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Evaporative Cooler Solenoid Valves: 24V, 12V or 240V, Bleed or No Bleed?
Nov
The inlet solenoid valve controls the water going into your evaporative cooler. It opens when the cooler calls for water and closes when the tray is full or the cooler is switched off. Solenoids are inexpensive, but they come in several versions, and the wrong one simply won’t work.
The four things to match
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Voltage – 24VAC, 12VDC or 240V | A coil on the wrong voltage won’t open, or will burn out. The voltage is printed on the coil. |
| Bleed or no bleed | A bleed valve has a small extra outlet that lets a trickle of water run off to keep salts down. Coolers with a dump or drain valve often use a no-bleed valve. |
| Thread and size | Most are 1/2″ (15mm), but the inlet and outlet fittings vary. |
| Plug or terminals | Spade terminals or a moulded plug must suit your cooler’s wiring. |
Which coolers use which?
- Bonaire and Celair – commonly 24VAC, with and without bleed. See Bonaire solenoid valves.
- Breezair, Braemar and Coolair – see Breezair solenoid valves.
- Brivis – including 240V valves. See Brivis solenoid valves.
- CoolBreeze – see CoolBreeze solenoid valves.
Signs the solenoid has failed
- Tray stays empty with the water tap on: the valve isn’t opening (coil failed or blocked inlet screen).
- Water keeps running after the cooler is off: the valve is stuck open, often because of grit under the diaphragm.
- A buzz but no water: low supply pressure, a blocked filter screen or a failing coil.
Before replacing the valve, check that the water supply tap is fully open and that the small filter screen in the inlet isn’t blocked. If water keeps overflowing from the cooler, read our overflow troubleshooting guide – the float valve is often the real cause.
Fitting tips
- Turn off the water and the power before you start.
- Use thread tape on male threads and don’t over-tighten plastic bodies.
- Check the flow-direction arrow on the valve body.
- Electrical connections should be made by a licensed electrician or cooler technician.
Browse all evaporative cooler solenoid valves, or send us a photo of your old valve and we’ll match it.
This guide is general information only. Always follow your cooler manufacturer’s instructions, and use a licensed electrician for any electrical work.
