We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Electrical

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Solenoid Valve?

By John Sunshine
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 38,819
Share

A solenoid is an electromechanical device which allows for an electrical device to control the flow of a gas or liquid. The electrical device causes a current to flow through a coil located on the solenoid valve. This current flow in turn results in a magnetic field which causes the displacement of a metal actuator.

The actuator is mechanically linked to a mechanical valve inside the solenoid valve. The valve then changes state, either opening or closing to allow a liquid or gas to either flow through or be blocked by valve. A spring is used to return the actuator and valve back to their resting state when the current flow is removed.

These devices come in various configurations and sizes. Solenoid valves can be normally open, normally closed, or a two way valve. A normally open one allows a liquid or gas to flow through unless a current is applied. A normally closed valve works in the opposite manner. A two way version has three ports; one port is common, one is normally open and the third is normally closed.

Factory automation makes frequent use of solenoid valves. A computer device running a factory automation program to fill a container with some liquid can send a signal to the solenoid valve to open, allowing the container to fill, and then remove the signal to close valve and stop the flow of liquid until the next container is in place. A gripper for grasping items on a robot is frequently an air controlled device. A solenoid valve can be used to allow air pressure to close the gripper, and a second valve can be used to open the gripper. If a two way valve is used, two separate valves are not needed in this application.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon245556 — On Feb 05, 2012

I want to use a solenoid valve in a compressed air engine. Should I go with two solenoid valves for intake and outtake or a single solenoid valve will serve both applications?

By anon227762 — On Nov 06, 2011

Post 3: Direct solenoid valves are available up to 2" size. If the header is > 2" you have to consider rotary solenoids, which are costlier.

By anon214545 — On Sep 15, 2011

which solenoid valves should I use for a musical fountain?

By anon179935 — On May 25, 2011

i want to make a solenoid valve. how can i make it?

By orora — On May 18, 2011

recently a solenoid failed to magnetize at our factory but after 12 hours worked very well mysteriously. what could have been the problem? all the others worked well with the same plug-in power (24v,wy-995).

By anon129635 — On Nov 24, 2010

I'm an engineering student. my final year project is musical fountain. somebody told me a solenoid valve is a must for it. is it true? where can i buy it? how much?

I'm nikhilesh from amravati.

By anon109963 — On Sep 09, 2010

I am looking for two solenoid valves, Maker's Ref: 02YLS 126250E RPB, Coil: 220-230V, 50/60Hz., 125726 W2YLS

By anon87916 — On Jun 02, 2010

i am looking for a three-way solenoid valve for hot water. The temp is 110'C pneumatic controlled.

By anon81178 — On Apr 30, 2010

I am looking for solenoid valve normally close 110AC.

i have a cold water tank and they are both on the same header! but only one tanks kept refilling! could i fit a solenoid to let one work at a time?

By anon66509 — On Feb 20, 2010

I am looking for solenoid valve normally close 110AC.

By anon15103 — On Jul 01, 2008

i have to cold water tank and they are both on the same header! but only one tanks kept refilling! could i fit a solenoid to let one work at a time?

Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-a-solenoid-valve.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.