An electromagnetic actuator (10) having a coil (14), stator (12) and an armature (16) where dual parallel channels (13A,13B) are formed in the stator (12) for receiving the coil (14) and where the armature (16) is hinged to the stator (12) for movement toward the stator (12) upon application of an electrical current to the coil (14). The stator (12) has a length (L), a width (W) and a height (H) where its length (L) is at least 1.6 times its width (W) and its width (W) is at least 2.0 times its height (H).