propane solenoid valve help?

**wardenwheat** · 12-29-2008, 02:39 AM

I want to add an automated solenoid valve for my propane burner using a temperature controller to trigger it. I have read a ton of info and it just made me more confused! I have a ranco controller and I need recommendations of what type of valve and equipment I need to set it up.

**Derrin** · 12-29-2008, 03:23 AM

You'll probably need to use an ASCO valve, but I don't know which one. Most furnace type valves are designed to work with low-pressure, below 1psi.

I'm assuming you're using HP propane.

**wardenwheat** · 12-29-2008, 01:45 PM

Yes I use a 20lb propane bottle, so it would be higher pressure than CNG.

**Derrin** · 12-29-2008, 03:30 PM

Google ASCO Red Hat valves and find a spec sheet. The valves I'm used to dealing with are designed to work around 11" WC (Water Column).

**kladue** · 12-29-2008, 04:34 PM

The STC brand solenoid valves are more cost effective than the ASCO's, do a search for STC valves and electric ignition to get some ideas as to the solenoid controlled burner systems built by members. Would advise you to use a safety system with a solenoid controlled burner as a pilot going out and solenoid valve opening could lead to a big blast if a quantity of propane would light off something else in area.

tarheels · 02-03-2009, 07:35 PM

Will this work

STC 2 way N.C. 1/2" solenoid valve air and water - eBay (item 300261249207 end time Feb-20-09 18:01:12 PST)

MNBugeater · 02-03-2009, 09:01 PM

Those look exactly like the ones I use but I don't recall the exact specs. There is a very good thread around here that talks in depth about valves, although if you are confused now...it will likely make you more confused. HA.

I'll find it and update this post...

Edit: (Not being a prick, I know they can be hard to find)
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/brutus-ten-44403/
This thread is long, but a very good read.

ASCO and STC are the two commonly used. Both work admirably. Some of the 'debate', for lack of a better term, is that the appropriate valves aren't being used for this specific application. i.e. Water & Air rated valves are being used for gas and a "Use at your own risk" warning has been suggested. Valves that are truely rated for this type of gas application can be costly for a homebrewing environment.

**kladue** · 02-03-2009, 10:10 PM

Yes these valves will work for both high and low pressure gas systems, when you order them you have 2 choices, 120/60 AC coil if you are not going to use an electric ignition system, or 24/60 ac coil if you are. With the 120/60 AC coil you can use the same 120V power for both ranco and solenoid coil without needing any other power source. Would recommend a pilot or burner flame safety system if you are not willing to watch for a pilot flameout during opration. When used with an electric igniton module the 24/60 AC coil will be connected directly to the ignition module which is powered by a 120/24 VAC transformer.

tarheels · 02-03-2009, 11:18 PM

thanks, i know there is so much information going around the threads about all the different ways to do this.

Figbash · 02-03-2009, 11:32 PM

I would not try to use a temperature controller to operate a gas valve. There are no built in safety features to deal with the possibility of the flame or pilot going out. Just get a gas valve from from an old hot water heater. It will have everything needed to do the job. It will need to be a valve designed for propane, or be able to be converted to propane, or you may need to spring for a new one.

Tom