Solenoid shut off valve FAQs - hints and tips on choosing & using shut off valves

What does a solenoid shut off valve do?

Where do I plumb this in?

Can I mount my valve vertically?

How do I connect my electric supply to it?

I cannot get my valve to open...

Do I need to fit a strainer?

Are these valves supplied with compression fittings?

What happens during a power cut?

Can I override the valve if the power goes off?

How much power do these take?

Do you supply valves with coil voltages other than 240v AC?

What pressures will these valves work at?

I need to operate a valve from a low voltage float switch...

What does a solenoid shut off valve do?

Watersaver's brass solenoid shut off valves enable a water supply to be turned on energising the coil of the valve with 240v AC (SVM range). When de-energised the valve will close - shutting off the water supply.

Where do I plumb this in?

In a domestic property or small commercial property the shut off valve is plumbed in after and close to the main stopcock. Choose the valve size according to the size of your incoming water main. BSP sizes and (valve product code) are: ½" (SVM-15), ¾" (SVM-22) & 1" (SVM-28).
Fit male BSP to compression fitting couplers to plumb into copper pipe. Ensure arrow on brass body matches direction of water flow.  

Can I mount my valve vertically?

Valves are designed to operate properly when mounted in any position. However for optimum life and performance the solenoid coil should be mounted vertically and upright to reduce the possibility of foreign matter accumulating in the solenoid base sub-assembly area.

How do I connect my electric supply to it?

Watersavers solenoid shut off valves are each supplied with a DIN connector which is pushed on to the coil of the valve and held in place by a screw. Use 0.75mm² flexible cable to connect to terminals 1 & 2 (polarity not important). An earth connection can be made to the third terminal although all water pipework should be bonded to earth. See current and local regulations.
For ideas and products to turn the valves on & off please see ...other Control Options 

I cannot get my valve to open...

• Check that the arrow on the brass body matches the direction of water flow
• Ensure there is sufficient pressure of water. The SVM range of valves require a minimum of 0.35 BAR (11.5 ft water) in order to operate.
• Check there is 240v AC at the coil terminals, use a test meter if necessary. The coil should be warm to the touch if the power has been on for a few minutes.
• With a test meter check there is resistance between the two smaller terminals 1 & 2 on the coil. It should read about 3000 ohms (3kΩ). If the coil is open circuit contact Watersavers to obtain a replacement part.
• It is possible that some debris has entered the valve and caused it to malfunction. The valve can be carefully dismantled to check for this.

Do I need to fit a strainer?

Watersavers recommend the fitting of a gauze or Y strainer to the inlet of the valve to prevent the ingress of debris into the valve.

Are these valves supplied with compression fittings?

Valves supplied by Watersavers have female BSP threads. Couplers to convert to compression fit are readily available from plumbing merchants.

What happens during a power cut?

In the event of a power cut the solenoid valve will close, shutting off the water. This is known as "fail safe".
Consideration should be given to this fact before installation to find out if there are any emergency facilities, appliances or machines such as fire sprinklers, fish aquariums, toilets etc that may raise safety or health issues if water was not available.

Can I override the valve if the power goes off?

The standard SVM range of valves cannot be overriden however here are three options for consideration:

• Watersavers can supply a special version of shut off valve with a manual override screw. Simply turn through 90° with a screwdriver.
• Plumb in parallel pipework with a tap that can be opened in the event of a power cut.
• Provide a tap or hose outlet between the stopcock and the solenoid shut off valve for use in an emergency 

How much power do these take?

Watersavers brass solenoid shut off valves typically consume 4 watts of power which means that they can be run continuously for about 10 days for the cost of 1 unit of electricity!

Do you supply valves with coil voltages other than 240v AC?

Yes, our OSV range operate from 24v DC for use with our Omnisava multifunction control and for other low voltage applications.
We can also supply other coil voltages and valve functions - please contact us with your requirements. 

What pressures will these valves work at?

Our SVM & OSV range of pilot operated valves require a minimum pressure of 0.35 BAR (11.5 feet of water) to operate. The maximum operating pressure is 13 BAR (½" - 1" sizes) and 10 BAR (1¼" - 2" sizes).

I need to operate a valve from a low voltage float switch...

Use our Omnisava multifunction control to operate a 24v OSV solenoid valve. The float switch can be connected to the input of the Omnisava such that the valve can be opened or closed as required. Please contact our technical department on 01603 720999 to discuss your requirements.