FAQs - Coil & Current
Why is my GOETVALVE valve drawing a higher current than what is listed in the catalog/product page?
Some AC solenoids are rated in watts, but actually have VA (volt*amp) rating that are much higher.
VA is a measure of the "apparent power" of an electrical circuit,
which is equal to the product of root-mean-square (RMS) voltage and RMS current.
It is the value to be used for sizing wires and fuses.
For example, a VA rating of 47 using 230V AC would have a current draw of 0.2 amps.
The "real power " is watts in the power that performs work or generates heat. It is the rate at which energy is consumed.
In DC circuits, the real power is equal to the watts listed,the product of voltage, and amperage.
Why does the solenoid on my valve get hot when it is being used?
Temperature rise is expected when the solenoid is energized. Class "H" insulation,
for example, has an allowable temperature of 160
. Beyond that, thermal degradation of wire insulation will begin to occur.
Always use care when handling an energized coil.
Why did the coil on my valve burn out?
The ratings for our valves are based on the holding power rating which describes the power consumption after a solenoid has been energized.
When an AC solenoid is first energized, there is an "in-rush"of current that is much higher than the normal "holding" current.
If an internal component is stuck for any reason, this in-rush current will continue longer and can burn out the coil.
This is one reason that GOETVALVE recommends using filters in all valves that could be exposed to any kind of particulate.
Why is there a limit for cycling an AC coil and no limit on DC coils?
An AC coil is limited to a certain number of cycles per unit time due to the heat generating in-rush current.
We are essentially limiting the number of in-rushes per unit time. The DC coils do not have this in-rush,
so they then can have high cycle frequency.
Is there a minimum ambient temperature for coils?
There is no minimum ambient temperature for coils.
Heat is what actually damages them. The customer, however,
should be aware that more current is actually drawn at very lower temperatures due to lower wire resistance.
The recommended maximum ambient is 65
for 10 watt and 25
for 22 watt coils.
This assumes a very hot fluid in the valve and cycle frequency.
Higher ambient are allowed where the fluid temperature is lower.
This assumes a very hot fluid in the valve and cycle frequency.
Higher ambient are allowed where the fluid temperature is lower
