Abstract Standard swing disk check valves are typically operated by pressure difference. Alternatively though, the valves might be operated by an active driving force when they cannot be operated by the pressure difference. If this simple concept is realized, the reliability of the check valve could be improved since a great portion of abnormalities currently leading to failure can be corrected. With this intention, this paper proposes a power-operated check valve and describes important factors to be considered. Through an effectiveness analysis, it was verified that the proposed concept significantly improved reliability in an example safety system.