Perhaps we would be right if we said that Hunter solenoid valves are currently the best soleniod valves in the world. Their insane quality, very long lifespan, and very reasonable price make us recommend American Hunter solenoid valves as the number 1 to smart irrigation activists and enthusiasts. Of course, solenoid valves from companies such as Rainbird (USA), Orbit (USA), and a number of other famous and reputable companies in the world can fully compete with Hunter valves in terms of quality. But when you have to introduce only one company as the best company in this field, you must add other factors such as variety in models and availability in the market to the quality factor. Hunter is the first in the world in all these fields. Perhaps it would be a good idea to get to know the American company Hunter more.
Hunter Industries is a manufacturer of irrigation equipment for green spaces and lawns, as well as outdoor lighting equipment, located in San Marcos, California, USA. Hunter’s irrigation product line includes high-quality rotary nozzles, pop-up rotors, spray sprinklers, valves, controllers, drip systems and weather sensors. With more than 2,000 employees and branches nationwide in different regions and countries, Hunter is a true leader in the field of irrigation products, especially smart irrigation. For more information, please visit Hunter’s Wikipedia page or Visit the official Hunter Company website.
American Hunter solenoid valves are produced and marketed in three series: PGV, ICV, and IBV. Of these three series, the first series, PGV, is the best-selling series that is used in all gardens, orchards, farmland, and large green spaces. The last series, IBV, is also all-metal and is used only in certain conditions. The middle series, ICV, Although this series is not metal, it is no less than the IBV metal series in terms of quality. That is, they are much robust and therefore are less used in irrigation systems and have their own specific applications. Apart from the 3-inch model of this series, the 1-inch, 1.5-inch, and 2-inch models are not often seen in irrigation systems in the world, but the 3-inch model is used and has been seen in many places. The reason for this is simple. Because the PGV series is available up to 2 inches, and therefore, if we have to use 3-inch solenoid valves at one time, the only option before us is to use the 3-inch Hunter valve from the ICV series. Usually, from the perspective of the world’s most reputable designers and engineers, as well as from the perspective of the technical expert of the Smart Irrigation™, it is much better to use a larger number of 2-inch Hunter solenoid valves for designing very large smart irrigation systems than to use a smaller number of 3-inch Hunter solenoid valves. Unless we are technically forced to or it is more economical.
All ICV series valves, whether used with a 24V solenoid or a 9V solenoid, can withstand a maximum of 15 bar of water pressure! Or in other words, 1500 kPa. Currently, the maximum common urban water pressure in distribution networks is 6 or 8 bar and in buildings 3 to 4 bar. And this means a tolerance of about 4 times more than what is in buildings and about 2 times more than what is even in distribution networks! Of course, if you plan to use these valves for irrigation systems outside the city or special irrigation systems with very high pressure and flow, you must be aware of the water pressure at the valve installation site before taking any action.
American Hunter ICV solenoid valves have a screw on the top of the valve that can be used to increase or decrease the flow rate of water through the valve. This feature is useful in many situations and eliminates the need to install a separate valve to adjust the flow of water from the valve.
ICV series valves are produced in four sizes: 1 inch, 1-1/2 inches, 2 inches and 3 inches. All models have the same solenoid. Even the water pressure tolerance is the same in all of them. So the only difference is their size. Depending on the diameter of the pipe used in the garden or the type of design of the tree watering system, any of the sizes may be the right choice for that system. Considering that the PGV series is used for sizes 1 inch, 1.5 inch and 2 inch in 99% of the time, the Hunter ICV-301 3-inch solenoid valve that we are reviewing is the only ICV series solenoid valve that is used in 3 inch water supply systems. The water flow rate through this solenoid valve can range from 0.4 liters per minute to a very large figure of 1135 liters per minute, and this valve is fully capable of long-term operation within this range. Another important point to note is that the flow rate of water passing through the valves is not related to their diameter ratio, but is usually related to the second power of the diameter ratio of the valves. Apart from this, the amount of water pressure resistance of the inlet also has a direct effect on the maximum flow rate that can be passed through the valve. Of course, this is not always the case and the best way to compare the flow rate of solenoid valves is to view the technical information of the solenoid valve in the product catalog. Due to the extremely high flow rate of the ICV-301 solenoid valve, this valve is mostly used in large agricultural and industrial centers or gardens with a 3-inch water supply line and high water pressure.
The vast majority of Hunter products are manufactured in China, like other companies. But in the case of solenoid valves, the phrase “Made in Mexico” is often seen. This certainly applies to imported Smart Irrigation™ valves, and we always see the phrase “Made in Mexico.” So it seems that a large part of Hunter solenoid valves are manufactured in Mexico. Of course, the ICV series is an exception to the PGV series, and in the Smart Irrigation™, we have always seen the phrase “Made in USA.” But does it really matter or is the originality of the product really important? We completely agree with the latter. The idea that because this Hunter ICV-301 valve is made in the USA, and other Hunter ICV-301 valve is made in Mexico, and I have to pay more for this model that is made in the USA, has only one disadvantage. And that is a higher cost for nothing! If we see a product from a reputable global company with two different model numbers, we can follow up with the manufacturer to learn about their differences, but when both the model and model number are exactly the same, it means that Hunter is producing a product with the same quality.
ICV series 24V solenoid valves are all supplied with a 24-volt Hunter solenoid. So basically any irrigation controller that can supply a 24-volt AC (alternating current) with sufficient amperage to the solenoid valve can open the valve. Our recommendation is to use Hunter’s own controllers. However, controllers from other reputable companies, such as Orbit (USA) and Rainbird (USA), are also fully compatible with these valves. Even according to an article we read on the Hunter company website, Hunter itself has no problem using this solenoid valve with controllers from other well-known companies such as Orbit and Rainbird, and it does not void the warranty.
