
Connecting equipment to modules
14
Connecting equipment to modules
You can connect more than one piece of equipment to a variable stage or relay
as long as they are the same type (for example, two fans) and the total current
draw and horsepower does not exceed the relay’s limit.
The maximum wire gauge for all terminals is 12 AWG, solid or stranded.
Connecting equipment to Actuator Modules
The Actuator Module (model
ACT-1
) has one OPEN and one CLOSE relay and a connection for
potentiometer feedback. You can connect an actuator or a curtain machine to an Actuator Module.
The ratings of the actuator or curtain machine must not exceed the relay ratings of
the Actuator Module.
15 A at 120/230 VAC, general-purpose (resistive)
1/2 HP at 120 VAC, 1 HP at 230 VAC
Actuators
Actuator control is for equipment that opens and closes, and positions to an exact location. For
example, inlets can be open between 0 and 100 percent. Actuators use a feedback potentiometer to
indicate their position to the control.
Feedback potentiometers
Each actuator you connect must have a feedback potentiometer. The feedback potentiometer, which
you connect to INPUT terminal on the Actuator Module, lets the control know how far the
actuator’s
arm is extended.
Most linear actuators are available with potentiometer feedback and internal adjustable limit
switches. A 10,000 ohm, 10-turn feedback potentiometer is preferred, but the internal feedback
potentiometer can range between 1000 and 20,000 ohms. Potentiometers outside of this range will
affect the precision to which the control can control the actuator.
A system operates more precisely when using the largest amount of stroke that is
feasible with the actuator. The stroke is the distance the actuator arm extends or
retracts.