What Is an Electric Solenoid Valve
An electric solenoid valve is an electromechanically actuated valve in which a coil-generated magnetic field moves a plunger or pilot to open or close the flow path. Carroland Pneumatics supplies electric solenoid valves for compressed air, inert gas, and low-viscosity liquid service, built to ISO 15552 and IS15867 dimensional standards and manufactured under a Foxconn-certified production system in place since 1992. These valves convert a low-power electrical signal into precise fluid control, making them the default choice for automated pneumatic and fluid-handling lines.
How an Electric Solenoid Valve Works
When the coil is energised, the magnetic field lifts the armature against a spring; this shifts the pilot or main seat to allow flow. On de-energisation the spring returns the valve to its resting state (normally closed or normally open). Response is typically under 25 ms, which supports high-cycle automation such as fixture clamping, dispensing, and blow-off.
Specification Comparison
| Parameter | 12 V DC | 24 V DC | 110–240 V AC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil power | 6–8 W | 7–12 W | 8–15 W |
| Response time | ≤ 25 ms | ≤ 25 ms | ≤ 35 ms |
| Port size | G1/8 – G1/2 | G1/8 – G1/2 | G1/8 – G1/2 |
| Medium | Air / inert gas / water | Air / inert gas / water | Air / inert gas / water |
| Seal option | NBR / EPDM / FKM | NBR / EPDM / FKM | NBR / EPDM / FKM |
| Rated life | 10 million cycles | 10 million cycles | 8 million cycles |
| Protection | IP65 | IP65 | IP65 |
Typical Applications
- Pick-and-place and fixture clamping on electronics assembly lines
- Dispensing, dosing, and blow-off in packaging automation
- Compressed-air isolation and pilot control in pneumatic systems
- Low-pressure liquid control for cooling and rinsing circuits
Frequently Asked Questions
What voltage should I choose for an electric solenoid valve?
24 V DC is the industrial default for PLC-driven machinery because it is safe, noise-immune, and standardized. 12 V DC suits battery or low-voltage panels; 110–240 V AC fits fixed installations without a DC supply. Match the coil rating to your controller output exactly.
Can an electric solenoid valve handle water?
Yes, when specified with a water-compatible seal (EPDM or FKM) and the correct port thread. Carroland electric solenoid valves are offered for air, inert gas, and low-viscosity liquid duty; confirm the medium rating before commissioning.
What is the difference between normally closed and normally open?
A normally closed (NC) valve blocks flow until energised; a normally open (NO) valve allows flow until energised. NC is preferred for safety and fail-secure shutdown, NO for fail-open processes. Both are available across the Carroland range.
How long do electric solenoid valves last?
Under rated conditions Carroland electric solenoid valves are rated for up to 10 million cycles. Real service life depends on medium cleanliness, duty cycle, and ambient temperature; inline filtration extends life significantly.
Are Carroland solenoid valves dimensionally standard?
Yes. Bodies follow ISO 15552 and IS15867 interface dimensions so they fit standard manifolds and mounting patterns used across pneumatic automation. Dimensional drawings and test reports are supplied with orders.
Related: Solenoid valve selection guide · Water solenoid valve · Gas solenoid valve