FAQ - Enclosures

What is the material used to make Valvcon's enclosures?

All Valvcon actuators, except the LC Series actuators, are available with enclosures made from high pressure die cast aluminum.  The LC Series incorporates an anodized zinc base and a composite cover.  Valvcon has also developed a high strength composite cover for the LV Series.  This cover may be an option for corrosion resistance, decreasing the overall weight of the actuator and/or for cost sensitive applications.

What type of paint is standard on Valvcon aluminum enclosures?

Super-durable, marine grade, high quality, polyester powder coat designed for application to aluminum for long term UV exposure and salt spray.

What is desirable about the output drive and mounting flange on Valvcon enclosures?

Valvcon actuators provide an  ISO 5211 mounting pattern.  The Valvcon LC Series provides a choice between a standard male, square output shaft or an optional female output.  All other Valvcon series provide the ISO 5211 mounting pattern with female, square output drivers.  Standard female drive dimensions are in inches and include 0.75" for V size (medium) enclosures and 1.0" for "L" size (large) enclosures.  The female output drive is also available in ISO 5211 metric dimensions as option on both the "V" and "L" platforms.

Is there a manual override on Valvcon actuators?

The V, LV and LCR series have a declutchable (shaft declutches the gearbox), wrench-operated manual override.  The manual override shaft rotates during normal operation.

The LCU Series and all Fail-Safe actuators do not have an override.  In the case of the ADC and ESR Series, the Fail-Safe feature will fight the override.  These actuators can be ordered with an override if requested, however, special attention must be given to the Fail-Safe feature.

Is there an override hand wheel?

A hand wheel is available as an option (field or factory installed).  The hand wheel assembly is de-clutchable and the wheel does not rotate during actuation.

Does Valvcon provide dual conduit openings?

Yes.  Dual conduit openings are standard on all Valvcon actuators except the LC Series actuators.  Dual conduit entries are a major benefit for customers running more than six wires to the actuator or whenever the customer is concerned about isolating the control signal from the motor voltage.

What is meant by NEMA 4 and 4x enclosures?

NEMA 4 &4x indicates watertight and dust-tight.  The enclosure is intended for indoor or outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against corrosion, windblown dust and rain, splashing water, hose-directed water, and damage from external ice formation.

What is meant by NEMA 7 enclosures?

NEMA 7 generally means explosion proof.  The enclosure is intended for indoor use in locations classified as Class I, Division I, Groups A, B, C, or D as defined in the National Electrical Code.  It is designed to contain an internal explosion without causing an external hazard when installed in the intended atmospheres and locations.  Valvcon enclosures are designed to meet Groups C and D only.

CAUTION: There are various subsets of NEMA 7 (classes, divisions and groups).  NEMA 7 ratings are for certain subsets, so you must know your customer's requirements before you can sell a NEMA 7 actuator!

Does NEMA 7 mean that you also get NEMA 4?

In general it does not.  For Valvcon electric actuators, it does.  Explosion-proof does not necessarily mean watertight.  Valvcon NEMA 7 actuators are designed to be both explosion-proof and NEMA 4 and 4X, watertight.

What is meant by NEMA 9?

NEMA 9 indicated dust-ignition proof.  The enclosure is intended for indoor use in locations classified as Class II, Division 1, Groups E, F, or G as defined in the National Electric Code.  It is designed to prevent the entrance of dust and the enclosed devices do not produce sufficient surface temperatures to ignite dust on the enclosure.  Valvcon enclosures are designed to meet NEMA 9 specifications.

What are the 2 types of enclosures that Valvcon offers?

LC - NEMA 4/4X, Weathertight

W - NEMA 4/4X, Weathertight

WX - NEMA 4/4X/7&9, Hazardous locations