Actuator Glossary

An electric motor powered by alternating current (AC). In the Peak Series, the drive motor is a high starting torque AC induction motor that includes thermal overload protection. It consists of a rotor and stator assembly matched to a specific RPM, torque, voltage, and power supply phase.

A trapezoidal screw thread used on the drive screw. As the drive nut travels along the acme threads of the drive screw, it converts the rotating motion of the motor into the linear motion that extends or retracts the actuator.

An electrochemical finishing process that thickens the natural oxide layer on aluminum parts, improving corrosion and wear resistance. The Peak Series drive screw housing and the motor housing are both anodized.

An optional 10-watt heater wired inline to the unit power. Installed near the limit switch compartment, it prevents condensation from forming inside the enclosure. An inline thermostat regulates its peak temperature.

Related: Heater Kit

A calibration value the EAPC sets during feedback potentiometer calibration: the digital reading that corresponds to the actuator's fully retracted position. It is a digital number, not the potentiometer's resistance in ohms. See also Gain.

An electrical component required by all single-phase motors to create the phase shift needed for operation. The capacitance value changes based on the supply voltage. Three-phase motors do not require a capacitor.

Castings are components produced via a manufacturing process in which molten metal is poured into a mold and solidifies into the shape of the part. The Peak Series limit switch housing, limit switch housing cover, gearbox housing, gearbox housing cover, flange and trunnion mounts are all castings.

A U-shaped mounting option that allows the actuator to pivot as it operates. It is one of three mounting styles available for the Peak Series, alongside the face (flange) mount and the trunnion.

Related: Clevis Mount Kit

The flow of electricity, measured in amperes (A). Peak Series full-load current is 3.05 A on 115V single-phase and 1.32 A on 230V single-phase actuators (60 Hz). The EAPC draws less than 30 mA when idle.

A small position range around the setpoint within which the EAPC stops the actuator. When motor power switches off, inertia can carry the actuator slightly past the requested position. Without a deadband, the controller would keep correcting and oscillate, which could damage the actuator. The EAPC sets the deadband automatically during calibration, and it can be adjusted in the Trim Values menu.

A switch or circuit breaker that isolates the actuator from its power supply. An external disconnecting device, suitably located, rated and marked as the disconnect for the equipment, is required along with an overcurrent device for incoming power. Power must be disconnected before the limit switch housing is opened.

The gear that carries motion from the gearbox to the drive screw assembly. The gearbox gear train sets its RPM, and it turns the shaft coupling and shaft that drive the extension tube.

See AC Induction Motor. The starting point of Peak Series functionality, the drive motor generates the rotational force that the gearbox and drive screw convert into linear travel.

A bronze (954 Bronze) component that rides along the acme threads of the drive screw. Because the drive nut is bound within the tube housing extrusion, its movement forces the extension tube to travel linearly.

The subassembly that converts rotational motion into linear force. The drive gear transfers motion to the shaft coupling and shaft, which then drives the extension tube outward as the drive nut moves along the screw. The assembly is packed with grease to ensure smooth actuation and reduce wear.

A self-contained, electro-mechanical device that produces linear force through electrical power. The Peak Series is suitable for use on industrial valves, doors, louver dampers, and most applications requiring linear force.

Related: Electric Linear Actuators

An optional controller that manages and regulates the actuator's position. It is one of the available feedback options for the Peak Series.

Related: EAPC Position Controller Retro-Fit Kit

Coated with a thin layer of metal deposited using an electric current, to improve corrosion and wear resistance. The Peak Series extension tube is hard chrome plated, which is an electroplating process.

The point at which the actuator reaches the limit of its stroke in either direction. Adjustable limit switches define these end points and stop the actuator at the correct position.

The Peak Series actuators incorporate an enclosure designed for use in dust-ignition proof applications. The protection provided by the Peak Series is certified for Class II, Division 1, Groups E, F and G. See product IOMs for additional certification and rating information.

The moving component that travels linearly to deliver force. Made from hard chrome plated 1020 DOM steel, the extension tube is driven by the drive nut and packed with grease to reduce component wear.

A flat mounting option, also called a flange mount, with a bolt pattern that fixes the actuator to a mating surface. It is one of three Peak Series mounting styles.

Related: Face Mount Kit

An added feature that reports the actuator's position back to the user. Peak Series feedback options include a position controller and a potentiometer.

The number of alternating current cycles per second, measured in hertz (Hz). Peak Series ratings are for 60 Hz power; velocity is slightly reduced on 50 Hz actuators.

An overcurrent protection device that opens a circuit when current exceeds its rating. A blown fuse is one of the first things to check when the motor doesn't run, and the EAPC reports a blown isolated power supply fuse as an ISOL FUSE fault.

A calibration multiplier the EAPC sets during feedback potentiometer calibration. The EAPC subtracts the Base value from the fully extended reading and multiplies the rest so that full extension reads 100. See also Base.

The sealed subassembly that reduces motor speed and increases torque. A spur gear on the motor output shaft drives a gear train that sets the correct RPM for both the drive gear and limit switch gears. The gearbox is a “no service” enclosure filled with long-life grease and should not be opened in the field.

An area where flammable gases or vapors, combustible dusts or ignitable fibers may be present in amounts that could ignite. North American codes classify them by Class (I gas and vapor, II dust, III fibers), Division and Group. The Peak Series is certified for NEC/CEC Class II, Division 1, Groups E, F and G, T145°C, and ATEX/IECEx Zone 21 (Ex tb IIIC Db). See product IOMs for additional certification and rating information.

An EAPC setting that keeps signal noise from restarting the actuator once it has stopped. The actuator comes to rest when the position error is within the deadband, but won't move again until the error exceeds the deadband plus the hysteresis value. Adjustable in the Trim Values menu.

An optional switch that signals when the actuator reaches a set point between the two end of travel limits.

An electrical switch that stops the actuator when it reaches a preset point. The Peak Series uses adjustable limit switches to set the end of travel positions in both directions.

Related: Limit Switch Kit

The subassembly that houses the limit switches and their triggering mechanism. Motion is carried into it by the limit switch worm shaft, which rotates the cam shaft. The cams then trigger the limit switches at the correct end of travel points.

A safety procedure that isolates and locks off the power supply and tags it, so equipment can't be energized while someone is working on it. Hamar instructions require LOTO, and verifying that power is removed, before opening the actuator's limit switch housing.

The part number structure used to specify a Peak Series actuator: HMA009–SS–VV–V–F, where:

Mounting is selected separately as a mounting kit and is not part of the part number. For example, HMA009-12-04-A-PC is a 12-inch stroke, 0.4 in/sec, 115V actuator with the position controller.

The method used to attach the actuator to its application. The Peak Series offers three options: clevis, face (flange), and adjustable trunnion.

Hamar's series of permanently connected, self-contained, electro-mechanical linear actuators. Each unit includes integral, adjustable end of travel limit switches and is driven by a high starting torque AC induction motor with thermal overload protection.

Related: Electric Linear Actuators

See Electric Actuator Position Controller (EAPC).

An optional feedback device that reports the actuator's position. This rotary potentiometer is gear driven by the limit switch cam shaft and delivers position feedback linearly across its full range of rotation.

Related: Potentiometer Kit, Potentiometer Retro-Fit Kit

The EAPC's signal input: the connection that receives the 4–20 mA or 0–10 V command signal telling the actuator where to position. It is calibrated to the process signal source from the Calibrate menu.

The opposition to electrical current, measured in ohms (Ω). The Peak Series feedback potentiometer is a 3-wire, 0–1 kΩ device. During installation it is set to approximately 950 Ω before its drive gears are engaged.

The rotating part of the drive motor. Together with the stator, it forms the assembly that produces the motor's rotational force.

The analog control signals the EAPC uses. It accepts a 4–20 mA or 0–10 V command input and provides a 4–20 mA or 0–10 V position feedback output, set with the input signal selector on the EAPC board. If the remote signal is lost, the EAPC displays a SIGNAL LOSS fault.

A gear with straight teeth fitted to the motor output shaft. It drives the gear train inside the gearbox to achieve the required RPM for the drive gear and limit switch gears.

The stationary part of the drive motor. The stator is interference fit into the motor housing extrusion by heating the housing, placing the stator inside, and allowing it to cool for a permanent fit. Correct placement and timing during installation are critical.

The total linear distance the actuator can travel. Peak Series stroke options range from 6 to 36 inches, available in 6-inch increments.

A safety feature that protects the motor from overheating. The Peak Series stator windings include an integral thermal protector on two of the winding leads to prevent thermal overload.

Rotational (twisting) force, measured in lbf·ft or N·m. The Peak Series is driven by a high starting torque AC induction motor; the gearbox increases that torque, and the drive screw converts it into linear force.

The EAPC's position feedback output: it sends a 4–20 mA or 0–10 V signal reporting the actuator's actual position back to the control system. It is calibrated from the Calibrate menu.

An adjustable mounting option that allows the actuator to pivot on trunnion pins. It is one of three Peak Series mounting styles.

Related: Trunnion Mount Kit

The speed at which the extension tube travels. Peak Series velocity options include 0.25, 0.4, 0.8, and 2.0 inches per second.

The electrical supply required to power the actuator. The Peak Series is available in the following configurations:

• 115V single-phase (60 Hz, 3.05 A full load)
• 230V single-phase (60 Hz, 1.32 A full load)

A gear mechanism fitted to the limit switch worm shaft. It rotates the limit switch cam shaft through the limit switch gear, turning the cams that trigger the limit switches. The worm drive is timed so the cams rotate slowly enough that they do not complete a full revolution before the actuator finishes its stroke.