XCPC 4V230C-08 DC24V — Pneumatic Directional Control Valve 5/3, G 1/4″, Double Solenoid, Exhaust Centre

A problem you have already faced

• The pneumatic cylinder does not hold position when the signal is removed — a 5/2 valve (one solenoid) is installed where a 5/3 with a hold or neutral-position function is needed
• On emergency power loss the rod moves to an end position — without an exhaust-centre neutral, pressure vents uncontrolled and the actuator moves
• Wrong part ordered: 4V230 instead of 4V220 or 4V210 — without understanding the difference (neutral position: closed / pressure / exhaust)
• The solenoid burned out after 2-3 months — duty cycle exceeded 50% and a continuous-duty coil was not specified
• Wrong voltage in stock: DC24V and AC24V are confused — different coil designs, electrically incompatible

Selecting the wrong neutral position on a 5/3 valve causes uncontrolled actuator movement on power loss and equipment downtime.

What is the XCPC 4V230C-08: part number breakdown

4V — 4V series: electromagnetic pneumatic directional control valves, spool type. Internal pilot, no air-line lubricator required. XCPC base platform, compatible with Airtac 4V series and SMC VF series.

2 — 200 series: port size G 1/4″ (size code 08 = 1/4″). Series 100 — G 1/8″, series 300 — G 3/8″, series 400 — G 1/2″.

3C — three positions + suffix C (Center exhaust): the exhaust is routed through a single central R port on the valve body axis (not two separate ports R1 and R2). Simplifies installation and centralised exhaust to a single silencer or manifold collector. 4V210 (5/2, single solenoid + spring), 4V220 (5/3, double solenoid, closed centre), 4V230 (5/3, double solenoid, exhaust centre), 4V240 (5/3, double solenoid, pressure centre).

08 — port size G 1/4″ (code 08 in the XCPC/Airtac system). Not to be confused with series 300 (code 10 = G 3/8″).

DC24V — coil supply voltage 24 V DC. Coil power 3 W (DC version). Must not be substituted with AC24V — different coil construction.

Exhaust centre: with no signal on either solenoid, the spool moves to the neutral position; ports A and B (working) are connected to port R (exhaust/atmosphere). The cylinder rod can be moved freely by hand. Used wherever the actuator must be unloaded on power loss.

Technical specifications — XCPC 4V230C-08 DC24V

Expert tip: when manifold-mounting the 4V230C-08, use the 4V200-08 manifold base. Top-entry connection through O-ring seals. Before assembly, check the mounting surface for cleanliness — contamination in the spool causes sticking and misfiring.

Neutral position comparison: 4V220 / 4V230 / 4V240

Warning: 4V230 (exhaust centre) and 4V220 (closed centre) look identical on the outside. They can be distinguished only by body markings or by behaviour when de-energised: 4V230 — rod moves freely; 4V220 — rod holds position.

Equivalent products by brand

5 parameters to verify when selecting an equivalent:

1. 5/3 configuration and neutral position type — exhaust centre: 4V230 and equivalents only; cannot be substituted with 4V220 or 4V240
2. Port thread — G 1/4″ (BSP): do not confuse with NPT 1/4″ (US standard — different thread pitch)
3. Coil voltage and type — DC24V; do not substitute with AC24V, DC12V or AC220V without changing the coil
4. Mounting dimensions ISO 4401 / CETOP 3 — when manifold-mounting; XCPC 4V230C-08 is compatible with Airtac 4V200-08 manifold bases
5. Working pressure — must not be lower than system maximum; this model rated to 0.8 MPa (8 bar)

Why Acvatron SRL — 5 compelling reasons

1. Engineering-based selection for your actuator circuit

Before issuing a quotation, an Acvatron engineer clarifies the actuator type (cylinder / rotary / clamp), required behaviour on power loss, pressure and flow. You receive exactly the right neutral position type (4V220/230/240) for your circuit — no ordering mistakes.

2. Confirmed compatibility with Airtac, SMC, Festo

XCPC 4V230C-08 complies with ISO 4401/CETOP 3 and is a direct functional equivalent of the Airtac 4V230C-08B. Manifold and collector compatibility with 4V200 series bases is verified by Acvatron engineers in practice.

3. In stock in Chisinau

4V230C-08 DC24V is in stock. Same-day dispatch; next business-day delivery within Moldova.

4. Full XCPC 4V series range

Acvatron SRL stocks the complete XCPC 4V range: single and double solenoids, port sizes G 1/8″ to G 1/2″, manifold bases, coils DC12V/DC24V/AC220V.

5. Documentation: ISO 4401, IP65, ISO 9001

Every XCPC valve is supplied with a data sheet and ISO 9001 declaration of conformity. For companies — tax invoice and supply contract.

Application areas

Pneumatic presses and stamping machines

• Controlling double-acting cylinders with tooling clamp: on emergency stop the rod unloads and retracts freely, preventing workpiece seizure
• Soft press unloading when a guard zone is opened — required by EN ISO 13849 safety standards
• Controlling hold-down and ejector cylinders on automated lines

Pneumatic clamping fixtures

• Unloading the clamping cylinder on emergency stop — workpiece not retained on power loss
• Controlling swing clamps on CNC milling and turning centres
• Circuits requiring manual rod positioning during a technical stop (setup mode)

Packaging and food processing equipment

• Controlling feed, hold-down and ejection cylinders on packaging lines
• Soft actuator unloading on conveyor stop — no pressure spikes or mechanical shock
• IP65 compliance for equipment wash-down zones

Expert opinion

Vitali Bolucevschi, Chief Engineer, Acvatron SRL — 15 years in the industry:

The most common mistake when selecting a 5/3 valve is confusing the neutral position type. A customer says they need a 4V230 — I ask: what should the rod do when the signal is removed? They answer: it should stop and hold position. That is a 4V220 (closed centre), not a 4V230 (exhaust centre). With a 4V230, the rod moves freely under external force when de-energised — this is what you need where the actuator must be unloaded on a fault. The second point: do not economise on the coil — the XCPC DC24V coil is rated for continuous energisation, but the maximum duty cycle depends on switching frequency. Above 100 switchings per minute you need a force-cooled coil or a move to the 4V300 series with its higher Cv.

Applicable standards: ISO 4401 (mounting dimensions), ISO 5599-1 (pneumatic directional control valves), IP65 (IEC 60529), ISO 9001 (XCPC manufacturing).

How to choose the right 5/3 pneumatic directional valve: a 6-step process

1. Determine the required configuration. 5/2 — for an actuator that needs two end positions with no intermediate state. 5/3 — if an intermediate state is required: hold, unload or floating rod.
2. Select the 5/3 neutral position type. Exhaust centre (4V230): A and B → atmosphere, rod free. Closed centre (4V220): A and B blocked, rod held by pressure. Pressure centre (4V240): A and B connected to supply P, rod floating.
3. Calculate the required flow (Cv). Cv = 0.7 on the 4V230C-08 suits cylinders up to 50 mm bore at 6 bar and 60 cycles/min. For larger cylinders — series 300 (4V330-10, Cv = 1.2) or series 400 (Cv = 2.0).
4. Verify the actuation type. Double solenoid (4V230): signal on A → extends, signal on B → retracts, no signal → neutral. Single solenoid (4V210): signal → extends, no signal → spring retracts.
5. Confirm the coil voltage and type. DC24V — standard for industrial PLCs. AC220V — for direct mains control. DC12V — mobile and small-batch systems.
6. Select the mounting method. Individual mounting with port fittings — for 1-2 valves. Manifold base 4V200-08 — for 2+ valves, simplifies piping and reduces fitting count.

Handling common objections

“I will buy a cheaper alternative without documentation”

A directional valve without ISO 4401 marking and a verified Cv value may not deliver the stated flow — the cylinder will run slower than designed. When manifold-mounted, non-conformance with CETOP 3 dimensions means air leakage and a non-functional circuit. XCPC is supplied with a data sheet and verified parameters.

“I do not know whether I need a 4V230 or 4V220”

Simple test: what must the cylinder do on emergency PLC power loss? Rod must hold its position — 4V220 (closed centre). Rod must be free to move manually or under gravity — 4V230 (exhaust centre). Rod must remain under pressure on both sides — 4V240. Call Acvatron — the engineer will help you choose in 5 minutes.

“I cannot find the 4V230C-08 DC24V anywhere else”

XCPC 4V230C-08 is in stock at Acvatron SRL in Chisinau. The part number matches the Airtac 4V230C-08B — if you have an Airtac valve installed, XCPC is a direct drop-in replacement with no manifold or fitting changes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the 4V230C-08 and the 4V310-08?

4V230C-08: series 200, G 1/4″ port, 5/3 (three positions, double solenoid), exhaust centre, Cv = 0.7. 4V310-08: series 300, G 1/4″ port, 5/2 (two positions, single solenoid + spring), no neutral position, Cv = 1.2. If three positions with unloading are needed — 4V230. If only two end positions with spring return are needed — 4V310.

Can the DC24V coil be replaced with an AC220V coil on the same body?

Yes, the coil on the 4V230C-08 body can be replaced. Remove the coil (two screws), replace with an AC220V coil of the same XCPC 4V2 series frame size. The spool body remains in place. Important: DC and AC coils are constructionally different — do not apply AC voltage to a DC coil; it will fail immediately.

Does the 4V230C-08 require an air-line lubricator?

No. The XCPC 4V230C-08 is designed to operate without air-line lubrication (oil-free). The spool seals are made from material rated for dry service. If your system already has a lubricator, use ISO VG32 oil in minimal quantities; excess oil blocks the exhaust silencers and degrades response.

How do I connect the 4V230C-08 without a manifold base?

Ports are connected directly with fittings: P (port 1) — air supply; A (port 4) and B (port 2) — to cylinder; R1 (port 3) and R2 (port 5) — exhaust silencers or vent tubes. Confirm fittings match G 1/4″ BSP. When mounting without a manifold, check all connections for leaks and ensure the silencers are oriented for free exhaust.