Netafim Aquative Solenoid for Electric 3-Way Control Valves
Battery and solar controllers in the field get the longest service from a solenoid that draws very little energy. This Netafim Aquative solenoid, model 61AQTVDCL1, is the 12VDC latching 3-way actuator Netafim fits to its electric 3-way valves. It converts an electric command into a hydraulic one, venting or pressurizing the valve's control chamber. Because it latches, a short pulse switches it and no holding current flows between commands. Netafim lists the minimum pulse at 80 ms, with a 4,700 µF capacitor recommended for 12 to 18 VDC. Its two main parts are a water-isolated actuator and a 3-way hydraulic control valve. A large 2 mm orifice lets it work with all types of water and on large valves. The manual override knob has Close, Auto and Open positions for running the valve without the controller. Body parts are reinforced nylon with an EPDM command diaphragm, rated from 0 to 140 psi. The solenoid comes on an aluminum bracket that anchors to the valve with two screws.
Wiring a 12V Latching Solenoid Valve in the Field
Netafim specifies 80 mesh filtration on the water feeding the command ports. Connect the hydraulic tubing to the 1/8 in BSP ports following the valve's normally open or normally closed layout. The two 22 AWG leads are 1.2 m long, with red as positive and black as common. Reversing those two wires swaps the solenoid between normally closed and normally open action. On DC, Netafim rates runs of up to 150 m on 20 AWG cable and up to 380 m on 15 AWG. Expect a delay of two to five seconds between the command and the valve responding. Ambient and water temperatures should stay at or below 140°F. Turn the knob to Open or Close to test a zone by hand during startup or troubleshooting. Return it to Auto afterward so the controller regains command of the valve. The Aquative also appears on Netafim's battery-operated 3-way valves paired with an Aqua Pro controller.
Key Features
- 12VDC latching: Switches on a short pulse with no holding current between commands.
- 3-way hydraulic actuator: Water-isolated actuator plus a 3-way control valve for the valve chamber.
- Large 2 mm orifice: Suits all types of water and large valves.
- Manual override: Close, Auto and Open knob for hand operation.
- NC or NO action: Selected by the wire connection.
- Aluminum bracket: Anchors to the valve with two screws.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | 61AQTVDCL1 |
| Type | 3-way latching solenoid actuator |
| Voltage | 12VDC latching |
| Minimum Pulse | 80 ms |
| Capacitor (12-18 VDC) | 4,700 µF |
| Pressure Range | 0-140 psi (0-10 bar) |
| Orifice | 2 mm |
| Hydraulic Ports | 1/8 in BSP |
| Leads | 2 x 22 AWG, 1.2 m; red +, black common |
| Manual Override | Close / Auto / Open |
| Filtration | 80 mesh |
| Max Ambient and Fluid Temperature | 140°F (60°C) |
| Activation Delay | 2-5 seconds |
| Materials | Reinforced nylon; EPDM command diaphragm |
| Bracket | Aluminum, anchors with 2 screws |
| Max DC Cable Run | 150 m on 20 AWG; 380 m on 15 AWG |