AUMA SA/SAR Series Electric Actuators: Wiring, Limit & Torque Setting and Feedback Calibration
The AUMA SA series is the multi-turn electric actuator from Germany's AUMA; the SAR series is the part-turn (quarter-turn) version. Both use non-intrusive commissioning — all parameters are set from the control panel keys. Based on the AUMA SA multi-turn actuator manual, this article covers on-off terminal wiring, a six-step commissioning procedure and common fault remedies.
On-Off Type Terminal Wiring
| Terminal | Function | Description |
|---|
| L1、L2、L3、PE | Three-phase supply + earth | 380V three-phase |
| 2、11 | Remote close command | Internally powered, remote dry contact |
| 3、11 | Remote open command | Internally powered, remote dry contact |
| 6、7 | Valve fully closed | Position feedback, dry contact |
| 6、8 | Valve fully open | Position feedback, dry contact |
| 6、10 | Remote signal | Remote signal |
Commissioning Procedure
Step 1: Preparation
- Use the handwheel to place the valve around 50%
- Verify wiring and energize
- Switch the actuator to local control mode
Step 2: Confirm phase sequence
- Jog the open/close button and stop immediately; observe the rotation direction
- If reversed, de-energize and swap any two supply phases
Step 3: Enter the menu
- Press the C key to enter the parameter menu
- Enter password 0000 (factory default) and confirm
- The menu shows the list of setting items
Step 4: Limit switch setting
Close limit:
- Run the actuator to fully closed
- Locate the limit-switch adjuster shaft A (usually marked on the end cover or side cover)
- Rotate shaft A with the special tool until the closing-limit cam just trips the travel switch
- Confirm and save the close limit in the menu
Open limit:
- Run the actuator to fully open and adjust the opening-limit switch the same way
- Save and exit the menu
Step 5: Torque switch adjustment
- Torque switches are usually mechanical, inside the actuator
- Open the torque-switch cover and locate the open and close torque adjusting screws
- Set the torque values per the dial; the close setting is generally slightly higher than open
- Replace the cover and verify over the full stroke
Step 6: Feedback calibration
- Set a multimeter to mA range and insert it in the 4–20 mA feedback loop
- Run the actuator fully closed; adjust the zero potentiometer until feedback reads 4 mA
- Run fully open; adjust the span potentiometer until feedback reads 20 mA
- Stroke 2–3 times to confirm both limits and feedback are correct
Common Faults and Remedies
| Fault | Possible cause | Remedy |
|---|
| Cannot enter menu | Wrong password; not in local mode | Verify password 0000; switch to local mode |
| Limit switch does not actuate | Adjuster shaft A wrongly positioned | Readjust the limit cam position |
| Motor thermal trip | Excessive torque; frequent starts | Check valve mechanically; reduce duty frequency |
| Feedback drift | Ageing or loose potentiometer | Replace potentiometer; recalibrate 4–20 mA |
Related reading: Universal Electric Actuator Wiring & Commissioning Guide; see also the AUMA brand column.
