The FESTO 172958 HEE-D-MINI-230 is an electrically actuated on/off valve for compressed air preparation systems, designed for reliable switching of pneumatic supply in industrial automation environments. This model belongs to the HEE series, a well-known FESTO range used in air service units and pneumatic lines where operators need dependable control of compressed air flow, safe shut-off behavior, and straightforward electrical integration. For this specific version, FESTO identifies it as a piston gate valve, configured for 230 V AC, 50/60 Hz operation, with a product weight of 223 g.
In practical use, an on/off valve like the HEE-D-MINI-230 is not simply a switch. It serves as an important control component in pneumatic systems where compressed air must be enabled or interrupted in a controlled and repeatable way. This matters in production equipment, assembly stations, packaging machines, and other automation systems where compressed air supply directly affects actuator movement, valve manifolds, grippers, and process stability. FESTO’s current product information shows that this model is still identifiable and documented, but it is also marked as planned to be discontinued, with a note stating that it should not be used for new designs and that phase-out is indicated for January 2027. That makes it especially relevant today for spare-parts purchasing, maintenance support, and replacement planning rather than greenfield machine development.
Product Overview
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | FESTO |
| Part Number | 172958 |
| Model | HEE-D-MINI-230 |
| Product Type | On/off valve |
| Series | HEE |
| Structural Design | Piston gate valve |
| Operating Voltage | 230 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Coil Data | Pick-up power 5.0 VA, holding power 3.7 VA |
| Mounting Type | In-line installation |
| Mounting Position | Optional / any |
| Flow Direction | Non-reversible |
| Pneumatic Connection, Port 3 | G1/8 |
| Medium | Compressed air, inert gases |
| Air Quality at Output | ISO 8573-1:2010 [7:4:4] |
| Ambient Temperature Range | -10 °C to 60 °C |
| Degree of Protection / Compliance | CE and UKCA-related electrical conformity shown in data sheet |
| Product Net Weight | 223 g |
The values above are taken from FESTO’s official datasheets and product listing for part number 172958.
Product Function and Application Value
The HEE-D-MINI-230 is intended for controlled switching of compressed air supply in pneumatic systems. In many industrial machines, air is not meant to flow continuously without control. Instead, it is often isolated during shutdown, enabled during machine start-up, or routed through air preparation assemblies that need reliable electrical actuation. A valve like this provides a compact and practical solution for those operating conditions. Because it is part of FESTO’s compressed air preparation category, it is typically associated with service-unit style installations where air control, safety behavior, and system readiness are all important.
One of the most useful characteristics of this model is that it combines electrical actuation with a compact MINI format. In automation equipment, installation space is often limited, particularly in modular pneumatic panels or machine frames where filters, regulators, lubricators, and shut-off devices need to fit into a narrow footprint. The MINI size helps address that constraint. At the same time, the valve still provides industrially relevant operating capability, including a working environment compatible with compressed air and inert gases, along with a reasonable ambient temperature range from -10 °C to 60 °C.
Electrical and Mechanical Characteristics
A key distinguishing feature of the FESTO 172958 HEE-D-MINI-230 is its 230 V AC supply voltage. FESTO’s official ordering and technical documents specify 50/60 Hz, pick-up power of 5.0 VA, and holding power of 3.7 VA for this version. These values are important because they determine whether the valve matches the electrical standard already used in the machine or plant. In some systems, 24 V DC is preferred for control architecture, but in other applications—especially legacy equipment, utility systems, or region-specific machine designs—230 V AC control components remain entirely practical.
From the pneumatic side, the data sheet identifies G1/8 as the connection for port 3, and the broader HEE series documentation places this MINI variant within the compact class of electrically actuated on/off valves used in compressed air preparation assemblies. FESTO also specifies non-reversible flow direction, which means the valve is designed to operate according to the intended flow orientation and should be installed accordingly. That point matters during maintenance and replacement, because incorrect installation direction can compromise system function.
Weight and Installation Significance
The product weight of the HEE-D-MINI-230 is 223 g. This is a useful figure for machine builders and maintenance engineers because weight affects mounting load, manifold layout, service-unit support, and spare-parts handling. At 223 g, the valve is light enough for compact installation yet substantial enough to reflect an industrial-grade construction rather than an ultra-light disposable component. In real machine design, this weight class fits well with fixed pneumatic assemblies and air preparation modules where stability, vibration resistance, and service access are more important than extreme miniaturization.
FESTO lists the mounting type as in-line installation, with mounting position described as optional or any, depending on the regional data sheet wording. That makes the product easier to integrate into existing pneumatic layouts. Where service space is tight, installation flexibility matters because it reduces the need for custom brackets or unusual pipe-routing compromises.
Why This Valve Matters in Maintenance and Spare Parts
For new machine projects, the phase-out notice is the first thing that should be taken seriously. FESTO’s current product page explicitly states that the HEE-D-MINI-230 is planned to be discontinued and should not be used for new designs. That is the correct engineering interpretation: this is not the ideal choice for a new long-life platform unless the user has a specific legacy requirement and has already planned for future replacement strategy.
However, for existing equipment, the situation is different. A large amount of industrial automation remains in service for many years after product phase-out begins. In those cases, the HEE-D-MINI-230 remains relevant as a service spare, a maintenance replacement, or a reference point for identifying an equivalent upgrade path. Buyers who maintain installed pneumatic systems often need the exact part number, exact voltage, and exact size to avoid mismatch. In that context, 172958 is the critical identifier, and the documented technical values—230 V AC operation, MINI size, piston gate structure, G1/8 port detail, and 223 g weight—help reduce ordering error.
Typical Use Scenarios
| Application Scenario | Why HEE-D-MINI-230 Fits |
|---|---|
| Existing pneumatic machines | Matches legacy FESTO air control architecture |
| Air preparation assemblies | Designed for compressed air control in service-unit style applications |
| Retrofit maintenance | Exact voltage and form factor help reduce mismatch risk |
| Spare parts stocking | Clear part number and standardized FESTO documentation simplify procurement |
| Compact automation systems | MINI format supports limited installation space |
These use scenarios are based on the product category, series documentation, and listed technical characteristics from FESTO.
Conclusion
The FESTO 172958 HEE-D-MINI-230 is a compact electrically actuated on/off valve intended for compressed air systems that need reliable supply switching in industrial environments. Its main published characteristics include 230 V AC 50/60 Hz operation, piston gate valve design, in-line mounting, G1/8 pneumatic connection detail, ambient temperature range of -10 °C to 60 °C, and a product weight of 223 g. These features make it a sound choice for maintenance, replacement, and spare-parts support in installed FESTO pneumatic systems. At the same time, FESTO’s current notice that the product is being phased out for January 2027 means it is best treated as a legacy-support item rather than a preferred option for new machine designs.
