Question 1

Normally closed, normally open or 3/2-way — which configuration do I need?

Accepted Answer

Normally closed valves stay shut without power and open when energised — the default for most process and safety duties, because loss of power isolates the line. Normally open valves stay open unpowered, used where flow must continue during a power failure. 3/2-way valves have three ports and two positions, switching flow between paths or venting a downstream line — the usual choice for driving single-acting pneumatic actuators. All three are listed catalogue configurations. State the required de-energised state in the enquiry.

Question 2

Direct-acting or pilot-operated?

Accepted Answer

Direct-acting valves work from zero pressure differential because the coil moves the seat itself — specify them for vacuum, low-pressure or dead-headed lines. Pilot-operated valves use line pressure to shift a diaphragm, so they handle larger orifices on a smaller coil but require a minimum differential (typically stated by the maker) to operate. Both are listed, but direct-acting is confined to DN8–DN15 in the current range; above DN15 the catalogue is pilot-operated throughout, so a low- or zero-differential duty above DN15 needs to be raised at enquiry stage. If your line can sit at low or zero differential, say so explicitly — it is a common cause of a solenoid valve failing to open in service.

Question 3

Which coil voltage and enclosure should I specify?

Accepted Answer

Listed coil voltages are 230 V AC 50 Hz, 110 V AC 50/60 Hz, 24 V DC and 12 V DC; listed enclosures are IP65 standard, IP67 weatherproof and flameproof Ex d IIC. Match voltage to your control system and enclosure to the installation: IP65 for indoor panels, IP67 where washdown or weather exposure applies, Ex d IIC for classified hazardous areas. IP ratings are defined by IEC 60529, which EN 161 requires the maker to declare.

Question 4

Which seal material suits my medium?

Accepted Answer

Match the elastomer to the fluid first: NBR for water, air and mineral oils; EPDM for hot water, steam and many chemicals but not petroleum oils; FKM (Viton) for hydrocarbons and higher temperatures; PTFE where broad chemical resistance is needed. All four are listed seal materials. State the medium and its temperature in the enquiry — elastomer compatibility, not valve size, is what usually decides the model.

Question 5

Brass, stainless or aluminium body?

Accepted Answer

Brass (CW617N) is the general-purpose body for water, air and oil at lower cost; SS316 and SS304 machined from bar suit corrosive media, washdown environments and hygienic installations; aluminium (LM6/A413) is used where weight matters, typically on air service. Choose the body for the medium and the surrounding environment together — in chloride-rich coastal atmospheres, external attack on a brass body can become the limiting factor before the wetted surface does.

Question 6

Are these valves suitable for gas service, and what conformity applies?

Accepted Answer

Gas-burner and gas-appliance duty is governed by EN 161, which covers automatic shut-off valves for gaseous fuels at declared inlet pressures up to 500 kPa and connection sizes to DN 250, and requires the maker to declare the enclosure protection degree per IEC 60529. For export orders, CE marking for the EU, SABER for Saudi Arabia and ECAS for the UAE are confirmed at RFQ stage. State the gas type, inlet pressure and destination market in the enquiry.

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