Solenoid valve LF L3120009

A solenoidal valve controls the flow of water in commercial dishwashers and utensil washers by converting an electrical signal into mechanical movement. When the dishwasher programme calls for water, the coil inside the valve energises, creating a magnetic field that pulls a plunger away from the inlet. This opens the passage, allowing water to enter the machine at the required moment in the wash cycle. The 180° configuration refers to the angle between the inlet and outlet, which simplifies plumbing in tight spaces behind dishwashers where straight runs are not always possible.

To use the valve, the operator does not interact with it directly. It is installed by a technician between the water supply and the dishwasher's internal plumbing. Once wired to the machine's control board, the valve opens and closes automatically during each cycle, responding to the programmed sequence of pre-wash, wash, rinse and final rinse stages. The operator monitors the dishwasher's display for error codes, not the valve itself.

The valve is constructed with a brass body for durability under constant water pressure and temperature changes. The inlet is threaded to 3/4 inch BSP, a standard size for commercial water connections, while the outlet is a smooth 13.5 mm diameter pipe, typically connected with a clamp or compression fitting. The coil is rated for 220–240 V AC at 50/60 Hz, matching the mains supply in British kitchens, and is sealed to prevent water ingress.

The maximum temperature rating of 90 °C allows the valve to handle the hot water used in final rinse stages, where higher temperatures improve drying and sanitisation. The voltage range means the valve can be wired directly to the dishwasher's existing circuit without additional transformers or adapters. The inlet and outlet sizes determine the type of plumbing fittings needed, ensuring compatibility with the dishwasher's internal pipework.

Cleaning is not required for the valve itself, as it has no moving parts exposed to water flow. However, the inlet strainer should be checked periodically for debris that could restrict flow, and the coil housing should be kept free of dust and moisture to prevent electrical faults.

This LF Solen valve Elbi type 351 is a direct replacement for the original part in DIHR, MEIKO, WINTERHALTER and ZANUSSI dishwashers, hood washers, glasswashers and pan washers. It fits specific models listed in the dishwasher, hood washer, pull-through and utensil washer ranges of these brands.

The product is categorised under spare parts for commercial dishwashing equipment, specifically solenoidal valves for water control.