Bluestarcoffee.eu has a choice of over 39 electro-valve coffee solenoids to choose from. Choose Lucifer, Parker, Olab, or Ceme, 2-way or 3-way 110V or 230V.
A solenoid valve is an electrically controlled valve.
The valve features a solenoid, which is an electric coil with a movable core (plunger) in its center. In the rest position, the plunger closes off a small orifice. An electric current through the coil creates a magnetic field.
In simplest terms, when you turn on a switch, current flows to the coil and it becomes magnetic. This caused the plunger to retract very quickly against a spring, this causes the 9 bars of pressurized water to continue to flow. When the switch is turned off the plunger goes back to blocking the circuit.
These valves become blocked with a mineral build-up or in the most neglected cases a build-up of coffee oil in the group solenoid. Backflushing prevents a coffee oil buildup in the group valve and descaling prevents the valve from getting blocked by mineral buildup.
A top tip to remove the valve is to insert your Allen key into the hexagonal screw and tap the Allen key with a spanner. This will break the seal caused by the mineral buildup. A swift tap anticlockwise will loosen the most stubborn screw. ''Lefty loosey - Righty tighty'' applies here. The silicon o ring must be in place and should be new. Make sure when replacing the valve the holes are aligned otherwise the valve won't work and you will have to redo it.
Solenoid valve malfunctions are common in hard water areas and tend to fail when they become blocked by mineral buildup inside the valve. Occasionally the coil may rupture on volumetric machines - when the button is pressed but no water, the whole valve should be replaced. Parker Cime and Lucifer are the most common brands and are made in Italy. The best valves have a ruby red Viton plunger inside the nucleus of the valve - this last so much longer than the rubber grommet.
The main areas where you will have an electro valve is the coffee group, electronic hot water, and water inlet of a plumbed machine.
Free Shipping Over €100
100% Secure Online Payments
1-2 Day Shipping
Hassle Free Returns