Comparison of features and limitations, as well as recommendations when to use one or the other:
| Actuated Ball Valves |
Solenoid Valves |
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- 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.
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- 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.
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Please note that the unique characteristics and positive features listed above refer only to Plast-O-Matic products. For the purposes of this comparison, certain solenoid valve specifications inherent to specialized or unusual models are not addressed.
