Deltrol Controls Blog

This guide walks through what to check before you specify a valve for your next design, and where Deltrol's dispensing valve line fits each scenario.

Engineers specifying fluid control components for OEM equipment frequently encounter both terms: water inlet valve and water solenoid valve. They're often used interchangeably in product listings, distributor catalogs, and even manufacturer documentation, which creates real confusion during the design and procurement process.

They are not the same thing, but the relationship between them matters. This article explains what each term means, how they differ in function and application, and how to determine which one you actually need.

If you're specifying fluid control components for OEM equipment, understanding dispense valves — what they do, how they differ, and what to look for when selecting one — is fundamental to getting your design right the first time.

This guide covers the essentials: how dispense valves work, the most common types, the industries they serve, and the key criteria engineers use to evaluate and specify them.