Water Inlet Valve Assembly; Valve Operation - GE WSSH300G Technical Service Manual

Water Inlet Valve Assembly:

The water inlet valve assembly is made up of a plastic
housing and 3 solenoids.
Hot
Wash
Bleach
The hot solenoid is connected to the incoming hot wa-
ter. The wash and bleach solenoids share a common
input cavity that is connected to the cold water supply.
The hot and wash solenoids share a common output
cavity, with the bleach solenoid having a separate output
cavity.

Valve Operation:

The (3) inlet solenoid valves are identical in
construction and operation. The valve body provides
an air passage with large orifice and seat where the water
can be stopped. The outlet of the valve body empties into
the chamber. A moveable rubber diaphragm operates
against the valve seat to start and stop the flow of water.
The diaphragm is operated by water pressure. It has a
small bleed orifice outside the seat contact area, and a
large main orifice at its center. The armature of the
solenoid serves to open and close the main orifice.
The armature operates within a closed metal tube
(valve guide) which is sealed by the outer edge of the
diaphragm to the valve body. A coil spring holds the
armature down against the diaphragm main orifice
when the solenoid is not energized.
The following line drawings and text explain basic valve
operation.
When the valve is in a closed position, the solenoid is
not energized. Water has bled through the diaphragm
bleed orifice placing incoming line pressure on top of
the diaphragm. The bottom of the diaphragm is
essentially at atmospheric pressure (open to the outlet)
and the pressure differential holds the valve shut.
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