Image: Bernard multi-turn electric actuators (site archive)
Before commissioning, setting the travel (end positions) and torque is the most critical step for an electric actuator. According to Bernard Controls' official technical documentation, torque and position setting is done in two ways — mechanical or digital — covering different generations and series (such as the weatherproof multi-turn OA range and the quarter-turn SQ range).
1. Mechanical Setting
Mechanical setting is done with the torque cam and the position cam, both easily adjusted with a screwdriver: the torque cam sets the actuator's closing torque; the position cams set the open and closed end positions.
Follow the "travel first, then torque" order: set the end positions first, then adjust the torque. On mechanical designs, the direction of rotation can also be changed by repositioning the cams.
2. Digital Setting
New intelligent actuators with digital setting are configured via the menu, without opening the electrical compartment (non-intrusive):
· Automatic end-position detection — the torque limit mechanism is used to find the valve's seated point automatically in the closing direction;
· Valve inertia testing — the measured inertia lets the system optimize the settings automatically, so operation and protection match the valve's real behavior.
Digital setting offers precise, repeatable results and requires no special tools in the field.
3. Setting Range and Precautions
· The torque setting range generally starts from 40% of the actuator's maximum torque, with separate settings for closing and opening directions;
· Actuators must be set and tested at the torque specified in the order; if no torque was specified, they are supplied with factory default settings, which should not be increased arbitrarily on site;
· After setting, perform a full-travel open/close test: verify that torque protection trips reliably, the position indication matches the actual valve position, and both remote and local control work properly.
Correct torque and position setting is the prerequisite for long, reliable actuator service and proper valve seating. We supply the full Bernard Controls range with selection, commissioning and after-sales support — contact us.
Source: Bernard Controls official technical article "Torque and Position Setting of Electric Actuators" (bernardcontrols.com.cn)
