Arduino Solenoid Valve Circuit: How to control water flow with an Arduino

How to use a solenoid valve with an Arduino
In this video we show how to do flow control with an Arduino. This is great for gardening, plumbing, and industrial applications. We look at some of the design issues when using a solenoid valve such as Back EMF and the need for a relay. We go over Ohm’s law for an inductor and show how to solve the Back EMF issue with a Flyback Diode (aka Freewheeling Diode or Snubber Diode). After reviewing the solenoid equation, we hook up and test the circuit - and successfully control water with the Arduino and solenoid valve.
Where you can buy the tools and materials:
[✓] Wire Nuts amzn.to/2z8hMHD
[✓] Diode Variety Pack amzn.to/2hIKeZz
[✓] 12V DC ¾” NPT Solenoid Valve (BE SURE TO SELECT THE RIGHT ONE!) amzn.to/2z9hpg3
[✓] Jumper wires amzn.to/2zpiT5E
[✓] 12V DC Power Supply amzn.to/2zbKp6O
[✓] Arduino Uno amzn.to/2zqDqXE
[✓] Relay Module - see this video’s description for all the pieces to use the relay module: • How to use an Arduino ...
Helpful Links
1. The video on how to use the Arduino relay module • How to use an Arduino ...
2. More about flyback diodes www.quora.com/...
3. Using a transistor instead of a relay www.bc-robotics...
4. More on solenoid valve circuits web.cecs.pdx.ed...

[@forrestberg591]

Amazing. I had a problem I thought was too specific to find a video about and I found this one addressing my problems perfectly. Well made video too! Thank you

[@mkollek]

Love this explanation. It's exactly what I was trying to understand why a relay on it's own is a bad idea.

[@orestisgeorgiades3894]

I recomend testing your diode first to check which way (multimeter)to connect your positive (red cable). The snubber diode i am using is the other way around i.e the white strip side is negative and the other side is positive (in the video you connected red wire to white stripe side of the diode) ..this resulted to a minor explosion but all is well..

[@mibrahim4245]

Great video, but a small tip .. When u cut off the switch; the reverse induced voltage will draw a current in a direction WITH the original one trying to keep the same magnetic field .. i.e the current arrows should've been drawn in the opposite direction and that will make the current flow from bottom to top of the diode ..

[@davidallanbrownjr48]

Pro tip: get a little drunk before soldering, helps with the shaking.

[@jonasstockton1546]

Just a shot or two

[@DarkLinkAD]

Slow tip, Elbow to knee makes a 3rd arm.

[@jAug94]

With knowledge like that, you should be president.

[@atohagan3588]

loool

[@dodgycable2095]

@Brayden Boone This is a scam, no one should access this service!! you would be stupid to think something like this is legit

[@tkts8782]

Thank you so much! I have seen a lot of people explain this, but nobody could really explain it as well ad you did!

[@cavokdotcom]

Thank you for this well explained process.. I've been formulating a plan to control some water, but wasn't sure how complicated it'd be. By the looks of this, it's pretty straight forward. Much appreciated!

[@tsrlife3818]

Solenoid valves are not AC. They are always DC

[@achyuthvishwamithra]

2:30 For everyone confused with current direction shown in this video and diode placement. Back EMF is due to original voltage source being removed suddenly (i.e switched off, which causes current to reduce). Inductor tries to prevent this reduction in current by creating EMF in the opposite direction to source hence the name Back EMF. But it does not cause the current to go in the opposite direction as shown in this video. This is why the diode has to be positioned in a way such that it acts as short circuit and prevent the reverse voltage due to back EMF from appearing across source and causing an arc. In this video, diode placement is correct but current direction due to Back EMF is wrong. Remember in inductor current lags voltage by 90 degrees in an inductor.

[@TheAtomicplumber]

So i think what your saying is Back EMF is the reverse of the magnetic field which was pushed outward during the on switch position but then flows backward into the coil when it collapses? But does not flow back to the negative upstream source of current flow?

[@MrMesVentes]

Thanks! I'm happy to see I'm not the only one to see this error.

[@syaduinotech3681]

What diode should be use as example of this video?

[@MrMesVentes]

@@syaduinotech3681 standard diode with an high enough reverse DC voltage.

[@ThomasDavenport1]

love how people are asking Tinker to diagnose quite specific problems with their very vaguely described setups! Like how is he, or anyone else, supposed answer these Q's?!?

[@Suedocode]

2:45 This diagram's current is backwards; you suddenly swapped the current flow direction when the switch toggled. The diagram even shows current going backwards through the diode...

[@0siiris]

Yeah i thought something was up with it

[@terjehvidsten5026]

Sorry i'm quite new on this. I have a 12V Solenoid valve that i want to connect. What values should my snubber- diode have?

[@Lmiller201]

awesome!! i’m glad i found this. i am in the process of building an arduino 12v irrigation system and without this little nugget of info, i would have potentially burned up a few relay boards, got irritated and maybe abandoned the arduino base for something else (timers and such) this something not seen in any other “arduino irrigation” video

[@nxdhin]

Please put a video on using TIP 120 MOSFET instead of relay

[@koshikiiwa__]

WOw thank you for useful video and it might helps in my aquaponics projects! May I know which diode you are using? IN4001? I am having 12Vdc 5W solenoid valve as well, with a supply of 12Vdc 2A.

[@akhil0033]

is IN4001 good enough to use?

[@SuperStruct]

I'm about to make this with a TIP 120 Darlington Transistor instead of the relay. Is there anything else I need to be aware of? Why use such a complicated module when you can replace it with a single transistor? EDIT: I ended up making it and it works flawlessly! Amazing how much power you get with gravity. 2 giant beds are fully automated so I can live at peace next quarter!

[@neverbethesame-j4k]

What type of solenoid valve should we use for our Arduino-based system, considering it's connected to a container with no direct water source or pressure?

[@SuperStruct]

How much pressure is gravity going to help make with a rain barrel full of water? Is it enough to like pressurize an irrigation system? Or soaker tape? I really think this will work!

[@dhaufjebzjchseis3828]

great vid however at 2:40 how does the voltage loop counterclockwise if the cathode side of the diode is blocking, also from my understanding of inductors the current flow should be clockwise when there is a current drop in this scenerio, since inductors resist change in current so a drop in current would mean it wants to keep the current moving in its original clockwise direction.

[@chrisdockman7237]

I'm not sure why we're worried about EMF. There's an optocoupler on the relay board you're using. Technically there isn't a way of damaging the controller. Unless you're worried about the power supply that drives the device.

[@javierschaerer909]

hi, i have the solenoid valve out of the box, actually away. It should somehow isolate each diode, right? very good explanation, congratulation !!

[@radiamoon2395]

hi, thank you so much for sharing this project. I have a question about why should the relay pin set to low to be active?

[@SheriCoco]

the relay has diodes on them to prevent the arcing right? and if yes why was there a need for another diode?

[@رجلالسلام-خ2و]

great explanation Thanks

[@sobenphon]

What size of flyback diode should I use if I have 220Vac solenoid?

[@mbsyaswanth3334]

Did not understand how we are changing the polarity here to open/close the valve. Please explain..

[@stefanopiardi6930]

I really appreciate this video, you are the first one to talk about the flyback diode. So just for the extra value added i subscribed and liked your video. I have to make the same project by hooking up multiple solenoids, and have Arduino run it like a multizone cycle timer. do you suggest Arduino or Raspberry PI?

[@Lopeys]

Stefano Piardi for a task like this I'd use an Arduino. The advantage of a raspberry pi is it has an os or can have on. You don't need one here so it'd be a waste of money.

[@TWFDeadzoneII]

great video.

[@stefanschumacher1728]

Thank you!

[@idolcollegemu3595]

Best work sir...Keep it up,👍

[@GreenLegendRan]

I want to keep the valve open for a few minutes at time, but I keep reading Amazon reviews for similar valves where people find that the valve heats up quickly and wears out from the heat. The only solutions proposed are to open it using PWM and to open it using more amperage but hold it open with less voltage, and I don't know how to do that, today. Has anyone had an issue like this? I would like to avoid it before buying all of this stuff to automate filling a bucket.

[@besprutad]

Amazing, thank you! I'm making a project with an arduino uno + 12v solenoid valve + 11.4 V lipo 3s2p battery. Do you think I can use the STEMMA Non-Latching Mini Relay for this? Or what specifications does the relay need? Thanks

[@yogeshpatil2635]

Does it work from 4 km distance wirelessly??

[@NahYeahMate]

What type of diode are you using?

[@GaryTaylorvw]

Any advice on using an arduino with a 3 way solenoid valve ? To change flow direction ? I have a project I need help with please

The explanation with current at 2:49 is incorrect. The current flow through the coil will continue in the same direction -- The voltage is proportional to the DERIVATIVE of current; The amplitude of the current begins to fall but is still positive, meaning a negative derivative, which also means negative voltage. The current through the coil has no way or reason to change its direction. The way you are drawing the current flow at 2:49 would mean the diode is reverse biased -- Current cannot flow from the cathode to the anode.

[@antlu65]

Yup! Agree

[@nathanjohnson5955]

is the surge protector really necessary?? I tried plugging the power supply into a regular wall port and nothing has happened.

[@mukulpatil4071]

Hello sir I am going to do this as a school project.But I want to add two more applications in it. can u please suggest me which two more applications I can add like replacing battery with solar panels. I am waiting for your valuable revert.Thank you

[@Mysmarthome-pl7oz]

can this solenoid be energized for a fee hours , in the abnormal config ?

[@abhisheksaxena4845]

the 12 v dc supply you suggested is little out of budget .can we use some other dc supply which comes in 300-400 INR ?

[@lapidations]

Cool video! Thanks a lot! But what if the valve is AC?

[@samgerlitz]

Thanks, awesome video.

[@vidyasank1823]

how to make valve become partialy open and close.? give some idea

[@ryanjoshuaverano5884]

what is the specific part number of diode did you used? Im having the same trouble in my project and i cant get rid of the emf.

[@belajarbarengkaksiti]

I want to ask for a series of solenoid valves connected to the relay

[@mikecoughlin4128]

I need to do this but not just on/off. I need about 4 stops between open and closed. Any ideas?

[@benjaminmac-clure3830]

What kind of solenoid valve is this one? I have noticed that there is a minimum pressure treshold. Can you send me a link from where you bought it?

[@gabrielrolig4355]

Quick question, if I just solder a button to the power signal of the valve and a power supply, and then solder the grounds together, will the solenoid valve open when I press the button or no?

[@gabrielrolig4355]

Do I actually need a relay just to open and close with a button

[@JOEYZ-nq2gn]

Obviously it would open how do you think the switches in your house work ... probably still make use of the diode as it may weld the contacts shut when you switch the power off due to the arc

[@abegailbabolayi4409]

Where can I find the test sketch? It's not that visible in the video...

[@GeorgeGeorge-xj2bc]

Very nice,my question about solenoid valves is how much time can be activated without destroying the coil.I plan to make a water tank with electronic water level sensor,but in case that there is no water flow to fill the tank the solenoid will be actuated even for days.This might destroy the valve or not?

[@ThomasDavenport1]

look for a 'normally closed' solenoid valve (this means the valve is closed when the solenoid is not powered)

[@mmwienk2]

You show the current flowing in the wrong direction when the relay is opened. You have the current going through the diode in the diode-reverse direction. When the magnetic field in the inductor breaks down after the relay is opened the voltage across the L flips polarity so that the current continues to flow through it in the same direction and through the diode in the diode-forward direction. You have the - sign in front of the di/dt but I believe it should be moved over in front of the V. The schematic drawing is correct though.

[@kclee5381]

Means that diode wrong way connection?

[@mmwienk2]

@@kclee5381 No, the diode is shown in the correct direction. That is the right way to wire the diode. I meant that the current will flow through the diode from the anode to the cathode but the video shows the opposite.

[@nolan766]

I have attached the power to the solenoid valve, but it keeps clicking. About 1 every second or so. I chose the 1/2 12v DC Solenoid, and am using a AC/DC adapter 12Vdc 1.5A power. I do not have the solenoid valve connected to water, could that be the problem?

[@engkusyifahayaniengkusaifu1482]

hello , im doing something similar to this , but not water , powder. i am creating a powder dispensing machine by using a control flow valve. can this be used for powder too ? THANK YOU !

[@mvigno2]

What rating of diode should I use for a 3-wire U.S. Solid valve?

[@diovhenhernandez8709]

What is the primary elements use in this project?

[@hammadtariq9324]

Hi, I have worked with this type of solenoid valves. But now I am using a different type of valve, known as bistable (or pulse) solenoid valve, which just needs a small of DC-voltage to open the valve and an opposite polarity DC-Voltage pulse to close it. But I am having problem in making it work in terms of output water pressure. It's very less than the given water pressure. Can you help me in solving this issue ? Thanks

[@RobertoGarcia-lz1st]

Just one question, which diode are you using??

[@JulLun]

I guess it is a 1n5408 diode.

[@beckydonaldson6833]

How do you know which specific diode to use within that pack?

[@50Acres]

Do you know what device would do the opposite of this? Instead of control the flow of water, have the water control the flow of current? A water relay? I think there is a term for what I want to do but am just not searching with the right description.

[@tsrlife3818]

Hook up a water level sensor, and when water level reaches a desired level, the sensor sends a signal to activate/deactivate a relay.

[@catscott2868]

Do you have a video on electronic gas solenoid valves and know where I can buy them in the UK? I'm wanting to prototype a few to get minute air control from air pumps. Thank you :-)

[@hbhatia101]

Hey! Love the video and your channel. I had a quick question about the solenoid control. So my circuit works however all my relays turn on when i turn on one relay using my Raspberry pi. Should i isolate the 12V power supply for each solenoid valve? i feel like the question feels stupid but im a chemical engineer dabbling in microelectronics. lol

[@AmeerulIslam]

I soldered a diode, but afraid if solder heat has spoiled the diode. I wanted to add a 1K resistor on top of that. will that help/?

[@nathanmessuri1842]

which diode did you use from the variety pack you listed in the description?

[@ParthRaut-c4p]

WHICH PINS TO CONNECT WITH ARDUINO

[@jsmythib]

Years ago I did a project and bought an optically isolated relay to avoid the kickback. I never tried it though. Any ideas if I was on a good path? The project reemerges :)

[@PeterSedesse]

Two different things. What you have is normal for all relays and protects the Arduino from the kickback. What he added here protects the power module from the kickback. Both are needed.

[@zaqiarmanovandi2919]

If we use a 400 VDC solenoid, May i know which diode are used?

[@pratikprajapati8620]

thanks a lot

[@QueFue60]

Tinker & Build Hey would a 1N4001 diode work in this situation??

[@vijivijay2447]

I am working with orifice 2.5mm 24v dc solenoid valve the blue colour value so when I trigger from relay it's just making tick sound according to relay status, but I can't see the valve opening or closing it's just making tick sound , so pls help with this

[@trevormaness2089]

Maybe use a MOSFET instead of a huge relay board?

[@therealpepeu]

Ouch! I am looking at buying about 30 valves for an arrangement hanging from a roof. Do you know of any cheaper method? 30 flower pots of various sizes that needs to be watered. Preferably without a ladder.

[@ZillionPrey]

Pvc pipe with holes in it

[@davidgardner7678]

How to decide which diode rating to use?

[@parslay]

What's the code for the snubber diode used?

[@tanzhongming8743]

May i know which diode are used ? The specification of diode

[@interupt0]

1n4007 works great for this use case

[@darrendouglaslee8936]

​@@interupt0 in the case of the valve in the video being 12v then 1N4007 will work but it way over kill. The 1N4007 blocks up to 1000v. The 1N4007 which blocks up to 50v is the best fit.

[@Linrox]

i am designing a project to do something similar with air pressure for a hydraulic press

[@Dionisseus666]

If i were to do exactly this but for 4 solenoid valves in the same relay. Would you recommend using one diode per valve for protection or wiring the relay inputs to a single diode would suffice ?

[@ephremadugna3619]

You should use different diodes

[@ktmrbo]

can this solenoid valve control by using pwm signal ?

[@vagosg53]

is there any way to controll the solenoid valve precisely with arduino or something else?? I mean that the valve would open as much as you want and close, after you program it in the arduino.

[@tinkerbuild6798]

No, the solenoid valve just opens and closes. There are different kinds of valves that you can control flow rate. I’ve never used one but you can find more information by Googling around for electric flow control valve or digital flow control valve or digital ball valve.

[@voiceoftruth1O1]

How can I control Solenoid valve sudden times for garden. What code will be. Please can u make a video. Thanks.

[@tinkerbuild6798]

What do you mean control the solenoid valve sudden Times? It opens and closes pretty fast, if it’s just for a garden you shouldn’t have to worry about how fast the mechanism is

[@joshuadev4960]

is it not possible to use the relay in such a way that the low voltage inductor loop is independent of the highpower loop? why does the low voltage signal from the Arduino also need to pass through the Solenoid valve, isnt this what is causing the back EMF?

[@skippyunlock]

To handle high voltages you need a relay board. A Relay board will protect the Arduino Uno components from high voltages. What would happen if you pass high pressure to a pipe that can't handle high pressure? The pipe will explode! That's the thing that will happened to your Arduino Uno when you don't have a "Relay Board". The next thing that you want to know about is the motor. All motors generate electricity if you spin it. This is why he's using a "DIODE" to stop the excess electricity from flowing back to the relay board or Arduino board. Also the motor will always generate EMF. To generate electricity you need a magnet and wires to coil around the magnet. Which causes EMF. Take note that he's using a different power source for the Arduino and for the solenoid valve. Obviously if you want to control things from your phone or your computer over the internet. You would need an Arduino. You should research these on google: Diode Motor Relay Board Inductor

[@mostafafarahat6309]

can I connect the diode without soldering it and if I connect it without soldering will it work??

[@razo7158]

Yes

[@MrGowrishankar5]

good bro

[@charliedinerman7941]

Mine says that it is 110v will it not work?

[@varunmadhavan2706]

Could someone please provide the specs for the snubber diode used here??

[@JulLun]

I guess it is a 1n5408 diode.

[@MianMuhammadShakeel]

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF ANDRUINO WHAT IS THE ROLE OF RELAY WHAT IS THE ROLE OF SOLENOID VALVE I WANT TO CONTROL TEMPERATURE AND KEEP OR MAINTAIN IT

[@markfattouch407]

Hey, a good question here, if I want to control it with a temperature input, do you have an idea on how to do it?

[@cavokdotcom]

Mark, this is what I'm trying to accomplish too.. Looking to build a simple circuit to briefly turn my water on and off when outside temp drops below freezing.. You'll need to place a temperature sensor in the area you want to test, and then activate the solenoid code if the temperature is past your threshold... Basically, you'll use something like this: www.bc-robotics.com/tutorials/using-a-tmp36-temperature-sensor-with-arduino/ combined with the video above.. There's another temperature transducer you can use called an AD590 that works for this sort of thing, but you'd have to get the specs on that to understand what voltages equal what temperatures. Hope this helps.

[@giuliarobbiani3561]

hey.. i'm using a 24V solenoid valve instead of 12V, what diode should i use?

[@whatisthemeaningofthislife1758]

any will work, ex 1n4001

[@sadhiqjaheaber5392]

how to connect 24v ac solonide valve 230ac

[@gdlignos]

When using an AC solenoid, should we go for a diode? And what type?

[@mibrahim4245]

AC Solenoid? you don't have to use an AC solenoid, but if you insist; is when you have an AC power source ! .. should you go for a diode? you should go for an RC snubber network, which is a capacitor and a resistor in series that does the same job as the flyback diode but with AC loads since it allows the current in both directions "unlike the diode"

[@pkva5056]

I'm a newbie, please excuse if I sound silly. The relay module already has an inbuilt flyback diode...is it still necessary to add another flyback diode?

[@williamblair1123]

Didn't he say that he destroyed several relays already?

[@JOEYZ-nq2gn]

​@@williamblair1123listening skills are lacking 🤷

[@MatSmithLondon]

Why not use a transistor?

[@timothybryant3600]

Does anybody know what connections he made to the breadboard?

[@hghlndr2]

I'm working from a Raspberry Pi here, but this is what I gathered from the video. The majority of what he talks about ends up connecting to a relay. But the relay is triggered by the Raspberry Pi/Adruino. **So to break this question down further you can find the answer to this by researching how to control relays with a Raspberry Pi.** Because the relay is responsible for a stronger power source for powering the solenoid, the single board computer (Pi or Adruino) is responsible for triggering the relay.

[@uniteddrones7626]

What size snubber

[@akshayingle6061]

What if we use a 24 V solenoid valve?

[@ludus1135]

Technical Engineer same wiring setup just use a 24v power supply instead of a 12v

[@jcvjcvjcvjcv]

He might mean 24Vac solenoid. Also, wouldn't the problem be half as big? I looked at some valves, and all the DC ones (12V, 24V) had the same 13W rating; so half current for the 24V version. Same with the AC ones; 12Vac, 24Vac, 120Vac, 240Vac; all were rated 17VA; so 1/20th the current on the 240Vac coil vs the 12Vac coil.

[@fzagst]

I want to ask if solenoid valve can be arranged like the valve is open 50%, 75%, etc?. Thank you

[@davidallanbrownjr48]

Faza Rais A solenoid valve can only be open or closed all the way. If you want part way open you'll need an electric ball valve. For the cheap ones you'll control the position by how long the electrical signal is sent. Most take around five seconds to fully open or close. So 2.5 seconds of signal should move it half open.

[@fzagst]

whether electric ball valve can be set the percentage of the valve openings using arduino?

[@davidallanbrownjr48]

Yes, just have the Arduino only send the signal for a short time.

[@fzagst]

thankyou david

[@QueFue60]

Could anyone direct into what kind of diode I should use for some reason my 1N001 & 1N007 DID NOT WORK :( PLEASE HELP ME!

[@engineeringskills2058]

are you using mosfet or relay?

[@darraghc7]

@@engineeringskills2058 relay, any ideas

[@jovialcupid9687]

1) dont use relay to do it.. it's very big and it loses a lot of heat and it also have shorter life span. oww and it costs more. Use 'dual n-mosfet board', wiring will be exactly the same. 2) don't use wire made with small wires with screw connector.. it's fire hazard. Use single core wire or add metal things at the end (sorry i don't how they are called in english)

[@richinetborang5940]

I just burn my relay and found this video. wkwkwk...

[@RachanaAlva]

Can i get its ckt diagram..?

[@alphadaily4275]

can i use this valve on powder materials like sugar?

[@gustavoherrera2053]

you may want to look into high viscosity solenoid valves

[@ephremadugna3619]

You probably can

[@ihodeputa2905]

Sir what is the value of diode?thank you.

[@hooperwille]

any will do

[@darrendouglaslee8936]

​@@hooperwille while in the case of the 12v valve in the video, "any will do". But it might help to explain why. Due to the valve in the example being 12v then yes, the 1N4001 can block up to 50v, a stronger diode, for example 1N4007 can block up to 1000v. But if the valve is of a higher voltage then "any will do" will not do. This is all about learning, lets help each other. Reference: reprage.com/post/flyback-diodes

[@TruePatreon1080]

What happens if you didn't use relay in this experiment? I mean if you directly connect solenoid valve to the aurdino with out using relay

[@leopold7148]

The solenoid valve wont get enough energy to open and because of the coil inside it probably blow up the arduino itself too.