Advantages of solenoid valves
Solenoid valves offer fast and reliable switching, high dependability, long service life, suitable material options for a wide range of media, low power consumption and a compact design. They are used across many sectors, from irrigation and building installations to industrial process control and the food industry.
Choose a solenoid valve when:
- The pipe size is small (up to approximately DN40)
- A switching speed in milliseconds is required
- A failsafe position is needed without significant additional cost
- Space and power are limited
Which voltage do you need: 12V, 24V or 230V?
Solenoid valves are available in various voltages. The choice depends on your installation and control environment:
- 12V DC – suitable for battery-powered systems, vehicles and small industrial applications
- 24V AC/DC – most commonly used in industrial installations and PLC-controlled systems
- 230V AC – connects directly to the mains, widely used in building installations and irrigation
Important: always verify that the voltage matches your control system. An incorrect voltage will damage the coil.
How does a solenoid valve work?
There are many variations in valve design. Solenoid valves can have multiple ports and fluid paths. A 2-way solenoid valve has 2 ports; when the valve is open, the two ports are connected and fluid can flow between them. When the valve is closed, the ports are isolated.
When the valve is open while the solenoid is de-energised, it is called a normally open (N.O.) valve. When the valve is closed while the solenoid is de-energised, it is called a normally closed (N.C.) valve. A 3-way valve has 3 ports and connects one port to one of the other two — typically a supply port and an exhaust port.
A direct-acting solenoid valve moves the plunger directly onto the valve seat. At higher pressures or larger pipe sizes, a servo-controlled design is used, in which a small pilot valve uses the line pressure to operate the main valve. This type requires less power but responds slightly slower: a direct-acting valve switches in 5 to 10 milliseconds, a servo-controlled valve typically in 15 to 150 milliseconds.
How does a CO2 solenoid valve work?
A CO2 solenoid valve operates on the same principle as a standard solenoid valve, but is specifically designed for use with carbon dioxide. The materials and seals are resistant to the properties of CO2, including low temperatures during expansion and higher pressures. CO2 solenoid valves are used in aquariums, greenhouses and refrigeration systems, among others. Always select a version suitable for the pressure range and phase — gas or liquid — of the medium.
What types of solenoid valve actuation are available?
In some solenoid valves, the solenoid acts directly on the main valve. Others use a small pilot valve to actuate a larger valve. This second type combines a solenoid valve with a pneumatically operated valve in a single unit. Servo-controlled valves require significantly less power but are noticeably slower than direct-acting types.
Servo-controlled solenoid valves generally require continuous full power to remain open. A direct-acting solenoid valve only requires full power for a short period to open and a lower holding power to remain in position.
Components of a solenoid valve
A solenoid valve consists of two main components: the solenoid and the valve. The solenoid converts electrical energy into mechanical energy that opens or closes the valve. Solenoid valves can use metal or rubber seals and are equipped with electrical interfaces for straightforward control. A spring holds the valve in its default position — open or closed — when the valve is not energised.
Power consumption is determined by fluid pressure and pipe diameter. A 3/4" sprinkler valve at 24 VAC requires an inrush of 7.2 VA and a holding power of 4.6 VA. An industrial 1/2" high-pressure valve at 700 bar requires an inrush of 300 VA and a holding current of 22 VA.
Solenoid valve, electric ball valve or pneumatic ball valve — which do you choose?
For small pipe sizes where fast actuation is required, a solenoid valve is an excellent choice. It is also well suited for applications requiring a failsafe open or closed position. As pipe sizes increase, an electric ball valve may become a suitable alternative. At larger diameters, these can be more cost-effective. However, electric ball valves close more slowly and become considerably more expensive when a failsafe function is required. For larger pipe sizes, switching to pneumatically operated ball valves can be more economical. These are fast and inexpensive to make failsafe. View our full range of actuators for a complete overview.
| Feature |
Solenoid valve |
Electric ball valve |
Pneumatic ball valve |
| Switching speed |
+ Very fast (5–150 ms) |
- Slower (approx. 1 sec) |
+ Fast |
| Small pipe sizes |
+ Very suitable |
- Less suitable |
- Less suitable |
| Large pipe sizes |
- Limited |
+ Suitable |
+ Suitable |
| Failsafe version |
+ Low additional cost |
- Expensive |
+ Inexpensive |
| Cost at large DN |
- Higher |
+ More economical |
+ More economical |
| Full bore |
- Not always |
+ Yes |
+ Yes |
How to select the right solenoid valve
To select the correct solenoid valve, you will need the following information:
- Medium (water, air, gas, CO2, oil, etc.)
- Pipe diameter (DN or inch)
- Working pressure (min. and max.)
- Required voltage (12V, 24V or 230V)
- Version (NC, NO or bistable)
- Ambient temperature and protection class (IP rating)
Select the right solenoid valve based on voltage, pressure and medium, or request a quote directly via the product form.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a normally open and normally closed solenoid valve?
A normally closed (NC) solenoid valve is closed without power and opens when energised. A normally open (NO) version works in reverse: open without power, closed when energised. The choice depends on the required safe position upon power failure. If the line must remain closed during a power failure, choose NC.
What is the maximum pressure range of a solenoid valve?
This varies by type and manufacturer. Direct-acting solenoid valves are suitable for low to medium pressures, generally up to approximately 16 bar. Servo-controlled versions can handle higher pressures but always require a minimum upstream pressure to function. Special industrial versions are available for high-pressure applications up to 700 bar. Please provide your working pressure when requesting a quote so Ebora can advise the correct version.
Can a solenoid valve be used with aggressive media such as acids or oils?
Yes, provided the correct materials are selected. The valve body, seals and coil must be resistant to the medium. For aggressive fluids such as acids, stainless steel or plastic valve bodies with PTFE or EPDM seals are used. For oil and hydraulic media, specific versions with NBR seals are available. Always specify the medium when placing your order.
