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Solenoid valves for water, liquids, and gases have a wide range of applications in households, industry, automobiles, and various devices. Therefore, the market offers a similarly wide range of options. In this article, we will focus particularly on the importance of selecting the correct coil voltage for the valve and the possibilities of using solenoid valves with a 12 V voltage.
Two-way solenoid valves for water are used for regulating, closing, and opening the flow of liquids and gases. Three-way and multi-way types can also mix and distribute media into different circuits or switch between individual circuits.
Depending on their intended use, solenoid valves are categorized by:
Type, pressure, and temperature of the medium: the most common are solenoid valves for water, gas, hot steam, aggressive media, refrigerants, or juices.
Function: valves are either closed or open without voltage. Considering energy savings and coil lifespan, it is always necessary to choose a function so that the valve is predominantly in a passive position without the need for voltage.
Control: there are directly and indirectly controlled valves, with the key factor for selecting the type being the input differential pressure.
Coil (solenoid) voltage: incorrectly chosen voltage negatively affects the valve's function. The coil voltage must match the used electrical voltage.
Solenoid valves for water require electrical energy for their function. The voltage in the solenoid creates an electromagnetic field, which subsequently moves the valve piston. Thus, the energy either closes or opens the valve – depending on whether it is a NO (normally open) or NC (normally closed) type.
Electrical energy with the appropriate voltage is therefore needed by the solenoid valve to achieve an active position. Without voltage, the valve is in the so-called passive position.
Choosing the appropriate voltage is important with regard to the coil's lifespan and the correct function of the valve:
If the supplied electrical voltage is lower than the coil voltage, its function is not guaranteed. This means that the active position of the piston may not be achieved when switched on.
If, on the other hand, the supplied electrical voltage is higher than the coil voltage, it leads to overheating, coil overload, and short circuit.
TORK coil for 12 VAC voltage.
Since the use of solenoid valves is truly diverse, they are manufactured in a wide range of voltages. In our offer, you will find valves with all the most common types of power supply: 110 VAC, 12 VAC, 12 VDC, 230 VAC, 24 VAC, and 24 VDC. The allowed voltage deviation is a maximum of +/- 10%.
What do these abbreviations actually mean?
VAC: The abbreviation consists of V (volt) and AC (alternating current).
VDC: The abbreviation consists of V (volt) and DC (direct current).
Besides the voltage itself, it is also important to focus on whether the solenoid valve is designed for alternating or direct current.
In principle, yes. The voltage of the valve is determined by the solenoid or coil, which is replaceable. Therefore, one solenoid valve can be constructed for different types of coils, and thus for different voltages. Always verify whether the model allows the installation of a coil with the voltage you require.
Every electrical appliance, including solenoid valves, is designed for a specific voltage. The common electrical network has a voltage of 230 V. A lower voltage of 12 V can be found, for example, in a car socket. Why are some devices constructed for such low voltage?
The reason is safety – at 12 V, there is practically no risk of electric shock. Electrical appliances and solenoid valves with a 12 V voltage are therefore suitable especially in places where they may come into direct contact with water.
In some cases, even the maximum voltage of 12 V is stipulated by standards – for example, in some bathroom electrical installations. All electrical appliances intended for personal vehicles also have a 12 V voltage.
TORK solenoid valve for water.
From the above, it follows that when used in water, it is absolutely necessary to choose a solenoid valve with a 12 V voltage. An example of such a valve is the underwater application valve TORK T-SW 105 DN 25.
This model can be submerged under water to a maximum depth of 10 m for up to 72 hours thanks to its IP 68 protection. The brass body and internal stainless steel parts also allow this valve to be used in aggressive environments. The manufacturing materials are corrosion-resistant.
For this water valve, coils with a wide voltage range of 12-230 V can be chosen; the coils are replaceable. However, if you plan to use the valve underwater, it is necessary to choose from the range of special coils for underwater applications TORK for example here for 230V.
In our offer, you will find a variety of types of 12 V solenoid valves from manufacturers TORK, Danfoss, and Peveko for various media and applications. We are happy to assist you with your selection.