Actuated Ball Valves vs. Solenoid Valves

Actuated Ball Valves

Solenoid Valves

• Very high flow rates w/low pressure drop
• Can be manual or actuated
• High inlet pressures permitted
• High back pressures permitted
• Air actuated valve has fail-safe option; explosion-proof
• Visual position indication
• Manual Override
• NEMA 4 type, CSA approved actuators available
• Slower acting than solenoid valve
• Electric actuator has no fail-safe position
• Bulky size vs. solenoid valve
• Electric actuator requires minimum off time to prevent overheating
• Water hammer potential due to high flow capacity must be taken into consideration.

• Compact size & light weight
• Fail-safe design; normally-closed or normally-open
• Extremely high cycle life
• Very fast acting
• Many power choices in AC or DC
• High cycle capability
• NEMA 4X, CSA approved coils available as well as NEMA 7 & 9
• Back pressure and inlet pressure limitations based on size and design
• Pilot-designs require pressure differential
• Lower flow
• No manual override
• Water hammer potential due to rapid closure must be taken into consideration.