An Alternative to a 2-Way, Normally-Open Valve

Having trouble sourcing quality 2-way normally-open valves? One alternative is using a 3-way, fully ported electronic valve. In this video, learn how to plumb a 3-way, fully ported valve for 2-way, normally-open functionality.

Video filmed at Clippard in Cincinnati, Ohio

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

Having trouble sourcing quality 2-way normally-open valves? One alternative is using a 3-way, fully ported electronic valve. In this video, I’ll explain how to plumb a 3-way, fully ported valve for 2-way, normally-open functionality.

Applications can require various functions from valves. Understanding how to use a 3-way, fully ported valve as a 2-way, normally-open in a pneumatic application is as useful as having a single pole, double throw switch used as normally-open or normally-closed in an electrical application.

It is important to clarify that although the nomenclature is the same, the function is opposite for pneumatic and electric applications. For example, a normally-open valve allows for a flow path, but a normally-open electrical contact does not allow current to flow.

I have submitted a request to the electrical industry to amend their nomenclature but unfortunately, I haven’t received a response.

Here is a cutaway of the ETO series spider valve which is a 3-way, fully ported valve. This particular valve is designed to function with the rated vacuum or pressure on any of the ports. By using the top port—which is commonly referred to as the exhaust—as the inlet, and the normal outlet as the outlet, and blocking the typical inlet, I now have achieved the 2-way, normally-open function.

I hope this video was helpful in your application of pneumatic valves. Thanks for watching, and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel.