Pneumatic solenoid valves - selection of 3/2, 5/2, 5/3, 24V DC / 230V AC, G 1/8-G 1 threads (ISO 5599/1, NAMUR, ATEX)
Pneumatic solenoid valve controls the flow of compressed air in an automation system. Select in the following order: function 3/2, 5/2, 5/3 → voltage 24 V DC or 230 V AC → thread G1/8–G1/2 → mounting standard ISO 5599/1 or NAMUR → flow/nominal diameter → operating conditions and IP rating. CPP PREMA series cover these variants. ZMG and ZEM support G1/8–G1/4, ZE G3/8, ZDE G1/2, and ISO 5599/1 enables manifold (plate) mounting and modularity. All series are IP65 and available in 24 V DC/230 V AC versions (as per the datasheets).
Who is this guide for?
Maintenance engineer. Automation engineer. OEM designer. System integrator. Priorities: reliability, IP65, compatibility with 24 V DC/230 V AC, standardization to ISO 5599/1 and NAMUR, fast service, and availability of sub-bases/manifolds. In the text, I guide you through specific variants and example order numbers. Online purchase: electrically actuated valves.
How to read 3/2, 5/2, 5/3
-
3/2: for single-acting cylinders. Versions NO/NC. ZMG and ZEM are available in G1/8 and G1/4.
-
5/2: for double-acting cylinders. Available in ZMG, ZEM, ZE, ZDE and in the ISO 5599/1 standard.
-
5/3: three center positions. Variants: “closed”, “exhausted”, “pressurized”. Available in ZMG, ZEM, ZE, ZDE, also as ISO. Catalog numbers distinguish the type of center position.
Tip: in the ZMG series datasheets you can see the full set of 5/3 center positions and the assigned order numbers for G1/8 and G1/4. ZEM/NAMUR follows analogous numbering logic and voltage codes.
6-step checklist for selection
Medium and filtration. Compressed air filtered to 10 µm. Lubrication is optional, but once oil mist is introduced it should be continued. Classes per PN-ISO 8573-1.
Valve function. 3/2 for single-acting cylinders, 5/2 for double-acting cylinders, 5/3 when a safe center position is required (closed/exhausted/pressurized).
Coil voltage. 24 V DC for control cabinets/PLC; 230 V AC for distributed points and retrofits. Tolerance ±10%. The catalog uses letter codes for voltages (B/E/H/J). Power consumption: e.g., ZEM ~2.5 W DC / 3 VA AC; ZMG/ISO ~4.8-6.5 W DC / 7-8.5 VA AC.
Thread and nominal size. ZMG/ZEM: G1/8-G1/4; ZE: G3/8; ZDE: G1/2; ISO: sub-bases for G1/4-G1/2 (size 2). Select based on cylinder flow and cycle times.
Mounting standard. ISO 5599/1 (manifold/plate mounting, single-piece or segmented sub-bases) or NAMUR (mounting on the actuator). Both speed up servicing.
Operating conditions and IP rating. Pressure range up to 10 bar (series-dependent), typical temperature 0…+50 °C, IP65 for coils and bodies.
Go straight to shopping: electrically actuated valves.
Recommended CPP PREMA series for the most common inquiries
ZMG - compact G1/8–G1/4, 3/2, 5/2, 5/3, IP65
Small-size solenoid valves for installations with limited space. Variants 3/2, 5/2, 5/3. 5/3 center positions: closed / exhausted / pressurized. Voltages: 24 V DC and 230 V AC (letter codes in the part number). IP65. Also available as ZMG NAMUR for actuator mounting. Example numbering is shown in the ZMG and ZMG NAMUR datasheets. Use as: 5/2 solenoid valve, 5/3 solenoid valve, 24 V DC solenoid valve, G1/4 solenoid valve.
ZEM - low power consumption, G1/8–G1/4, 3/2, 3/3, 5/2, 5/3, NAMUR
Universal valves for PLC control cabinets. Power consumption starting from approx. 2.5 W DC / 3 VA AC. NAMUR variants (5/2 and 5/3) available with the full set of center positions. IP65. Use as: 24 V DC solenoid valve, 230 V AC solenoid valve, G1/8/G1/4, NAMUR 5/2/5/3.
ZE - higher flow, G3/8, options for external pilot supply / differential piston
For applications with higher flow rates. Manifold (plate) mounting and connection sub-bases available. 5/2 and 5/3 variants, options for control and external pilot supply. Use as: 5/2 G3/8 solenoid valve, ISO 5599/1 plates.
ZDE - main lines, G1/2, 3/2 and 5/2/5/3; manifolds and sub-bases
For G1/2 sizes and main distribution lines. External pilot supply for the auxiliary (pilot) valve via ports 12/14 or 12/10 (installation note). Available valve islands and plates with ordering numbers (examples n=05…08). Use as: 5/2 G1/2 solenoid valve.
ISO 5599/1 (ZE ISO / ISO E, size 2) - plate (manifold) mounting, maintenance, and expansion
Valves compliant with ISO 5599/1. Single-piece and segmented sub-bases. Threads of center/side plates: G1/4-G1/2 for size 2. Fast replacement and modular valve islands. Use as: ISO 5599/1 5/2 valve, ISO connection plate.
24 V DC or 230 V AC?
-
24 V DC. The standard in control cabinets. Lower consumption. Safe PLC integration. Example: ZEM ~2.5 W DC.
-
230 V AC. Simple retrofit for older installations. Less sensitive to voltage drops over long runs. ZMG/ISO include 230 V AC variants with 7–8.5 VA consumption.
ISO 5599/1 vs NAMUR - when to choose which?
-
ISO 5599/1. Manifold (plate) mounting. Valve replacement without unsealing the system. Single-piece and segmented sub-bases. Fast servicing and scalable setups. The catalog lists dimensions, threads, and plate ordering numbers for size 2 (e.g., center plates G1/4/G3/8 and G3/8/G1/2).
-
NAMUR. Actuator mounting. ZMG NAMUR and ZEM NAMUR offer 5/2 and 5/3, with the full voltage range and IP65. Fast swap and standardization in valve assemblies.
Special versions: mining (ATEX, Group I, Category M2)
CPP PREMA manufactures “mining” versions (ATEX – Group I, Cat. M2) approved for operation in mine workings and on mine surface areas where there is a risk of methane and/or coal dust explosion. This is confirmed by an ATEX certificate of conformity issued by ITG KOMAG.
Scope of solutions (directional control valves):
Series DTMG – 3/2, 5/2, 3/3, 5/3 valves mechanically actuated, inline or manifold supply; ports from G1/8 to G3/4; Group I, M2. Typical parameters: 0-1.0 MPa, 0–65°C, body/plate in brass, anodized aluminum spool, seals PU/Viton.
Series DTPG – 3/2, 5/2, 3/3, 5/3 valves pneumatically actuated (including: spring return, low-pressure signal, differential piston); also Group I, M2; catalog data as above; complete connection plates available.
Series ATEG – solenoid-actuated valves (G1/2–G1; available valve islands for 3/2–5/3); “mining” versions.
Engineering design practice
Category M2 means the devices are designed to operate in mining areas with explosion risk and must continue to function after power is cut under hazardous conditions – which affects the selection of the center function (e.g., 5/3: closed or exhausted) and the type of return (spring/pneumatic).
Medium and air preparation: filtration to 10 μm is required (PN-ISO 8573-1, min. class 4_4); once you switch to lubricated air, lubrication must be maintained – this also applies to “mining” valves.
Material and tightness: brass + PU/Viton seals increase resistance to mine conditions; flow ranges of 130/200 m³/h (for G1/4–G3/8 and G1/2–G3/4) make it easier to balance air consumption for large-bore actuators.
Example “custom” options (project-specific special versions):
Wzmocnione pokrywy, dodatkowe pakiety uszczelnień (łatwa wymiana bez rozbiórki siłownika/zaworu).
Specjalne warianty sterowania (np. sygnał niskociśnieniowy, tłok różnicowy), niestandardowe płyty/wyspy, dopasowanie materiałowe.
Dedykowane zawory sterujące kierunkiem/szybkością (dławiąco-zwrotne, szybkiego spustu, logiczne).
How to order / what to pay attention to:
Environment and zone: confirm the required Group I, Cat. M2 (ATEX) and the gas/dust type → select the series (DTMG/DTPG/ATEG).
Valve function: 3/2, 5/2, 3/3, 5/3 + center position (closed/exhausted) and type of return.
Connections and supply: inline or manifold (plate); thread G1/8–G3/4 (depending on version).
Parameters: pressure (typically up to 1.0 MPa), temperature 0–65°C, FRL requirements (filter 10 μm; optional regulator/lubricator in the “MINING” version).
Custom: if the project requires a non-standard option (material, seals, actuation), contact the sales department – special versions are possible.
Manifolds and sub-bases
A valve island reduces wiring and speeds up servicing. It provides logical grouping of machine sections. In the catalog you’ll find complete listings of plates and part numbers, e.g., for DTE (3/2, 3/3, G1/4), ZEM (G1/4, functions 3/2–5/3), ZE (G3/8), and ZDE (G1/2). The purchase order includes the plate name, valve functions, threads, “nn” = number of valves, and the valve part numbers. Example entries are provided in the datasheets.
Operating conditions, IP rating, air cleanliness
Series-dependent pressure ranges up to 10 bar. Typical operating temperature 0…+50 °C. IP65 protection rating. Medium: compressed air filtered to 10 µm. If you introduce oil mist, maintain it throughout the valve’s service life. This is essential for the durability of the spool and seals.
| Application | Function | Voltage | Thread | Series (example) | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double-acting cylinder, standard | 5/2 | 24 V DC | G1/8–G1/4 | ZMG / ZEM | compact, IP65, low power (ZEM ~2.5 W) |
| Safe position required | 5/3 (center: closed / exhausted / pressurized) | 24 V DC | G1/8–G3/8 | ZMG / ZEM / ZE | full choice of center positions |
| Actuator mounting | 5/2 | 230 V AC | G1/4 | ZMG NAMUR / ZEM NAMUR | NAMUR standard |
| Higher flow | 5/2 | 24 / 230 V | G3/8 | ZE | larger cross-sections, ISO plates |
| Main lines | 3/2 or 5/2 | 24 / 230 V | G1/2 | ZDE | external pilot ports 12/14 or 12/10 |
The most common mistakes and how to avoid them
-
Undersized nominal bore. Effect: slow actuator and throttling. Match the G thread and port Ø to the required flow.
-
Wrong 5/3 center position. “Closed” blocks motion. “Exhausted” vents pressure. “Pressurized” keeps the actuator under pressure. Choose according to safety requirements.
-
Coil voltage does not match the installation. Check the letter codes (B/E/H/J) and ±10% tolerances.
-
Lack of mounting standardization. ISO 5599/1 / NAMUR make island servicing and expansion easier.
FAQ - pneumatic solenoid valves
Which solenoid valve for a double-acting cylinder?
Most often 5/2. If a safe state is required, consider 5/3 with an appropriate center-position logic.
How does 5/3 differ from 5/2?
A 5/3 valve has a center position: closed, exhausted, or pressurized. The choice depends on safety requirements and how the actuator should stop.
24 V DC or 230 V AC?
24 V DC works well in control cabinets (lower consumption). 230 V AC is convenient for distributed points and retrofits.
What does ISO 5599/1 provide?
Standardized manifold (plate) mounting, fast valve replacement, and modularity thanks to single-piece and segmented sub-bases.
What does NAMUR mean?
A standard for mounting the valve directly on the actuator. It simplifies removal and reduces the number of connections. Popular in ZMG and ZEM variants.
Which threads are most common?
Most common: G 1/8, G 1/4, G 3/8, G 1/2 — selection depends on the valve series and required flow.
Do the solenoid valves have IP65?
Yes. The ZMG, ZEM, ZE, ZDE series and ISO versions specify IP65 protection in the technical data.
