Solenoid Valves

olenoid Directional Control Valves and General Purpose Solenoid Valves

Understanding the Difference Between Solenoid Directional Control Valves and General Purpose Solenoid Valves

At Bearingboys, we know that choosing the right valve for your system can make a huge difference in both performance and reliability. One of the most common questions we get from customers is about solenoid valves—specifically, the difference between solenoid directional control valves and general purpose solenoid valves. While the two sound similar, they’re designed for very different applications. In this blog, we’ll break down how each type works, where they’re typically used, and what to consider when selecting one for your setup.

What Are Solenoid Valves?

A solenoid valve is an electromechanical device that controls the flow of a fluid or gas. It works by using an electrical current to energise a coil, which in turn moves a plunger or spool that opens or closes the valve. These valves are incredibly versatile and widely used across many industries, from automation and manufacturing to agriculture and HVAC systems.

General Purpose Solenoid Valves

General purpose solenoid valves are, as the name suggests, designed for a wide range of everyday flow control tasks. They typically handle the on/off control of air, water, oil, or other non-corrosive fluids. You’ll often find them in systems such as irrigation setups, pneumatic lines, and basic fluid control applications.

Here are a few key features of general purpose solenoid valves:

• Simple two-way or three-way design – usually controlling flow from inlet to outlet.

• Normally open or normally closed operation – depending on whether the valve allows or blocks flow when de-energised.

• Fast response and reliable operation – ideal for straightforward flow control.

• Compact and cost-effective – perfect for general industrial or domestic use.

These valves are all about convenience and reliability where the fluid direction is straightforward and doesn’t need complex routing or actuation.

Solenoid Directional Control Valves

In contrast, solenoid directional control valves are designed for hydraulic or pneumatic systems where controlling the direction of flow is crucial. These are commonly used in machinery, automation systems, and heavy-duty equipment where pressurised air or oil needs to move actuators, cylinders, or motors in different directions.

Key features include:

• Multi-port configurations – such as 4/2 or 5/2 valves, allowing control of multiple flow paths.

• Spool design – directs the flow to different outputs depending on the electrical signal.

• Precise directional control – ideal for controlling motion or sequence in a system.

• Robust build – typically designed to handle higher pressures and more demanding conditions.

Essentially, while a general purpose solenoid valve turns flow on or off, a directional control valve determines where that flow goes.

Choosing the Right Valve for Your Application

When deciding between the two, it all comes down to the complexity of your system and the type of control you need.

• If you simply need to open or close a line for air, water, or other fluids — a general purpose solenoid valve is the way to go.

• But if your application involves controlling cylinders or motors, directing flow paths, or managing motion — a solenoid directional control valve is the better choice.

Our Range at Bearingboys

At Bearingboys, we stock a wide range of valves, including solenoid directional control valves and general purpose solenoid valves, all from trusted manufacturers. Whether you’re working on a pneumatic control system or a simple fluid line, we’ve got reliable, high-quality solutions ready for next-day delivery.

You can browse our full range online at bearingboys.co.uk

In summary:

• General Purpose Solenoid Valves = Simple on/off flow control.

• Directional Control Solenoid Valves = Manage and direct flow paths for pneumatic or hydraulic systems.

Both play vital roles in keeping your systems running smoothly — it’s just a matter of choosing the right one for your job.