This is a brief guide based on our experience and research on selecting the right irrigation valve. For additional guidance, contact Verdi’s support team to help determine the best valve for your specific irrigation setup.
Understanding 2-Way vs. 3-Way Valves
When selecting a solenoid control valve for agricultural irrigation automation, it is important to understand the difference between 2-way and 3-way valves:
2-Way Valves: These valves have two ports—an inlet and an outlet—and function as an on/off control by allowing water to flow or blocking it. They rely on line pressure and typically require an external pressure differential to open and close. The solenoid in a 2-way valve directly controls whether the valve is open or closed.
3-Way Valves: These valves have three ports and allow water to flow between two different paths. In irrigation automation, 3-way valves are often used to provide more reliable closing by venting pressure from the diaphragm chamber, making them suitable for lower-pressure applications or ensuring fail-safe operation in systems with varying pressures. The solenoid in a 3-way valve directs water between two different paths, either allowing water to flow through the main line or venting pressure to assist in closing the valve.
Recommended Agriculture Irrigation Valves
Below is a guide to the most common (available at most irrigation distributors in North America) solenoid control valves used in agricultural irrigation systems, categorized by manufacturer, model, valve sizes, and configuration type:
Our Valve and Solenoid Recommendations
Irritrol 200B Series or Netafim 75 Series
These valves and solenoids are low cost, have been on the market for many years, are reliable and widly available from irrigation supply stores across the United States and Canada. Remember to take a look at the technical sheet to ensure these valves are compatible within your system’s flow and pressure.
Pair the Irritrol 200B Series valve with the Irritrol/Toro model DCL DC 2-way latching solenoid.
Pair the Netafim 75 Series valve with the Baccara/Netafim model 61NETNO-L 3-way DC latching solenoid.
Irritrol Valves
200B Series: Available in 1”, 1.5”, 2”
2-way only
Technical Sheet: https://www.irritrol.com/en/valves/200b-series
Netafim Valves
75 Series: Available in 3/4”, 1”, 1.5”, 2”, 3”, 4”
3-way only
Technical Sheet: https://www.netafimusa.com/bynder/03A11482-800D-4778-87D154CC2C9E23B9-series-75-nylon-control-valves.pdf
80 Series: Available in 3/4”, 1”, 1.5”, 2”
2-way: All sizes available
3-way: Available for 1.5” and 2”
Technical Sheet: https://www.netafimusa.com/agriculture/products/product-offering/valves/series-80-QR-Valves/
90 Series: Available in 3”, 4”, 6”
3-way only
Technical Sheet: https://www.netafimusa.com/bynder/D8857898-7BF3-4700-8CF24EB93B2F2B65-series-90-valve---tech-sheet.pdf
Nelson Valves
1000 Series: Available in 2”, 3”, 4”
3-way only
Technical Sheet: https://nelsonirrigation.com/products/control-valves/1000-series
800 Series: Available in 2”, 3”, 4”, 6”, 8”
3-way only
Technical Sheet: https://nelsonirrigation.com/products/control-valves/800-series
Bermad Valves
100 Series: Available in 1.5”, 2”, 3”, 4”, 6”
2-way and 3-way available
Technical Sheet: https://www.bermad.com/product/ir-100-series/
How to Choose the Right Valve
When selecting a valve for your irrigation system, consider the following factors:
1. Valve Size: Ensure the valve matches the pipe diameter of your system.
2. Pressure Requirements: 3-way valves are better suited for low-pressure applications.
3. Flow Rate: Select a valve that accommodates your irrigation system’s flow requirements.
4. Fail-Safe Operation: If reliable closing is critical, a 3-way valve may be the better choice.
5. Compatibility: Verify compatibility with your solenoid type and automation system.