OEX ACX3322 Continuous Duty Solenoid 12V 100A Normally Open

OEX ACX3322 12V 100A Continuous Duty Solenoid Normally Open SPST Silver Alloy Contacts Copper Terminal Stud Insulated Return

The OEX ACX3322 is a 12V, 100A continuous duty solenoid in a normally open (SPST) configuration. Unlike standard automotive relays designed for intermittent switching, a continuous duty solenoid is rated to carry its maximum current load indefinitely without overheating or cycling making it the correct choice for circuits that remain energised for extended periods, such as dual battery isolators, battery-to-battery charging enables and high-current accessory feeds that stay on throughout a working day or driving cycle. Silver alloy contacts, copper terminal stud, insulated return design, 5/16-24" main stud and 10-32 coil terminal. Covered by a one year warranty.

Product overview

A standard automotive relay is designed for intermittent switching brief periods of energisation with rest periods between. Using a standard relay in a circuit that stays on for extended periods risks premature failure from heat buildup. The ACX3322 is rated for continuous duty, carrying 100A indefinitely without cycling or requiring rest periods. This makes it the correct component for dual battery isolator circuits that remain closed throughout a drive, battery-to-battery charging enable circuits, solar charge controller switching and any high-current feed that remains on during vehicle operation.

The normally open configuration means the contacts are open at rest and close when the 12V coil is energised. The insulated return design keeps the coil circuit electrically isolated from the main switching circuit, preventing ground loop issues in sensitive electrical systems. The main power stud uses a 5/16-24" thread (approximately 8mm diameter) accepting ring terminals with an 8.4mm or larger ID such as the OEX ACX3056. The coil trigger uses a 10-32 terminal for the low-current control signal, typically driven by a switch, relay or battery management system output.

Features and benefits

Continuous duty rated: Designed to carry 100A indefinitely without cycling or overheating. Not a standard intermittent-duty relay. Correct for circuits that stay energised for extended periods.

100A rating: High-current capacity for dual battery isolators, battery-to-battery charging enables, high-draw accessory feeds and battery management circuits.

Normally open (SPST): Circuit is open at rest and closes when the 12V coil is energised. Opens again when the coil signal is removed.

Silver alloy contacts: Low-resistance, high-durability contact material rated for sustained high-current switching.

Copper terminal stud: Minimises resistance at the main power connection point.

Insulated return: Coil circuit is electrically isolated from the main switching circuit, preventing ground loop issues in sensitive electrical systems. The coil negative must be connected to chassis earth or a dedicated negative.

5/16-24" main stud thread: Standard heavy-duty thread for the main power connection. Accepts ring terminals with 8.4mm or larger ID.

10-32 coil terminal: Low-current trigger connection for the energising signal.

One year warranty: Covered by a one year OEX warranty.

Technical specs

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a continuous duty solenoid and a standard relay? A standard automotive relay is designed for intermittent switching with rest periods between. A continuous duty solenoid is designed to remain energised and carry full current load indefinitely without overheating. For circuits that stay on for extended periods such as a dual battery isolator that remains closed throughout a drive a continuous duty solenoid is the correct component. Using a standard relay in this application risks premature failure from heat buildup.

What does normally open mean? A normally open solenoid has contacts that are open (disconnected) when the coil is not energised. When 12V is applied to the coil terminals, the solenoid closes the contacts and completes the main circuit. The contacts open again when the coil signal is removed.

What trigger signal does the coil require? The coil requires a 12V signal on the 10-32 coil terminal to energise. The coil current draw is typically low (a few hundred milliamps) and can be controlled by a switch, relay or battery management system output. The insulated return design means the coil negative must be connected to chassis earth or a dedicated negative it does not share a return path with the main power circuit.

What cable and ring terminal size suit the 5/16-24" main stud? The 5/16" stud is approximately 8mm in diameter. Ring terminals with an 8.4mm or larger ID hole suit this stud, such as the OEX ACX3056 (8.4mm ID, blue). For cable carrying 100A, ensure the ring terminal cable range matches the wire size being used.

Is this solenoid suitable for winch applications? A continuous duty solenoid is rated for sustained current, but winch applications involve high peak currents that can significantly exceed the continuous rating. Assess the winch's peak current draw against the solenoid's specifications before use in a winch circuit. For dedicated winch solenoid applications, a purpose-built winch solenoid pack may be more appropriate.