A humidifier uses a solenoid valve to supply water to the evaporator when atmospheric humidity drops below a set level. Faulty solenoids can cause the device to stop working, but are not expensive to replace. Unqualified users should not attempt repairs due to the risk of electrocution.
A humidifier solenoid is an electromagnetic actuating device used to open the valve that supplies water from the humidifier tank to its evaporating mechanism. The solenoid coil is connected to a control circuit which senses when atmospheric moisture requires replenishment. When this occurs, the control circuit supplies power to the coil, opening the valve and activating the evaporator. Humidifier solenoid failures will cause the device to stop working, but fortunately they are not extortionate to fix. Unqualified users, however, should not attempt to replace a faulty solenoid themselves as they are often mains operated and can pose a risk of electrocution.
Humidifiers are devices used to add moisture, or water vapor in the air, to an enclosed atmosphere. Low humidity can cause a variety of health and structural problems in homes or offices that require the use of a humidifier. There are several types of general purpose humidifiers, including steam, impeller, and ultrasonic types. While their inner workings differ greatly, they all consist of several common elements. These include a tank, an evaporation mechanism and a humidifier solenoid valve.
The operation of a humidifier is quite simple, with a tank containing water feeding an evaporator assembly via a solenoid valve. The evaporator causes the water to be released into the atmosphere in the form of very fine droplets which remain suspended in the air, restoring an acceptable level of humidity. Water is not constantly fed to the evaporator with the humidifier solenoid valve remaining closed until the atmospheric humidity drops below a set level. The valve is little more than a normal water solenoid valve activated and deactivated by a control circuit equipped with a sensor called humidistat which reacts to the level of atmospheric humidity in the environment.
Faulty humidifier solenoid valves are a common cause of humidifier failures, as the unit will not operate at all if the valve fails to open, or malfunction if it jams open. Fortunately, solenoids aren’t terribly expensive to replace or repair. It should be noted that although many humidifier solenoid valves carry low voltages in the range of 12 to 24 volts, they can be powered from mains voltage. Anyone lacking the requisite experience runs the risk of potential electric shock if they attempt to replace or repair the solenoid themselves. As with most electrical devices, it’s always best to enlist the services of a qualified technician to get the job done, particularly if the device is still under warranty.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
