12 Volt Solenoid Valve
2 volt solenoid valves are typically used for simple ON/OFF control of gas or liquid media and are a firm favourite with hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts as they can be operated from most 12 volt batteries or a simple twelve volt transformer. There are industrial applications that prefer these low voltage valves for safety reasons such as water dispensing applications, automated hand sanitisers, domestic water systems, irrigation control, school and research facilities or applications where the public could have access.
12 Volt 2/2 way Solenoid Basics.
A basic 2/2 way solenoid valve (2 port 2 position) valve when fitted into a pipework system will control the flow of media flow or no flow.
In the case of a normally closed (fail-safe closed) solenoid valve when 12 volts are applied the solenoid valve opens allowing flow, when electrical power is removed the valve closes stopping flow.
For a normally open solenoid valve then the opposite is true, i.e. the solenoid valve fail-safe position is open and when power (12vDC) is applied the solenoid valve will power close.
12 Volt solenoid valves are typically found in commercial applications, boat gas and diesel lines, car protection systems i.e. anti theft systems on diesel + petrol fuel lines with remote ON/OFF battery powered systems.
12vDC 2 way Brass and Stainless solenoid valves 2/2 Normally Closed
12 Volt 3/2 Way Solenoid Basics
With a 12 volt 3/2 way solenoid valve you have 3 ports, typically 1 inlet port and 2 outlet ports for diverting flow. i.e. for valve actuator control, cylinder control, diesel to vegetable oil car conversion systems or controlling the air supply to an angle set piston valve. In some remote applications there is no power supply but there is compressed air, so by using a 12 volt low wattage 3/2 solenoid valve to control the air line supply this in turn can be used to control (i.e. open and close) as much bigger valve in the system, such as a pneumatic angle seat piston valve.
12vDC solenoid valves 3/2 Way
12 volt solenoid valves are used for automotive, boat, commercial, shower and public display systems such as water fountains and water curtain display systems thus avoiding a potentially hazardous high voltage system with water or where no other voltage is available.
12 to 230 volt Solenoid Coils
One notable point to consider is that most solenoid valve coils have a power rating rating from 5 watts as found in miniature 12 volt solenoid valves right up to 18.5 watts as found in some general purpose solenoid valves or even beyond to 100 watts for big bore direct acting (kick pilot) solenoid valves, so you need to be aware of the current draw.
Remember watts = volts multiplied by amps (W = VA), so if you have only 12 volts the ampere or current requirement will escalate.
For example 12 volt solenoid valve with 15 watt coil will draw 1.25 amps and if connected to a battery will have a significant power drain and will need topping up according to the power usage.
Amps (current consumption) = watts (power consumption of coil) divided by 12 volts.
12 Volt Latching Valves.
One way to avoid constant power drain when energising a 12 volt solenoid valve for long periods of time is to use a 12v latching solenoid valve. In this instance only a very short electrical power pulse typically less than 0.2 seconds is required to change the state of the solenoid valve i.e. from open to closed or visa versa. In this way power consumption is greatly reduced saving battery life. However, typical latching solenoid valves will require a reversed polarity electrical pulse to change back.
Example 6 volt 15mm latching water solenoid valve 1175BB, (will accept a shortened 12 volt power pulse to control). The electrical power pulse energises an internal magnet keeping the solenoid valve open allowing constant flow without the need for continuous electrical supply. Now to close the valve just swap the positive and negative terminals and the next power pulse cancels the magnetic field allowing the valve to close preventing flow. This cycle can be repeated with minimal power draw and is ideal for battery operated water systems such as urinals and toilet flushing systems.
For high pressure latching systems using a 12 or 24 volt supply, valves can be supplied with brass and stainless steel bodies that can operate up to pressures of 42 Bar, sealing is typically with NBR seals, however FKM, VST, EPDM, Silicone, Neoprene, Hypalon, ECO, PTFE and HNBR can also be chosen according to the application.
In the world of solenoid valves, 12 volts is no limitation and pressures up to 500 Bar (7355 psi) and be controlled.
12 and 24 volt latching Brass and stainless steel solenoid valves
When using 12 volt solenoid valves out doors be sure to cover the solenoid valve and protect it from the elements. Good quality solenoid valves will have an IP65 protection rating which means when installed correctly they are safe from even powerful water jets from any direction, however damp will ingress over time and can cause the coil to short circuit even after only 12 months.
Helpful hint: Weather proof the solenoid valve, have the cable entry from the ground upward into the electrical connector and clamped correctly onto the cable, fill the connector and sealing faces with some silicone sealant and try to shield the solenoid valve to reduce its exposure to the elements with some cover. In the long term this will save time and money.
12 to 230 Volt Plastic Solenoid Valves 2/2 Normally Closed
6 volt and 12 volt Plastic Solenoid Valves 2/2 Latching / Bi-stable
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