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Electric Actuator Parameters and Package Options
| Parameter | Typical Specification |
|---|---|
| Actuator torque range | From about 10 N·m to several thousand N·m, depending on size |
| Supply voltage | 24 V DC, 24 V AC, 110 V AC, 220 V AC single phase, 380 V AC three phase |
| Control signal | On-off (open and close commands), 4 to 20 mA, 0 to 10 V; Modbus, Profibus or other fieldbus on request |
| Feedback signal | Open and closed limit switches, 4 to 20 mA position output, potentiometer |
| Operating time (90°) | Typically 10 to 60 seconds for small and medium sizes; longer for large valves |
| Duty class | On-off: short-time duty (S2); modulating: intermittent duty (S4) with higher starts per hour |
| Enclosure protection | IP65, IP67, IP68 (IEC 60529); explosion-proof housings on request |
| Ambient temperature | -20 °C to +60 °C standard; -40 °C and +70 °C options with heaters or special seals |
| Manual override | Handwheel or lever, declutchable, with automatic return to motor mode |
| Mounting | ISO 5211 direct mount, F03 to F25 and larger |
Electric versus pneumatic actuators
| Point | Electric Actuator | Pneumatic Actuator |
|---|---|---|
| Energy source | Electric power only | Compressed air, with solenoid valve |
| Speed | Slower, adjustable on some models | Fast, typically 1 to 5 seconds |
| Positioning accuracy | Good, suitable for modulating control | Good with a positioner |
| Fail-safe action | Needs battery, capacitor or spring-return motor | Spring-return is simple and reliable |
| Installation | Wiring only | Air supply piping, filters, regulators |
| Typical best use | Remote sites, modulating control, no air available | Fast on-off duty and hazardous areas with air |
Match duty to actuator. An on-off actuator is built for a few starts per hour. If you use it for modulating control, the motor can overheat and fail early. Tell us the number of starts per hour and the control signal, and we will choose an actuator designed for that duty.
Package Range and What Is Included
We offer packages at different levels of completeness. Some customers want only a valve with an actuator, and others want a full unit with accessories and wiring terminals prepared. The table below shows typical combinations.
| Package | Contents | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Basic on-off package | Valve, on-off electric actuator, limit switches, manual override | Remote isolation, water lines |
| On-off with feedback | As above, plus position output and indicator | Process monitoring, building automation |
| Modulating package | Valve, modulating actuator, 4 to 20 mA input, position output | Flow, level and temperature control |
| Fail-safe package | Valve, actuator with battery or capacitor return, or spring-return motor | Safety shutdown, emergency closing |
| Hazardous area package | Valve, explosion-proof actuator, certified cable entries | Chemical, fuel and gas areas |
| Sanitary package | Tri-clamp valve, IP67 actuator, polished surfaces | Food, beverage and pharma |
| Three-way package | Three-way ball valve, electric actuator with 90° or 180° travel | Diverting and mixing |
| Retrofit package | Actuator, bracket, coupling and wiring diagram for existing valves | Automation of installed valves |
Valves we pair with electric actuators
- Stainless steel ball valves: 2-piece, 3-piece, flanged and sanitary, 1/4 inch to 12 inch.
- Wafer and lug butterfly valves: DN40 to DN600, with EPDM, NBR, PTFE or metal seats.
- Plug valves and three-way valves: for diverting and special duties.
- Accessories: junction boxes, cable glands, surge protectors, control cabinets on request.
If you want to buy the actuator locally, we can supply a bare valve with a direct-mount pad and torque data, and your supplier can fit the actuator.
Buyer tip: when you request a package, give the supply voltage and frequency, the control signal, the ambient temperature range, the cable length, the required operating time and whether the unit must fail to a safe position. These items decide the actuator model, and a complete list lets us quote correctly in one reply.
Standards for Electric Actuators and Valve Packages
Electric actuated valve packages involve valve standards, electrical standards and safety standards. Each group has its own rules, and the package must satisfy all of them. We list the main references below, and we can add project-specific requirements.
| Area | Standard Reference |
|---|---|
| Actuator attachment to valve | ISO 5211 (part-turn) |
| Industrial valve electric actuators | EN 15714-2 (electric actuators for industrial valves, basic requirements) |
| Multi-turn actuator attachment | ISO 5210 |
| Ingress protection | IEC 60529 (IP codes) |
| Rotating electrical machines, duty classes | IEC 60034-1 |
| Electrical safety of low-voltage equipment | IEC 61010-1, EU Low Voltage Directive |
| Electromagnetic compatibility | IEC 61000 series, EU EMC Directive |
| Explosive atmospheres | IEC 60079 series, ATEX Directive, IECEx scheme |
| Functional safety | IEC 61508, IEC 61511 (data on request) |
| Ball valve design | ISO 17292, API 608, MSS SP-110 |
| Butterfly valve design | API 609, EN 593 |
| Testing of the valve | API 598, EN 12266-1, ISO 5208 |
Who owns which compliance. The valve falls under pressure equipment rules, while the actuator falls under electrical, EMC and, where relevant, machinery or ATEX rules. When we supply a package, we provide the documents of each part and the combined function test, and we state clearly who issued each approval.
If your project requires a specific certification, such as UL or CSA for North America, or explosion-proof certification for a particular zone, tell us at inquiry stage, and we will say whether we can supply it.
Reference note: electrical and explosion protection standards are updated regularly, and each region applies them in its own way. If your project names a particular edition or certification scheme, tell us in advance, and we will check with the actuator maker which certificates are available, and which parts of your requirement they cover.
Certificates and Documents for Electric Valve Packages
An electric actuated valve has more paperwork than a manual valve, because several makers and several regulations are involved. We collect it all into one package, so your project engineer, your electrician and your inspector find what they need in one place.
- Valve documents: EN 10204 3.1 material certificate, pressure test report, dimensional drawing, torque report.
- Actuator documents: data sheet, wiring diagram, torque curve, duty class, IP rating, insulation class.
- Compliance declarations: CE declarations for the actuator under the Low Voltage and EMC directives, from the actuator maker.
- Explosion-proof certificates: ATEX or IECEx certificates for hazardous area actuators, from the actuator maker.
- Function test report: open and close times, current draw, limit switch settings, signal calibration, insulation and continuity checks.
- Wiring and terminal drawing: showing terminals, signals, heater and thermal protection connections.
- Spare parts list: seals, motors, gear sets and control boards, with part numbers.
- Quality management: ISO 9001 style system and batch records.
Check the certificate scope. An explosion-proof certificate applies to a specific actuator model and gas group, and a valve package does not automatically extend it. If your area is hazardous, tell us the zone, gas group and temperature class, so the correct actuator can be selected and documented.
Sample documentation packs can be sent for review before an order is placed.
Audit tip: keep the wiring diagram, the settings record and the function test report together for each unit. Electricians and service engineers often start their work from these three papers, and a complete set cuts commissioning time, particularly on sites where many identical packages are installed over several weeks.
Traceability of Valve, Actuator and Control Settings
An electric package has serial numbers for the valve, the actuator, the control board and sometimes a positioner or battery module. When a unit fails or needs a replacement, the service engineer needs to know which combination was supplied, which software or setting was used and how it was calibrated.
- Valve identification: body heat number, valve serial number and test reports.
- Actuator identification: make, model, serial number, voltage, torque rating and production date.
- Control and feedback parts: positioner, control board and limit switch models and serial numbers.
- Settings record: open and closed limits, torque cut-out, speed, signal range, fail-safe position.
- Test record: function test results at the specified voltage, with measured times and currents.
- Label on the unit: tag number, voltage, signal type and package number, matching the documents.
| Item | Record | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Valve | Heat number, serial number, torque report | Material and performance proof |
| Actuator | Make, model, serial number, voltage | Service and replacement |
| Control parts | Model and serial numbers | Spare parts and software support |
| Settings | Limits, torque cut-out, speed, signal | Fast recovery after maintenance |
| Function test | Times, current, signals | Evidence of correct operation |
We can supply this record as a spreadsheet, so your maintenance system can hold the exact configuration of each unit from the first day.
Why configuration records pay off: if an actuator control board is replaced, the new board must be set to the same limits, torque cut-out and signal range. With the original settings on file, a technician can restore them in minutes, and the valve returns to service without long adjustment and without risk of overtravel.
Factory Acceptance Testing of Electric Packages
Every electric actuated package is powered up and operated in our workshop. We check the movement, the end positions, the signals and the electrical safety, and we record the results. This catches wiring mistakes and setting errors before the unit is shipped across the world.
| Test | Method | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Valve shell and seat test | Hydrostatic and air tests per API 598 or EN 12266-1 | 100% of valves |
| Torque measurement | Torque tester on the valve, breakaway and running | Sampling, 100% for packages |
| Power-up and rotation check | Check of motor rotation direction, travel and end stops | 100% of packages |
| Limit switch setting | Open and closed position set and verified, with feedback signal check | 100% of packages |
| Modulating calibration | 4 to 20 mA input to position, and position output checked at several points | 100% of modulating packages |
| Timing and current | Open and close times and running current measured at rated voltage | 100% of packages |
| Insulation and continuity | Insulation resistance and earth continuity of the actuator | 100% of packages |
| Manual override check | Declutch, operate by hand, return to motor mode | 100% of packages |
| Cycle test | Repeated operation, typically thousands of cycles | Type test or on request |
Voltage matters. Motor speed and torque depend on supply voltage, and long cable runs reduce voltage at the actuator. We test at nominal voltage and at a reduced voltage if you tell us the expected cable length, so the package works reliably at site conditions.
We can send photos or videos of the package in operation, and customers can attend the factory acceptance test with advance notice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Electric Actuated Valve Packages
Q: When should I choose an electric actuator instead of a pneumatic one?
Choose electric where compressed air is not available, where precise modulating control is needed, or where wiring is simpler than air piping, such as remote sites and long lines.
Q: What is the difference between on-off and modulating actuators?
On-off actuators move the valve fully open or fully closed. Modulating actuators receive a signal, such as 4 to 20 mA, and move to any position, so they can control flow, level or temperature.
Q: How long does an electric actuator take to open a valve?
Typically 10 to 60 seconds for small and medium sizes, and longer for large valves. Faster actuators exist but draw higher current and cost more.
Q: What happens if power fails?
A standard actuator stays in its last position. For fail-safe action, choose an actuator with a spring-return motor, a battery pack or a supercapacitor module that moves the valve to a safe position.
Q: Can I operate the valve by hand if the actuator fails?
Yes. Most electric actuators have a manual override handwheel or lever that disengages the motor, so you can operate the valve manually.
Q: What does IP67 mean?
It means the enclosure is dust-tight and can withstand temporary immersion in water up to 1 metre. IP68 means continuous immersion under conditions agreed with the maker.
Q: Do I need heaters in the actuator?
In cold or humid climates, a small heater prevents condensation inside the housing, which can damage electronics. We recommend it for outdoor installations and ambient temperatures near or below freezing.
MOQ and Pricing for Electric Actuated Packages
Electric packages are priced as the sum of valve, actuator, accessories, assembly and testing. We show each line, so you can see where the cost comes from and decide which options are worth buying.
| Item | Typical Terms |
|---|---|
| Single package | Accepted for project and replacement orders |
| Standard MOQ | 1 to 5 pieces per model; discount from 10 pieces upward |
| Sample order | 1 to 2 pieces per model |
| Hazardous area packages | Quoted per project, depending on actuator certification |
| Pricing basis | EXW, FOB Ningbo, CFR or CIF in USD |
| Quote validity | 30 days, adjusted for stainless steel and actuator price changes |
| Payment | 30% T/T deposit, 70% before shipment; L/C at sight for approved accounts |
What affects the price
- Valve size and material: the same drivers as for any stainless valve.
- Actuator torque: larger torque needs a larger and more expensive actuator.
- Function: modulating, fail-safe and fieldbus models cost more than basic on-off units.
- Certification: explosion-proof and SIL-rated actuators cost much more.
- Accessories: positioners, heaters, junction boxes and cabinets add cost.
- Brand: actuator brands vary in price; a specified brand may increase cost and lead time.
Ask for alternatives. For a large project, we can quote two actuator options at different price levels, with a note on their duty class and expected life, so you can balance budget and risk.
Ordering advice: standardise on one actuator brand and a small set of voltages across your plant. Spare parts, training and wiring practice then become simpler, and ordering several packages together gives better prices. We can suggest a short list of actuator sizes that covers most of your valves.
Lead Time, Customisation, Packaging and Trade Terms
Lead time
Standard on-off packages ship in 25 to 40 days, depending on actuator stock. Modulating, fail-safe or hazardous area packages typically need 40 to 70 days. Actuator brands specified by the end user can lengthen lead time, so please tell us at inquiry.
Customisation
We can customise valve type and material, actuator brand and model, voltage, signal type, feedback, fail-safe action, speed, heaters, cable entries, cabinet and marking. We can also build packages with the controller, power supply and local control panel on a mounting plate.
Packaging
- Actuated valves in foam-lined cartons or wooden cases, supported so the actuator does not carry load
- Cable entries sealed with plugs, and conduit openings capped
- Handwheel and indicator protected with covers
- Desiccant and moisture protection for sea freight
- Labels with tag number, voltage and signal type, matching the wiring drawing
Shipping and trade terms
| Term | Details |
|---|---|
| Incoterms | EXW, FOB Ningbo, CFR, CIF, DAP |
| Port | Ningbo-Zhoushan; Shanghai as an alternative |
| Transport | Sea freight, air freight for urgent items, express courier for samples |
| Documents | Invoice, packing list, bill of lading, origin certificate, material and test certificates |
Electric actuators contain batteries or capacitors in some models. We follow shipping rules for such items, and we tell you early if special handling or documents are needed for air freight.
Installation advice: use cable glands rated for the enclosure, fit drip loops on cables entering from above, keep the heater powered in cold or humid places, and check the rotation direction before first operation. A short wiring and commissioning note is included with each package on request.
