating and a high-current thermal loop. Include voltage regulation, the approved operating-voltage range, wiring drop and the lowest expected supply voltage.
Wiring and protection
Use RMS current for conductor loading and the specified inrush for nuisance-trip evaluation. Fuse or breaker selection also requires time-current behavior, conductor ampacity, fault current, duty cycle, code and the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not choose a universal fuse size from holding current alone.
Relay, contactor, PLC output or SSR
Check pickup current, repetitive cycling, holding current, turn-off transients and the actual AC inductive-load category. A relay’s resistive-current rating is not automatically its solenoid rating. For triac outputs, a very low holding current can fall below the triac’s holding current and cause chatter, partial energization or dropout. Also check leakage current, latching and commutation behavior, dv/dt and any required snubber. Industrial Monitor Direct discusses this low-current problem.
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Best Value
- Durable brass construction and a quality copper solenoid. And high quality copper coil, NOT aluminium coil.
- Port Size : 1/2" Female NPT , 2W160-15
- Voltage: AC 110V
- Temperature Range: 41-185°F , Working Pressure: Water/Oil 0-0.5 Mpa ; Air 0-0.7 Mpa
- High quality normally closed electric solenoid valve for air ,water or oil.
Measure the real installation
- Verify the coil’s voltage, frequency and wiring, then use a current instrument rated for the circuit’s CAT category.
- Measure immediately after energization and again after the armature seats.
- Repeat at the lowest expected supply voltage and with the coil fully installed.
- For watts, VA and power factor, use a power analyzer or wattmeter rather than relying on a basic multimeter.
Use a true-RMS clamp or probe with adequate bandwidth, crest-factor capability and inrush capture. Clamp around only one conductor, never both supply and return. TE Connectivity describes determining AC-coil inductance from voltage, current, real power or phase displacement.
Troubleshooting abnormal current
| Symptom | Likely checks |
|---|---|
| Current remains high | Armature not seating, dirt, obstruction, low voltage, wrong assembly or damaged pole face |
| Buzzing or chatter | Dirty magnetic circuit, inadequate voltage, mechanical damage, incompatible triac/SSR or interrupted holding current |
| Coil overheats or burns | Missing core, stalled armature, wrong voltage, excessive cycling or incorrect frequency |
| Transformer sags or trips | Insufficient simultaneous inrush VA, excessive voltage drop or another shorted load |
| SSR will not keep the coil energized | Holding current below triac holding current, excessive leakage or unsuitable output topology |
| Coil never actuates | Open winding, wrong voltage/frequency, failed switch or mechanical obstruction |
Repeated pickup events add heating even when the coil is rated for continuous duty after sealing; cycling limits depend on the coil design. The Clark Cooper FAQ notes this inrush-related heating.
AC versus DC coils
A DC coil’s steady current is commonly approximated by IDC = VDC ÷ R and PDC = VDCIDC, although it still has turn-on and turn-off transients. Do not substitute AC and DC coils by appearance; verify voltage, frequency, duty rating and the exact operator or valve series. The Parker coil reference distinguishes AC inrush/holding behavior from DC ratings.
Quick Recap
Calculation checklist
- Confirm AC or DC, rated voltage and 50/60 Hz frequency.
- Record actual RMS supply voltage and its tolerance.
- Obtain inrush VA and holding VA for the exact part.
- Calculate both RMS currents.
- Sum simultaneous inrush VA and continuous holding VA.
- Check inductive ratings for relays, PLC outputs and SSRs, including minimum holding current and leakage.
- Investigate buzzing or persistent high current before continued operation.
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