FAQ - Electronics vs Pneumatics

What are some of the advantages of electric actuators vs. pneumatics?

You don't have to maintain (and pay for) air lines.

You don't have to run air lines to remote or freezing locations.

You don't have to translate an electric signal to a pneumatic signal and back again.

The enclosures are typically a lot smaller (all options"fit under the hood").

You can get a slower cycle time.

You get a consistent torque output.  Pneumatic torque depends upon a consistent air supply.

For mobile or skid mounted equipment, OEMs cannot be sure if air will be available the site.

The cost of going to NEMA 7 can be less (since there in only one enclosure)

Electric positioners don't "bleed" air during each stroke - no venting concerns.

What are some of the advantages of pneumatic actuators?

Faster cycle time

Longer life (in terms on number of cycles)

No duty cycle limitations.

Users are more familiar with pneumatics (they can't "see" how electronics work).

"A pneumatic short circuit provides less entertainment than an electrical one".