If there is anything that could cause a greater inrush current in a pilot operated solenoid valve. Such as water pressure. Also I have been told that a vacuum is created when a valve opens that will restrict the movement of the solenoid plunger increasing the inrush current.First of all a pilot operated solenoid isn't effected by the water pressure. The Pilot valve is a small solenoid that switches the media, which in turn acts apon a large piston or diaphragm that opens the main valve. An ASCO 8210 would be a good example. A direct acting solenoid on the other hand operates the valve directly, they tend to be small port low flow or low pressure valves e.g. ASCO 8030 series only rated at 15 psid. Most solenoids are rated in differential pressure which means that a valve on 100# to vacuum is the same as 115# to atmosphere. I agree with you, the inrush current will stay the same (I assume we are talking Direct Acting AC Coil) but as soon as the valve breaks the seal between plunger and seat the pressure acting on the plunger is about the same in both directions. When the plunger completes the magnetic circuit the impedance goes up and the current goes down to Holding value. To cap it off as long as your valve is rated to 15# over your line pressure you can forget about any effect vacuum may have on it.

MORE NEWS