Solenoid Valves

Solenoid valves are electromechanical components that provide automated control of fluid and gas flow using an electric coil to actuate a valve mechanism. This precise actuation is essential for systems requiring reliable flow management. A range of types are available, including water solenoid valves, safety-rated gas solenoids, and durable irrigation solenoids, making them fundamental components across industrial, commercial, and agricultural sectors.

Key Benefits of Solenoid Valves

Solenoid valves offer significant technical advantages in automated systems. Their primary benefit is providing precise, electromechanical control over fluid streams, enabling high accuracy and process repeatability. With rapid response times, they facilitate near-instantaneous flow changes, critical for high-speed manufacturing and safety systems.

Solenoid valves are also energy-efficient, typically consuming power only when changing state. Constructed from robust materials like brass and stainless steel, they ensure a long operational lifespan with minimal maintenance, enhancing system uptime and reliability.

Shop Range of Solenoid Valves

Our range of solenoid valves covers numerous industrial and commercial applications, with a comprehensive selection of sizes, voltage ratings, and materials.

Water Solenoid Valve

Engineered for automated water control, a water solenoid valve is typically constructed from corrosion-resistant brass or stainless steel with EPDM seals. They are offered in normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC) configurations to meet system fail-safe requirements.

3-Way Solenoid Valves

A 3-way solenoid valve is used to divert flow between two outlets or to mix two inlets. This functionality is essential for actuating single-acting pneumatic cylinders — a core application within modern pneumatics and hydraulics — as well as diverting media or selecting between fluid sources.

Irrigation Solenoid

An irrigation solenoid is purpose-built for automating agricultural and landscaping water systems. Featuring durable, weather-resistant bodies and low-voltage coils, they provide reliable performance in outdoor and below-ground installations.

Gas Solenoid

A gas solenoid is a safety-critical valve for controlling gaseous media like natural gas, propane, or compressed air. These valves are built to stringent safety standards and often feature high-pressure capabilities and rapid-acting shut-off functions to ensure system integrity.

How to Choose the Right Solenoid Valve

Selecting the correct solenoid valve is critical for system performance and safety. Consider these key technical criteria:

• Media Compatibility: Ensure the valve’s body and seal materials (e.g., stainless steel, Buna-N, EPDM) are chemically compatible with the process fluid or gas to prevent corrosion.
• Pressure, Temperature, and Flow: The valve must be rated for the system’s maximum operating pressure and temperature. The flow coefficient (Cv) must be correctly sized to achieve the desired flow rate.
• Valve Operation: Specify the correct default state — normally closed (NC) or normally open (NO) — for the system's fail-safe condition and the port configuration (2-way, 3-way) for the required fluidic function.
• Electrical Specifications: The coil's voltage (e.g., 24V DC, 240V AC) and duty cycle rating must match the power supply and operational demands to prevent coil burnout.
• Certifications: For specific environments, specify necessary certifications such as IP ratings for dust and water protection or ATEX/IECEx ratings for hazardous areas.

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Solenoid Valves

Incorrect valve selection leads to system malfunction and safety hazards. Avoid these common errors:

• Material Mismatch: Using a valve with materials that are not chemically compatible with the media will cause corrosion and leaks.
• Exceeding Ratings: Operating a valve beyond its specified pressure or temperature limits can cause mechanical failure.
• Incorrect Electricals: Applying the wrong voltage or current will cause actuation failure or immediate coil burnout.
• Improper Installation: Failing to install a valve in the correct orientation or without adequate upstream filtration will impede performance and cause premature wear.

Common Use Applications for Solenoid Valves

Food and Beverage Processing

In food and beverage facilities, stainless steel solenoid valves are essential for automated clean-in-place (CIP) systems, controlling the flow of water and detergents to ensure hygiene. They also manage ingredient dosing and fluid transfer.

Mining and Resources

In the mining sector, heavy-duty solenoid valves are deployed in dust suppression systems to control water spray. They are also critical components in the hydraulic and pneumatic circuits of heavy equipment and mineral processing systems.

Water Management and Agriculture

Solenoid valves are fundamental to efficient water management. Irrigation solenoids automate large-scale watering for crops and turf, while in municipal treatment plants, they are used for chemical dosing and regulating flow.

The Leading Supplier and Distributor of Solenoid Valves in Australia

RS is your trusted source for high-performance solenoid valves in Australia. We provide an extensive catalogue from industry-leading manufacturers, including SMC, Burkert, and Buschjost. Our selection features a comprehensive array of types and specifications at competitive prices, ensuring you can procure the ideal solenoid valve for your industrial application.

We also stock other critical fluid control components, such as pressure sensors and pneumatic fittings, to complete your system integration. Purchase your water solenoid valve, gas solenoid, 3-way solenoid valve, and other accessories online today. For complete details on our ordering process and nationwide delivery services, please visit our delivery page.