Core Features
The Castel Solenoid Valve CM2 is a lightweight, cost-effective 2/2-way normally closed direct-acting solenoid valve, engineered for reliable on-off control of low-to-medium pressure refrigerants in small commercial refrigeration units, domestic HVAC systems, and compact process cooling equipment. It is ideally suited for applications that demand simple installation, low power consumption, and standard refrigerant compatibility—including mini-fridge cooling circuits, window air conditioner systems, and small-scale laboratory refrigeration units that require fail-safe closure when power is cut off to prevent refrigerant leakage, compressor damage, and system inefficiency.
Belonging to Castel’s C series of compact refrigeration solenoid valves, it features a CM2 core valve body configuration optimized for low-flow refrigerant transmission (flow coefficient Cv = 0.55) with minimal pressure loss and structural simplicity for easy maintenance. The CM prefix denotes a compact, direct-acting valve design tailored for small-capacity refrigeration systems (0.5–3 HP compressor ratings). The 2 suffix indicates a standard 24V DC low-power solenoid coil, compatible with most commercial and residential control systems, designed for energy-efficient operation in intermittent cooling cycles. The valve adopts a standard refrigerant-compatible package, including a nitrile rubber (NBR) sealing system, a brass valve core, and a corrosion-resistant brass valve body, optimized for use with common HFC refrigerants (R134a, R404A, R410A) and low-GWP alternatives (R1234yf) in ambient temperature working conditions.
Following Castel’s standardized product naming convention for compact refrigeration valves, the model code CM2 corresponds to key technical attributes:
CM: Series designation, compact commercial refrigeration & small-scale HVAC-specific 2/2-way direct-acting solenoid valve for low-flow refrigerant control
2: Coil voltage & capacity code, 24V DC low-power coil + 0.5–3 HP compressor compatibility for small-capacity cooling systems
This valve is a 2/2-Way Normally Closed Direct-Acting Solenoid Valve (solenoid de-energized: valve closed, refrigerant flow cut off; solenoid energized: electromagnetic force directly drives the valve core open, refrigerant flows through the valve). It is optimized for compact refrigeration and small HVAC systems, delivering consistent performance and long service life in standard low-pressure, low-vibration working environments.
Key Performance Specifications
Parameter Details
Valve Type 2/2-Way Normally Closed Direct-Acting Solenoid Valve (Compact Commercial Refrigeration/Small-Scale HVAC-Specific)
Flow Coefficient (Cv) 0.55
Maximum Operating Pressure (MOP) 3.5 MPa (35 bar) for refrigerant
Minimum Operating Pressure 0.02 MPa (0.2 bar) (direct-acting mechanism activation threshold for low-flow refrigerant media)
Working Medium HFC refrigerants (R134a, R404A, R410A), low-GWP HFO refrigerants (R1234yf), compressor oil-refrigerant mixtures (≤ 8% oil content)
Medium Temperature Range -25°C to +80°C (supported by NBR seal package)
Ambient Temperature Range -20°C to +70°C (non-condensing humidity ≤ 90%)
Pressure Drop ≤ 0.03 MPa (0.3 bar) at nominal refrigerant flow rate (R134a, 10 bar inlet pressure)
Response Time Opening: ≤ 10 ms; Closing: ≤ 6 ms (at rated 24V DC & 8 bar inlet pressure)
Cycle Frequency Up to 200 cycles per minute (continuous intermittent cooling operation)
Leakage Rate ≤ 0.0001 g/year (refrigerant, de-energized position; standard package optimization)
Corrosion Resistance Stable operation in mild humidity environments (brass body design with natural oxidation protection)
Vibration Resistance Stable operation under 3g vibration (structural durability for small HVAC installation)
Reset Mode Spring-return normally closed (fail-safe closure to prevent refrigerant leakage when de-energized)
Electrical Specifications
Parameter Details
Solenoid Coil Voltage 24V DC (±15% tolerance, low-power configuration for residential/commercial control)
Coil Power Consumption 4.0 W (nominal, 24V DC mode)
Insulation Class Class B (130°C maximum coil temperature, suitable for compact refrigeration environments)
Protection Class IP65 (coil housing; dust-tight, water-jet resistant, commercial-grade)
Electrical Interface Standard quick-connect terminal (compatible with most HVAC control panels and refrigeration unit wiring)
EMC Compliance Meets EN 61000-6-2 standards for residential and commercial electromagnetic compatibility
Coil Service Life ≥ 50 million cycles (continuous intermittent operation under rated conditions, standard package optimization)
Additional Protection Built-in overheat protection (auto-shutdown at coil temp ≥ 130°C), surge suppression for low-voltage fluctuations
Mechanical Specifications
Parameter Details
Connection Type SAE 1/4 inch flare connection (male thread, standard for small-scale refrigeration piping)
Valve Body Material Brass (standard package, corrosion resistance for common refrigerants and oil mixtures)
Internal Sealing Material Nitrile rubber (NBR) (standard package, optimized for low-to-medium temperature refrigerant compatibility)
Valve Core Material Brass (standard package, wear resistance and low-friction design for fast response)
Core Components CM2 direct-acting valve core + 24V DC low-power coil + high-elasticity return spring + standard NBR seal assembly
Mounting Type Inline-mounted (vertical or horizontal installation, no orientation restrictions for compact systems)
Weight 0.28 kg (valve body + solenoid coil assembly + standard package, lightweight design for easy installation)
Operating Orientation Any orientation (direct-acting mechanism design ensures stable performance regardless of mounting angle)
Installation & Matching Requirements
System Compatibility
Designed for integration with 0.5–3 HP compact commercial refrigeration and small-scale HVAC systems using common HFC or low-GWP HFO refrigerants; ensure the working refrigerant is compatible with NBR seals (avoid chlorine-containing refrigerants such as R22); use SAE 1/4 inch flare fittings and refrigerant-grade copper pipes rated for ≥ 40 bar to match the valve’s pressure tolerance and minimize system pressure loss; confirm the medium and ambient temperature ranges align with specifications to avoid seal hardening or valve core wear in intermittent cooling environments; install a small-capacity liquid line filter drier upstream of the valve to prevent solid particle clogging of the direct-acting mechanism (critical for mini-fridge and window AC system reliability).
Electrical Connection Requirements
Use insulated DC cables (≥ 0.75 mm² cross-section) to connect the 24V DC power supply; match the quick-connect terminal polarity (marked on the coil housing) to avoid coil damage from reverse wiring; the valve supports moderate voltage fluctuation (±15%), no additional voltage regulator is required for standard residential control systems; route the power cables through flexible conduits for compact installation to prevent mechanical damage and moisture intrusion; secure the quick-connect terminal with a locking clip to maintain IP65 waterproof protection; configure the HVAC or refrigeration unit control system with basic on-off timing functions to match the valve’s low-power design for enhanced energy management.
Mounting Requirements
The installation location must be accessible for maintenance and away from high-temperature heat sources (≥ 80°C) to avoid coil overheating; use a lightweight support bracket for inline installation to reduce vibration stress on the valve body and flare connections in small HVAC systems; maintain a minimum clearance of 8 cm around the valve for heat dissipation, maintenance access, and refrigerant line bending; ensure the valve inlet and outlet are correctly connected according to the flow direction marking (arrow on valve body) to avoid reverse flow and reduced cooling system efficiency; tighten the flare connections to a torque of 10 N·m to prevent refrigerant leakage (use calibrated torque wrench for precision).
Maintenance Requirements
Inspect the solenoid coil quick-connect terminal and brass valve core every 6 months for oxidation, loose connections, or wear damage (pay extra attention to window AC and mini-fridge installations for safety); check the flare connections for refrigerant leakage every 2 months using a halogen leak detector, retightening connections or replacing NBR gaskets if necessary; replace the upstream small-capacity liquid line filter drier every 12 months to prevent particle clogging of the CM2 direct-acting valve core, maintaining nominal refrigerant flow rate and cooling system efficiency; verify the spring-return normally closed fail-safe function every 2 months by cutting off power and checking valve closure status (confirm no refrigerant flow with system pressure gauge); replace the NBR seal package every 2 years (or after 20 million cycles) to maintain refrigerant compatibility, using Castel original seal kits for optimal performance; disassemble and clean the valve core using refrigerant oil every 18 months (avoid harsh solvents that may damage the brass body and NBR seals) to remove accumulated refrigerant deposits and oil residues, ensuring smooth on-off switching and reset; inspect the valve body for signs of corrosion every 12 months and treat with anti-corrosion spray if needed; inspect the coil’s overheat protection function annually to prevent electrical hazards in compact refrigeration and small HVAC systems.
Environmental Protection
Suitable for compact commercial refrigeration and small-scale HVAC environments due to IP65 protection class and brass valve body with standard refrigerant-compatible package; avoid long-term exposure to strong acid/alkali media (pH < 4 or pH > 10) or high-concentration chemical additives that may damage the NBR seals and brass body; store the valve in a dry, temperature-stable area (-10°C to +25°C) with refrigerant-compatible protective packaging when not in use to prevent seal hardening or coil moisture damage; dispose of replaced components (especially NBR seal kits, valve core parts, and solenoid coils) in accordance with local environmental regulations for residential and commercial refrigeration system waste; ensure proper disposal of 24V DC low-power coil components to comply with electrical waste regulations.