How to wire and install pneumatic solenoid valves

The pneumatic solenoid valve is mainly composed of a valve body, valve spool, spring and solenoid coil. When the solenoid coil is energized with an electrical current, it creates a magnetic field. This field moves a valve spool inside the valve, changing the position of the valve and allowing air or fluid to flow from the inlet port to one of the cylinder ports while the other cylinder port is connected to the exhaust.

Taking the installation of the 4V210-08 2 position 5 way solenoid valve as an example. The 2 positions refer to the 2 working states (open/closed), and the 5 way refers to the 5 ports of the valve body.

- Inlet port (P): connected to the air source.

- Working ports (A and B): connected to the actuator or equipment.

- Exhaust ports (R1 and R2): connected to the exhaust device.

1. Preparation

*Note: The actual size of the accessories to be installed on the solenoid valve shall prevail.

① Installation of connectors and silencers

Ordinary pneumatic connector need to be sealed with thread seal tapes or  thread sealants before installation to ensure the sealing of the solenoid valve during operation. Pneumatic fitting with O-ring seals do not need to be sealed and can be installed directly.

Sealing method 1: Thread Seal Tapes

- Cut the thread sealing tapes that can be wrapped around the connectors for 3 to 4 turns (the specific length can be calculated by the diameter of the fitting thread).

- The width of the thread seal tapes should not exceed the bottom of the thread, if it is too wide, it can be folded and wound. Wrap the thread seal tapes around the thread in counterclockwise direction, no burr, no filament and neat surface after winding is qualified.

*Note: If the thread seal tapes exceeds the thread or is wrapped irregularly, the debris will fall into the valve body during the twisting process, causing the solenoid valve to get stuck and not work.

Sealing method 2: Thread Sealants

Squeeze a soybean-sized pipe sealant on the thread, do not exceed the bottom of the thread, and then screw it into the port of the solenoid valve. It is normal for the thread sealants of the installed fittings to exceed the surface by about 1mm.

Screw the sealed connector into the A,B,P ports of the solenoid valve, and then insert the air hose to connect with the pneumatic cylinder.

The silencer is screwed into the R1 and R2 ports of the solenoid valve to reduce the exhaust noise.

② Solenoid valve coil wiring instructions

Before wiring the solenoid valve, the coil nut can be manually removed to disassemble the solenoid coil for easy subsequent wiring. After the coil is disassembled, it is divided into the solenoid coil, waterproof gasket, terminal, cover, and cross round head screw.

*Note: The waterproof gasket is very important, remember to put it back after removing it.

③ Safety precautions

- Make sure the pneumatic system is depressurized before starting installation.

- Disconnect power to prevent accidental start-up.

3. Wiring

① After removing the solenoid coil, use a cross screwdriver to unscrew the screws on the cover and remove the cover. When removing the cover, some connectors will be pulled out together. Gently push the cover screws of the coil against the side of the mounting column to push the connector out.

② There are “+” and “-” poles and ground wire marks on the connector. Please connect the wires according to actual needs.

③ Comb the wires before wiring, and use wire strippers to strip the wires after inserting them into the cover. It is recommended to strip 4-5MM in length.

④ Use a screwdriver to loosen the screw corresponding to the position of the connector, and the pressure plate will be automatically loosened. (If the pressure plate does not change after loosening the screw, use a screwdriver to pry it.)

⑤ Screw the stripped wires together in a clockwise direction, insert them into the connectors and tighten the screws, the wiring should be fully inserted and then locked. (Slightly pull the wire will not come loose for the wire locking status) Follow the same operation will be another wire to complete.

⑥ After the wiring is completed, restore the coil components and it can be used.

Note: The direction of the cover can be selected according to actual needs.

The above is the wiring method of the din connectors solenoid valve. The lead wire type solenoid valves already has a contact power supply, so you only need to connect the positive and negative poles at both ends of the power cord. The plug-in type pneumatic valve only needs to insert the external plug-in wire into the interface and then connect the power supply.

4. Electrical connections

- Confirm the voltage requirements of the solenoid valve (e.g. DC 24V 12V, AC 120V 220V).

- Connect the power wires of the solenoid valve to the “+” and “-” poles of the power supply using appropriate connectors.

- Ensure proper insulation and firm connections to avoid short circuits or loose wiring.

- Familiarize yourself with the manual operation of the pneumatic solenoid valve in advance for testing and emergency use.

5. Test the installation

- After all connections are made, gradually pressurize the air line to check for leaks. Tighten all connections if necessary.

- Energize the solenoid valve to test operation. Confirm that the valve commutation is normal, there is no abnormal noise, not commutative, air leakage and other problems.

- Confirm that the cylinder operates as expected and extends and retracts smoothly.

6. Final adjustments and maintenance

- Regularly check whether the air system connections are firm and leak-free.

- Check the operation of the solenoid valve under different conditions.

- Verify that the pneumatic cylinder operates as intended, extending and retracting smoothly.

Pneumatic Cylinder

Solenoid Valve

Pneumatic Fitting

Silencer

These are the steps for installation and wiring of solenoid valves. If you have any questions about solenoid valves or other pneumatic components, please feel free to contact VPC. We will be happy to help you.

*Original content, if you want to reproduce or quote please cite the source.