Start-Up Procedure
 
 
Actuator Specialties Services Inc.

Standard start-up procedure of an MOV
 Three people should be involved in starting an actuator. An electrician to terminate wires where they belong, and to answer any drawing or diagram questions. Also an operator that knows what procedures to follow for safety of the people and the plant surrounds them. And last, someone who is familiar with the actuator and ideally the plant operation too. With this group of people, the start-up of an actuator should be safe and more time efficient. Here is an example of a start-up that could be followed.

1. Be sure power is turned off to equipment including all control power to actuator. This prevents anyone from getting shocked or injured when pulling off the cover or doing any work. 

2. The electrician can make sure their wires are properly terminated and in good condition.

3. Limits should be set and torque switch as well. Leave the unit in mid travel.

4. Remove motor leads at terminal strip in the actuator to prevent any operation of the electric motor. This will allow the controls to be powered without any valve or actuator to change position. Rotation will be checked later. 

5. With proper precaution, turn power on to actuator. The motor will not move if disconnected. If light indication is used, both lights should be seen now showing mid travel.

6. The electrician should now be at the motor control panel to check for proper voltage and bad fuses. Sometimes this is internal to the unit. At this point communication is needed. Radios are ideal for each person to have. 

7. The operator can now give a command to the actuator. If a close command is given the close coil should activate at the motor control panel. Again, the motor should not move.

8. The electrician can now test the circuit prior to start-up. By tripping the torque switch, the coil should release. This switch is primary in a torque- seated application such as a gate valve. If position seated is required then the limit switch is primary. The limit switch can also be tripped and release the coil. When torque seating or limit positioning an actuator, it is done by wiring internal to the actuator. A series of jumpers and limit switch contacts are used for these operations. Also if the overloads are equipped with a test button, you can trip the overloads to release the coil.

9. If this all operates well, rotation can now be checked. Turn power off to unit and connect motor leads. Turn power on to unit.

10. At this point the operator can depress either the open or close button to make sure direction of travel is correct. Only depress for long enough to see movement. This is sometimes called Bumping. By communicating with the electrician and someone at the actuator, the direction of travel can be determined correct or incorrect. Make rotation changes now if needed.

11. Continue running unit in one direction and test limit and torque switches again to make sure the motor will shut off when it should. This can prevent valve and actuator damage. Do this in both directions. 
*The lights can be checked at this time also

12. Other tests can be performed at this time. Amperage of the motor can be tested. And visually inspect the valve or equipment while operated.

13. If all tests are done, turn power off and close cover. Turn power back on by following proper procedures specified by plant. If you have any questions please feel free to call our offices anytime at (734) 242-5456 or email us at sales@actuatorspecialties.com.mailto:sales@actuatorspecialties.comshapeimage_2_link_0