The ASCO™ 256 Series, also known as 8256, 2-Way Compact Solenoid Valves provide reliable on/off fluid control in applications where space, installation flexibility, and configuration options are important. Also known as the 8256 Series, these direct-acting solenoid valves are designed for shutoff applications across a broad range of industrial and commercial equipment.
A compact footprint makes the Series 256 well suited for equipment with limited installation space. At the same time, multiple body materials, connection styles, electrical configurations, and seal options allow the valve to be matched to the application. Depending on the selected configuration, the Series 256 can handle media including air, inert gas, water, light oil, fuel gas, fuel oil, and other specified fluids.
From bottling equipment and commercial food-service systems to heating equipment and gas burner controls, ASCO 256 valves offer a flexible solution for dependable fluid shutoff.
Benefits
256 2-Way Compact Solenoid Valve Benefits
The ASCO 256 Series combines direct-acting solenoid operation with a compact valve design, making it a practical choice for reliable fluid shutoff without occupying unnecessary installation space.
The valve family is available in configurations designed for different media, pressure requirements, connection methods, and installation needs. Its flexible design also allows selected models to be installed in different orientations, helping simplify integration into equipment and fluid-control systems.
The Series 256 is available with brass, stainless steel, or composite (PPS) bodies, depending on the configuration. Options include 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch ports as well as pad-mount designs. Connection choices can include NPT, ISO G, push-to-connect, and nut-for-tube configurations.
Key Benefits
- Compact construction for equipment where installation space is limited
- Direct-acting solenoid operation for dependable shutoff control
- Normally closed and normally open configurations
- Brass, stainless steel, and composite body options
- Multiple connection and mounting configurations
- AC and DC coil options are available
- Rotatable coil configurations can simplify installation
- Quick-connect options can help streamline assembly
- Versions are available for specialized potable-water and food-service applications
- Selected configurations are available for gas and fuel-oil burner applications
- Multiple third-party certifications and approvals are available depending on configuration
The broad configuration range allows engineers and equipment manufacturers to select an ASCO 256 valve that fits the physical, electrical, fluid, and regulatory requirements of the application.
Performance
256 2-Way Compact Solenoid Valve Performance
Flexible Configurations for Fluid Control
Selecting a solenoid valve involves more than matching pipe size. Media compatibility, pressure, flow, electrical requirements, sealing materials, connection type, and environmental conditions all affect valve selection.
The ASCO 256 Series is available in configurations designed to address a wide range of these requirements.
Valve and Connection Options
The Series 256 is available with:
- Valve function: 2-way, 2/2 normally closed or normally open configurations
- Actuation: Direct-acting solenoid
- Port sizes: 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch, plus pad-mount configurations
- Connections: NPT, ISO G, push-to-connect, nut-for-tube, and pad-mount options
- Body materials: Brass, stainless steel, and composite (PPS)
- Sealing materials: NBR, EPDM, FPM, and selected FPM/RUBY configurations
- Electrical options: Multiple AC and DC voltage configurations
- Coil options: Selected 6.3 W and 6.9 W configurations
Depending on the specific model, maximum operating pressure can range from lower-pressure applications to configurations rated up to approximately 400–500 psi. Actual pressure capability depends on the valve configuration, media, temperature, and other operating conditions, so the individual part number should always be verified before selection.
Flow capacity varies by configuration, with published Series 256 specifications ranging from approximately 0.06 to 0.55 Cv.
Designed Around the Application
Rather than requiring one valve configuration to serve every installation, the Series 256 family gives users multiple ways to configure the valve around the application. This can help simplify equipment design while providing the performance characteristics required for the specific fluid-control system.
Applications
256 2-Way Compact Solenoid Valve Applications
The ASCO 256 Series is designed for shutoff control in a variety of industrial and commercial equipment. Its compact construction and broad selection of configurations make it suitable for applications where space and fluid-control requirements can vary significantly.
Common applications include:
- Bottling and beverage equipment
- Commercial kitchen equipment
- Food-service equipment
- Laundry equipment
- Heating equipment
- Industrial gas burner controls
- Commercial gas burner controls
- Fuel-oil burner systems
- Potable-water equipment
- General fluid-control equipment
- OEM machinery and packaged equipment
Specialized Configurations
Certain Series 256 configurations are designed for applications with additional material or regulatory requirements.
For potable-water and food-service applications, selected subminiature versions are available with 316L stainless steel, lead-free brass, or composite construction and applicable NSF certifications. Gas-combustion versions are available for industrial and commercial burner-control applications, while fuel-oil configurations are designed for equipment using specified fuel oils.
The important consideration is to match the specific valve configuration to the intended media and application requirements rather than treating every Series 256 model as interchangeable.
Q & A
256 2-Way Compact Solenoid Valve Q & A
Downloads
Download ASCO Series 256 Compact Valves Catalog
Download ASCO Series 256/356 Solenoid Valves Brochure
Download ASCO Series 256/356 Compact Valves Datasheet
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