RO Solenoid Valve – What is it and When to Change?
Solenoid valves are used in both home appliances and small or large industrial applications.
In short, solenoid valves are used wherever there is a need to automatically control the flow of liquid or gas.
For the purpose of this post, we will concentrate only on solenoid valves used in electrical water purifiers.
A Solenoid Valve in a water purifier is an electromechanically operated valve that is used to control the flow of input water.
It allows the input water to enter the water purifier only when the machine is turned on. When the machine is turned off, the solenoid valve will automatically shut off the flow of water.
The main function of the solenoid valve in a water purifier is to avoid water overflow.
Solenoid valves are used in both RO water purifiers and UV water purifiers.
In an RO water purifier, a solenoid valve is generally installed after a sediment filter or pre-carbon filter and before the RO membrane.
Solenoid valves come in different ratings like 24V, 36V, 48V, etc.
Solenoid valves come in both AC and DC power. If your water purifier has a DC adapter or SMPS, choose a DC solenoid valve. If there is no DC adapter or SMPS, choose an AC solenoid valve.
Most branded water purifiers in India come with a DC adapter so you don’t need to worry as DC solenoid valves are the default choice.
Like water purifiers, solenoid valves are also used in washing machines to turn on or off the flow of input water.
How Do RO Solenoid Valves Work?
A solenoid valve features a solenoid, which is an electric coil with a movable ferromagnetic core (plunger) in its center.
When you turn on your purifier, an electric current passes through the coil. This creates a magnetic field. This magnetic field exerts an upward force on the plunger. This force pulls up the plunger and opens the flow of water.
When you turn off the purifier, the plunger returns back to its original position and closes off the flow of water.
This is the basic science behind the functioning of a solenoid valve.
When to Change RO Solenoid Valve?
You need to change the solenoid valve of your RO purifier when any of the two conditions given below is true.
- When the RO machine is turned on, input water is normal but there is no output from the solenoid valve.
- When the RO machine is turned off, there is a continuous flow of output water from the solenoid valve.
After cleaning, re-assemble all the parts and fit the solenoid valve back in the RO assembly.
Now check if the solenoid valve is working fine or not.
If it works fine, no need to change the solenoid valve. If it doesn’t, install a new RO solenoid valve.
Things to Keep in Mind When Buying/Replacing a Solenoid Valve?
- When replacing the RO solenoid valve, always remember that the rating of the solenoid valve and that of RO’s power supply (SMPS) and the RO pump should be the same. E.g. for a 36V power supply, a 36V solenoid valve should be used. If you do not match the rating of the solenoid valve with the power supply then the solenoid valve will get damaged instantly or after some time.
- Never install the solenoid valve before the sediment filter. If you do, physical impurities in the water will choke the solenoid valve.
We hope the above information answers all your queries about the solenoid valve. If you have any queries or suggestions, please leave a comment below.
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Very useful information with basic technicalities. Diagram helps to understand the working pattern. Thanks.
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