Electric Solenoid Valve 12V Water: A Review

When it comes to controlling the flow of water in your robotic gardening project or other hobby applications, an electric solenoid valve can be a valuable asset. The electric solenoid valve 12V water is designed specifically for this purpose, and it's available with two 1/2' outlets. But how well does it perform?

One of the key features of this valve is its ability to control the flow of liquid in one direction only. This is achieved through a gasket arrangement inside the valve, which requires a minimum pressure of 0.02 Mpa (3 PSI) to function properly.

When 12VDC is applied to the terminals, the valve opens and allows water to flow through. However, it's important to note that this valve is not suitable for high-pressure or high-flow applications. According to its data sheet, the valve requires a pressure of 0.8 Mpa to reach a flow rate of 35 lpm. In my testing, I found that my garden hose provided about 0.3 Mpa, which resulted in a flow rate of around 22 lpm.

One issue I encountered with this valve is its tendency to heat up after extended use. During my initial tests, the solenoid became hot to the touch after just 10 minutes of operation. This could be a concern if you plan to use the valve for lengthy periods or in applications where overheating could be a problem.

Another issue I noticed was the pressure drop that occurred when the valve was switched off and then on again. The first few seconds after switching the valve back on, the pressure was still relatively high, but it quickly dropped to about 30% of its original level. This resulted in my sprinklers and sprayers producing small puddles instead of a steady stream of water.

In conclusion, while the electric solenoid valve 12V water is suitable for quick fun hobby applications, it may not be the best choice for projects that require high-pressure or high-flow rates. Its tendency to heat up and its pressure drop issues also make it less than ideal for extended use. However, if you're looking for a simple way to control the flow of water in your robotic gardening project or other low-pressure applications, this valve might be worth considering.

Electric solenoid valve 12v water