A valve that is commanded by an electric coil to direct flow to different passages is known as a ______.

• A. solenoid-operated directional control valve
• B. pilot valve
• C. check valve
• D. proportional valve

Answer: (A)

When a valve is commanded by an electric coil to direct flow to different passages, you’re dealing with a solenoid-operated directional control valve. The electric coil creates a magnetic field that moves the valve’s internal spool or plunger, changing which ports are connected so fluid is routed along different paths. This combination—electrical actuation (solenoid) and the valve’s job of steering flow between ports (directional control)—is what defines this device.

That’s distinct from a check valve, which only allows flow in one direction and doesn’t switch between multiple passages. A pilot valve is typically a smaller valve used to control a larger valve, not the main component that directly redirects flow. A proportional valve can vary flow continuously with input, rather than simply selecting between different passages in discrete steps.