FAQ - Relay Boards

Isolated Control/Feedback board Kit, V Series with "N" in the model number.

Isolated Control /Feedback board A Closer look.

Single Relay Board for "V" Series actuators without an "N" in the model number.

Dual Relay Board for "V" Series actuators without an "N" in the model number.

When is a Relay Board required?

For on/off operation whenever:

1. The actuator is controlled directly from the low amperage relay of a controller.
2. The actuator has different type control signal than the input power voltages (2-wire control)
3. Multiple actuators are wired in parallel.

When is a Dual Relay Board required?

For modulating operation (also known as 3-wire control,  "bump control" or "jogging") whenever the actuator is being controlled directly from the output of a controller, or in situations where the actuator has a different type control signal and input power voltages.  (use extended duty motor)

How do Relay Boards protect the controller?

1) With any reversing (inductive) motor, each time power is turned off a short burst of high voltage (a "spike") is "induced" and fed back to the input power line and non isolated controller output.  If added to the voltage already present across the controller, this spike could damage controllers that are not rated for that peak level of voltage.  The single and dual relay boards act as a bugger, isolating the actuator, preventing the input voltage and spike from reaching the controller.

2) This isolation provided by the relay board allows for a control signal that differs from the power. 

3) AC powered actuators use a split phase motor.  This causes a "step-up transformer" effect on the passive terminal when power is applied to the active terminal.  When a 115 VAC actuator is powered, there is 230VAC across the passive terminal. For actuators wired in parallel, this will cause each actuator to receive power at both the CW and CCW terminals at the same time.  The solution is the relay board, which provides isolation from the transformer effect.

In the case of low power controller outputs, what must the controller contacts be rated for in order to alleviate the need for a Relay Board?

A minimum of 300 VAC and 10 amps.

What are the features of the Isolated Control / Feedback Board?

The standard Isolated Control / Feedback Board combines all of the features of the Single and Dual Relay Boards, as well as providing 4-20mA or 0-10VDC Position Feedback. The board can be installed in all 115 and 230VAC actuators with a "N" in the model number.  It accepts 115 or 230VAC, as well as 12 or 24 VDC control voltages in either Two-wire, (Open/Close) or Three-wire, (Open/Stop/Close) modes.  In the Three-wire mode, the user can select Jogging, (maintained signal) or Latching, (momentary signal) operation.