Solenoid Valves

The flow of liquid and/or gases is essential to the operation of plant, systems, and machinery in numerous industrial sectors and settings. But for engineers to control this flow by using manual valves can be a costly and time-consuming process. Thankfully, this is no longer a problem with solenoid valves – an electro-mechanical solution that is durable, reliable, and excellent value.

RS supplies high-quality, long-lasting electrical components for all commercial and industrial uses. When you explore our extensive range of air and pneumatic solenoid valves, you can be sure that you will find exactly what the application requires. AVENTICS, Festo and SMC – we stock solenoid valves from the world’s leading manufacturers. So, quality is always assured.

No matter the configuration or flow rate, find the solenoid valves you need at RS.

What are solenoid valves?

A solenoid valve is an electro-mechanical component that is typically designed for controlling the flow of gas or liquid. From water treatment works to plant fuel supply and engine lubrication, the RS range of solenoid valves contains different options for different applications. All of which, however, can help increase the efficiency and reliability of a system or machinery.

NO or NC are two letters to look out for when deciding which solenoid valve is right for you. This stands for ‘normally open’ or ‘normally closed’. As the name suggests, the open solenoid control valve remains open until an input signal forces it to close automatically. With a closed valve, the opposite is true. In both cases, the valves return to their normal state when the signal stops.

The different types of solenoid valves

In addition to NO and NC options, you will also have a choice of two main categories of solenoid valves – direct acting and piloted:

Direct acting solenoid valves

For direct acting options, the solenoid directly opens or closes the sealing piston in a valve. Due to this feature, the force exerted by pneumatic and air solenoid valves must be greater than the force of the air or liquid flow. If not, this can limit the valve’s ability to restrict the flow.

Piloted solenoid valves

In comparison to direct acting options, piloted solenoid valves use pressurized fluid or gas that builds up and acts as the energy source. This form of solenoid can be piloted either internally or externally – the latter of which typically relies on another component to operate the valve.

How do solenoid valves work?

One of the main benefits of a solenoid valve is that they remove the need to manually operate a valve. In a complex assembly line or mechanical system, this can save precious time. The role of the solenoid valve is what achieves this efficiency – opening or closing valves automatically or by remote control. While NO and NC functions are different, the way these valves work is the same.

In a solenoid valve, there is a plunger located within a sleeve. The plunger’s movement is driven by the valve’s coil, which must be energized. The magnetic field that is generated when its coil is energized will then do one of two things. In an NC valve, the force will raise the plunger to let gas or liquid flow. In an NO solenoid, the plunger will seal the opening and stop the flow.

What are solenoid control valves used for?

There are numerous mechanical and engineered solutions that depend on a flow of liquid and/or gas. From fuel supply to lubrication or cooling – solenoid valves can be used in settings such as:

• Water and utility supplies
• Industrial plant and machinery
• Large-scale HVAC systems
• Medical and biological analysis
• Emergency services and support

It is not uncommon for some domestic and household applications to use solenoid control valves either. Devices and products like garden sprinklers, heating and boiler systems, and refrigeration units can all include solenoid valves to improve efficiency and lifespan.

How to choose the right solenoid valve?

With our extensive range of solenoid valves, RS wants to be sure that you find the right product(s). So, it is a good idea to think about some of your core requirements.

One of the most important considerations will be flow rate. If the valve is too small, you may not get the required level of control. If there needs to be a consistent flow at most (or all) times, you may wish to consider a valve timing solenoid – particularly for automotive applications.

Other factors to consider include the operating pressure, temperature and type of fluid or gas. It is always worth choosing the most appropriate option e.g., air solenoid valves for air systems or pneumatic solenoid valves in a pneumatic assembly. At RS, we supply them all.

Why choose RS for your solenoid valves?

Need solenoid valves that are up to the task in the immediate future – and for years to come? At RS, we pride ourselves on the quality of the mechanical and electronic components we supply. Our extensive range of solenoid control valves is no different.

We are the largest authorized distributor of components in North America. Our choice of solenoid valves presents you with options from the world’s most trusted manufacturers. Use the filters on this page to refine your search further if you need help finding exactly what you need.

You might already know what you are looking for. If so, no problem – simply enter your product name and/or number into the search bar and you will be taken direct to your choice.

Do not forget that our team of advisors are on hand if you need to contact us with any questions or issues. You can also find the answers and guidance you need by checking out our free content hub, complete with all the expert information you need to make the most of our products.