
1.Confirm the specifications.
This product is designed only for use in compressed air
systems (including vacuum). Do not operate at pressures,
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. Effects 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 a malfunction,
take countermeasures such as using an individual EXH
manifold.
4.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.
5.Not suitable for use as an emergency shutoff
valve, etc.
The valves presented in this catalog are not designed for
safety applications (e.g. emergency shutoff valve). If the valves
are used in such applications, additional safety measures
should be adopted.
6.Release of residual pressure
For maintenance and inspection purposes install a system for
releasing residual pressure.
7.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.
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.
8.Regarding vacuum switch valves 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.
9.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.
10. Extended periods of continuous energization
Caution for high temperature
∗The surface temperature of the valve may increase.
●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 assembly. This will likely adversely
affect the performance of the valve and any nearby peripheral
equipment. If 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.
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.
Also, it is possible to reduce the energizing time by using a
N.O. (normal open) valve.
●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 with bare hands during or after energization.
In particular, note that the temperature rise will be larger if three
or more adjacent valves on the manifold are energized together
for extended periods of time.
11.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 2% or less of the rated voltage
AC coil 20% or less of the 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.
2) Minimum allowable load amount (Min. load current)
When the consumption current of a valve is less than the
output’s minimum allowable load volume or the margin is
small, the output may not switch normally. Please contact
SMC.
3. Surge voltage suppressor
1) The surge voltage suppressor built into the valve is intended
to protect the output contacts so that the surge generated
inside valve does not adversely affect the output contacts.
Therefore, if an overvoltage or overcurrent is received from
an external peripheral device, the surge voltage protection
element inside the valve is overloaded, causing the
element to break. In the worst case, the breakage causes
the electric circuit to enter short-circuit status. If energizing
continues while in this state, a large current flows. This may
cause secondary damage to the output circuit, external
peripheral device, or valve, and may also cause a fire. So,
take appropriate protective measures, such as the
installation of an overcurrent protection circuit in the power
supply or a drive circuit to maintain a sufficient level of
safety.
VT317 Series
3 port solenoid valve/ Precautions (1)
Be sure to read this before handling the products.
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