3/4/5 Port Solenoid Valves Precautions 1 Be sure to read this before handling. Design/Selection Warning 1. Confirm the specifications. Products represented in this catalog are designed only for use in compressed air systems (including vacuum). Do not operate at pressures or temperatures, etc., beyond the range of specifications, as this can cause damage or malfunction. (Refer to the specifications.) Please contact SMC when using a fluid other than compressed air (including vacuum). We do not guarantee against any damage if the product is used outside of the specification range. 2. Actuator drive When an actuator, such as a cylinder, is to be driven using a valve, take appropriate measures (cover installation or approach prohibition) to prevent potential danger caused by actuator operation. 3. Intermediate stops For 3-position closed center or double check valve type, it is difficult to make a piston stop at the required position accurately due to the compressibility of air. Furthermore, since valves and cylinders are not guaranteed for zero air leakage, it may not be possible to hold a stopped position for an extended period of time. Please contact SMC if it is necessary to hold a stopped position for an extended period of time. 4. Effect of back pressure when using a manifold Use caution when valves are used on a manifold, because an actuator may malfunction due to back-pressure. For 3-position exhaust center valve or single acting cylinder, take appropriate measures to prevent malfunction by using it with an individual EXH spacer assembly, a back pressure check valve or an individual exhaust manifold. Also, since the SQ1000 4-position dual 3 port valves is 4 port valve specification (R1 and R2 are common), one back pressure check valve can be installed. As a result, back pressure from valves in other stations can be prevented, but back pressure inside this valve cannot be prevented. 5. Holding pressure (including vacuum) Since the valves are subject to air leakage, they cannot be used for applications such as holding pressure (including vacuum) in a pressure vessel. 6. Not suitable for use as an emergency shutoff valve, etc. The valves listed in this catalog are not designed for safety applications such as an emergency shutoff valve. If the valves are used for the mentioned applications, additional safety measures should be adopted. 7. Release of residual pressure For maintenance purposes install a system for releasing residual pressure. Especially in the case of 3-position closed center valve or double check valve type, ensure that the residual pressure between the valve and the cylinder is released. 8. Operation in a vacuum condition When a valve is used for switching a vacuum, take measures to install a suction filter or similar to prevent external dust or other foreign matter from entering inside the valve. In addition, at the time of vacuum adsorption, be sure to vacuum at all times. Failure to do so may result in foreign matter sticking to the adsorption pad, or air leakage causing the workpiece to drop. 9.Regarding a vacuum switch valve and a vacuum release valve If a non-vacuum valve is installed in the middle of piping system having a vacuum, the vacuum condition will not be maintained. Use a valve designed for use under vacuum condition. 10. Double solenoid type When using the double solenoid type for the first time, actuators may travel in an unexpected direction depending on the switching position of the valve. Implement measures to prevent any danger from occurring when operating the actuator. 11. Ventilation Provide ventilation when using a valve in a confined area, such as in a closed control panel. For example, install a ventilation opening, etc. in order to prevent pressure from increasing inside of the confined area and to release the heat generated by the valve. 12. Extended periods of continuous energization . If a valve will be continuously energized for an extended period of time, the temperature of the valve will increase due to the heat generated by the coil. This will likely adversely affect the performance of the solenoid valve and any nearby peripheral equipment. Therefore, when it is continuously energized for an extended period of time or when the energized period per day is longer than the de-energized period, use SY series DC specifications or power saving circuit type. As a valve not mentioned above can also be used depending on the operating conditions (in particular, DC specification valves), please contact SMC for further information. Additionally, use of a valve with the N.O. (normally open) specifications makes it possible to shorten the energized time. . For applications such as mounting a valve on a control panel, incorporate measure to limit the heat radiation so that it is within the operating temperature range. Do not touch the valves by bare hand during or after energization. For example, the temperature will be high when a 3 station manifold or larger is put next to other valves and continuously energized or the long and continuous energization on both the A and B sides (simultaneous) of the SY, SJ, SZ, SV, VQ, SQ series dual 3 port valves. 13.Do not disassemble the product or make any modifications, including additional machining. It may cause human injury and/or an accident. 2