Method for actuating a valve

A method for actuating a valve with a magnetic valve drive, through which electric current is passed to open the valve, to close the valve, and to hold the valve in an open or closed position, comprising:

• receiving an opening signal;
• varying the electric current that is passed through the valve drive as a first current signal to open the valve in response to the received opening signal;
• receiving a closing signal;
• and
• varying the electric current that is passed through the valve drive as a second current signal for closing the valve in response to the received closing signal,
• wherein the second current signal has at least two variations of the electric current at separate times, a first of the at least two variations causing the valve to partly close, and a second of the at least two variations causing the valve to fully close,
• wherein the at least two variations of the electric current at separate times are in the form of successive pulses at the separate times and a value of the electric current is reduced to zero between the successive pulses.