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Asco brass-body solenoid valve operating on 22-Volts, suitable for controlling water : solenoid Water control valve type (C) InspectAPedia Electric Solenoid Plumbing & HVAC Controls & Valves
Guide to all solenoid valves used on plumbing or mechanical systems

Electrically-operated solenoid valves, plumbing water solenoid control valves guide:

This article describes and illustrate the different types of electrically-operated or solenoid valves found on water supply and drainage systems as well on other plumbing and heating devices & fixtures.

We also compare the properties of solenoid valves with motor-actuated or gear-driven valves.

We discuss where to buy a solenoid valve, provide a list of solenoid valve manufacturers, brands types and we explain how to choose the right solenoid valve for water or other controls in a building.

We provide examples of types of electrically operated or solenoid operated valves used in buildings. This list of the types of control valves found in residential and light commercial buildings includes links to detailed information about each valve type.

Shown at page top: a solenoid operated water control valve produced by Asco and operating at 12-volts. Company contact information is given in this article.

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- Daniel Friedman, Publisher/Editor/Author - See WHO ARE WE?

Electric Solenoid Operated Gas, Oil, Water Valves used in Buildings

Alcon low voltage operated solenoid valve (C) InspectApedia, Alcon contact information is in this articleHere we describe electrically operated plumbing valves used for water control of equipment or piping in buildings. Solenoid valves are electrically controlled valves that in response to an electrical signal can open, close, or adjust the flow rate of a liquid or gas being piped through the valve.

How a solenoid valve works:

An electrical current in any of a variety of voltage and cycle ranges (depending on the valve design) is converted in the valve to an electromagnetic field by applying the current to a coil (coiled wire around a core). The magnetic field created by the current in turn is converted to mechanical energy to move the valve to the desired position.

Solenoid valves are used in heating and cooling applications as well as in many building water supply applications.

A solenoid valve may be sold in two different versions:

- Normally Open or NO valves remain open until power is applied to activate or close the valve

- Normally Closed or NC valves remain closed until power is applied to activate or open the valve

This distinction is important in some applications. For example in a heating system, an NO valve may not turn off heat to the heating zone it serves if the valve loses power, and conversely, an NC valve won't open to provide heat if it loses power.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Shown in our photo, an Alcon solenoid-operated control valve that is suitable for some of the applications discussed below.

This differs from a motorized electric valve that regulates the flow with a ball mechanism versus a solenoid valve that uses an electromagnetic coil. Which type of valve is best for your needs will depend on its purpose, cost, and pros and cons of each.

See more about valve differences below at PROS AND CONS OF MOTORIZED AND SOLENOID ELECTRIC VALVES

Reader Question: where can I buy a solenoid-operated water shut-off valve?

15 January 2015 Martin said:

We have a water break tank in basement cant get overflow out.We have been told we can drop a over flow from the large tank into a smaller header tank.

A flow detector is then place in the smaller tank and then connected to the incoming water main via a solenoid valve which would turn off water supply.

Any ideas where I can purchase solenoid-operated water shut-off valves?

This question and our reply were posted originally at WATER TANK: USES, TROUBLESHOOTING.

Reply:

Martin, a number of companies provide electrically-operated solenoid-type shutoff valves including valves that can close off a water supply line. The operating pressure range and piping diameters among the various products vary so you’ll want to contact the company’s technical or sales people to discuss your specific needs.

Prices for electric solenoid valves range from under $50. U.S.D. to over $500. U.S.D. depending on the application.

Watch out: check the solenoid valve specifications carefully to match against your system's needs, including at least the following:

  1. Suitability for handling the liquid you are controlling
  2. Operating pressure range of the solenoid water valve
  3. Operating voltage ranges of the solenoid valve: for example low-voltage 12VAC, 12VDC, 18VAC, 24VAC, or household current levels of 120VAC 50/60Hz to 208-240VAC 50.60 Hz
  4. Valve default position: normally OPEN or normally CLOSED
  5. Use of lead in the valve components - may be unsuitable for some locations or may be prohibited by local plumbing codes

Where to Buy Electrically Operated or Solenoid Operated Water Control Valves

InspectAPedia is an independent publisher of building, environmental, and forensic inspection, diagnosis, and repair information provided free to the public - we have no business nor financial connection with any manufacturer or service provider discussed at our website.

Note: while we list solenoid valve manufacturers just below, these products are widely available close to your location from local plumbing or HVAC suppliers, building supply stores or they can be purchased from online suppliers.

Pros and Cons of Motorized and Solenoid Electric Valves

Solenoid Valves:

Motorized Valves:

 

Other Electrical & Solenoid Valves used in Buildings & on Building Mechanical Systems

Oil delay valve used on Beckett oil burners (C) Daniel Friedman

Examples of types of electrically operated or solenoid operated valves used in buildings include

  • ELECTRIC SOLENOID VALVES - operating water, liquid fuels, some gas fuels, discussed above on this page
  • LOW WATER CUTOFF VALVES - safety feature on hydronic hot water boilers and steam boilers, these valves are electro-mechanical and use a float-operated switch
  • OIL LINE QUICK STOP VALVES - safety device on fuel oil and heating oil lines, these are an electrics solenoid type valve
  • ZONE VALVES, HEATING - control of flow of hot water in heating systems and for indirect fired water heaters or calorifiers or geysers, these are electric-motor and gear driven valves
  • THERMOSTATIC EXPANSION VALVES - solenoid valves used in HVAC systems such as the reversing valve in a heat pump, used to control refrigerant flow
  • WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS - Other solenoid operated valves that are integral parts of building mechanical systems such as water softener regeneration cycle or backwash cycle control valves.

Our complete list of types of control valves use in buildings and on building mechanical systems is found at PLUMBING CONTROLS & VALVES.


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Continue reading PLUMBING CONTROLS & VALVES - home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

  • PLUMBING CONTROLS & VALVES - home - for a complete list of the types & applications of valves used in building mechanical systems.

Suggested citation for this web page

ELECTRIC SOLENOID VALVES at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.


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INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to PLUMBING VALVES

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