How to find the right Solenoid Valves AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Solenoid Valves
- Normally closed vs normally open
- Choose based on the safe state at power loss and which state the valve spends most time in. Keeping the coil energized continuously adds heat and wear.
- Direct-acting vs pilot-operated
- Use direct-acting or zero-differential designs for gravity feed or low pressure. Use pilot-operated only when the stated minimum pressure differential is always available. Pilot valves will not open, or will not close, without that differential.
- Coil voltage and duty
- Match AC or DC voltage exactly and choose a continuous-duty coil if held energized. Wrong voltage burns coils, and intermittent coils overheat.
- Seal material
- NBR for air, water and oil, EPDM for hot water and steam, FKM for fuels and higher temperatures. Seal failure is the main cause of solenoid leaks.
- Orifice and Cv
- Check the orifice and Cv, not just the port size. Many valves have orifices much smaller than their pipe threads.
- Listings
- Use UL or CSA listed valves for fuel gas and for safety or code-required shutoff duty. Unlisted valves are not permitted for gas shutoff.
Brands that matter
- ASCO (Emerson): Industrial solenoid valves.
- Parker: Fluid control solenoid valves.
- Bürkert: Solenoid valves for process and water.
- Danfoss: Solenoid valves for refrigeration and industry.
- SMC: Pneumatic solenoid valves.
- Rain Bird: Irrigation solenoid valves.
- Hunter: Irrigation solenoid valves.
What to avoid
- Pilot-operated valves on gravity-fed or low-pressure systems
- Unlisted generic valves on fuel gas lines
- Wrong coil voltage or AC coils on DC supplies
Questions
Why won't my solenoid valve open on a gravity-fed tank?
Most pilot-operated valves need a minimum pressure differential to open. Use a direct-acting or zero-differential valve for gravity-fed tanks.