SMC VQC1101-5 Plug-in 5-Port Solenoid Valve VQC1000

A plug-in valve for compact manifolds

VQC1101-5 is a base-mounted, plug-in 5-port solenoid valve from the SMC VQC1000 series. Unlike a body-ported valve, it carries no piping: it plugs onto a VV5QC11 manifold base, which supplies air, exhausts and the electrical connection, so a bank of valves is replaced by pulling out one unit instead of disturbing tubing. That is the reason plug-in manifolds are common on machines with many cylinders.

The code reads VQC1 (series), 1 (2-position single), 0 (fixed digit in the catalogue type code), 1 (rubber seal; 0 would be metal seal) and 5 (24 VDC; 6 is 12 VDC). In the current catalogue, optional function letters are inserted between the seal digit and the voltage (B for the 0.95 W high-speed response type, K for the 1.0 MPa high-pressure type, metal seal only, N for negative common and R for external pilot), and suffixes after the voltage select no light/surge voltage suppressor (E) or a locking manual override. None are included here, so the valve is the standard 0.4 W type with light/surge voltage suppressor and a non-locking push-type manual override.

Technical specifications

Manifold, kits and wiring

The valve is useful only with a manifold: the catalogue how-to-order-manifold page defines VV5QC11 bases for up to 12 stations with D-sub, multiple-connector, flat ribbon, terminal-block-box and lead-wire kits. Some kits are listed as IP67 compliant (for example the lead wire, multiple connector and terminal block box kits) and others as IP40 (the D-sub and flat ribbon types), a distinction to check for washdown or dusty areas.

Serial communication units from the EX series can be fitted to the same manifold so that many valves share one fieldbus connection. Confirm the manifold and its station count separately, as they are different part numbers from VQC1101-5.

Selection comments

At 0.85 dm3/(s.bar), the VQC1000 is the small-flow member of the family; the catalogue lists a 3-position closed-centre type with 0.70 and a metal-seal single (VQC1100) at 0.70 for comparison, and the rubber-seal single used here has the higher flow of the two single types. The rubber seal needs 0.15 MPa minimum pilot pressure while the metal seal can operate from 0.1 MPa, so check the supply pressure on low-pressure circuits.

Use filtered, dry air; the catalogue says lubrication is not required, and if the air is lubricated on one machine it should stay lubricated.

Documents and quotation

The SMC VQC1000 catalogue linked at the end of this page includes how-to-order for valves and manifolds, specifications, flow data and dimensions. Please confirm manifold type, station count, voltage and options before ordering. See also Solenoid Valves. Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier and quotes the exact part number on request.

How the VQC1101-5 Works

The VQC1101-5 is a pilot-operated spool valve. When the 24 VDC coil is energised, a small pilot valve sends supply air to the end of the main spool and shifts it, connecting port 1 (P) to port 4 (A) while port 2 (B) exhausts through port 3 (R2). When the coil is de-energised, the single-solenoid design returns the spool to its normal position, so 1 connects to 2 and 4 exhausts through 5 (R1). Because the spool uses rubber (elastic) seals, it gives the higher flow of the two single-solenoid versions in the VQC1000 series and tolerates ordinary filtered plant air well, at the cost of a slightly higher minimum operating pressure of 0.15 MPa compared with the metal-seal VQC1100.

The valve plugs directly into its manifold block: air passages and the electrical contacts connect when the valve is pushed in and fixed, so there is no individual valve wiring. The manifold pitch of the VQC1000 series is 10.5 mm and SMC lists it for driving cylinders up to about Ø50 mm bore.

VQC1101-5 Selection & Ordering Guide

• VQC1 – VQC1000 series, plug-in unit for VV5QC11 manifolds
• 1 – 2-position single solenoid (2 = double, 3/4/5 = 3-position closed, exhaust or pressure centre)
• 0 – fixed digit
• 1 – rubber seal (0 = metal seal, VQC1100)
• -5 – 24 VDC coil (6 = 12 VDC; only 24 VDC is available with the serial S kit)

When ordering a complete valve island, the manifold base is specified separately with its kit type (S serial, F D-sub, P flat ribbon, T terminal block box, L lead wire or M circular connector), the number of stations and the cylinder port size, for example C6 one-touch fittings for Ø6 tubing. Valves are then listed per station in the manifold assembly order. Our team can help confirm the correct ordering code for the valve and the manifold before you request a quote.

Installation & Maintenance

• Supply clean, dry air; the catalogue notes that dry air should be used to prevent condensation at low temperatures, and lubrication is not required.
• Keep the operating pressure between 0.15 and 0.7 MPa and the ambient and fluid temperature within −10 to 50°C.
• Before removing or replacing a plug-in valve, isolate the air supply and switch off the power to the manifold.
• Use the manual override only for commissioning and fault finding, after checking that actuator movement is safe.
• Fit silencers or piped exhaust so that exhaust noise and oil mist are controlled in the work area.

Typical Applications in Oman & the GCC

Compact plug-in valves such as the VQC1101-5 are used on packaging machines, food and beverage filling lines, assembly automation, printing equipment and test rigs, where many small cylinders must be controlled from one PLC-connected manifold. In the dusty and hot conditions found in many plants in Oman and the GCC, the IP67-compatible manifold kits and a well-maintained air preparation unit help keep the valve island reliable.

Why Source from Seven Star LLC

Seven Star LLC supplies SMC solenoid valves, manifolds and pneumatic components across Oman and the GCC. Share your existing valve or manifold part numbers and request a quote, and our team can help confirm the correct VQC1000 configuration.