Solenoid Valve Port Options

What is a 2/2 way, 3/2 way and 5/2 way solenoid valve?

Solenoid valves have many different port configurations or functions, the most common of which are 2/2 way, 3/2 way, 5/2 single, 5/2 way double and 5/3 way double acting. Solenoid Valves according to function are explained below:

2/2 way solenoid valve

2 ports (inlet and outlet) with 2 positions (open and closed) and are ideal for standard on off control of water, air from supply to destination. 

3/2 way solenoid valve

3 ports and 2 positions (Open / Closed) in universal function can be used for diverting flow to either port 2 or port 3 such as automotive vegetable oil conversions and in normally closed function is ideally suited for pneumatic spring return actuator or cylinder control. 

5/2 way solenoid valve spring return

5 ports and 2 positions (open /closed) with return spring and 1 coil are normally used for pneumatic applications (air) normally with 3 ports on one side, inlet at centre exhaust ports either side and on the other side are the 2 outlet ports that connect to both ports of the cylinder or actuator. When energised will open the actuator when de-energised will close the actuator.  

5/2 way solenoid valve double acting

5 ports and 2 positions (open /closed) with 2 coils are normally used for pneumatic applications (air) normally with 3 ports on one side, inlet at centre exhaust ports either side and on the other side are the 2 outlet ports that connect to both ports of the cylinder or actuator. When coil 1 is energised will open the actuator / cylinder, when coil 2 is energised will close the actuator / cylinder, when both coils de-energised the actuator or cylinder will stay put fully open or closed.  

5/3 way solenoid valve double acting

5 ports and 3 positions (open /stay/closed) with 2 coils are normally used for pneumatic applications (air) normally with 3 ports on one side, inlet at centre exhaust ports either side and on the other side are the 2 outlet ports that connect to both ports of the cylinder or actuator. When coil 1 is energised will open the actuator / cylinder, when coil 2 is energised will close the actuator / cylinder, when both coils de-energised the valve will return to the centre position actuator or cylinder will stay put even in mid stroke. 

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