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Valvcon Corporation
http://www.valvcon.com
phone: 603-249-9020 fax: 603-249-9140
1. I
NSTALLATION
G
UIDELINES
1.1 G
ENERAL
T
ECHNICAL
I
NFORMATION
Valvcon V-Series Electric Actuators provide reliable and efficient operation of final control elements, such as 1/4
turn valves, with torque requirements up to 3000 inch pounds. V-Series actuators are available as AC models
with a 75% duty cycle and DC models with a continuous* duty cycle. In addition, a variety of options and
accessories are available and use the unique Valvcon modular design where all "daughter" boards and actuator
accessories plug into the "mother" board.
*Continuous for 1hour, after which the duty cycle is reduced to 80%.
V-Series, AC voltage actuators use a split phase motor which internally steps up the applied 115 AC voltage and
feeds it back to the off terminal. For example, when 115VAC power is applied at terminals 1 and 4, 230 volts will
be fed back to terminal 3. This can create a problem for controllers with solid state outputs rated for less then
230VAC. Valvcon strongly recommends that relay outputs be used. Additionally, due to this feed back, multiple
actuators cannot be wired in parallel, and individual leads (isolated contacts) must be run to each
actuator.
It is important to verify that the output torque of the actuator is appropriate for the torque requirements of the valve
and that the actuator duty cycle is appropriate for the intended application.
1.1.1 DUTY CYCLE
Valvcon's AC motors are protected by a thermal overload device. Exceeding the actuator's rated duty cycle may
cause the thermal overload switch to temporarily shut off power to the motor. After the motor cools, the actuator
will resume operation as powered.
A 75% duty cycle means that for every operating cycle that the actuator is ON , the actuator must be OFF for 1/3
of a cycle.
Consult the actuator's baseplate to confirm proper duty cycle for your specific application. Remember, the duty
cycle rating applies to applications with an ambient temperature of approximately 104 degrees F. Actuators
installed in locations with higher ambient temperatures will have a "de-rated" duty cycle. For a higher duty
cycle in AC applications, consider using Valvcon's ADC series.
1.1.2 POWER REQUIREMENTS
Consult the baseplate of the actuator for duty cycle and current draw information.
1.1.3 TEMPERATURE LIMITS
Low ambient temperatures: The minimum recommended ambient temperature is 32°F. With the optional heater
and thermostat installed, the recommended minimum ambient temperature can be lowered to -40°F. the
thermostat will control the heater to come on at or below 40 degrees F and turn off at or above 60 degrees F.
High ambient temperatures: The maximum recommended ambient temperature is 150°F. In outdoor
applications where ambient temperatures exceed 80°F, actuators should be shielded from direct sunlight.
For media temperatures above 200°F, a shielding plate should be placed between the actuator and the mounting
bracket. Additionally, the actuator should be mounted at the 3 o'clock or 9 o'clock position relative to the pipe.
For media temperatures above 300°F, a valve with an extended shaft mounting arrangement should be used.
1.1.4 ACTUATOR MOUNTING
The actuator may be mounted in any position.
Valvcon V-Series actuators are furnished with a female drive output. Two ISO. bolt patterns (ISO 5211) are
provided for actuator mounting. Using the wrong bolt size may strip out the threads.
It is mandatory that the actuator be firmly secured to a sturdy mounting bracket. A minimum of four bolts
with lock washers should be used to secure the actuator to the bracket. Flexibility in the bracket is not allowed,
and backlash, or "play", in the coupling should be minimized. The actuator output shaft must be in line (centered)
with the valve shaft to avoid side-loading the shaft.
