Solenoid valves
Solenoid valves that switch exactly when it counts.
The right solenoid valve – selected by media, actuation type and coil. 2/2 and 3/2-way, direct-, pilot- and forced-actuated, with matching coils and device connectors, a large proportion available from stock.
2/2 & 3/2-way – direct-, pilot- & forced-actuated
Why STASTO
The right valve determines the performance of your system.
We select solenoid valves according to your medium and the appropriate control type – including coil, voltage and device connector.
For every medium
Compressed air, water, oil, neutral gases, steam and aggressive media – material and seal matched to the medium.
Every control type
Direct-acting for small orifices and vacuum, pilot/servo-operated for high flow rates with minimum pressure differential, force-guided for zero-pressure start.
Coil & voltage perfectly matched
Solenoid coils for DC and AC (e.g. 24 V DC, 230 V AC), protection rating and device connectors matched to your system.
Much available from stock
A large part of the range is in stock and available for fast delivery; replacement coils and accessories too.
Selection guide
Understanding and selecting solenoid valves correctly.
Actuation type, port function and coil determine whether a valve suits your application. The most important terms at a glance.
Actuation Types
- Direct Acting
- Switches without minimum pressure, even in vacuum – ideal for small orifice sizes.
- Pilot Operated (servo/diaphragm operated)
- Uses media pressure for switching; enables high flow rates but requires a minimum pressure differential.
- Semi-Direct Acting
- Combines direct and pilot operation, switching even without pressure differential at high flow rates.
Valve Function & Switching Position
- 2/2-Way
- Two ports, two positions – blocking or passing a medium.
- 3/2-Way
- Three ports for controlling and exhausting, e.g. for single-acting cylinders and pneumatic actuation.
- Normally Closed (NC)
- Closed in de-energised state, opens when energised.
- Normally Open (NO)
- Open in de-energised state, closes when energised.
Coil & Connection
- Voltage
- Solenoid coils for DC and AC, e.g. 24 V DC or 230 V AC.
- Device connector
- Electrical connector for the coil, also available as a spare part.
- Protection rating
- Select to match coil and connector according to the installation environment.
Comparison
Direct-acting, pilot-operated or forced-lift?
The actuation type determines flow rate, minimum pressure and application range. Here is how the three designs differ.
| direct-acting | pilot-operated | forced-actuated | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum pressure differential | not required | required | not required |
| Flow rate | smaller orifice sizes | high | high |
| Vacuum / zero-pressure start | possible | limited | possible |
| Typical application | small orifices, vacuum | high flow rates with pressure | high flow rate without pressure differential |
Categories
Find Your Series.
Select directly by valve function and control type, or add matching coils and device connectors.
Applications
Wherever media need to be controlled.
Solenoid valves reliably control air, water and other media across a wide range of industries.
Mechanical & Plant Engineering
Controlling air, water and hydraulic media in machines and fixtures.
Process Engineering
Dosing, shutoff and flushing in process and dosing systems.
Food & Water
Drinking water, cleaning and filling with media-compatible materials.
Chemical & Process
Aggressive media with resistant materials and seals.
Compressed Air & Steam
Switching compressed air and steam, e.g. in pneumatics and cleaning.
Mobile Machinery
Robust valves and coils for mobile machine hydraulics and pneumatics.
How it works
Three steps to the right solenoid valve.
From application to selection to delivery – we support you at every step.
Clarify the application
Define medium, pressure, flow rate, temperature and port connection.
Select valve & coil
Define porting/control type, material/seal as well as coil/voltage and connector.
Deliver from stock
Stocked series delivered quickly, special versions on request.
FAQ
Which medium do you need to control?
Answers to the most common questions about selecting solenoid valves.
Direct-acting or pilot-operated – when do I need which type?
Direct-acting valves operate without a minimum pressure and are suitable for small orifice sizes and vacuum applications; pilot-operated valves use the media pressure to achieve high flow rates but require a minimum pressure differential. For high flow without sufficient pressure differential, an internally forced-lift design is the right choice.
What is the difference between 2/2-way and 3/2-way?
A 2/2-way valve has two ports and either blocks or passes the medium; a 3/2-way valve has three ports and can additionally exhaust. 3/2-way valves are typically used for pneumatic actuation, e.g. of single-acting cylinders.
What does normally closed (NC) or normally open (NO) mean?
Normally closed (NC) means the valve is de-energised in the closed position and opens when energised; normally open (NO) is open when de-energised and closes when energised. The choice depends on the required fail-safe position in the event of a power failure.
Which coil, voltage and protection rating do I need?
Solenoid coils are available for DC and AC, e.g. 24 V DC or 230 V AC, each with a matching connector and protection rating. The right combination depends on your control system and installation environment – we are happy to advise you on the selection.
Which material and seal are compatible with my media?
The material and seal are selected to suit the medium – for example for water, oil, steam or aggressive media. Tell us the medium, temperature and pressure and we will recommend the appropriate material and seal combination.
Related Products
Related categories.
Complement your solenoid valves with valve manifolds, additional directional functions and matching coils.
Get started
Find the right solenoid valve.
Browse the range or get expert advice on sizing and selection.