What is a Solenoid Valve?
A solenoid valve is an electrically actuated valve. Available as individual units, or mounted as a group to a base, solenoids offer high flow rates, quiet reliable operation, and a number of plumbing alternatives. Quality solenoids are manufactured from brass or hard-anodized aluminum (extruded aluminum bodies degrade in the harsh under-car environment), are rebuildable, and usually advertised as “bubble-tight”.
A solenoid is an electromechanical device which allows for an electrical device to control the flow of a gas or liquid. The electrical device causes a current to flow through a coil located on the solenoid valve. This current flow in turn results in a magnetic field which causes the displacement of a metal actuator. The actuator is mechanically linked to a mechanical valve inside the solenoid valve. The valve then changes state, either opening or closing to allow a liquid or gas to either flow through or be blocked by the solenoid valve. A spring is used to return the actuator and valve back to their resting state when the current flow is removed. Solenoid valves come in various configurations and sizes. Solenoid valves can be normally open, normally closed, or a two way valve. A normally open solenoid valve allows a liquid or gas to flow through unless a current is applied to the solenoid valve. A normally closed valve works in the opposite manner. A two way solenoid valve has three p
