Solenoid Valves and Ovation

Q

Thread Starter

qhogan1

I bypassed a motor operated valve to control a solenoid valve. Now I can't control the solenoid!

A bit of background, of course.

We had two valves being operated as a pair. The operation signal initially went to a motor driven hydraulically operated valve that would repeat the signal to a downstream solenoid valve. The first valve developed a short and we chose to simplify the system.

After the unused operator was removed I fabricated a junction box and connected the control wires that used to operate the motor driven hydraulically operated valve to now drive the solenoid directly. This left me with 5 wires, 3 for position indication and 2 solenoid operation. I have correct position indication, but I can't get the valve to operate. If I apply power directly, the solenoid will operate. At this point, I am unsure if I need to reprogram the logic. We use Ovation 3.0.2.

Any thoughts?
 
In case anyone stumbles across this, I'll give a brief overview of the troubleshooting method and the actual fault.

Proper position indication was verified. Proper operation was verified through direct application of a 120Vac source to the solenoid. Continuity of the power lines showed about 2-3 ohm resistance. Checking at the relay showed no voltage. Moving the control signal to use a different board address and relay still showed no voltage at the relay. At this point it was determined that the neutral leg was not properly installed. A connection point was made to tie the solenoid power to the control cabinet neutral. Proper operation was verified.

I hope this helps someone!
 
Thanks for providing your detailed troubleshooting process. That helps others seeking help when they search for solenoid problems.

An open neutral, huh? It isn't the first time . . .
 
It has more to do with how Ovation has wired its control cabinet. You have to tie in the neutral from the analog input cards to the relay and the solenoid. I am guessing the internal wiring makes the neutral line on the analog input card (AIC) into the neutral node for the cabinet, which makes both sides have to connect to it.

(S)-----[AIC]-----(K1)
 
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