Intermittent duty linear solenoids convert electrical energy into mechanical power via a plunger with an axial stroke in either a push or pull action. They are rated for on-off applications at less than 100% duty cycle. Electrical current is supplied to a coil housed in a frame. The resulting magnetic field draws the plunger from its unpowered, extended position to a seated position against a backstop or pole piece. Because the linear force on the plunger is nonlinear with position, the force is relatively high immediately adjacent to the seated position and declines rapidly with increased distance from the seated position. Intermittent duty linear solenoids are considerably small than continuous duty devices and provide less pull-and-hold strength. For linear solenoids that are capable of both intermittent and continuous duty, force ratings vary widely by duty cycle.