The best electronic gas control valve depends on the appliance and the exact replacement specifications. For residential water heaters, the Reliance valve is suited to listed A.O. Smith, Reliance, State, and American-branded models, while the Bradford White valve is a replacement option for compatible ICON systems. For other gas-control applications, the Honeywell valves serve different ignition and connection needs. Have a qualified professional confirm model, fuel type, and specifications before purchase or installation.
| Product | Best suited for | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| Reliance 100112336 | Compatible residential water heaters | Natural-gas water-heater control |
| Bradford White ICON 2.0 | Compatible Bradford White systems | Millivolt-powered control |
| 110-326 Gas Water Heater Valve | Specified natural-gas tank water heaters | Includes an ECO system; verify dimensions |
| Honeywell VR8345M-4302 | Intermittent or direct ignition systems | 24 Vac universal valve |
| Honeywell VR8200A2132 | Compatible natural-gas systems | Includes fittings and conversion kit |
Reliance 100112336 Natural Gas Control Valve
The Reliance 100112336 is a natural-gas control valve and thermostat for water heaters. Its listing identifies compatibility with A.O. Smith, Reliance, State, and American-branded water heaters. That makes it a candidate for a buyer replacing a valve on one of those brands, but the brand name alone does not establish compatibility with every model.
Best for: Owners or service professionals identifying a replacement for a compatible residential water heater. It was selected because its stated use is specifically a natural-gas water-heater control, rather than a general-purpose gas valve.
Check before buying: Compare the existing valve’s part number and the water heater’s model information with the replacement requirements. The listing specifically says professional installation is recommended and warns that homeowner installation could potentially void a warranty. It also notes that the product is manufactured in China.
Limitation: The supplied information does not provide dimensions, pressure specifications, or a complete compatibility list. Do not choose it based on brand alone; have a professional verify the exact replacement match.
Bradford White ICON 2.0 Natural Gas Valve
This Bradford White valve is described as an ICON 2.0 universal replacement service kit for residential systems, replacing certain earlier ICON valves. The listing gives replacement part numbers, including 2394746301 and 239-47463-01, and specifies a 1-inch gas line. Its millivolt-powered control does not require external electricity, according to the product details.
Best for: A buyer or technician working with a Bradford White water heater whose existing valve matches the listed ICON replacement numbers and connection requirements. It was selected for its direct water-heater focus and stated replacement references.
The control system is described as supporting accurate water temperatures. The listing also mentions a pilot-on indication and simple three-step lighting instructions. These details may help when comparing replacement controls, but they do not replace the appliance’s installation instructions.
Limitation: “Universal replacement” does not mean universal fit across all water heaters. Confirm the model, gas line size, and valve part number before ordering. The product information does not specify compatibility with non-Bradford White appliances.
110-326 Gas Water Heater Control Valve
The WUVYFWN 110-326 is listed as a gas water-heater valve and thermostat for natural-gas tank water heaters. Its features describe a built-in non-circulating energy cut-off system that shuts off the gas supply if water temperature exceeds 160°F. The listing also specifies a 2.2-inch copper probe sensor, 2.2 inches water column pressure, and 45,000 BTU flow.
Best for: A buyer seeking a replacement for a natural-gas tank water heater when the appliance specifications match the listed pressure and flow details. It was selected because it is explicitly presented as a water-heater control assembly with a temperature sensor and ECO feature.
Important fit check: The product name says the valve has a 1-3/8-inch shank, while its feature text describes a 3.8-inch shank. Because those dimensions conflict, confirm the correct shank size and all other measurements with the seller or a qualified technician before ordering.
Limitation: The listing says the valve is not for RV use. Its stated specifications should not be assumed to fit a water heater that requires different pressure, capacity, or dimensions.
Honeywell VR8345M-4302 Universal Gas Valve
The Honeywell VR8345M-4302 is a 24 Vac universal gas valve described for standard opening, intermittent-pilot, or direct-ignition applications. The listing includes two reducer bushings sized 3/4 by 1/2 inch and a natural-to-LP conversion kit. Its pressure regulator setpoint is listed as 3.5 inches water column.
Best for: A qualified installer replacing a compatible gas valve in a system using the specified voltage and ignition arrangement. It was selected as a distinct option for buyers whose application calls for a 24 Vac valve rather than a water-heater-specific thermostat assembly.
The included bushings may be useful when the existing pipe connection requires one of the stated size reductions. The conversion kit is also listed, but the presence of a kit does not establish that conversion is appropriate for a particular appliance. Confirm the equipment instructions and fuel requirements before selecting or configuring the valve.
Limitation: This is not presented as a universal water-heater replacement. Confirm the appliance’s voltage, ignition type, pressure requirements, connection size, and approved valve specifications before purchase.
Honeywell VR8200A2132 Gas Valve
The Honeywell International VR8200A2132 is listed with a 1/2-inch NPT inlet and 1/2-inch NPT outlet. Its included parts are one 1/2-by-3/8-inch straight bushing, one 3/4-inch straight flange, a hex wrench, and a pilot compression fitting for 1/4-inch outside-diameter tubing. The listing also includes a natural-to-LP conversion kit.
Best for: A buyer or technician who needs a valve matching the listed connection dimensions and pilot-fitting arrangement. It was selected because it provides a different set of connection details and included fittings from the VR8345M-4302.
The described valve includes a manual valve, two automatic operators, a servo pressure regulator, and a pilot adjustment. These components make exact equipment matching especially important; compare the appliance’s requirements rather than assuming that included fittings guarantee fit.
Limitation: The product information does not state that this valve is a direct replacement for a particular water-heater model. Verify fuel type, ignition arrangement, pressure requirements, and appliance approval with a qualified professional.
Buying Guide: How to Choose an Electronic Gas Control Valve
Is the valve for a water heater or another gas appliance?
Start with the appliance type. Water-heater control valves may combine gas control and thermostat functions, while general gas valves may be specified by voltage, ignition method, pressure, or pipe connections. A valve that fits one category should not be assumed suitable for another. Check the appliance manual or existing valve label for the required replacement details.
For a residential water heater, prioritize a valve explicitly listed for water-heater use and confirm the appliance model and part number. The Reliance and Bradford White options in this guide are described for water heaters. The Honeywell VR8345M-4302 and VR8200A2132 listings describe gas-control applications with their own electrical, ignition, or connection requirements.
What specifications should you compare?
- Fuel type: Confirm whether the appliance uses natural gas or LP. Do not assume a conversion kit makes a valve suitable without following the appliance and valve instructions.
- Part number and appliance model: Match the existing valve number and the water heater or equipment model to the replacement information.
- Connection size: Check inlet and outlet sizes, thread type, gas line size, and any included fittings.
- Electrical and ignition requirements: Confirm voltage and whether the system uses direct ignition, intermittent pilot, or another arrangement.
- Pressure and capacity: Compare the specified regulator pressure and flow capacity with the equipment requirements.
- Physical dimensions: Verify shank length, probe size, and clearances. Resolve conflicting listing measurements before purchasing.
Should you choose a dedicated water-heater valve or a general gas valve?
Choose a water-heater-specific control when the appliance requires an integrated thermostat or a listed water-heater replacement. A general gas valve may be more appropriate for a compatible heating or ignition system, but it is not automatically interchangeable with a water-heater control. Use the replacement part specified for the appliance whenever possible.
Among the products here, the Reliance valve is identified for several water-heater brands, while the Bradford White listing identifies ICON replacement numbers. The 110-326 listing gives pressure, flow, and sensor details, but its conflicting shank measurements need clarification. The Honeywell valves are better compared by their electrical and connection specifications, not by water-heater brand.
Who should install a gas control valve?
Gas control valves affect fuel flow and appliance operation. The Reliance listing specifically recommends professional installation and warns that homeowner installation could potentially affect a warranty. For any replacement, a qualified professional can verify the part, fuel, connections, and appliance instructions. Do not rely on a product title alone to establish that installation is safe or compatible.
What should you do when product information is incomplete?
Pause before ordering if a critical measurement, fuel type, or model match is missing or contradictory. The 110-326 listing, for example, gives two different shank dimensions across its name and feature text. Ask the seller or a technician to confirm the correct measurement. Unclear data is a reason to verify, not to guess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all electronic gas control valves interchangeable?
No. Valves can differ by fuel type, appliance, ignition method, voltage, pressure, capacity, fittings, and dimensions. Match the exact appliance requirements and replacement part information.
Can a water-heater control valve be used on a furnace?
Not unless the valve is specifically approved and specified for that equipment. A water-heater valve and a general gas valve can have different control and connection requirements.
Does a natural-to-LP conversion kit mean the valve is already configured for LP?
No. An included conversion kit does not by itself confirm the valve’s current configuration or suitability for a specific appliance. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and have a qualified professional verify the fuel setup.
What does millivolt-powered mean for the Bradford White valve?
The listing says the control is millivolt-powered and requires no external electricity. Confirm that the appliance is designed for this control type before choosing it.
What should I do if the replacement valve dimensions do not match?
Do not force the installation or assume that an adapter will make the valve suitable. Recheck the appliance and valve documentation, ask the seller to clarify the specifications, or consult a qualified technician.
Is professional installation necessary?
The Reliance listing specifically recommends professional installation. Gas-valve replacement involves fuel and appliance controls, so have a qualified professional confirm compatibility and perform the work according to applicable instructions.