A electrical solenoid suitable for fluid controls applications with an elastomeric retaining device of an elastomeric material arranged between the housing and the lamination stack. The elastomeric retaining device eliminates the need for potting compound and the associated steps of filling the housing with potting and curing the potting compound. The solenoid has a wire coil wound about the lamination stack in which the wire coil has an electrical connection extending through the housing for electrical communication with an external electrical control. The end of the lamination stack projects out of the housing slightly after manufacturing and assembly. When the solenoid is mounted, the elastomeric retaining device biases the lamination stack against the mounting surface. The wire coil is pre-assembled in a wire coil assembly comprising a bobbin, a wire coil wound about the bobbin and a plastic overmold encapsulating the wire coil and bonded to the bobbin.