Laboratory Methods

for
Testing Actuators

AIR MOVEMENT AND CONTROL

ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL INC.

The International Authority on Air System Components

AMCA Publications

Authority

AMCA International Standard 520 was approved by the membership of the Air Movement and Control
Association International Inc. on July 26, 2008. It was approved as an American National Standard by the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and became effective on December 2, 2009.
As of 2014, this document no longer undergoes routine maintenance and has been withdrawn due to the
removal of actuators from AMCA's scope. Since the document is no longer regularly reviewed by
engineers as part of AMCA's document review cycle, it is to be used as a historic reference. It is not a
current American National Standard.

Copyright

2004 by Air Movement and Control Association International Inc.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation of any part of this work beyond that permitted by Sections
107 and 108 of the United States Copyright Act without the permission of the copyright owner is unlawful.
Requests for permission or further information should be addressed to the executive director, Air
Movement and Control Association International Inc. at 30 West University Drive, Arlington Heights, IL
60004-1893 U.S.A.

Objections

Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. will consider and decide all written complaints
regarding its standards, certification programs, or interpretations thereof. For information on procedures for
submitting and handling complaints, write to:
Air Movement and Control Association International
30 West University Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893 U.S.A.
AMCA International, Incorporated
c/o Federation of Environmental Trade Associations
2 Waltham Court, Milley Lane, Hare Hatch
Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
RG10 9TH

Disclaimer

AMCA uses its best efforts to produce standards for the benefit of the industry and the public in light of
available information and accepted industry practices. However, AMCA does not guarantee, certify or
assure the safety or performance of any products, components or systems tested, designed, installed or
operated in accordance with AMCA standards or that any tests conducted under its standards will be nonhazardous or free from risk.

Related AMCA Documents

Related
Publications

ANSI/AMCA Standard 500-D

Laboratory Methods for Testing Dampers for Rating

ANSI/AMCA Standard 500-L

Laboratory Methods for Testing Louvers for Rating

Contents

1.

Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

2.

Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

3.

Definitions / Units of Measure / Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

4.

3.1

Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

3.2

Units of measure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

3.3

Symbols and subscripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Instruments and Methods of Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.1

Instrumentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.2

Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.3

Torque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.4

Meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.5

Chronometers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.6

Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.7

Air pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.8

Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.9

Linear measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.10 Angular measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

5.

Equipment and Setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

6.

Objective, Observations and Conduct of Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

6.1

Long term holding tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

6.2

Operational life tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

6.3

Ambient and elevated temperature performance testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

6.4

Periodic maintenance testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

6.5

Production tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

6.6

Sound level testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Annex A References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Annex B Rated Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Annex C Rated Stall Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

ANSI/AMCA 520-09
Laboratory Methods of Testing Actuators
1. Purpose
To establish an industry standard for minimum rating and
testing of actuators used on fire/smoke dampers.

2. Scope
The testing requirements will cover torque or force rating,
long term holding, operational life, elevated temperature
performance, periodic maintenance, production, and sound
testing for both pneumatic and electric operators.

3.1.5 Full stroke cycle

The movement of a device from its resting position (end
stop, zero position) to its nominal position in its intended
application, and then back to the resting position. Example:
For a linear actuator with a nominal 55 mm 5 mm (2.2 in.
.2 in.) travel, a full stroke cycle would be 055 (2.2
in.)0mm. Example: For a rotary actuator with a nominal
105 5 rotation, a full stroke cycle would be 01050.
3.1.6 Stall torque/force
The amount of torque/force that stops the actuator from
moving.

3. Definitions / Units of Measure / Symbols

3.1 Definitions
3.1.1 Load
The external force or torque that an actuator must oppose.
This can be specified while either moving or stationary
(stalled), and in either drive or return directions. The damper
is the source of the load and is due to bearing/seal friction
and any unbalanced air loading.
3.1.2 Rated load [4]
The actuator manufacturers stated load for a given amount
of time for full stroke at nominal electrical or rated pneumatic power and elevated exposure temperature per
UL555S.
3.1.3 Rated stall load [4]
The actuator manufacturers stated (minimum) torque or
force output (in both drive and return directions) at nominal
electrical or rated pneumatic power and the rated elevated
exposure temperature per UL555S when the actuator
output shaft is prevented from rotating at a given position.
See Annex C.
3.1.4 Full stroke
The movement of a device from the resting position (end
stop, zero position) to its nominal position in its intended
application. Example: For a linear actuator with a nominal
55 mm 5 mm (2.2 in. 0.2 in.) travel, a full stroke would
be 055mm (2.2 in.). Example: For a rotary actuator with a
nominal 105 5 rotation, a full stroke would be 0105.
Example: For a 360 rotary actuator, a full stroke shall be no
less than 90 and not exceed 180 of rotation. These actuators should have an external lever, stops and return spring
so as to duplicate an actual application or installation on a
damper.

3.1.7 Dynamic stall torque/force

The peak torque/force that an actuator, running under nominal conditions (nominal voltage/pressure and rated load),
develops when subjected to a hard stop.
3.1.8 Spring return torque/force
The unpowered output at the actuator/damper shaft due to
the return spring (or other stored energy source) that
returns the actuator to the normal unpowered position.
3.1.9 Reposition
A modulating actuator reposition or repositioning cycle is a
minimum rotation of the damper actuator 5 ( 2) or 10% in
one direction and in the reversed direction.
3.1.10 Nominal voltage
Sometimes referred to as nameplate voltage. A standard
value assigned to a circuit for the purpose of conveniently
designating a voltage class (i.e. 120 VAC).
3.1.11 Sound power level [3]
The acoustic power radiating from a sound source.
3.1.12 Noise criteria
A standard for comparison or judgment of sound levels.

3.2 Units of Measure

SI units (The International System of Units) are the primary
units employed in this standard, with I-P units (Inch-Pound)
given as the secondary reference. SI units are based on the
fundamental values of the International Bureau of Weights
and Measures [1], and I-P values are based on the values
of the National Institute of Standards and Technology that
are, in turn, based on the values of the International Bureau.
3.2.1 System of units
The unit of length is the meter (m), or millimeter (mm); I-P
ANSI/AMCA 520-09 | 1

Table 1 - Symbols and Subscripts

Symbol

Description

SI

I-P

F
Fs
L
Lp

Force
Stall force
Crank arm length

N
N
mm

lb
lb
in

Sound pressure level

Sound power level
Sound noise criteria
Pneumatic pressure
Torque

dB
dB
dB
dB
dimensionless
kPa
PSI
N-m
lb-in.

Ambient temperature
Stall Torque

C
N-m

Lw
NC
P
T
ta
Ts

2 | ANSI/AMCA 520-09

F
lb-in.

units are the foot (ft) or the inch (in.). The unit of mass is the
kilogram (kg); the I-P unit is the pound mass (lbm). The unit
of time is either the minute (min), or the second (s). The unit
of temperature is either the degree Celsius (C), or the
degree Kelvin (K), I-P units are either the degree Fahrenheit
(F), or the degree Rankine (R). The unit of force is the
Newton (N); the I-P unit is the pound (lb).
3.2.2 Torque
The unit of torque is the Newton-meter (N-m); the I-P unit is
the pound-inch (lb-in.).

4.4 Meters [2]

Electrical meters shall have certified accuracies of 1% of
the observed reading.

4.5 Chronometers [2]

A quality watch, with a sweep second hand or a digital
display of seconds that keeps time within two minutes per
day is considered a primary instrument.

4.6 Temperature [2]

3.3 Symbols and subscripts
See Table 1.

Temperatures shall be measured with thermometers or

other instruments with demonstrated accuracies of 1 C (
2 F) and readabilities of 0.5 C (1 F) or finer.

4. Instruments and Methods Of Measurement

4.7 Air pressure
4.1 Instrumentation
The test instruments used for the rating and testing of actuators for fire/smoke dampers shall be calibrated as required
by the manufacturer with the period between calibrations
not exceeding one year with calibration standards traceable
to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Air pressure shall be measured with a pressure transducer

and digital readout or a pressure gauge. These instruments
shall have a demonstrated accuracy of 1% and a resolution of 3.448 kPa (0.5 PSI). The air pressure shall be measured in the feed line when the unit under test is stabilized in
the full stroke (pressurized) position.

4.2 Accuracy [2]

4.8 Force

The specifications for instruments and methods of measurement that follow include both accuracy requirements and
specific examples of equipment that is capable of meeting
those requirements. Equipment other than the examples
cited may be used provided the accuracy requirements are
met or exceeded.

Applied force shall be measured either with a load cell and

digital readout, a force gauge, or with a scale.
These instruments shall have a demonstrated accuracy of
2% of reading and a resolution of 2.28 N (0.5 lb.)

4.9 Linear measurement

4.2.1 Instrument accuracy
The specifications regarding accuracy correspond to the
criteria in Section 6. Instruments shall be set up, calibrated,
and read by qualified personnel trained to minimize errors.

Linear measurement shall be measured with an instrument

with a minimum resolution of 1mm (.04 in.) (this need not be
NIST traceable).

4.3 Torque [2]

4.10 Angular measurement

A torque device shall have a static calibration and may have

a running calibration through its range of usage. The static
calibration shall be made by suspending weights from a
torque arm. The weights shall have certified accuracies of
2%. The length of the torque arm shall be determined to an
accuracy of 2%.

Angular measurement shall be measured with an instrument having a resolution of 1 (this need not be NIST traceable).

5. Equipment and Setups

See Figures 7.1A and 7.1B.

Applied torque shall be measured with a weight and pulley

system, a torque transducer and digital readout with an
accuracy of 1%, or with a torque wrench with an accuracy
of 4%.

ANSI/AMCA 520-09 | 3

Figure 7.1A
Rotary Actuator Load Capability Test Setup (Conceptual)

Figure 7.1B
Linear Actuator Load Capability Test Set-Up (Conceptual)
4 | ANSI/AMCA 520-09

6. Objective, Observations, and Conduct of Test

6.2 Operational life tests

6.1 Long term holding tests

6.2.1 Purpose
To verify the actuator produced will perform 20,000 full
stroke cycles for two position actuators (100,000 for modulating actuators) under specified load, nominal voltage or
PSI range.

6.1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this test is to verify both electrical and pneumatic actuators in two position applications, during periods
in extended holding in its nominal position and its intended
application.
6.1.2 Test criteria
A sample of thirty-two actuators will be tested for six months
to determine their ability to return to the non-powered position. Representative samples of each design or design variation shall be individually tested. An "Un-Interruptible Power
Supply" (UPS) should be utilized and monitored to verify the
devices were not cycled during the duration of this test. The
actuator must return to the normal (fail safe) position each
time electrical power is removed. For pneumatic actuators,
the actuator must return to the normal (fail safe) position
after supply air is removed. All actuators must return to the
normal (fail safe) position within their rated time. Normal (fail
safe) position must be repeatable within 3 mm for linear
actuators or 3 for rotary actuators.
6.1.3 Method
The voltage or pressure to the actuator must be maintained
for the duration of this test. Place the actuator in an orientation to simulate mounting on a horizontal damper shaft,
undisturbed as much as possible for the duration of the test.
Actuators shall have no external load except actuators with
external springs, which must be tested at the minimum
spring force recommended by the actuator manufacturer.
Apply the test voltage specified in Table 2 for an electrically
operated actuator, or apply ten percent (10%) above the
rated pressure of pneumatically operated actuator, for a
period of six months. Following the six month holding test,
remove the electrical/pneumatic power and record observations of actuator timing.
This test is to be performed at ambient 10 C to 55 C (50
F to 130 F) conditions.
Note: Actuators must be pre-tested prior to this procedure
in order to demonstrate proper operation. See production
test.

6.2.2 Test criteria (pass/fail criteria)

Cycle the actuator continuously through electrical or pneumatic power, and fail-safe return, for the required number of
cycles and test parameters, and still be able to perform at
rated load and rated stall load. For modulating actuators, 32
samples shall be cycled 20,000 times and repositioned
100,000 times, with a maximum of one failure in 32
samples.
6.2.3 Method
Actuators, of the same design family (example:same drive
components, operating time and torque/force output with
differing power source requirements), may be mixed for this
test.
This test is to be performed at ambient 10 C to 55 C (50
F to 130 F) conditions.
The electrical or pneumatic power supplied to the actuator
shall be at the nominal voltage or specified pressure.
The actuator shall have no external load, except for a return
spring if external to actuator, and operated in both directions
thereby simulating an abrupt stop, with a minimum two
second hold period at each end of the stroke. If actuator has
an external return spring, the spring shall have the maximum spring load as allowed by the actuator manufacturer.
Following the cycling described above, the minimum rated
load and rated stall load must be verified in both directions
for each actuator.

6.3 Ambient and elevated temperature performance testing

6.3.1 Purpose [4]
Determine that the rated load and rated stall load can be
achieved before (at room ambient) and after being temperature soaked for thirty minutes at the rated elevated exposure temperature per UL555S as specified by the actuator

Table 2
Voltage Rating of Product

110-120

220-240

254-277

440-480

550-600

Test Voltage

120

240

277

480

600

If the device voltage rating does not fall within any of the indicated ranges, it is to be tested at its rated voltage.

ANSI/AMCA 520-09 | 5

manufacturer in their product data sheets. Actuators with

different input electrical or pneumatic power must be tested
separately.
6.3.2 Test criteria
The actuator must be capable of completing three full stroke
cycles at the manufacturer's rated load and temperature at
nominal nameplate voltage or specified pressure. The time
required to complete each stroke shall not exceed the
manufacturers rated stroke time or at a maximum of
seventy-five seconds. Three actuator samples must be
tested and all must deliver the rated load.
6.3.3 Method
Mount the device in the chamber. While still at room ambient temperature apply rated electrical or pneumatic power
to the actuator. Apply opposing rated load to the actuator for
three complete stroke cycles. The operating time shall not
exceed seventy-five seconds for each stroke and shall be
recorded.
With the device still mounted in the chamber, apply rated
electrical or pneumatic power to the actuator, and heat to
the rated temperature not to exceed 27.8 C (50 F) per
minute. Maintain temperature +27.8 C / -0 C (50 F / -0
F) for thirty minutes after reaching test temperature. While
at elevated temperature, apply the opposing rated load to
the actuator for three complete stroke cycles. The operating
time shall not exceed seventy-five seconds for each stroke
and shall be recorded.

gear train and bearing design can be grouped together to

represent one like sample). A random system of selecting
product from each manufacturer is to be established.
Actuators shall be obtained from each producing factory.
6.4.2 Test criteria
The actuator must be capable of completing three full stroke
cycles at the manufacturer's rated load and temperature at
rated electrical or pneumatic power input. The time required
to complete each stroke shall not exceed the manufacturers
rated stroke time or at a maximum of seventy-five seconds.
Three actuator samples must be tested and all must deliver
the rated load.
6.4.3 Method
Mount the device in the chamber. While still at room ambient temperature apply rated electrical or pneumatic power
to the actuator. Apply opposing rated load to the actuator for
three complete stroke cycles. The operating time shall be
recorded. After completing the three cycles, the stall torque
of the operator shall be determined at 15, 30 and 80 of
operation.

After completing the three cycles, the stall torque of the

operator shall be determined at 15, 30 and 80 of operation.

With the device still mounted in the chamber, apply nominal

nameplate voltage or specified pressure to the actuator, and
heat the chamber to the elevated exposure temperature at
a rate not to exceed 27.8 C (50 F) per minute. Maintain
temperature +27.8 C / -0 C (50 F / -0 F) for thirty minutes
after reaching test temperature. While at elevated temperature, apply the opposing rated load to the actuator for three
complete stroke cycles. The operating time shall be
recorded. After completing the three cycles, the stall torque
of the operator shall be determined at 15, 30 and 80 of
operation.

Note: It is not the intent of this test to verify transformer

operation at elevated temperatures when the transformer is
not factory mounted internal to the actuator.

Note: It is not the intent of this test to verify transformer

operation at elevated temperatures when the transformer is
not factory mounted internal to the actuator.

If the method of driving the actuator when power is removed

is external to the device, the actuator manufacturer is
required to specify the return spring characteristics for the
rated load.

If the method of driving the actuator when electrical or pneumatic power is removed is external to the device, the actuator manufacturer is required to specify the return spring
characteristics for the rated load.

6.4 Periodic maintenance testing

6.5 Production tests

Periodic elevated temperature testing.

6.5.1 Purpose
The production test is intended to verify that the actuator
being produced meets the product design criteria, as specified by the manufacturer. Each unit must pass the test
requirements prior to being released from production.

6.4.1 Purpose
This test is intended to give an indication of performance
changes in the product production processes. Three
devices shall be submitted for testing every six months.
They will be randomly selected from the production line with
a minimum of fifty production parts between samples. All
models need not be tested (models with the same motor,

6 | ANSI/AMCA 520-09

6.5.2 Test criteria

The final production test must include at least one full stroke
cycle of the actuator and test all relevant functions. This test

is to be performed at ambient 10 C to 55 C (50 F to 130

F) conditions.

the motor thirty minutes and after closing and reopening the
damper.

6.5.3 Method
The actuator test apparatus must provide a torque or force
load equal to the manufacturers rating.

The damper shall be tested per ANSI/AMCA Standard 300

as a freestanding unit that would be placed entirely in the
test room (See ANSI/AMCA Standard 300, Figure 1).

The nominal nameplate voltage or specified pressure

supplied to the actuator should be the nominal nameplate
voltage ( 5%) or specified PSI range. The actuator operating time, both under electrical or pneumatic power and
under fail-safe mode, must meet the standards set by the
manufacturer.

After determining the maximum sound power level from the

two tests, a NC (noise criteria) number shall be determined
by subtracting ten dB from each sound power level band
test reading, and plotting the results on an NC curve to
determine the NC level.

If the actuator is electrically powered, the current draw must

be measured during the power cycle of the test. The measured current must meet the standards set by the manufacturer.
Should the actuator be built with internal auxiliary switches,
the operation of the switch(s) must be tested at their
designed activation point. The point of activation must be
within the range specified by the manufacturer.
If the actuator is designed for proportional position control,
the test apparatus must be able to measure the modulated
position of the actuator. The actual position must be able to
be compared to the input signal and be within the design
parameters of the actuator.
If the actuator provides a proportional feedback signal, the
feedback signal must be within the specifications of the
manufacturer to actual position.
All actuators that meet the above test criteria are identified
and contain a date code for trace ability.
The electrical or pneumatic power supplied to the actuator
shall be recorded at the time of the test.

6.6 Sound level testing [3]

6.6.1 Purpose
To determine the noise criteria level produced by the actuator in the full stroke position.
6.6.2 Test criteria
The sound power level (Lw) of electrically operated actuators shall be determined by testing the actuator on a 610
mm 610 mm (24 in. 24 in.) triple V groove fire/smoke
damper installed in a 432 mm (17 in.) long 0.81 mm (0.032
in.) gauge sleeve in the energized position.
8.6.3 Method
The sound power level (Lw) shall be taken after energizing

ANSI/AMCA 520-09 | 7

Annex A
References (Normative)

[1] NIST Special Publication 330-08

The International System of Units (SI)
National Institute of Standards and Technology,
U.S. Department of Commerce
[2] ANSI/AMCA Standard 500-D-07
Laboratory Methods for Testing Dampers for Rating
AMCA International, Inc., Arlington Heights, IL 60004
U.S.A.
[3] ANSI/AMCA Standard 300-08
Reverberant Room Method For Sound Testing of Fans
AMCA International, Inc., Arlington Heights, IL 60004
U.S.A.
[4] UL Standard UL555S
Smoke Dampers Standard for Safety, Underwriters
Laboratories Inc., Northbrook, IL 60062 U.S.A.

8 | ANSI/AMCA 520-09

Annex B
Rated Load [4] (Informative)

Rated load is the maximum external torque or force that the

actuator can reliably* move three full stroke cycles in the
time specified by the actuator manufacturer at electrical or
pneumatic power 2% after one half hour at the rated
elevated exposure temperature per UL555S.
Notes:
1. The drive (D) and spring return (SR) rated loads does
not have to be the same.
2. Rated load performance is to be verified as follows. At
least three typical new (not altered) sequentially built or
randomly selected new actuators are to be loaded using
weights that produce the rated torque or force 1% and
timed in each direction (D and SR) after one half hour
at the rated elevated exposure temperature per
UL555S. The average time and conventional standard
deviation (SD) for both D and SR times are to be calculated. The average stroke time minus three of their SD
must be less than or equal to the time specified for the
actuator. Normal ambient temperature timing data may
be utilized for comparison in production.
Note: If the actuator does not have an internal spring
the actuator manufacturers specified spring(s) must be
attached prior to confirming the rated load and specified
timing.
3. If the average force or torque required to stroke (D or
SR) a given damper at the rated elevated exposure
temperature per UL555S is less than or equal to the
actuators rated load(s) then the damper will open in the
actuators specified time provided that the stall torque of
the actuator is not exceeded at any point in its stroke.

ANSI/AMCA 520-09 | 9

Annex C
Rated Stall Load [4]

Rated stall load is the torque or force that an actuator will

reliably produce at any specified point(s) in its stroke after
one half hour at the rated elevated exposure temperature
per UL555S. In the drive (D) direction power is to be at
nominal 2%. The actuator manufacturer must specify the
stall torque or force at the following points (as a minimum):
15 for nominal 90 stroke or 16.7% of stroke, 30 for nominal 90 stroke or 33.3% of stroke, and 80 for nominal 90
stroke or 88.9% of stroke.
Note: The rated stall load performance is to be verified as
follows. At least three typical new (not altered) sequentially
built or randomly selected actuators are to be stopped at the
specified points and the dynamic torque or force measured
after one half-hour at the rated elevated exposure temperature per UL555S. The average torque or force at each point
minus three SD must be greater than or equal to the rated
stall load specified for the actuator at that point. Normal
ambient stall torque or force data may be utilized for
comparison in production.

10 | ANSI/AMCA 520-09

AIR MOVEMENT AND CONTROL

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The Air Movement and Control Association International Inc. is a not-for-profit international association of the
worlds manufacturers of related air system equipment, primarily but not limited to fans, louvers, dampers, air
curtains, airflow measurement stations, acoustic attenuators and other air system components for the industrial,
commercial and residential markets.