Festo MHE Solenoid Valve Guide: MHE2, MHE3 and MHE4

The Festo MHE series is a family of directly actuated, fast-switching pneumatic solenoid valves made in three body sizes: MHE2 (10 mm wide, 100 l/min), MHE3 (14 mm, 200 l/min) and MHE4 (18 mm, 400 l/min). All models run on 24 V DC, use a pressure-relief poppet design with a mechanical spring return, and are available as 3/2-way normally closed, 3/2-way normally open or 5/2-way monostable valves.

This guide explains how to read a Festo MHE part number, how to choose between the M1H and MS1H coil versions, and which connector each valve needs. Every model RendatSP supplies is listed below with its Festo part number and a link to the product page.

MHE2 vs MHE3 vs MHE4 at a glance

MHE2 MHE3 MHE4
Construction width 10 mm 14 mm 18 mm
Nominal size 2 mm 3 mm 4 mm
Standard nominal flow rate 100 l/min (90 l/min on 5/2) 200 l/min 400 l/min
Grid dimension 14 mm 19 mm 24 mm
Port options M7, QS-4 (4 mm) G1/8, QS-6 (6 mm) G1/4, QS-8 (8 mm)
Switching time, M1H (on / off) 7 / 3.5 ms 8.3 / 4.5 ms 10.5 / 5 ms
Switching time, MS1H (on / off) 1.7 / 2 ms (5/2: 1.9 / 1.7 ms) 2.3 / 2.8 ms 3.5 / 3.5 ms
Max. switching frequency, M1H 130 Hz 130 Hz 120 Hz
Max. switching frequency, MS1H 330 Hz (5/2: 300 Hz) 280 Hz 210 Hz
Power consumption, M1H 2.88 W 3.7 W 5.6 W
Power consumption, MS1H 1.25 W hold / 5.0 W pull-in 1.6 W hold / 6.5 W pull-in 2.125 W hold / 8.5 W pull-in
Weight 60 g (5/2: 70 g) 120 g 270 g
Operating pressure -0.09 to 0.8 MPa -0.09 to 0.8 MPa -0.09 to 0.8 MPa
Operating voltage 24 V DC 24 V DC 24 V DC

How to read a Festo MHE part number

Take MHE2-MS1H-3/2G-QS-4-K as an example. The code is read in five blocks:

Block Meaning Options
MHE2 Body size MHE2 (10 mm), MHE3 (14 mm), MHE4 (18 mm)
MS1H Coil version M1H = standard coil. MS1H = integrated electronics, much faster
3/2G Valve function 3/2G = 3/2-way normally closed. 3/2O = 3/2-way normally open. 5/2 = 5/2-way monostable
QS-4 Pneumatic connection M7, G1/8, G1/4 threads, or QS-4 / QS-6 / QS-8 push-in for 4, 6 and 8 mm tubing
-K Electrical connection No suffix = 2-pin plug (needs a separate cable). -K = fixed 2.5 m cable

The six-digit or seven-digit number shown alongside the code, for example 196131, is the official Festo order number. Both identify the same item; distributors and purchase orders normally quote the order number.

M1H or MS1H: which coil version do you need?

This is the single decision that most affects price and performance. MS1H valves contain integrated electronics that give holding-current reduction, spark arresting and a protective circuit, plus bipolar reverse polarity protection. The practical result is a valve that responds in roughly a quarter of the time and tolerates two to three times the switching frequency, while drawing less power once it has pulled in.

Choose MS1H for high cycle rates, short pulse blowing, sorting and ejection, dosing, and anywhere response time is part of the machine cycle. Choose M1H where the valve simply opens and closes at a normal rate and cost matters more than milliseconds.

Normally closed, normally open, or 5/2?

Code Function Typical use
3/2G Normally closed: port 1 is blocked at rest and opens when energised The default choice. Single-acting cylinders, blow-off nozzles, air supply on demand
3/2O Normally open: flow passes at rest and is shut off when energised Air must keep flowing if power is lost, or the de-energised state is the working state
5/2 5/2-way monostable, one solenoid with spring return Driving a double-acting cylinder in and out from a single signal

All three functions also switch vacuum, since the pressure range starts at -0.09 MPa (-0.9 bar).

Which cable or connector do you need?

A valve whose code ends in -K already has a 2.5 m cable attached and needs nothing else. Every other model has a 2-pin plug and needs a plug socket with cable. Three options are available:

Part number Type code LED Protection Notes
151688 KMEB-1-24-2.5-LED Yellow LED IP65 EN 175301-803 form C socket with M2.5 screw, protective conductor, -20 to +80 °C
193691 KMYZ-4-24-2.5-B No IP40 Basic MSZC socket with M2 screw, lowest cost, 3 to 36 V DC range
8047671 NEBV-Z4WA2L-P-E-2.5-N-LE2-S1 Yellow LED IP65 Current Festo cable, ZC plug pattern with M2 screw, protective circuit, rated for energy chains

For mounting a single MHE2 valve on a frame or panel instead of a manifold, use the MHE2-BG-L bracket (196165), supplied with screws and washers.

Complete Festo MHE part number list

All 29 valves and 4 accessories below are stocked and supplied new and original by RendatSP. Click any type code to open the product page with the full data sheet.

Festo MHE2 – 10 mm, 100 l/min

Festo part number Type code Valve function Pneumatic connection Electrical connection Switching on / off
196130 MHE2-M1H-3/2G-M7 3/2-way, normally closed M7 2-pin plug 7 ms / 3.5 ms
196131 MHE2-MS1H-3/2G-M7 3/2-way, normally closed M7 2-pin plug 1.7 ms / 2 ms
196133 MHE2-MS1H-3/2G-M7-K 3/2-way, normally closed M7 2.5 m cable 1.7 ms / 2 ms
196134 MHE2-M1H-3/2G-QS-4 3/2-way, normally closed QS-4 push-in, 4 mm 2-pin plug 7 ms / 3.5 ms
196135 MHE2-MS1H-3/2G-QS-4 3/2-way, normally closed QS-4 push-in, 4 mm 2-pin plug 1.7 ms / 2 ms
196136 MHE2-M1H-3/2G-QS-4-K 3/2-way, normally closed QS-4 push-in, 4 mm 2.5 m cable 7 ms / 3.5 ms
196137 MHE2-MS1H-3/2G-QS-4-K 3/2-way, normally closed QS-4 push-in, 4 mm 2.5 m cable 1.7 ms / 2 ms
196150 MHE2-M1H-3/2O-M7 3/2-way, normally open M7 2-pin plug 7 ms / 3.5 ms
196151 MHE2-MS1H-3/2O-M7 3/2-way, normally open M7 2-pin plug 1.7 ms / 2 ms
196153 MHE2-MS1H-3/2O-M7-K 3/2-way, normally open M7 2.5 m cable 1.7 ms / 2 ms
196154 MHE2-M1H-3/2O-QS-4 3/2-way, normally open QS-4 push-in, 4 mm 2-pin plug 7 ms / 3.5 ms
196155 MHE2-MS1H-3/2O-QS-4 3/2-way, normally open QS-4 push-in, 4 mm 2-pin plug 1.7 ms / 2 ms
525113 MHE2-MS1H-5/2-M7 5/2-way, monostable M7 2-pin plug 1.9 ms / 1.7 ms
525115 MHE2-MS1H-5/2-M7-K 5/2-way, monostable M7 2.5 m cable 1.9 ms / 1.7 ms
525117 MHE2-MS1H-5/2-QS-4 5/2-way, monostable QS-4 push-in, 4 mm 2-pin plug 1.9 ms / 1.7 ms
525119 MHE2-MS1H-5/2-QS-4-K 5/2-way, monostable QS-4 push-in, 4 mm 2.5 m cable 1.9 ms / 1.7 ms

Festo MHE3 – 14 mm, 200 l/min

Festo part number Type code Valve function Pneumatic connection Electrical connection Switching on / off
525146 MHE3-M1H-3/2G-1/8 3/2-way, normally closed G1/8 2-pin plug 8.3 ms / 4.5 ms
525147 MHE3-MS1H-3/2G-1/8 3/2-way, normally closed G1/8 2-pin plug 2.3 ms / 2.8 ms
525148 MHE3-M1H-3/2G-1/8-K 3/2-way, normally closed G1/8 2.5 m cable 8.3 ms / 4.5 ms
525149 MHE3-MS1H-3/2G-1/8-K 3/2-way, normally closed G1/8 2.5 m cable 2.3 ms / 2.8 ms
525152 MHE3-M1H-3/2G-QS-6-K 3/2-way, normally closed QS-6 push-in, 6 mm 2.5 m cable 8.3 ms / 4.5 ms
525153 MHE3-MS1H-3/2G-QS-6-K 3/2-way, normally closed QS-6 push-in, 6 mm 2.5 m cable 2.3 ms / 2.8 ms
525171 MHE3-MS1H-3/2O-QS-6 3/2-way, normally open QS-6 push-in, 6 mm 2-pin plug 2.3 ms / 2.8 ms

Festo MHE4 – 18 mm, 400 l/min

Festo part number Type code Valve function Pneumatic connection Electrical connection Switching on / off
525186 MHE4-M1H-3/2G-1/4 3/2-way, normally closed G1/4 2-pin plug 10.5 ms / 5 ms
525187 MHE4-MS1H-3/2G-1/4 3/2-way, normally closed G1/4 2-pin plug 3.5 ms / 3.5 ms
525188 MHE4-M1H-3/2G-1/4-K 3/2-way, normally closed G1/4 2.5 m cable 10.5 ms / 5 ms
525189 MHE4-MS1H-3/2G-1/4-K 3/2-way, normally closed G1/4 2.5 m cable 3.5 ms / 3.5 ms
525193 MHE4-MS1H-3/2G-QS-8-K 3/2-way, normally closed QS-8 push-in, 8 mm 2.5 m cable 3.5 ms / 3.5 ms
525207 MHE4-MS1H-3/2O-1/4 3/2-way, normally open G1/4 2-pin plug 3.5 ms / 3.5 ms

Accessories

Festo part number Type code Description
151688 KMEB-1-24-2.5-LED Plug Socket with Cable and LED
193691 KMYZ-4-24-2.5-B Plug Socket with Cable
196165 MHE2-BG-L Mounting Bracket
8047671 NEBV-Z4WA2L-P-E-2.5-N-LE2-S1 Connecting Cable with LED

Frequently asked questions about Festo MHE valves

What is the Festo MHE series?

The Festo MHE series is a family of directly actuated, fast-switching pneumatic solenoid valves built as pressure-relief poppet valves with a mechanical spring return. It comes in three body sizes: MHE2 (10 mm wide, 100 l/min), MHE3 (14 mm, 200 l/min) and MHE4 (18 mm, 400 l/min). All models run on 24 V DC and are available as 3/2-way normally closed, 3/2-way normally open or 5/2-way monostable valves.

What is the difference between Festo M1H and MS1H?

MS1H valves carry integrated electronics: holding-current reduction, spark arresting and a protective circuit. They switch far faster and tolerate much higher switching frequencies. On the MHE2, MS1H switches in 1.7 ms at up to 330 Hz while M1H switches in 7 ms at up to 130 Hz. On the MHE3 it is 2.3 ms at 280 Hz against 8.3 ms at 130 Hz, and on the MHE4 3.5 ms at 210 Hz against 10.5 ms at 120 Hz. M1H is the simpler, lower-cost coil for normal switching duty; MS1H is for high cycle rates and short response times.

What does the -K suffix mean on a Festo MHE part number?

The -K suffix means the valve is supplied with a fixed 2.5 m PUR cable instead of a 2-pin plug. A valve without -K needs a separate plug socket with cable, such as the Festo NEBV-Z4WA2L-P-E-2.5-N-LE2-S1 (8047671), KMEB-1-24-2.5-LED (151688) or KMYZ-4-24-2.5-B (193691).

What does 3/2G and 3/2O mean in a Festo valve code?

3/2G is a 3/2-way valve that is normally closed, meaning port 1 is blocked at rest and opens when the coil is energised. 3/2O is a 3/2-way valve that is normally open, so flow passes at rest and is shut off when the coil is energised. 5/2 designates a 5/2-way monostable valve used to drive a double-acting cylinder.

What voltage do Festo MHE valves use?

All Festo MHE2, MHE3 and MHE4 valves listed here are 24 V DC with a permissible fluctuation of plus or minus 10 percent, at a 100 percent duty cycle. Power consumption is 2.88 W on the MHE2 M1H, 3.7 W on the MHE3 M1H and 5.6 W on the MHE4 M1H. MS1H versions draw a higher pull-in figure for a few milliseconds and then drop to a low holding figure.

What is the operating pressure range of the Festo MHE series?

-0.09 MPa to 0.8 MPa, which is -0.9 to 8 bar. Because the range extends below zero, the valves can switch vacuum as well as compressed air. With reversed flow direction the range is limited to -0.09 to 0.1 MPa.

How fast does a Festo MHE valve switch?

The fastest is the MHE2 MS1H at 1.7 ms on and 2 ms off, with a maximum switching frequency of 330 Hz. The MHE3 MS1H switches in 2.3 ms on and 2.8 ms off at up to 280 Hz, and the MHE4 MS1H in 3.5 ms on and off at up to 210 Hz. Standard M1H coils switch in 7 to 10.5 ms depending on size.

Which port sizes are available on Festo MHE valves?

MHE2 valves come with M7 threads or QS-4 push-in connectors for 4 mm tubing. MHE3 valves come with G1/8 threads or QS-6 push-in for 6 mm tubing. MHE4 valves come with G1/4 threads or QS-8 push-in for 8 mm tubing.

Can Festo MHE valves be mounted side by side?

Yes. The grid dimension is 14 mm for MHE2, 19 mm for MHE3 and 24 mm for MHE4, so valves can be arranged in a compact bank. For mounting a single MHE2 valve on a frame or panel, use the MHE2-BG-L bracket, part number 196165.

What is the difference between the NEBV, KMEB and KMYZ cables?

The NEBV-Z4WA2L-P-E-2.5-N-LE2-S1 (8047671) is the current Festo cable with a yellow LED, a protective circuit and reverse polarity protection, IP65, rated for energy chains. The KMEB-1-24-2.5-LED (151688) uses the larger EN 175301-803 form C socket with an M2.5 screw, has an LED and a protective conductor, IP65, and tolerates -20 to +80 degrees Celsius. The KMYZ-4-24-2.5-B (193691) is the basic MSZC socket without an LED, IP40.

Where does RendatSP ship Festo parts?

RendatSP ships genuine Festo pneumatic parts from stock in China to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Egypt, Oman, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Yemen and other Arab markets, by air or sea.

Ordering Festo MHE valves from RendatSP

RendatSP supplies genuine Festo pneumatic spare parts to maintenance teams, machine builders and industrial distributors across Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Egypt, Oman, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania and Yemen. Parts ship from our stock in China by air or sea. Send us the Festo part number and the quantity you need and we will reply with a price and a delivery time.

Browse the full range: Festo Solenoid Valves and Festo Valve Accessories.

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