Hamar Peak Series Electric Linear Actuator — Frequently Asked Questions

The Hamar Automation Peak Series is a self-contained, explosion-proof industrial electric linear actuator built in the USA. It is engineered for demanding applications including slide gates, diverter valves, louver dampers, and bulk material handling systems — and is a proven drop-in replacement for hard-to-find pneumatic or legacy actuator alternatives.

Use this FAQ to quickly find specifications, installation guidance, troubleshooting steps, and ordering information for the Peak Series.

What Is the Hamar Peak Series Electric Linear Actuator?

The Peak Series is a self-contained, electro-mechanical industrial electric actuator designed and manufactured in the USA by Hamar Automation, LLC. It converts electrical energy into precise linear motion using a high-starting-torque AC induction motor, an integrated gearbox, and an acme drive screw assembly.

Built for demanding industrial environments, the Peak Series features integral adjustable end-of-travel limit switches, explosion-proof certification, and an IP65 ingress protection rating — making it a reliable drop-in replacement across a wide range of applications.

What Applications Is the Peak Series Suitable For?

The Peak Series is suitable for any industrial application requiring controlled linear force. Common use cases include:

• Industrial valves — slide gates, knife gates, and plug valves

• Diverter valves — bulk material handling and pneumatic conveying systems

• Louver dampers — dust collection and HVAC systems

• Industrial doors — automated access control in process facilities

• General linear force applications — anywhere a reliable, controllable stroke is required

The Peak Series is particularly well suited for slide gate and diverter valve installations where precision, durability, and hazardous-environment certification are required.

For application-specific guidance, contact Hamar Automation directly at 785-404-1628.

What Stroke Lengths Are Available for the Peak Series?

The Peak Series is available in six standard stroke lengths:

• 6 inches

• 12 inches

• 18 inches

• 24 inches

• 30 inches

• 36 inches

The modular sub-assembly design allows Hamar Automation to build any stroke configuration from stock components, supporting shorter lead times compared to many competing industrial actuator suppliers.

What Speed and Force Options Are Available?

The Peak Series is available in four speed configurations, each with corresponding peak and running force ratings.

Speed	Peak Force	Running Force
0.25 in/sec (6 mm/sec)	2,200 lbs (9,785 N)	1,500 lbs (6,670 N)
0.4 in/sec (10 mm/sec)	1,600 lbs (7,120 N)	1,000 lbs (4,450 N)
0.8 in/sec (20 mm/sec)	850 lbs (3,780 N)	500 lbs (2,225 N)
2.0 in/sec (51 mm/sec)	400 lbs (1,780 N)	225 lbs (1,000 N)

Values apply to single-phase, 60 Hz units. Velocity is slightly reduced for 50 Hz supply.

Selection guidance: Choose a slower speed configuration when higher force output is required. The 0.25 in/sec configuration is best suited for high-load applications such as heavy slide gates, while the 2.0 in/sec configuration is better suited for lighter-duty, faster-cycling applications.

What Voltage Options Does the Peak Series Support?

The Peak Series is available in two single-phase voltage configurations:

• 115V, 1-Phase, 60 Hz — 3.05 A full-load current

• 230V, 1-Phase, 60 Hz — 1.32 A full-load current

Supply voltage fluctuations must not exceed ±10% of nominal supply voltage. All single-phase units include a capacitor to accommodate the required phase shift for motor operation.

What Mounting Options Are Available?

The Peak Series supports three field-proven mounting configurations:

• Clevis — at both the drive rod end or motor end; ideal for pivoting applications

• Flange — for rigid face-mount installations; tighten the flange/tube adapter to 55 ft-lbs (75 Nm)

• Adjustable Trunnion — for applications requiring mid-body support; install with the clevis pin parallel to the trunnion pins

All pivot points should be lubricated during installation and routinely thereafter.

Is the Peak Series Rated for Hazardous or Explosive Dust Environments?

Yes. The Peak Series is certified for use in explosive dust atmospheres — one of the most stringent hazardous-environment ratings available for an industrial electric actuator. Certifications include:

• NEC/CEC Class II, Division 1, Groups E, F, G — covering metal dust (Group E), carbonaceous dust (Group F), and grain/flour/wood dust (Group G)

• Temperature class: T145°C

• IP65 — dust-tight and protected against water jets, independently tested per IEC 60529

• CSA certified (Master Contract 303413) per CSA C22.2 No. 25, CSA C22.2 No. 94.2, IEC 60079-0, IEC 60079-31, FM 3600, and FM 3616

Important: Do not open or remove any covers or conduit entries when operating in an explosive dust environment.

How Do I Adjust the Limit Switches on the Peak Series?

The Peak Series features a cam-based limit switch system that can be set in the field without specialized tooling.

Electric actuator limit switch adjustment procedure: 

Video Guide Link

1. Disconnect power to the actuator before beginning.
2. Remove the pipe plug from the center of the motor end bell to access the rotor shaft slot.
3. Position the actuator at either the fully extended or fully retracted position.
4. Remove the limit switch housing cover (8 M6 socket screws; torque to 13.3 lbf·ft / 18 Nm on reinstallation).
5. Locate the red and green limit switch cams inside the housing.
6. Loosen the set screw on each cam using a 2 mm allen key.
7. Rotate the motor shaft manually (clockwise to extend, counterclockwise to retract) until the extension tube reaches the desired position.
8. Engage the cam indent with the limit switch roller, then tighten the set screw.
9. Repeat for the opposite end of stroke.
10. Reinstall the pipe plug and housing cover, then reconnect power.

Does the Peak Series Require Regular Maintenance?

No. Under normal service conditions, the Peak Series does not require periodic internal maintenance. Key design features that support this include:

• Lubricated for life at the factory — internal components, including the drive screw assembly, are packed with Mobilith SHC 100 grease during assembly; no periodic internal lubrication is required

• No-service gearbox — the sealed gear housing is not intended for field access under normal conditions

• Viton and fluorocarbon seals — resist wear, temperature extremes, and chemical exposure

• Thermal overload protection — the motor includes an integral thermal switch that disconnects power if the motor overheats, protecting internal components

Routine field maintenance is limited to lubricating all pinned mounting connections and inspecting the limit switch housing cover gasket and flange surfaces to ensure a proper seal.

What Are the Operating Temperature Limits of the Peak Series?

The Peak Series is rated for operation between -40°F and 149°F (-40°C to 65°C) at up to 90% relative humidity. This wide range makes the Peak Series suitable for both indoor and outdoor industrial installations, including cold storage facilities, outdoor processing environments, and high-temperature applications near process equipment.

An optional anti-condensation heater (10W, with inline thermostat) is available for installations where moisture is a concern.

How Do I Troubleshoot Common Peak Series Issues?

The table below covers the most common symptoms encountered in industrial actuator troubleshooting, along with their likely causes and recommended corrective actions.

Symptom	Likely Cause	Corrective Action
Motor does not run	No power to actuator	Check power source, fuse, disconnect switch, and wiring
Motor does not run	Motor overheated	Disconnect power, allow to cool, identify root cause, then cycle power to reset thermal protector
Motor does not run	Both limit switches open	Inspect limit switch cams and switches; replace defective components
Motor does not run	Load exceeds force rating	Reduce load or replace with a higher-rated Peak Series model
Motor hums but does not run	Power applied to terminals E and R simultaneously	Correct power input wiring
Motor hums but does not run	Defective capacitor (single-phase only)	Replace capacitor
Extension rod does not move but motor runs	Worn gearing or drive screw	Contact Hamar Automation for support
Actuator operates in one direction only	Improper wiring or open motor winding	Inspect and correct wiring; contact Hamar Automation if winding is suspect
Actuator operates in one direction only	Incorrect cam positioning	Verify and reset limit switch cam positions

Always disconnect power before working on the unit. For issues requiring internal access beyond the limit switch housing, consult Hamar Automation to avoid voiding the warranty.

How Should I Store the Peak Series Before Installation?

Improper storage can void the warranty. Follow these guidelines to protect the Peak Series prior to installation:

• Store in a well-ventilated, dry environment

• Protect from excessive vibration and rapid temperature changes

• Keep all covers and conduit entry plugs installed and in place

• Avoid locations with high humidity, standing water, or airborne contaminants

What Accessories Are Available for the Peak Series?

The Peak Series supports several optional accessories to expand functionality and support process control integration:

• Potentiometer (position feedback) — a gear-driven rotary potentiometer provides linear position output throughout the full stroke range; ideal for process control integration

• Electric Actuator Position Controller (EAPC) — enables precise intermediate position control beyond simple end-of-travel operation

• Anti-condensation heater — a 10W inline heater with thermostat, wired to unit power, regulates temperature inside the limit switch compartment to prevent moisture-related issues

Can I Order the Peak Series Online, and Is Bulk Pricing Available?

Yes. The Peak Series is available through Hamar Automation's online ordering platform. Features include:

• Easy online ordering and reordering — streamlined account sign-up and order management

• Downloadable dimensional data — instant access to technical drawings, specifications, and 3D files directly from the product page

• 3D online configurator — build and visualize your exact Peak Series configuration before purchasing

• Bulk pricing discounts — available for qualifying order quantities; contact Hamar Automation to discuss volume pricing

To place an order or speak with an application specialist:

Hamar Automation, LLC
850 Pacific Ct, Salina, KS 67401
785-404-1628

How Does the Peak Series Compare to a Pneumatic Actuator?

The Peak Series offers several clear advantages over traditional pneumatic actuators in industrial settings.

Factor	Peak Series (Electric)	Pneumatic Actuator
Infrastructure required	Electrical supply only	Compressed air system (compressor, lines, regulators)
Position control	Precise intermediate positioning via optional potentiometer	Limited; typically end-of-travel only
Energy efficiency	High — electric actuation is significantly more efficient in continuous-duty use	Lower — compressed air generation is energy-intensive
Hazardous environment rating	Class II, Division 1, Groups E, F, G (certified)	Varies; equivalent certification not always available
Installation complexity	Self-contained; ships ready to install	Requires external air infrastructure

The Peak Series is better suited for teams that need to eliminate compressed air infrastructure, require certified hazardous-environment performance, or need precise intermediate position control. Pneumatic actuators may still work best when an existing compressed air system is already in place and simple end-of-travel operation is sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Peak Series a suitable replacement for legacy or discontinued actuator models from other manufacturers?
A: Yes. The Peak Series is specifically engineered as a reliable drop-in replacement for hard-to-find actuator alternatives. Its modular design and standard mounting configurations — clevis, flange, and adjustable trunnion — allow it to fit a wide range of existing installations. Contact Hamar Automation at 785-404-1628 to confirm compatibility with your application.

Q: Can the Peak Series be used outdoors in extreme weather conditions?
A: Yes. The Peak Series is rated for operation between -40°F and 149°F (-40°C to 65°C) at up to 90% relative humidity, making it suitable for outdoor industrial environments. Its IP65 rating provides dust-tight sealing and protection against water jets. For installations in high-moisture environments, an optional anti-condensation heater is available.

Q: What happens if the Peak Series motor overheats during operation?
A: The Peak Series motor includes an integral thermal overload switch that automatically disconnects power if the motor overheats. To reset, disconnect power, allow the unit to cool completely, identify and address the root cause of overheating (such as an overloaded drive or excessive duty cycle), and then restore power to reset the thermal protector.