The panel menus and alarm messages of the 2nd-generation Rotork IQ/IQT electric actuators are in English; without a good grasp of these terms, fault-finding on site means repeatedly consulting the manual. This article translates the most-used IQ/IQT menu parameters — travel/torque, control and analog, alarms and status messages — term by term, then lists seven high-frequency field faults with symptoms and remedies in order of occurrence, as a quick reference for instrumentation and maintenance staff.

Core Menu Terminology

Travel / Torque (most used)

Note: do not blindly raise TO/TC; if the valve sticks, check the mechanics first — do not just force the torque up.

Control & Analog (4–20 mA)

Alarms & Status Messages

Knowing these messages lets you judge the fault immediately when a critical actuator alarms:

High-Frequency Faults and Remedies

1) Torque Trip (most common)

Symptom: stops mid-travel with an alarm; cannot reach the end position on remote command. Checks:

• Handwheel the valve first to confirm whether it sticks, is scaled up, or the stem is bent (the root cause is usually the valve itself)
• Increase TO/TC moderately — never to maximum in one step
• Recalibrate the travel limits; badly set limits also cause frequent torque trips

2) 4–20 mA position feedback abnormal (DCS and local indication disagree / no feedback)

Symptom: the actuator moves normally but the DCS position does not change or jumps. Checks:

• Measure the mA output at terminals 22/23
• Recalibrate the 4 mA/20 mA zero and span
• Replace the feedback (servo) board if damaged; check wiring and shield earthing to avoid interference

3) Works locally, not remotely

Checks:

• Confirm the selector is in Remote
• Check whether an external interlock or ESD is active (Interlock Active)
• Verify the remote open/close/analog command wiring
• Check the control mode: digital on-off vs 4–20 mA modulating matches the actual loop

4) Motor Over Temp

Checks:

• Frequent starts or prolonged torque stalling: optimize the torque setting and check the valve
• Motor thermistor open circuit or loose wiring
• Poor ventilation or high ambient temperature; repeated overheating will burn out the motor windings

5) Battery Discharged

Symptom: limits lost after a power outage, configuration scrambled, alarm at power-up. Remedy: replace the 9V backup battery on the control board and recalibrate the open/close limits (essential).

6) Lost Phase (three-phase 380V models)

Symptom: motor hums, turns one way only, or trips immediately on energizing. Checks: three-phase supply lines, contactor contacts, fuses; verify phase sequence.

7) Motor Stall

Symptom: powered but the output shaft does not turn, without a torque trip. Checks: clutch stuck in manual position, gearbox damage, or the valve seized.

Field Commissioning Tips

• New limit calibration: handwheel the valve to find the true full-open/full-close positions before saving limits — never slam into them under power
• Modulating actuators: 4 mA = 0% and 20 mA = 100%, consistent with the DCS range
• Torque principle: just enough for the job — excessive torque can crush the valve
• Board replacement: on older IQ models, after replacing the control board the memory chip must be transferred and all parameters re-entered

Related reading: Rotork IQ Series: Terminal Wiring, Infrared Setter Commissioning & Troubleshooting; Universal Electric Actuator Wiring & Commissioning Guide; see also the Rotork brand column.