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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-09-07 Origin: Site
Manual valves work well when a person can operate them directly.
But many modern water, HVAC, heating, and building automation systems need valves that can be controlled remotely or automatically. In these applications, an Electric Valve allows an electrical signal to control the opening or closing of the valve without requiring someone to turn a handle manually.
However, choosing an electric valve is not simply a matter of selecting the correct pipe size.
Buyers need to consider several questions:
· Should you use an electric ball valve or electric globe valve?
· Do you need a 2-way or 3-way valve?
· How should the valve be controlled?
· Is a 2-wire 1-control or 3-wire 2-control configuration more appropriate?
· What size and connection standard are required?
· Is the valve suitable for the system's pressure and temperature?
This guide explains these differences from a practical purchasing and application perspective.
An Electric Valve combines a conventional valve mechanism with an electric actuator.
Instead of manually turning the valve, an electrical control signal operates the actuator, which then drives the valve between its operating positions.
The basic concept is:
Electrical control signal → Electric actuator → Valve movement → Flow control
This makes electric valves useful when valves need to be operated from a control panel, thermostat, automation system, or another remote control point.
Depending on the valve design, electric actuation can be used for different types of valve bodies, including electric ball valves and electric globe valves.
The important point is that the actuator provides the automation function, while the valve body determines how the fluid is controlled.
This is one of the first decisions a buyer needs to make.
Although both can be electrically actuated, an Electric Ball Valve and an Electric Globe Valve use different valve structures and are suited to different application requirements.
Feature | Electric Ball Valve | Electric Globe Valve |
Main structure | Ball-type shut-off mechanism | Globe-type valve mechanism |
Typical function | Opening, closing and flow path switching | Opening, closing and flow regulation |
Available configurations | 2-way and 3-way | 2-way and 3-way |
Common applications | Water systems, HVAC, equipment control | HVAC, heating, water control systems |
Control | Electric actuator | Electric actuator |
This does not mean that one type is universally better than the other.
The better choice depends on what the valve is expected to do in the system.
If the main requirement is automated opening, closing, or switching between flow paths, an electric ball valve can be an appropriate solution.
If the application requires a globe-type valve structure for the intended flow-control arrangement, an electric globe valve may be more suitable.
The Electric Ball Valve is one of the main product categories in SHUANGLIN VALVE's electric valve range.
The available size range is:
DN15-DN50
Two basic flow-path configurations are available:
· 2-Way Electric Ball Valve
· 3-Way Electric Ball Valve
Understanding the difference between them is more important than simply looking at the DN size.
A 2-Way Electric Ball Valve has two connection ports and is generally used to control a single flow path.
The basic operating concept is straightforward:
Open → fluid can pass
Close → fluid flow is stopped
When an electric actuator is added, this operation can be controlled electrically rather than manually.
This makes a 2-way electric ball valve suitable for applications where a pipeline needs automated on/off control.
Typical applications can include:
· Water supply systems
· HVAC piping
· Heating systems
· Equipment water circuits
· Building automation
· Process water systems
For many buyers, the 2-way configuration is the starting point when they simply need to automate the opening and closing of an existing pipeline.
A 3-Way Electric Ball Valve has three ports and provides a different flow-path arrangement from a conventional 2-way valve.
Instead of simply controlling one inlet and one outlet, the three-port structure allows the valve to manage flow between multiple connections according to the internal valve configuration.
This makes 3-Way Electric Ball Valves useful in systems where flow needs to be switched or distributed between different paths.
Potential applications include:
· HVAC systems
· Heating systems
· Water circulation
· Equipment switching
· Mixing or diverting arrangements
· Automated piping systems
The exact flow direction and operating function depend on the internal configuration of the particular 3-way valve.
Therefore, buyers should not select a 3-way electric ball valve simply because a system has three pipes.
The actual piping arrangement and required flow logic should be confirmed first.
The second major product category is the Electric Globe Valve.
SHUANGLIN VALVE's electric globe valve range is available in:
DN15-DN32
The product range includes:
· 2-Way Electric Globe Valve
· 3-Way Electric Globe Valve
Like the electric ball valve range, the choice between 2-way and 3-way depends on the required flow arrangement.
A 2-Way Electric Globe Valve has a straightforward inlet and outlet arrangement.
The electric actuator controls the valve according to the connected control system.
This type can be used in applications involving:
· HVAC water systems
· Heating systems
· Water circulation
· Building automation
· Equipment control
For buyers replacing a manual globe valve with an automated solution, a 2-way electric globe valve can provide a relatively direct transition from manual to electric operation.
A 3-Way Electric Globe Valve provides three connection points and can be used where the piping system requires more than a simple single flow path.
The three-way configuration can be relevant to systems requiring flow switching or different circulation arrangements.
However, the exact function depends on the valve's internal design and the way it is connected to the piping.
This is why a professional quotation should include the intended application or a simple piping diagram whenever the 3-way configuration is critical to the project.
This is one of the most important distinctions when purchasing your electric valve.
The valve body itself may be completely suitable for the application, but the control arrangement can still be wrong if the wiring requirement does not match the customer's control system.
For SHUANGLIN VALVE's product range, the two control configurations can be understood broadly as follows.
A 2-Wire 1-Control configuration uses one control switch to control the valve's opening and closing.
In simple terms:
One switch → Electric valve → Open / Close
This configuration is suitable when the application requires a single control point for operating the valve.
The advantage is straightforward wiring and a simple control arrangement.
For systems where there is only one control point, a 2-wire 1-control configuration can be a practical option.
A 3-Wire 2-Control configuration allows two separate switches to control the opening and closing of the electric valve.
The basic concept is:
Switch 1 → Open
Switch 2 → Close
This means the valve can be controlled from two separate control points.
For example, a project may require one switch in one location and another switch at a different control location.
This is particularly useful when the control arrangement needs separate commands for opening and closing.
The terms “2-wire 1-control” and “3-wire 2-control” are being used here according to the control configuration of the SHUANGLIN VALVE products described in this article.
They should not be interpreted as a universal wiring definition for every electric actuator on the market.
Different manufacturers may use different wiring terminology, so buyers should confirm the actual wiring diagram before connecting an actuator to a control system.
A common purchasing mistake is to focus almost entirely on:
DN size + valve type + price
and ignore the actuator's control arrangement.
But an electric valve is part of a larger electrical and automation system.
For example, imagine that a customer needs to operate a valve from two different control points.
If the purchased actuator only supports the intended single-control arrangement, changing the piping will not solve the problem.
The issue is not the valve size.
The issue is the control architecture.
Therefore, when purchasing an electric valve, the buyer should confirm both:
Mechanical requirements
and
Electrical control requirements
before placing the order.
The main specifications for SHUANGLIN VALVE's electric valve products are:
Specification | Electric Ball Valve | Electric Globe Valve |
Size | DN15-DN50 | DN15-DN32 |
Pressure Rating | PN16 | PN16 |
Working Temperature | -10°C to 120°C | -10°C to 120°C |
Thread | BSP / NPT | BSP / NPT |
Valve Configurations | 2-Way / 3-Way | 2-Way / 3-Way |
Control Options | 2-Wire 1-Control / 3-Wire 2-Control | Available according to product configuration |
Actuator Protection | IP54 | IP54 |
Actuator Connection | M30 × 1.5 mm | M30 × 1.5 mm |
The exact actuator configuration should be confirmed according to the selected model and project requirements.
The application of an Electric Valve is not limited to one particular industry.
They are particularly useful wherever a valve needs to be operated without direct manual access.
Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems often contain multiple water circuits that need automated control.
Electric ball valves and electric globe valves can be integrated into these systems depending on the required flow-control arrangement.
Heating systems may require automatic control of water circulation between different circuits.
An electric valve can provide remote operation and integration with the broader control system.
In a building automation system, manually operating every valve is inefficient.
Electric valves allow valve operation to become part of an automated control system.
Electric valves can also be used to automate water circulation and equipment connections where remote opening and closing is required.
Individual equipment units may require automated water flow control.
The appropriate valve type depends on whether the system requires a simple 2-way flow path, a 3-way arrangement, or another specific control configuration.
A practical selection process should begin with the required function, not the product name.
Ask:
Do I primarily need automated on/off or flow-path switching?
If yes, an Electric Ball Valve may be appropriate.
If the application specifically requires a globe-type valve structure for its flow-control arrangement, consider an Electric Globe Valve.
Ask:
Does the system have one flow path or does it need to manage multiple flow paths?
A 2-way valve has a simpler inlet/outlet arrangement.
A 3-way valve is designed around three connection points and a corresponding internal flow arrangement.
Ask:
Will one switch control the valve, or do two separate switches need to control opening and closing?
This determines whether a 2-Wire 1-Control or 3-Wire 2-Control configuration is appropriate for the relevant product.
Confirm:
· Nominal size
· Pressure
· Temperature
· Thread standard
· Valve configuration
· Electrical control arrangement
This prevents a common purchasing problem: selecting a mechanically compatible valve that cannot integrate correctly with the customer's control system.
SHUANGLIN VALVE's electric valves support both:
BSP
and
NPT
These are different thread standards and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Before ordering, the buyer should confirm the thread standard used by the existing piping system or required by the project.
For international B2B orders, it is better to state the thread requirement directly in the inquiry rather than assuming the supplier will automatically provide the expected standard.
For example:
DN25, 2-Way Electric Ball Valve, NPT
is much clearer than:
DN25 Electric Ball Valve
when the connection standard is important.
DN25 does not tell you whether you need a ball valve or globe valve, 2-way or 3-way configuration, or which control method is required.
DN size is only one part of the specification.
A 3-way valve is not simply a 2-way valve with an additional connection.
The internal flow arrangement and application are different.
The buyer should provide the intended flow direction or piping arrangement when necessary.
This is particularly important for electric valves.
The control method needs to match the customer's electrical control system.
A valve with the wrong wiring arrangement may be mechanically suitable but electrically unsuitable.
Electric ball valves and electric globe valves may both be automated, but their valve structures and application characteristics are different.
The electric actuator does not make every valve functionally identical.
BSP and NPT should be confirmed before ordering.
This is especially important for international projects where different markets commonly use different connection standards.
When purchasing an electric valve, the actuator is not an accessory that can be ignored.
The actuator determines how the valve is electrically operated.
Therefore, buyers should consider:
Valve body + actuator + control method
as one complete product solution.
For an international B2B quotation, a clear inquiry can save several rounds of communication.
Instead of:
“Please quote electric valves.”
A better request would specify:
Product: Electric Ball Valve
Configuration: 2-Way
Size: DN25
Thread: BSP
Control: 2-Wire 1-Control
Pressure: PN16
Application: HVAC water system
Quantity: Required quantity
If the customer needs a 3-way valve or two separate control switches, that information should be stated from the beginning.
This is especially important for OEM and project orders.
SHUANGLIN VALVE supplies electric valve solutions covering both electric ball valves and electric globe valves.
The product range includes:
Electric Ball Valve
· DN15-DN50
· 2-Way
· 3-Way
· 2-Wire 1-Control
· 3-Wire 2-Control
Electric Globe Valve
· DN15-DN32
· 2-Way
· 3-Way
The products support BSP and NPT thread standards and are designed for applications within a PN16 pressure rating and -10°C to 120°C working temperature range.
The electric actuator protection rating is IP54, with an M30 × 1.5 mm actuator connection.
For standard products, there is no MOQ requirement, and standard products can generally be shipped within one week.
For customized products, MOQ depends on the product type and size, typically around 3,000-5,000 pieces, with a typical shipment lead time of approximately 35 days.
For OEM customers, product configuration and requirements can be discussed according to the application and project needs.
An electric valve uses an electric actuator to operate a valve, allowing opening and closing or other valve operations to be controlled electrically rather than manually.
They use different valve structures and can serve different application requirements. Electric ball valves are commonly used for automated opening, closing, and flow-path switching, while electric globe valves can be selected for applications requiring a globe-type valve structure and flow-control arrangement.
A 2-way electric valve has two connection ports and controls a single flow path.
A 3-way electric valve has three connection ports and is used where the piping system requires a three-port flow arrangement, such as flow switching or distribution.
For the SHUANGLIN VALVE configuration described in this article, 2-wire 1-control means that one control switch is used to operate the electric valve's opening and closing.
For the SHUANGLIN VALVE configuration described here, 3-wire 2-control allows two separate switches to control the valve's opening and closing.
SHUANGLIN VALVE electric ball valves are available from DN15 to DN50, while electric globe valves are available from DN15 to DN32.
Yes. The electric valve range supports both BSP and NPT thread standards.
The electric valve products described in this article have a PN16 pressure rating.
The specified working temperature is -10°C to 120°C.
The actuator protection rating is IP54.
Selecting an electric valve is ultimately a process of matching mechanical requirements with control requirements.
The valve size needs to match the piping system, but size alone is not enough.
The buyer also needs to determine:
Ball valve or globe valve?
2-way or 3-way?
2-wire 1-control or 3-wire 2-control?
BSP or NPT?
What pressure and temperature conditions?
Once these requirements are clear, selecting the appropriate electric valve becomes much more straightforward.
SHUANGLIN VALVE provides electric ball valves and electric globe valves for water, HVAC, heating, circulation, and building automation applications, with multiple valve configurations and control options.
For standard products, there is no MOQ requirement, and standard products can generally be shipped within one week. For OEM and customized requirements, buyers can provide their application, size, valve configuration, connection standard, control requirements, and quantity so that the appropriate solution can be evaluated.
Looking for an electric ball valve or electric globe valve for your project? Send us your required size, 2-way or 3-way configuration, thread standard, and control method, and we can confirm the suitable product.
