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How Overvoltage Affects Solenoid Valves

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Every solenoid valve has a nominal actuation voltage, which is usually based on common power supply voltages such as 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 110 VAC, or 220 VAC. The nominal voltage is typically printed somewhere on the valve body or coil and is the voltage required to actuate (shift) the valve. Applying less than the nominal voltage will result in undervoltage and may result in a slower "on" response time or the valve not actuating at all. Applying more than the nominal voltage will result in overvoltage, which can result in a faster "on" response time of a valve. However, extreme overvoltage could permanently damage the coil.

Nominal vs. Rated Voltage

Most solenoid valves also have a rated voltage range, such as +/- 10% of the nominal voltage. For example, a 12 VDC +/- 10% rated voltage would allow between 10.8 VDC and 13.2 VDC to be applied to a solenoid and still achieve normal operation for the valve.

Pros & Cons of Solenoid Valve Overvoltage

EV "On" Response Time vs. Solenoid Voltage

Chart 1. Percent Rated Voltage & Power vs. On-Response Time for an EV-3M-12

Some customers will intentionally overvoltage solenoid valves while remaining within the rated voltage range in order to get a faster "on" response time. While this will not damage the solenoid, there are a few things to understand when doing this.

BENEFITS:

  • "On" response time will decrease as voltage is increased (see Chart 1).

DRAWBACKS:

  • "Off" response time will increase as voltage is increased.
  • Power required will increase as voltage is increased (see Chart 1).
  • Due to increased power usage, heat generation will also increase.

Clippard Valves & Overvoltage

Many of Clippard's valves actually allow a significant overvoltage. Our EV series valves, for instance, are rated for 90-150% of the nominal voltage (Table 1), as are our 2013 series valves (Table 2). Our DV series valves are rated for 95-125% of the nominal voltage (Table 3) and our NIV isolation valves are rated for 100-120% of the nominal voltage (Table 4). This allows customers to get faster "on" response times if their application requires it.

 

Table 1

EV / ET Coil Rated Voltage Ranges

EV Series Electronic Valve

  Table 2

2013 Coil Rated Voltage Ranges

2013 Series Electronic Valve

Solenoid Working Range   Solenoid Working Range
0.8 VDC 0.7 - 1.2 VDC   6 VDC 5.4 - 9.0 VDC
1.4 VDC 1.3 - 2.1 VDC   12 VDC 10.8 - 18.0 VDC
3 VDC 2.7 - 4.5 VDC   24 VDC 21.5 - 36.0 VDC
5 VDC 4.5 - 7.5 VDC      
5.7 VDC 5.1 - 8.5 VDC      
6 VDC 5.4 - 9.0 VDC      
9 VDC 8.1 - 14.0 VDC      
12 VDC 10.8 - 18.0 VDC      
15.5 VDC 14.0 - 23.0 VDC      
18 VDC 16.0 - 27.0 VDC      
24 VDC 21.5 - 36.0 VDC      
 
Table 3

DV Coil Rated Voltage Ranges

DV Series Electronic Valve

  Table 4

NIV Coil Rated Voltage Ranges

NIV Series Isolation Valves

Solenoid Working Range   Solenoid Working Range
12 VDC 11.4 - 15.0 VDC   12 VDC 12.0 - 14.4 VDC
24 VDC 22.8 - 30.0 VDC   24 VDC 24.0 - 28.8 VDC