Laboratory Methods for Testing Actuators

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The International Authority on Air System Components

AIR MOVEMENT AND CONTROL

ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL INC.

Laboratory Methods

for

Testing Actuators



Authority

Copyright

Objections

Disclaimer

AMCA International Standard 520 was approved by the membership of the Air Movement and Con

Association International Inc. on July 26, 2008. It was approved as an American National Standard by t

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and became effective on December 2, 2009.

As of 2014, this document no longer undergoes routine maintenance and has been withdrawn due to t

removal of actuators from AMCA's scope. Since the document is no longer regularly reviewed engineers as part of AMCA's document review cycle, it is to be used as a historic reference. It is no

current American National Standard.

© 2004 by Air Movement and Control Association International Inc.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation of any part of this work beyond that permitted by Sectio

107 and 108 of the United States Copyright Act without the permission of the copyright owner is unlawf

Requests for permission or further information should be addressed to the executive director,

Movement and Control Association International Inc. at 30 West University Drive, Arlington Heights,

60004-1893 U.S.A.

Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. will consider and decide all written complain

regarding its standards, certification programs, or interpretations thereof. For information on procedures f

submitting and handling complaints, write to:

Air Movement and Control Association International

30 West University Drive

Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893 U.S.A.

AMCA International, Incorporated

c/o Federation of Environmental Trade Associations2 Waltham Court, Milley Lane, Hare Hatch

Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom

RG10 9TH

AMCA uses its best efforts to produce standards for the benefit of the industry and the public in light

available information and accepted industry practices. However, AMCA does not guarantee, certify

assure the safety or performance of any products, components or systems tested, designed, installed

operated in accordance with AMCA standards or that any tests conducted under its standards will be no

hazardous or free from risk.

AMCA Publications



ANSI/AMCA Standard 500-D Laboratory Methods for Testing Dampers for Rating

ANSI/AMCA Standard 500-L Laboratory Methods for Testing Louvers for Rating

Related AMCA Documents

Related

Publications



1. Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

2. Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

3. Definitions / Units of Measure / Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

3.1 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

3.2 Units of measure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

3.3 Symbols and subscripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4. Instruments and Methods of Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.1 Instrumentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.2 Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.3 Torque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.4 Meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.5 Chronometers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.6 Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.7 Air pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.8 Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.9 Linear measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.10 Angular measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

5. Equipment and Setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

6. Objective, Observations and Conduct of Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

6.1 Long term holding tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

6.2 Operational life tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

6.3 Ambient and elevated temperature performance testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

6.4 Periodic maintenance testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

6.5 Production tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

6.6 Sound level testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Annex A References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Annex B Rated Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Annex C Rated Stall Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Contents


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ANSI/AMCA 520-09

Laboratory Methods of Testing Actuators

1. Purpose

To establish an industry standard for minimum rating and

testing of actuators used on fire/smoke dampers.

2. Scope

The testing requirements will cover torque or force rating,

long term holding, operational life, elevated temperature

performance, periodic maintenance, production, and sound

testing for both pneumatic and electric operators.

3. Definitions / Units of Measure / Symbols

3.1 Definitions

3.1.1 Load

The external force or torque that an actuator must oppose.

This can be specified while either moving or stationary

(stalled), and in either drive or return directions. The damper

is the source of the load and is due to bearing/seal friction

and any unbalanced air loading.

3.1.2 Rated load [4]

The actuator manufacturers stated load for a given amount

of time for full stroke at nominal electrical or rated pneu-

matic power and elevated exposure temperature per

UL555S.

3.1.3 Rated stall load [4]

The actuator manufacturer’s stated (minimum) torque or

force output (in both drive and return directions) at nominal

electrical or rated pneumatic power and the rated elevated

exposure temperature per UL555S when the actuator

output shaft is prevented from rotating at a given position.

See Annex C.

3.1.4 Full stroke

The movement of a device from the resting position (end

stop, zero position) to its nominal position in its intended

application. Example: For a linear actuator with a nominal55 mm ± 5 mm (2.2 in. ± 0.2 in.) travel, a full stroke would

be 0…55mm (2.2 in.). Example: For a rotary actuator with a

nominal 105° ± 5° rotation, a full stroke would be 0…105°.

Example: For a 360° rotary actuator, a full stroke shall be no

less than 90° and not exceed 180° of rotation. These actu-

ators should have an external lever, stops and return spring

so as to duplicate an actual application or installation on a

damper.

3.1.5 Full stroke cycle

The movement of a device from its resting position (en

stop, zero position) to its nominal position in its intende

application, and then back to the resting position. Exampl

For a linear actuator with a nominal 55 mm ± 5 mm (2.2 i

± .2 in.) travel, a full stroke cycle would be 0…55 (2in.)…0mm. Example: For a rotary actuator with a nomin

105° ± 5° rotation, a full stroke cycle would be 0…105°…0

3.1.6 Stall torque/force

The amount of torque/force that stops the actuator fro

moving.

3.1.7 Dynamic stall torque/force

The peak torque/force that an actuator, running under nom

nal conditions (nominal voltage/pressure and rated load

develops when subjected to a hard stop.

3.1.8 Spring return torque/force

The unpowered output at the actuator/damper shaft due

the return spring (or other stored energy source) th

returns the actuator to the normal unpowered position.

3.1.9 Reposition

A modulating actuator reposition or repositioning cycle is

minimum rotation of the damper actuator 5° (± 2°) or 10%

one direction and in the reversed direction.

3.1.10 Nominal voltageSometimes referred to as nameplate voltage. A standa

value assigned to a circuit for the purpose of convenien

designating a voltage class (i.e. 120 VAC).

3.1.11 Sound power level [3]

The acoustic power radiating from a sound source.

3.1.12 Noise criteria

A standard for comparison or judgment of sound levels.

3.2 Units of Measure

SI units (The International System of Units) are the prima

units employed in this standard, with I-P units (Inch-Poun

given as the secondary reference. SI units are based on th

fundamental values of the International Bureau of Weigh

and Measures [1], and I-P values are based on the value

of the National Institute of Standards and Technology th

are, in turn, based on the values of the International Burea

3.2.1 System of units

The unit of length is the meter (m), or millimeter (mm); I


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Table 1 - Symbols and Subscripts

Symbol Description SI I-P

F Force N lb

F s Stall force N lb

L Crank arm length mm in

Lp Sound pressure level dB dBLw Sound power level dB dB

NC Sound noise criteria dimensionless

P Pneumatic pressure kPa PSI

T Torque N-m lb-in.

t a Ambient temperature °C °F

T s Stall Torque N-m lb-in.



units are the foot (ft) or the inch (in.). The unit of mass is the

kilogram (kg); the I-P unit is the pound mass (lbm). The unit

of time is either the minute (min), or the second (s). The unit

of temperature is either the degree Celsius (°C), or the

degree Kelvin (K), I-P units are either the degree Fahrenheit

(°F), or the degree Rankine (°R). The unit of force is the

Newton (N); the I-P unit is the pound (lb).

3.2.2 Torque

The unit of torque is the Newton-meter (N-m); the I-P unit isthe pound-inch (lb-in.).

3.3 Symbols and subscripts

See Table 1.

4. Instruments and Methods Of Measurement

4.1 Instrumentation

The test instruments used for the rating and testing of actu-

ators for fire/smoke dampers shall be calibrated as requiredby the manufacturer with the period between calibrations

not exceeding one year with calibration standards traceable

to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

4.2 Accuracy [2]

The specifications for instruments and methods of measure-

ment that follow include both accuracy requirements and

specific examples of equipment that is capable of meeting

those requirements. Equipment other than the examples

cited may be used provided the accuracy requirements are

met or exceeded.

4.2.1 Instrument accuracy

The specifications regarding accuracy correspond to the

criteria in Section 6. Instruments shall be set up, calibrated,

and read by qualified personnel trained to minimize errors.

4.3 Torque [2]

A torque device shall have a static calibration and may have

a running calibration through its range of usage. The static

calibration shall be made by suspending weights from a

torque arm. The weights shall have certified accuracies of ±

2%. The length of the torque arm shall be determined to an

accuracy of ± 2%.

Applied torque shall be measured with a weight and pulley

system, a torque transducer and digital readout with an

accuracy of ±1%, or with a torque wrench with an accuracy

of ± 4%.

4.4 Meters [2]

Electrical meters shall have certified accuracies of ± 1%

the observed reading.

4.5 Chronometers [2]

A quality watch, with a sweep second hand or a digi

display of seconds that keeps time within two minutes p

day is considered a primary instrument.

4.6 Temperature [2]

Temperatures shall be measured with thermometers

other instruments with demonstrated accuracies of ± 1° C

2° F) and readabilities of 0.5° C (1° F) or finer.

4.7 Air pressure

Air pressure shall be measured with a pressure transduc

and digital readout or a pressure gauge. These instrumen

shall have a demonstrated accuracy of ± 1% and a resoltion of 3.448 kPa (0.5 PSI). The air pressure shall be mea

ured in the feed line when the unit under test is stabilized

the full stroke (pressurized) position.

4.8 Force

Applied force shall be measured either with a load cell an

digital readout, a force gauge, or with a scale.

These instruments shall have a demonstrated accuracy of

2% of reading and a resolution of 2.28 N (0.5 lb.)

4.9 Linear measurement

Linear measurement shall be measured with an instrume

with a minimum resolution of 1mm (.04 in.) (this need not b

NIST traceable).

4.10 Angular measurement

Angular measurement shall be measured with an instr

ment having a resolution of 1° (this need not be NIST trac

able).

5. Equipment and Setups

See Figures 7.1A and 7.1B.

ANSI/AMCA 520-09



Figure 7.1A

Rotary Actuator Load Capability Test Setup (Conceptual)

Figure 7.1B

Linear Actuator Load Capability Test Set-Up (Conceptual)



6. Objective, Observations, and Conduct of Test

6.1 Long term holding tests

6.1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this test is to verify both electrical and pneu-

matic actuators in two position applications, during periods

in extended holding in its nominal position and its intended

application.

6.1.2 Test criteria

A sample of thirty-two actuators will be tested for six months

to determine their ability to return to the non-powered posi-

tion. Representative samples of each design or design vari-

ation shall be individually tested. An "Un-Interruptible Power

Supply" (UPS) should be utilized and monitored to verify the

devices were not cycled during the duration of this test. The

actuator must return to the normal (fail safe) position each

time electrical power is removed. For pneumatic actuators,

the actuator must return to the normal (fail safe) position

after supply air is removed. All actuators must return to the

normal (fail safe) position within their rated time. Normal (failsafe) position must be repeatable within 3 mm for linear

actuators or 3˚ for rotary actuators.

6.1.3 Method

The voltage or pressure to the actuator must be maintained

for the duration of this test. Place the actuator in an orienta-

tion to simulate mounting on a horizontal damper shaft,

undisturbed as much as possible for the duration of the test.

Actuators shall have no external load except actuators with

external springs, which must be tested at the minimum

spring force recommended by the actuator manufacturer.

Apply the test voltage specified in Table 2 for an electrically

operated actuator, or apply ten percent (10%) above the

rated pressure of pneumatically operated actuator, for a

period of six months. Following the six month holding test,

remove the electrical/pneumatic power and record observa-

tions of actuator timing.

This test is to be performed at ambient 10° C to 55° C (50°

F to 130° F) conditions.

Note: Actuators must be pre-tested prior to this procedurein order to demonstrate proper operation. See production

test.

6.2 Operational life tests

6.2.1 Purpose

To verify the actuator produced will perform 20,000 f

stroke cycles for two position actuators (100,000 for mod

lating actuators) under specified load, nominal voltage

PSI range.

6.2.2 Test criteria (pass/fail criteria)

Cycle the actuator continuously through electrical or pnematic power, and fail-safe return, for the required number

cycles and test parameters, and still be able to perform

rated load and rated stall load. For modulating actuators, 3

samples shall be cycled 20,000 times and repositione

100,000 times, with a maximum of one failure in 3

samples.

6.2.3 Method

Actuators, of the same design family (example:same driv

components, operating time and torque/force output w

differing power source requirements), may be mixed for th

test.

This test is to be performed at ambient 10° C to 55° C (50

F to 130° F) conditions.

The electrical or pneumatic power supplied to the actuat

shall be at the nominal voltage or specified pressure.

The actuator shall have no external load, except for a retu

spring if external to actuator, and operated in both directio

thereby simulating an abrupt stop, with a minimum tw

second hold period at each end of the stroke. If actuator ha

an external return spring, the spring shall have the max

mum spring load as allowed by the actuator manufacture

Following the cycling described above, the minimum rate

load and rated stall load must be verified in both direction

for each actuator.

6.3 Ambient and elevated temperature performance testing

6.3.1 Purpose [4]

Determine that the rated load and rated stall load can b

achieved before (at room ambient) and after being tempe

ature soaked for thirty minutes at the rated elevated exp

sure temperature per UL555S as specified by the actuat

Voltage Rating of Product 110-120 220-240 254-277 440-480 550-600

Test Voltage 120 240 277 480 600

Table 2

If the device voltage rating does not fall within any of the indicated ranges, it is to be tested at its rated voltage.



manufacturer in their product data sheets. Actuators with

different input electrical or pneumatic power must be tested

separately.

6.3.2 Test criteria

The actuator must be capable of completing three full stroke

cycles at the manufacturer's rated load and temperature at

nominal nameplate voltage or specified pressure. The time

required to complete each stroke shall not exceed the

manufacturers rated stroke time or at a maximum of seventy-five seconds. Three actuator samples must be

tested and all must deliver the rated load.

6.3.3 Method

Mount the device in the chamber. While still at room ambi-

ent temperature apply rated electrical or pneumatic power

to the actuator. Apply opposing rated load to the actuator for

three complete stroke cycles. The operating time shall not

exceed seventy-five seconds for each stroke and shall be

recorded.

With the device still mounted in the chamber, apply ratedelectrical or pneumatic power to the actuator, and heat to

the rated temperature not to exceed 27.8° C (50° F) per

minute. Maintain temperature +27.8° C / -0° C (50° F / -0°

F) for thirty minutes after reaching test temperature. While

at elevated temperature, apply the opposing rated load to

the actuator for three complete stroke cycles. The operating

time shall not exceed seventy-five seconds for each stroke

and shall be recorded.

After completing the three cycles, the stall torque of the

operator shall be determined at 15°, 30° and 80° of opera-

tion.

Note: It is not the intent of this test to verify transformer

operation at elevated temperatures when the transformer is

not factory mounted internal to the actuator.

If the method of driving the actuator when power is removed

is external to the device, the actuator manufacturer is

required to specify the return spring characteristics for the

rated load.

6.4 Periodic maintenance testing

Periodic elevated temperature testing.

6.4.1 Purpose

This test is intended to give an indication of performance

changes in the product production processes. Three

devices shall be submitted for testing every six months.

They will be randomly selected from the production line with

a minimum of fifty production parts between samples. All

models need not be tested (models with the same motor,

gear train and bearing design can be grouped together

represent one like sample). A random system of selectin

product from each manufacturer is to be establishe

Actuators shall be obtained from each producing factory.

6.4.2 Test criteria

The actuator must be capable of completing three full stro

cycles at the manufacturer's rated load and temperature

rated electrical or pneumatic power input. The time require

to complete each stroke shall not exceed the manufacturerated stroke time or at a maximum of seventy-five second

Three actuator samples must be tested and all must deliv

the rated load.

6.4.3 Method

Mount the device in the chamber. While still at room amb

ent temperature apply rated electrical or pneumatic pow

to the actuator. Apply opposing rated load to the actuator f

three complete stroke cycles. The operating time shall b

recorded. After completing the three cycles, the stall torqu

of the operator shall be determined at 15°, 30° and 80°

operation.

With the device still mounted in the chamber, apply nomin

nameplate voltage or specified pressure to the actuator, an

heat the chamber to the elevated exposure temperature

a rate not to exceed 27.8° C (50° F) per minute. Mainta

temperature +27.8 °C / -0° C (50° F / -0° F) for thirty minut

after reaching test temperature. While at elevated temper

ture, apply the opposing rated load to the actuator for thre

complete stroke cycles. The operating time shall b

recorded. After completing the three cycles, the stall torqu

of the operator shall be determined at 15°, 30° and 80°

operation.

Note: It is not the intent of this test to verify transform

operation at elevated temperatures when the transformer

not factory mounted internal to the actuator.

If the method of driving the actuator when electrical or pne

matic power is removed is external to the device, the act

ator manufacturer is required to specify the return sprin

characteristics for the rated load.

6.5 Production tests

6.5.1 Purpose

The production test is intended to verify that the actuat

being produced meets the product design criteria, as spe

ified by the manufacturer. Each unit must pass the te

requirements prior to being released from production.

6.5.2 Test criteria

The final production test must include at least one full stro

cycle of the actuator and test all relevant functions. This te



is to be performed at ambient 10° C to 55° C (50° F to 130°

F) conditions.

6.5.3 Method

The actuator test apparatus must provide a torque or force

load equal to the manufacturers rating.

The nominal nameplate voltage or specified pressure

supplied to the actuator should be the nominal nameplate

voltage (± 5%) or specified PSI range. The actuator operat-ing time, both under electrical or pneumatic power and

under fail-safe mode, must meet the standards set by the

manufacturer.

If the actuator is electrically powered, the current draw must

be measured during the power cycle of the test. The meas-

ured current must meet the standards set by the manufac-

turer.

Should the actuator be built with internal auxiliary switches,

the operation of the switch(s) must be tested at their

designed activation point. The point of activation must bewithin the range specified by the manufacturer.

If the actuator is designed for proportional position control,

the test apparatus must be able to measure the modulated

position of the actuator. The actual position must be able to

be compared to the input signal and be within the design

parameters of the actuator.

If the actuator provides a proportional feedback signal, the

feedback signal must be within the specifications of the

manufacturer to actual position.

All actuators that meet the above test criteria are identified

and contain a date code for trace ability.

The electrical or pneumatic power supplied to the actuator

shall be recorded at the time of the test.

6.6 Sound level testing [3]

6.6.1 Purpose

To determine the noise criteria level produced by the actua-

tor in the full stroke position.

6.6.2 Test criteria

The sound power level (Lw) of electrically operated actua-

tors shall be determined by testing the actuator on a 610

mm × 610 mm (24 in. × 24 in.) triple V groove fire/smoke

damper installed in a 432 mm (17 in.) long 0.81 mm (0.032

in.) gauge sleeve in the energized position.

8.6.3 Method

The sound power level (Lw) shall be taken after energizing

the motor thirty minutes and after closing and reopening th

damper.

The damper shall be tested per ANSI/AMCA Standard 30

as a freestanding unit that would be placed entirely in th

test room (See ANSI/AMCA Standard 300, Figure 1).

After determining the maximum sound power level from t

two tests, a NC (noise criteria) number shall be determine

by subtracting ten dB from each sound power level bantest reading, and plotting the results on an NC curve

determine the NC level.



Annex

[1] NIST Special Publication 330-08

The International System of Units (SI)

National Institute of Standards and Technology,

U.S. Department of Commerce

[2] ANSI/AMCA Standard 500-D-07Laboratory Methods for Testing Dampers for Rating

AMCA International, Inc., Arlington Heights, IL 60004

U.S.A.

[3] ANSI/AMCA Standard 300-08

Reverberant Room Method For Sound Testing of Fans

AMCA International, Inc., Arlington Heights, IL 60004

U.S.A.

[4] UL Standard UL555S

Smoke Dampers Standard for Safety , Underwriters

Laboratories Inc., Northbrook, IL 60062 U.S.A.

Annex A

References (Normative)



Annex

Rated load is the maximum external torque or force that the

actuator can reliably* move three full stroke cycles in the

time specified by the actuator manufacturer at electrical or

pneumatic power ± 2% after one half hour at the rated

elevated exposure temperature per UL555S.

Notes:

1. The drive (D) and spring return (SR) rated loads does

not have to be the same.

2. Rated load performance is to be verified as follows. At

least three typical new (not altered) sequentially built or

randomly selected new actuators are to be loaded using

weights that produce the rated torque or force ± 1% and

timed in each direction (D and SR) after one half hour

at the rated elevated exposure temperature per

UL555S. The average time and conventional standard

deviation (SD) for both D and SR times are to be calcu-

lated. The average stroke time minus three of their SD

must be less than or equal to the time specified for the

actuator. Normal ambient temperature timing data may

be utilized for comparison in production.

Note: If the actuator does not have an internal spring

the actuator manufacturer’s specified spring(s) must be

attached prior to confirming the rated load and specified

timing.

3. If the average force or torque required to stroke (D or

SR) a given damper at the rated elevated exposure

temperature per UL555S is less than or equal to the

actuators rated load(s) then the damper will open in the

actuator’s specified time provided that the stall torque of

the actuator is not exceeded at any point in it’s stroke.

Annex B

Rated Load [4] (Informative)



Annex

Rated stall load is the torque or force that an actuator will

reliably produce at any specified point(s) in it’s stroke after

one half hour at the rated elevated exposure temperature

per UL555S. In the drive (D) direction power is to be at

nominal ± 2%. The actuator manufacturer must specify the

stall torque or force at the following points (as a minimum):15° for nominal 90° stroke or 16.7% of stroke, 30° for nomi-

nal 90° stroke or 33.3% of stroke, and 80° for nominal 90°

stroke or 88.9% of stroke.

Note: The rated stall load performance is to be verified as

follows. At least three typical new (not altered) sequentially

built or randomly selected actuators are to be stopped at the

specified points and the dynamic torque or force measured

after one half-hour at the rated elevated exposure tempera-

ture per UL555S. The average torque or force at each point

minus three SD must be greater than or equal to the rated

stall load specified for the actuator at that point. Normal

ambient stall torque or force data may be utilized for

comparison in production.

Annex C

Rated Stall Load [4]



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The Air Movement and Control Association International Inc. is a not-for-profit international association of the

world’s manufacturers of related air system equipment, primarily but not limited to fans, louvers, dampers, air

curtains, airflow measurement stations, acoustic attenuators and other air system components for the industrial,

commercial and residential markets.