1. Confirm the specifications
This product is 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 (such as the installation of a
cover or the restricting of access to the product) to prevent
potential danger caused by actuator operation.
3. Intermediate stopping
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
actuators may malfunction due to back pressure.
Especially, when a single acting cylinder is operated, caution is
necessary. When there is a danger of such malfunction, take
countermeasures such as using an individual exhaust manifold.
5. Holding pressure (including vacuum)
Since 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.
These valves 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, 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 supply
a constant supply of vacuum. 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 vacuum
release valves
If a non-vacuum valve is installed in the middle of a piping
system that contains a vacuum, the vacuum condition will not
be maintained. Use a valve designed for use under vacuum
conditions.
10. 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.
11. Energizing for extended periods of time
Caution hot surface
∗ Be aware that the valve surface may get hot.
●If a valve is 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 adversersly affect the
performance of the solenoid valve and any nearby peripheral
equipment. Therefore, when the total energizing time per day
is expected to be longer than the total de-energizing time per
day, use a continuous duty type valve.
Depending on the operating conditions, it may be possible to
use valves which are not mentioned above. Please contact
SMC. In addition, it is possible to shorten the energizing time
by using a N.O. (normal open) valve.
●When the valve is mounted onto a control panel, incorporate
measures 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
energised.
12. Do not disassemble the product or make any
modifications, including additional machining.
Doing so may cause human injury and/or an accident.
1. Leakage voltage
Take note that the leakage voltage will increase when a
resistor is used in parallel with a switching element or when a
C-R circuit (surge voltage suppressor) is used for protecting a
switching device because of the leakage voltage passing
through the C-R circuit. The suppressor residual leakage
voltage should be as follows.
DC coil 5% or less of rated voltage
AC coil 15% or less of rated voltage
2. Solenoid valve drive for AC with a solid state
output (SSR, TRIAC output, etc.)
1) Current leakage
When using a snubber circuit (C-R element) for surge
protection of the output, a very small amount of electrical
current will continue to flow even during the OFF state.
This results in the valve not returning. In a situation where the
tolerance is exceeded, as in the above case, take measures
to install a bleeder resistor.
VT315 Series