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Electric Actuator Troubleshooting

This is a troubleshooting checkist that should help you resolve several problems with your Electric Actuator. This procedure should help technicians find the right problems and solutions more quickly. When troubleshooting is done correctly, your whole maintenance operation can overcome backlog, lost production, and compliance issues much more efficiently
MaintainX
09/16/2022

Electric Actuator Troubleshooting

This is a troubleshooting checkist that should help you resolve several problems with your Electric Actuator. This procedure should help technicians find the right problems and solutions more quickly. When troubleshooting is done correctly, your whole maintenance operation can overcome backlog, lost production, and compliance issues much more efficiently

    Problem #1: Actuator will not operate

    Thermal Overload protection is active

    Capacitor is loose or connected incorrectly

    Wires, switches or other leads may be disconnected or loose

    Wires at terminal block loose or disconnected

    Motor is damaged or otherwise inoperable

    Ambient temperature is too low causing inoperability

    Optional components, control boards incorrectly installed or wiring is loose

    Problem #2: Motor seems stalled. Power is ON but it will not operate

    Supply voltage (power) is applied to both sides of the motor simultaneously

    System wiring has more than one actuator powered from same parallel source

    Capacitor has failed

    Valve requires too much operating torque

    Motor has failed

    Failed control board components

    Problem #3: Motor operates but output shaft does not turn

    Manual override (if supplied) is not properly engaged with gear train

    Damaged or stripped gears in drive train

    Problem #4: Actuator turns in one direction only

    Wires at terminal block loose or disconnected

    Limit switch for the reverse direction is engaged with the cam

    Failed control board component

    DC Motor – Polarity is not switching

    Problem #5: Actuator turns in the wrong direction

    Motor leads or limit switches are wired incorrectly

    Actuator may be wired for unidirectional operation. Or may be a unidirectional model

    Problem #6: Actuator does not stop at the desired position

    Actuator rotation is limited by the action of a cam on the limit switch. Cam needs adjustment/setting

    Cam may be loose. Set screw is loose

    Limit switch is not working/contacting

    Limit switches may be wired in reverse operation

    Cam may be loose. Set screw is loose

    Limit switch is not working/contacting

    Limit switches may be wired in reverse operation

    Problem #7: Moisture and/or corrosion is present inside enclosure

    Gasket seal is missing or installed incorrectly

    Water is entering through the conduit entry

    Cover was removed or left off during high humidity or rain

    Cover not attached tightly or with the use of all cover bolts

    Humid environment

Source: MaintainX (Community Member)

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