An impact solenoid assembly for an electrical receptacle includes an armature having first and second ends. A resilient member is disposed between a latch and the second end of the armature. The resilient member spaces the armature from the latch. A plunger abuts the second end of the armature. When the solenoid is activated, the solenoid drives the armature toward the plunger, thereby creating momentum in the armature prior to striking the plunger. This increases the force with which the armature and plunger strike the latch.