A solenoid valve opens and closes electrically to control water, air, steam or refrigerant.
Tell us the fluid, size, pressure and voltage. Then we will match the model.
What is a solenoid valve?
A solenoid valve opens and closes electrically. When the coil is powered, a magnetic plunger moves to open or close the valve, so a controller, switch or timer can start and stop flow.
Solenoid valves control water, air, steam, fuel and refrigerant. Direct-acting types work from zero pressure, while pilot-operated types use line pressure to open larger valves.
Further reading
- Solenoid valves explained (Wikipedia)
- How solenoids work (Wikipedia)
- Refrigeration systems (Wikipedia)
Key terms explained
- Coil
- The electric winding that creates the magnetic field.
- Normally closed (NC)
- A valve that is closed when the coil is not powered.
- Pilot operated
- A design that uses line pressure to help open the valve.
- PN rating
- Pressure Nominal: the pressure class in bar at reference temperature, such as PN16.
- Class 150 and 800
- American pressure classes. Class 800 is common for small forged steel valves.
- End connection
- How the valve joins the pipe: threaded, flanged, wafer, socket weld or clamp.
Features and benefits
- Remote electric control.
- Fast opening and closing.
- Normally closed and normally open types.
- Coils for AC or DC voltages.
- Models for water, air, steam and refrigerant.
Technical specifications
| Product | Solenoid valve |
|---|---|
| Operation | Electric coil |
| Voltage and size | Confirm with quote |
| Supplier | Sparks Plumbing Experts Ltd, Nairobi |
| Supplier | Sparks Plumbing Experts Ltd, Nairobi |
Sizes, grades and ratings depend on stock and model. Tell us what you need, and we will confirm before you order.
Applications of a solenoid valve
- Refrigeration. Controls refrigerant flow in liquid lines.
- Air conditioning. Controls refrigerant and water.
- Steam. Controls steam to equipment.
- Irrigation. Opens zones on timers.
- Water treatment. Controls backwash and dosing.
- Boilers and burners. Controls fuel and water.
- Compressed air. Controls air to machines.
- Car washes. Switches water and chemicals.
- Laundries. Controls water and steam.
- Coffee machines. Controls water flow.
- Industrial machines. Controls cooling water.
- Tank filling. Fills tanks with level switches.
How to choose and install
- Match the fluid, pressure and temperature.
- Choose the coil voltage to suit your supply.
- Check minimum pressure for pilot-operated types.
- Fit a strainer before the valve.
- Install with the arrow in the flow direction.
Why choose Sparks Plumbing Experts
- Valves, flanges and gaskets togetherComplete a pipeline joint with matching valves, flanges, gaskets and bolts.
- Pressure-rated optionsMany items come in PN16, class 150 or class 300 ratings, so you can match the line.
- Stainless and carbon steelChoose stainless for corrosion resistance or carbon steel where it suits the service.
- Plant maintenance sparesKeep critical spares on hand for planned shutdowns and breakdowns.
- Visit or collect in NairobiOur store is at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, in the Industrial Area, so you can see parts before you buy or collect your order.
- Quotes your wayAsk for prices by phone, WhatsApp, email or the online quote form, whichever suits you on site.
- Over 1,600 products in one placeOur catalogue covers 55 categories, so one supplier can handle most of your parts list.
- Help choosing the right partSend a nameplate photo, a drawing or the old part, and we help you match size and specification.
- Single items or project quantitiesWe price a single replacement part just as readily as a full site order.
- Supply across East AfricaWe serve customers across Kenya, and we also supply buyers in Uganda and Tanzania.
Related products and accessories
Browse more: Valves · Solenoids · Sensors and Controls · AC and refrigeration tools.
Ordering from Sparks Plumbing Experts
We supply customers across Kenya, and we also serve buyers in Uganda and Tanzania. You can collect from our store at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, Nairobi, or ask us about delivery to your site. Send your quantities and specifications, and we will reply with prices and availability.
Request a Quote WhatsApp 0726 086 895
Frequently asked questions
What details do you need to match a solenoid valve?
Fluid, size, pressure, temperature and coil voltage.
What details do you need to quote solenoid valves?
Tell us the size, end connection, pressure rating, body material and the fluid and temperature. A photo of the old part, a nameplate or a drawing also helps. Then call or WhatsApp 0726 086 895, or use the quote form on this page.
Do you deliver solenoid valves outside Nairobi?
Yes. We supply customers across Kenya, and we also serve buyers in Uganda and Tanzania. Delivery or courier arrangements are agreed when you confirm the order.
How much does a solenoid valve cost in Kenya?
The price depends on the type, size, material, pressure rating and quantity. Therefore, send your list with a quote request and we will reply with current figures.
What does PN16 mean on a valve?
It means a nominal pressure rating of 16 bar at reference temperature. At higher temperatures the allowed pressure is lower, so check the rating table.
Flanged or threaded: which do I need?
Threaded ends suit small sizes, usually up to 2 inch. Flanged ends suit larger sizes and make removal easier.
Which coil voltage do I need?
Match your control supply, such as 230 V AC or 24 V.
Can I replace just the coil?
Often yes, if voltage and type match.
Why does my solenoid valve hum?
Debris, low voltage or a worn plunger.
People also search for
normally open vs normally closed
NC is closed without power. NO is open without power.
solenoid valve not opening
Check voltage, coil and minimum pressure, and clean debris.
direct acting vs pilot operated
Direct acting works at zero pressure. Pilot operated needs some pressure.
Solenoid valves price in Kenya
Prices change with size, model and quantity. Request a quote from Sparks Plumbing Experts for current figures.
gate valve vs ball valve
A ball valve shuts with a quarter turn. A gate valve takes several turns but gives a full, straight bore.
globe valve vs gate valve
A globe valve throttles flow well. A gate valve is for full open or full close.
PN16 meaning
PN16 means a nominal pressure rating of 16 bar at reference temperature.
flanged vs threaded valve
Threaded valves suit small sizes. Flanged valves suit larger sizes and easy removal.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.