What Are Detented Lever Air Valves?

A detented lever valve is manually controlled by a worker via the actuation of the valve’s lever operator. The lever remains secure in its actuated position by a mechanical detent until it’s switched back to its original lever position.

That maintained actuated state has value for industrial and specialty applications. For example, in industrial settings, detented lever valves are excellent as the primary supply valves for a pneumatically powered workstation. Two- and three-way control types have two positions (open and closed) and four-way directional control types are available with two- and three-position functions.

Features of Humphrey Detented Toggle Valves

A lever operator manually toggles a detented lever valve into a fixed actuated or unactuated position.

Humphrey’s valves offer the following features:

Tactile feedback: The detenting mechanism cams over into positive, secure positions to open and close.
Sealing principle: Imbalanced pressure construction works with the force of the pressurized media to seal the valve poppet into its closed position, preventing leakage while the valve is at rest.
Durable construction: The lever operator is heavy-duty. The internal designs are robust and can withstand poor air and dirty environments.
Visual indicators: A large lever is easy to observe in actuated or unactuated positions.
Position is secured: The detents are mechanically secure while the pressurized media assists in securing the valve’s position.

Several sizes are available:

Two position, 2-way, 3-way and 4-way
Three position, 4-way types available
10-32 UNF, 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2 NPSF Pipe Sizes
Maximum flow capacities from 9.5 to 275 SCFM
0-125 psi pressure range
Line Mount, Base Mount and Panel Mount available

Common Applications for Detented Lever Valves

Detented lever valves are used in:

Industrial workstations: Air supply shut-off
Mobile equipment: Fire trucks, utility vehicles and trailers for process control
Industrial automation: Clamping work pieces
Manufacturing: Pneumatic logic systems
Lab equipment: Instrumentation

Detented Lever Valves from Humphrey Products

TAC Miniature Toggle Valves (Models 2V, 3V, 4V, 31V, 41V, 41T)

Miniature TAC and TAC2 detented toggle valves are ideal in panel mount applications where the toggle is exposed and the valve and pneumatic piping/tubing are contained below. These valves are rugged and reliable and available in 10-32 UNF and 1/8 Pipe sizes and two or three-position, 2-, 3- and 4-way functions.

Model 125V Detented Toggle Valves

The popular 125V model is a compact two-position 3-way, detented lever valve with 1/8 pipe ports and a 1/8-inch orifice. The heavy-duty valve lever has a straight-line 90° throw and can be rotated and positioned for optimal port orientation. The large, rugged lever ensures stability and permits visual verification of the valve position. The internal diaphragm-poppet construction is simple, reliable and seals tight in both positions, regardless of compressed air quality.

Model 250V Detented Toggle Valves

Humphrey’s model 250V is the larger 1/4 version of the 1/8 size 125V and features a heavy-duty lever operator with nearly three times the flow capacity. The internal diaphragm-poppet construction seals tight in both positions, making it an ideal main supply shut-off valve for pneumatic-controlled workstations.

Model 250-4H Detended Valves

The 250-4H lever-operated, 4-way diaphragm-poppet model has three positions with a detented center position that vents both outlet ports to its common exhaust port. When the lever is switched in one direction, the valve’s full 1/4-inch orifice opens to its outlet port while blocking its path to the exhaust. When switched to the other direction, the pressure opens the other outlet port and blocks that side’s path to exhaust.

Model 501V Detented Toggle Valves

Humphrey’s Model 501V is a high flow 1/2 inch detented lever valve. This 1/2 Pipe valve delivers 275 SCFM at its maximum pressure rating of 125 psi. It features multiple mounting options and a rugged construction.

Consult Humphrey Products Company

Whether you’re ready to make a purchase or require assistance narrowing your search for the right valve, the expert team at Humphrey Products can help. Our sales representatives will review your application and determine if a detented lever valve is the best solution. Contact us to learn more about our products and get a quote.