Product FAQs
Select a link below to view specific product FAQs. Product Safety
Electric Actuated Valves
Electric Actuated Valves
Can I use Valworx electric actuated valves outside?
Valworx electric actuators are designed with weatherproof enclosures that offer a degree of protection in outdoor environments. It is important to ensure that electric actuators operate within the maximum and minimum temperature specifications. Protection from sun, rain, ice and snow will generally extend the life of the actuator. Refer to technical bulletin: Enclosure Ratings.
Can I mount the electric actuated butterfly valve in a vertical pipeline?
Valworx electric actuated butterfly valves can be mounted in any orientation, however we prefer that the actuator is not mounted upside down.
What is the maximum allowable fluid velocity?
Metal valves: 5 to 10 ft/sec, closer to 5ft/sec is better
PVC valves: < 5 ft/sec
When wiring the position confirmation switches on 5610 series actuators, do I have to use the main power to actuator?
No, Valworx limit switches are dry contact and use any voltage within the published limits of switches - refer to IOM instructions.
What size electric cord do I need for the black position confirmation switch DIN plug on the 5610 series actuator?
The maximum O.D. for wiring cable is 5mm - refer to IOM instructions.
My 5610 series actuator will only turn in one direction?
Refer to 5610 troubleshooting guides.
Do you have a DPS and BSR kit for the 5616 series electric actuator?
Yes, refer to 5616 series actuator accessories.
What is the ISO DIN cable connector on 5610 actuators used for? What about the Sub-micro cable connector?
The ISO DIN cable is for power connection while the Sub-micro cable is for position confirmation switches - refer to IOM instructions.
What is the maximum allowable temperature of the fluid media?
Refer to the specifications tab found on each product page for this information.
What is the 5610 series DPS kit used for?
Using a 4-20mA or 0-10V signal input, the valve ball or disc can be positioned anywhere between 0-90° (closed to full open), changing the flow rate from 0-100%. Refer to technical bulletin: How does it work?.
What is the 5610 series BSR failsafe option?
The BSR failsafe option will move the valve to fail closed or fail open with loss of main power (this can be installed at the factory or in the field). This actuator uses an industrial self charging battery installed under the red cover.
Do you have explosion proof electric actuators?
Yes, our 5818 series actuators are explosion proof and are UL C1/D1 and ATEX rated.
I have a Valworx electric actuated ball valve, can I change the ball valve to a different size?
This might be possible, contact customer service for more information.
Can I use the Valworx electric actuated valve with natural gas or propane gas?
Valworx valves do not have agency approvals for use with propane or natural gas.
Can you tell me if your valve will work in my application?
Due to the many conditions that affect the valve choice, including, but not limited to; pressure, temperature, chemical mix, material compounding and environment, the user through its own analysis and testing is solely responsible for making the final selection. We will be happy to clarify any questions you might have about the specifications of any Valworx product.
Can I change my electric actuator to an air actuator?
This might be possible, contact customer service for more information.
How does the 5618 series electric actuator with EPS positioner work?
Refer to technical bulletin: How does it work?.
Can you use an electric actuated valve for higher temperatures than what is listed on your website?
No, the maximum temperature ratings for our valves are listed on each product page. Refer to the specifications tab for allowable temperature ranges.
Can you use an electric actuated valve for higher pressures than what you have listed on your website?
No, the maximum pressures for our valves are listed on each product page. Refer to the product data sheet tab for a pressure-temperature (P/T) chart for allowable pressure ranges.
What type of 3-way switch do I need to operate the Valworx electric actuator?
Generally 3-way, 2-position switches are used to operate Valworx electric actuators.
My 5610 series electric actuated valve will close, but will not open?
Refer to 5610/5615/5616 troubleshooting guides.
My actuated valve with 5610/5615/5616 series actuator will not work?
Refer to 5610/5615/5616 troubleshooting guides.
My new 5618 series actuator will not open or close?
Since all actuators are 100% functionally tested prior to shipping, most likely there is a wiring issue - refer to 5618 troubleshooting guides.
Can you confirm the Valworx valve will work with my fluid media?
Many conditions can affect the valve choice, including, but not limited to; pressure, temperature, chemical mix, material compounding and environment. The user through its own analysis and testing is solely responsible for making the final selection. Our Media Compatibility Guides for both metal valves and PVC valves maybe helpful in determining material compatibility. Contacting the fluid manufacturer may also be helpful in determining fluid compatibility.
Do you offer electric actuated valves with a failsafe option?
We offer a BSR - Battery Spring Return option for our 5610/5615/5616 series electric actuators. This option will return the valve to a fail closed (or open) position with the loss of main power via industrial self-charging batteries. Air actuated spring return actuators may also be a good option when failsafe operation is required.
My 5610 series actuator stopped working and the LED is blinking?
Refer to 5610/5615/5616 troubleshooting guides.
Why do I need to maintain power to the electric actuator either in the open or closed position?
Maintain power to the electric actuator either in the open or closed position to activate the internal anti-condensation heater (when using actuators with heaters).
Where can I find the pressure-temperature charts for your valves?
The pressure-temperature (P/T) charts can be found in the product data sheets tab on each product page.
Do you offer a positioner option for your electric actuated 3-way valves?
Some 3-way valves are available with a positioner option. First, reference technical bulletin: 3-Way Ball Valve Flow Paths and confirm the flow path for your application. Then contact customer service to request a quotation for a custom item.
What is the difference between the 5610/5615/5616 series and 5618 series actuators?
Refer to product comparison guides: 5618 vs 5610/5615/5616 series.
Can I change my electric actuated valve from normally closed to normally open?
There shouldn't be any need to change, since electric actuated valves are either open or closed determined by the input control signal.
Can I change the failsafe mode of 5618 series actuator with EPS positioner?
Refer to IOM instructions.
Can I reverse the input control signal of the DPS kit?
Yes, this is possible on 5610/5615/5616 series actuators, and can be done at the factory. Reversing the signal makes 20 mA=closed, 4 mA=open. If this needs to be done in the field, contact customer service for details.
Do you have 12 volt actuated valve options?
Yes, it would require a custom assembly, but most valves are available in a 12 volt option - contact customer service for assistance.
What is the part number for a High Temperature kit?
While on the actuated valve product page refer to the accessories tab for available High Temperature kits.
I am not too familiar with valves, can you tell me what type of valve I need for my application?
Due to the many conditions that affect the valve choice, including, but not limited to; pressure, temperature, chemical mix, material compounding and environment, the user through its own analysis and testing is solely responsible for making the final selection. We will be happy to clarify any questions you might have about the specifications of any Valworx product.
Do you have electric actuated valves with faster cycle times?
Cycle times are fixed and non-adjustable. If faster cycle times are required, you may look at our air actuated valves which typically cycle in 1-1.5 seconds. Of course for this to work you would need to have compressed air available.
Do you have prewired DIN cables for your electric actuators?
Valworx offers prewired DIN cables for 5610/5615/5616 series electric actuators. We also offer solutions for the 5618 series electric actuators - refer to electric actuator connectors & cables.
Can I add a High Temperature kit to an existing Valworx electric actuated valve?
Yes, you would need to select a High Temperature kit matching both the actuator and valve mounting patterns - refer to the accessories tab on each product page.
Will all Valworx valves work with vacuum?
Yes, in most cases - refer to the specifications tab on each product page for vacuum rating.
Can you provide 3D CAD drawings for your electric actuated valves?
We provide 3D CAD drawings in most formats for Valworx products - refer to the CAD tab found on each product page. If you are unable to find the CAD drawing that you are looking for, contact customer service for assistance. Include the stock number of the valve and any accessories with your request.
What is the estimated lifespan of my electric actuator?
Due to the many conditions that can affect an actuator, including, but not limited to; duty cycle, torque, environment, temperature, and enclosure ratings, we are unable to determine how long an actuator will last. Refer to product comparison guides for assistance in choosing the best actuator for your application. Contact customer service for any questions.
How do I hook my actuator into a PLC? What do I need for controls?
Valworx on/off electric actuators provide a confirmation signal via dry contacts, and our positioning units provide a 4-20mA output signal. We provide a confirmation signal for our pneumatic actuators via external limit switch (sold separately) which also uses dry contacts. Contact customer service with questions you may have regarding our wiring diagram, however we are unable to assist with PLC's provided by other suppliers. If you are unfamiliar with wiring the product, it may be necessary to consult an electrician.
What is the life cycle of a battery for a BSR kit?
The BSR kit battery is constantly being trickle charged when the unit is powered - refer to the product data sheets for details on recharge times. Valworx is unable to specify the life of a BSR kit, however we do offer replacements if necessary. Contact customer service for more information.
Can I adjust the CAMS to stop at 45° or 180°?
In most cases, our electric actuators have internal CAMS that can be adjusted to any arc of rotation, however our minimum one-year warranty is limited to applications consistent with the product's intended use. Any unauthorized modifications made to the actuator from its original state could void the warranty of the product. Contact customer service for instructions if necessary.
Air Actuated Valves
What is the difference between spring return (SR) and double acting (DA) air actuators?
Refer to technical bulletin: How does it work?.
What air pilot pressure is required to operate Valworx air actuated valves?
Valworx air actuated valves are designed to operate with 80-120 PSI
In which position does an air actuated spring return 3-way valve fail?
Position 1 is the fail position for an air actuated spring return 3-way valve.
How does a direct mount solenoid valve work?
Refer to technical bulletin: How does it work?.
Do air actuated valves have a manual override?
Valworx air actuated valves do not have a manual override, however a manual override is provided with an optional direct mount solenoid valve.
What is the part number for a High Temperature kit?
Go to the product page for the actuated valve and refer to the accessories tab for available High Temperature kits.
What are the three (3) ports on a direct mount solenoid valve?
Port 1 is for the inlet supply pressure (80-120PSI) while port 3 and port 5 are exhaust ports - refer to IOM instructions.
How fast does an air actuated valve operate?
Smaller valves with less than a 2-inch pipe size, cycle in approximately one second. Larger valves with up to a 6-inch pipe, cycle in approximately 1.5 seconds. A cycle is per 90° rotation - refer to the product data sheets tab on each product page.
How do I control the open/close speed of a double acting (DA) air actuated valve?
Typically you would use a block & vent valve for precision control or exhaust mufflers for rough control of valve open & close speeds.
How do I control the open/close speed of a spring return (SR) air actuated valve?
Typically you would use the 5296 series 3-way sandwich style flow valve for precision control. An exhaust speed control can be used to give rough control of the closing speed, but exhaust speed controls will not control the open speed of a spring return actuator.
Do you have prewired DIN cord sets for direct mount solenoid valves?
Yes, please refer to our solenoid valve cables & connectors category page.
How do I wire a 5291 series direct mount solenoid valve?
Connect power to the DIN connector terminals 1 & 2 and the flat pin to earth ground - refer to IOM instructions.
Can I add a High Temperature kit to an existing Valworx air actuated valve?
Yes, you would need to select the High Temperature kit matching both the actuator and valve ISO5211 mounting patterns. Refer to the accessories tab for available High Temperature kits on each product page.
Will the Valworx valve work with vacuum?
Yes, in most cases - refer to the specifications tab on each product page for vacuum rating.
Can I mechanically adjust the flow rate of an air actuated ball valve?
No, but we do offer valve positioners with 4-20mA or 3-15PSI inputs. Valve positioners allow the user to adjust flow 0-100%.
How do I plumb a spring return (SR) Rack & Pinion air actuator?
Refer to IOM instructions for 5300/5301 series air actuators.
How do I plumb a double acting (DA) Rack & Pinion air actuator?
Refer to IOM instructions for 5300/5301 series air actuators.
Can I use the Valworx air actuated ball valve outside?
Yes, air actuated valves are weatherproof per materials of construction. Do not exceed minimum and maximum temperature specifications.
Do you have a way to confirm the air actuated valve is in the closed or open position?
Yes, Valworx offers optional actuator valve limit switches & valve monitors for air actuated valves. Actuator valve monitors contain two (2) dry contact limit switches that are used to confirm valve position and are equipped with a visual valve position indicator.
What type of pilot air do I need to operate an air actuated valves?
Filtered, dry or lubricated compressed air - refer to product data sheets tab on each product page for more details.
What is the volume of pilot air required for each cycle?
Metal valves: 5 to 10 ft/sec, closer to 5ft/sec is better
PVC valves: < 5 ft/sec
Can I mount an air actuated valve in a vertical pipe line?
Yes, Valworx air actuated valves can be mounted in any orientation.
How does the 4-20mA electro-pneumatic positioner work?
Supply a 4-20mA input to the positioner to vary the process valve flow output 0-100% - refer to the pneumatic positioners product data sheets for details.
How does the 3-15 PSI pneumatic positioner work?
Supply a 3-15 PSI to the positioner to vary the process valve flow output 0-100% - refer to the pneumatic positioner product data sheets for details.
What is the maximum pressure-temperature rating for your stainless steel air actuated valves?
Refer to the pressure-temperature (P/T) chart found on each product data sheets.
What is the metal inset screw on top of the direct mount solenoid valve?
This metal inset screw is a manual override. Use a small flat-head screwdriver to operate.
Do you offer 12 volt DC direct mount solenoid valves?
Yes - refer to direct mount solenoid valves.
Can I use my own solenoid valve to operate your spring return (SR) and double acting (DA) air actuators?
Yes, typically you need a 3-way normally closed 2-position pilot solenoid valve for SR actuators or a 4-way, 2-position solenoid valve to operate DA actuators.
Will Valworx air actuated valves work with 50 PSI pilot air supply?
Valworx air actuated valves require 80-120 PSI pilot air supply.
Can you supply an air actuated valve to operate at 2000 PSI?
The maximum pressure Valworx offers at this time is 1000 PSI (stainless steel valves).
Can I use your PVC air actuated ball valve with compressed air as the process media?
Valworx PVC valves are used with compatible liquids only and should not be used with compressed air or gas.
Can I use natural gas or propane as the pilot media for Valworx air actuated valves? I don't have air available.
Air actuator pilot media should be compressed air or nitrogen only.
Do you have an air actuator that will rotate 180°?
Valworx air actuators rotate 90° only.
Do you have a way to stop an air actuated valve mid-position?
Optional pneumatic positioners will allow stopping the valve in any position between 0-100% by use of a 4-20mA or 3-15 PSI input control signal.
Will your valve work at a slightly higher pressure than published?
No, the maximum pressures for Valworx valves are listed on each product page - refer to the product data sheets tab for a pressure-temperature (P/T) chart for allowable pressure ranges.
Will your valve work at a slightly lower temperature than published?
No, the maximum temperatures for Valworx valves are listed on each product page - refer to the specifications tab for allowable temperature ranges.
What happens if I use your valve at a higher or lower temperature than what you publish in the specifications?
Working temperature should never exceed ratings listed in the pressure-temperature (P/T) chart found in the product data sheets tab on each product page.
Do you supply plumbing fittings?
Valworx does not sell plumbing fittings, however these may be purchased from a pipe and fittings supplier.
Do you sell pipe and pipe flanges?
Valworx does not sell pipe or pipe flanges, however these may be purchased from a pipe and fittings supplier.
I ordered the wrong solenoid voltage, how do I change the voltage?
Contact customer service to request replacement coils for your existing solenoid valve or request an RMA for returning the unit to us for a credit then purchase the suitable replacement.
How do I order a 2-way, On/Off air actuated spring return valve setup to fail open, rather than the standard fail closed?
You may request this in the comments section on your online order that you require this option while placing your order. If placing your order via phone or by emailing a purchase order, please indicate this request accordingly.
Is it possible to change a 2-way, On/Off air actuated spring return valve in the field from the standard fail closed to fail open?
Yes, the valve can be easily changed from fail closed to fail open by removing the valve from the actuator, rotating the valve stem 90° then reassembling the valve and actuator. You will also need to remove the yellow indicator inserts and move to match new position.
Manual Valves
Can I run slightly over the published pressure rating of the valve?
No, the maximum pressures for our valves are listed on each product page. Refer to the product data sheets tab for a pressure-temperature (P/T) chart for allowable pressure ranges.
Can you supply position confirmation switches for manual ball valves?
Yes, you may find the available manual limit switch on each direct mount valve product page under the accessories tab.
What type of pipe flanges do I need for Valworx stainless flanged ball valve?
Valworx flanged ball valves utilize industry standard ANSI 150-pound pipe flanges.
What type of pipe flanges do I need for Valworx butterfly valves?
Valworx butterfly valves utilize industry standard ANSI 150-pound pipe flanges.
What is the difference between wafer and lug style butterfly valves?
Wafer style butterfly valves mount between two pipe flanges and are held in place with through bolts. Lug style butterfly valves have mounting threads in the valve body and use bolts threaded into the valve from each side of pipe flanges.
What is an NPT thread?
National Pipe Thread or NPT thread is a standard pipe thread used in the USA - refer to technical bulletin: NPT Pipe Size Identification.
Do you have ball valves that do not use Viton seals?
Not at this time. Most Valworx ball valves are equipped with Teflon and Viton seals since they are well suited for leak-free operation.
Can I change the flow path on your 3-way, T-port valve?
Yes, please refer to ProTips: 3-Way T-Port Ball Valve Position.
What is the ISO5211 mounting pattern?
ISO5211 is the international standard for actuator to valve mounting. Valworx actuated and manual valves utilize the international standard ISO5211 mounting pattern. To install a ISO5211 manual valve to a compatible actuator, simply remove the handle and install directly to the actuator. Refer to technical bulletin: ISO5211 Mounting for more information.
How can I tell the flow path of a 3-way valve once it is mounted in the pipe line?
The flow path is marked on top of the square valve stem for easy identification.
Is there a specific flow direction for Valworx ball valves?
Valworx ball valves are bi-directional and can flow in either direction without issue.
Is there a specific flow direction for Valworx butterfly valves?
Valworx ductile iron wafer style butterfly valves are bi-directional and can flow in either direction without issue, however some ductile iron lug style valves flow in only one direction. A flow arrow will be located on the valve body indicating the flow direction, if applicable.
Can you confirm the Valworx valve will work with my fluid media?
Many conditions can affect the valve choice, including, but not limited to; pressure, temperature, chemical mix, material compounding and environment. The user through its own analysis and testing is solely responsible for making the final selection. Our Media Compatibility Guide for both metal valves and PVC valves may be helpful in determining material compatibility. Contacting the fluid manufacturer may also be helpful in determining fluid compatibility.
What is the difference between a 3-way, L-port and T-port ball valve?
The ball used in Valworx 3-way valves are drilled in either an L- or T- design. The ball type defines the direction of media flow through the valve.
What type of PVC is used with Valworx PVC ball valves?
While on the PVC valve product page, refer to the data sheets tab for product construction details.
What is the maximum allowable fluid velocity?
Metal valves: 5 to 10 ft/sec, closer to 5ft/sec is betterPVC valves: < 5 ft/sec
What is the maximum allowable temperature of the fluid media?
Refer to the specifications tab on each product page for allowable temperature ranges.
Can I use Valworx valves with natural gas or propane?
Valworx valves do not have agency approvals for use with propane or natural gas.
Will Valworx valves work with vacuum?
Yes, in most cases, check the valve specifications tab on each product page for vacuum rating.
What is the maximum temperature rating for the brass/stainless ball valves?
Refer to the product specifications tab and data sheets tab on each product page.
Can I use your PVC valve with compressed air as the process media?
Valworx PVC valves are used with compatible liquids only and should not be used with compressed air or gas.
Will your valve work at a slightly lower temperature than published?
No, the temperature range for Valworx valves are listed on each product page - refer to the specifications tab for the allowable temperature range.
What happens if I use your valve at a higher or lower temperature than what you publish in P/T chart?
Working temperature should never exceed ratings listed in the pressure-temperature (P/T) charts found in the data sheets tab on each product page.
Can I use your PVC valves with sodium hypochlorite?
No, special valve construction is required for use with sodium hypochlorite.