Siemens OpenAir GCA Series Owner's manual

OpenAir™
Technical Instructions
Document No. 155-173P25
EA GCA-1
May 19, 2014
GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in
Electronic Damper Actuators
Siemens Industry, Inc.
Description The OpenAir 24 Vac/dc spring return 160 lb-in (18 Nm) electronic actuator is designed for
digital or analog control of building HVAC dampers.
Features •Brushless DC motor technology with stall protection
•Bi-directional fail-safe spring return
•Patented self-centering shaft coupling
•Manual override
•160 lb-in (18 Nm) torque
•5° preload as shipped from factory
•Offset and span adjustment models available
•Models with independently adjustable dual auxiliary switches available
•UL and cUL listed; certified
Application These actuators are designed for use in constant or variable air volume installations for the
control of return air, mixed air, exhaust, and face and bypass dampers requiring up to
160 lb-in (18 Nm) torque. They are designed for applications that require the damper to
return to a fail-safe position when there is a power failure.

Technical Instructions OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator
Document No. 155-173P25
May 19, 2014
Page 2 Siemens Industry, Inc.
Product Numbers
Table 1.
Operating
Voltage
Control Cables
Built-in Control
Options
Product
Number
24 Vac ± 20% 24 Vdc ±10% 120 Vac ± 10% 0 to 10 Vdc 2 to 10 Vdc or
0 to 10 Vdc
Floating
2-position
Standard Plenum
Position Feedback
Dual Auxiliary
Switches Signal Inversion Offset 0 to 5 Vdc Span 2 to 30 Vdc
GCA121.1U
●
●
●
●
GCA121.1P
●
●
●
●
GCA126.1U ●
●
●●●
GCA126.1P
●
●
●
●
●
GCA221.1U
●
●
●
GCA226.1U
●
●
●
●
GCA131.1U
●
●
●
●
GCA131.1P
●
●
●
●
GCA132.1U ●●●●●
GCA136.1U
●
●
●
●
●
GCA136.1P
●
●
●
●
●
GCA151.1U
●
●
●
●
●
●
GCA151.1P ●●●●
●
●
GCA156.1U
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
GCA156.1P
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
GCA161.1U ●
●
●●
●
GCA161.1P ●
●
●●
●
GCA163.1U
●
●
●
●
●
●
GCA163.1P
●
●
●
●
●
●
GCA164.1U ●
●
●
●
●
●●
GCA164.1P
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
GCA166.1U
●
●
●
●
●
●
GCA166.1P ●
●
●●
●
●
Warning/Caution Notations
WARNING:
Personal injury/loss of life may occur if you do not
perform a procedure as specified.
CAUTION:
Equipment damage may occur if you do not
perform a procedure as specified.

OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator Technical Instructions
Document No. 155-173P25
May 19, 2014
Siemens Industry, Inc. Page 3
Specifications
Ambient
Conditions
Ambient temperature
operation -25°F to 130°F (-32°C to 55°C)
storage and transport -40°F to 158°F (-40°C to 70°C)
Ambient humidity (non-condensing) 95% rh
Agency
Certification
Conformity
UL listed to UL60730
(to replace UL873)
cUL certified to Canadian Standard
C22.2 No. 24-93
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) 2004/108/EC
Immunity for all models, except GCA132.xx EN61000-6-2
Immunity for GCA132.xx EN61000-6-1
Emissions for all models EN61000-6-3
Power
Supply
GCA16x GCA15x GCA13x GCA12x GCA22x
24 Vac ± 20%
24 Vdc ± 10%
24 Vac ± 20%
24 Vdc ± 10%
24 Vac± 20%
24 Vdc ± 10%
24 Vac ±
20%
24 Vdc ±
10%
120 Vac ±
10%
—
Frequency
50/60 Hz
50/60 Hz
50/60 Hz
50/60 Hz
50/60 Hz
Power Consumption
running 7 VA/5W 7 VA/5W 7 VA/5W 7 VA/5W 8 VA
holding
5 VA/3W
5 VA/3W
5 VA/3W
5 VA/3W
6 VA
Control Signal
GCA16x
GCA15x
GCA13x
GCA12x
GCA22x
Input Signal
(Y–G0)
voltage input
0 to 10 Vdc
(max. 35 Vdc)
0 to 10 Vdc or
2 to 10 Vdc
(max. 35 Vdc)
Floating
2-Position
2-Position
input resistance
>100K ohms
>100K ohms
—
—
—
Feedback
Signal
GCA16x
GCA15x
GCA13x
GCA12X
GCA22x
Position output signal
(U-G0)
voltage output
0 to 10 Vdc
0 to 10 Vdc
0 to 1000 ohms
<10 Ma
(GCA 132x only)
Load <1W
—
—
maximum output
current
±1 mA
+1 mA,
-.5 mA
—
—
—
Function
Running/spring return torque
Operating with 24 Vac 160 lb-in (18 Nm)
Maximum torque <360 lb-in (40 Nm)
Runtime for 90°
operating with motor 90 sec
closing (on power loss) with spring return 15 seconds typical
NOTE: At -25°F, spring return is 142 lb-in (16 Nm).
Equipment rating
Class 2, in accordance with UL/CSA

Technical Instructions OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator
Document No. 155-173P25
May 19, 2014
Page 4 Siemens Industry, Inc.
Specifications,
Continued
Mounting
Nominal angle of rotation 90°
Maximum angular rotation 95°
Shaft size 3/8-inch to 1-inch
(8 mm to 25.6 mm) diameter
1/4-inch to 5/8-inch
(6 to 18 mm) square
Minimum shaft length 3/4-inch (20 mm)
Auxiliary features
Control signal adjustment
Offset (start point) 0 Vdc to 5 Vdc
Factory setting 0 Vdc
Span 2 Vdc to 30 Vdc
Dual auxiliary switches
AC rating (Standard cable) 24 Vac to 250 Vac
AC 6A resistive
AC 2A FLA, 12 LRA
AC rating (Plenum cable) 24 Vac
AC 4A resistive
AC 2A, FLA, 12 LRA
DC rating (Standard/Plenum cable) 12 Vdc to 30 Vdc
DC 2A
Switch Range
Switch A 0 to 90° with 5° intervals
Recommended range usage 0 to 45°
Factory setting 5°
Switch B 0 to 90° with 5° intervals
Recommended range usage 45° to 90°
Factory setting 85°
Switching hysteresis 2°
WARNING:
Apply only AC-line voltage from the same phase or only UL-Class 2 voltage to
the switching outputs of both auxiliary switches A and B. Mixed operation is not
permissible.
NOTE: With plenum cables, only UL-Class 2 voltage is permitted.
Housing
Enclosure NEMA 2, IP54 per EN 60 529
in vertical to horizontal 90°
See Figure 17.
NEMA 3R rated when installed with
ASK75.1U Weather Shield in the
vertical position. See Figure 18.
See Accessories, Figure 9.
Material Die-cast aluminum alloy
Gear lubrication Silicone-free

OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator Technical Instructions
Document No. 155-173P25
May 19, 2014
Siemens Industry, Inc. Page 5
Miscellaneous
Pre-cabled connection 18 AWG
Cable length 3 feet (0.9 m)
Noise level <45 dBA (running)
Life cycle Designed for over 60,000 full strokes
and a minimum of 1.5 million
repositions at rated torque and
temperature.
Dimensions See Figure 31.
Weight 4.85 lb (2.2 kg)
Actuator
Components
Figure 1. Modulating GCA Actuator.
NOTE: Not all features are on all models.
See Table 1for a listing of features per
model.
Legend
1. Positioning scale for angle of
rotation
2. Manual override wrench
opening and direction of
rotation arrow
3. DIP switches
4. Span adjustment
5. Offset (start point) adjustment
6. Gear train lock pin
7. Auxiliary switch B
8. Auxiliary switch A
9. Position indicator
10. Self-centering shaft adapter
11. Shaft adapter locking clip
12. Position indicator adapter
13. Mounting bracket
14. Connection cables

Technical Instructions OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator
Document No. 155-173P25
May 19, 2014
Page 6 Siemens Industry, Inc.
Accessories NOTE: The control signal adjustment cannot be added in the field. Order the
product number that includes the option(s).
Figure 2. Floor Mount Kit.
ASK71.1U: Allows foot mounting of OpenAir
actuators. Should be used for in-the-air stream
applications, and generally, anywhere a foot-
mounted actuator can be mounted. Kit contains:
•Crank arm for changing angular rotation into
a linear stroke.
•Support bearing ring to minimize side
loading on the actuator’s output bearing.
•Mounting bracket.
•Required mounting fasteners.
Figure 3. Frame Mount Kit.
ASK71.2U: Allows mounting OpenAir actuators
directly to damper frame. Should be used with
louvers and vents and in applications where floor
mount kit is not possible. Kit contains:
•Crank arm for changing angular rotation into
a linear stroke.
•Support bearing ring to minimize side
loading on the actuator’s output bearing.
•Mounting bracket.
•Required mounting fasteners.
Figure 4. Crank Arm Kit.
ASK71.3: Allows direct-coupled actuator to
provide an auxiliary linear drive. Crank arm kit
can be used to simultaneously drive a set of
opposing or adjacent dampers with single
actuator. Kit includes:
•Crank arm to attach to the splined hub of the
shaft adapter.
•Other required mounting fasteners.
Figure 5. Crank Arm Kit with
Mounting Bracket.
ASK71.4: Allows economical mounting of
OpenAir actuator to a variety of surfaces. Kit
should be used in applications where the
actuator can be rigid-surface mounted and linear
stroke output is required. Kit includes:
•Crank arm to attach to the splined hub of the
shaft adapter.
•Mounting bracket.
•Other required mounting fasteners.
Figure 6. Tandem Mount
Bracket.
ASK73.1: Bracket provides an extended anti-
rotation pin allowing two OpenAir actuators to
directly drive a single damper shaft. Tandem
mounting bracket for two GCA 2-position and
floating control actuators mounted on the same
side of the damper shaft.

OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator Technical Instructions
Document No. 155-173P25
May 19, 2014
Siemens Industry, Inc. Page 7
Accessories,
Continued
Figure 7. Tandem Mount
Bracket.
ASK73.2U: Bracket provides an extended anti-
rotation pin allowing two OpenAir modulating
actuators to directly drive a single damper shaft.
Tandem mounting bracket for two GCA16x
(standard to 10 Vdc modulating control) Series
Actuators mounted on the same side of the
damper shaft.
NOTE:For applications requiring single
damper shaft operation by up to four
GCA modulating control signal
actuators mounted on each side of
the damper shaft, use the GCA15x
Series Actuator with Master/Slave
mode operation selected.
Figure 8. Special Shaft Adapter.
ASK74.1U: Shaft adapter will attach to a
1.05-inch (26.6 mm) diameter shaft; the
standard self-centering adapter will accept up
to a one-inch (25.4 mm) diameter shaft.
•Adapter can be used for coupling to
slightly oversized one-inch (25.4 mm)
jackshafts.
•Shaft adapter is 13/16-inches (20 mm)
shorter than the height of the self-
centering shaft adapter.
Figure 9. NEMA 3R Weather
Shield.
ASK75.1U: GCA Actuators are UL listed to
meet NEMA 3R requirements (a degree of
protection against rain, sleet, snow and
damage from external ice formation) when
installed with ASK75.1U Weather Shield and
outdoor-rated conduit fittings in the vertical
position.
For dimensions, see Figure 29.
Figure 10. NEMA Type 4X
Weather Shield.
ASK75.7U: GCA Actuators are UL listed to
meet NEMA Type 4X requirements (a degree
of protection against falling dirt, rain, sleet,
snow, windblown dust, splashing water, hose-
directed water, corrosion, and damage from
external ice formation) when installed with an
ASK75.7U Weather Shield and outdoor-rated
conduit fittings. This weather shield may be
mounted in any orientation.
For dimensions, see Figure 30.

Technical Instructions OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator
Document No. 155-173P25
May 19, 2014
Page 8 Siemens Industry, Inc.
Figure 11. Heater/Weather
Shield Assembly.
985-106: Provides protection for GIB, GBB
and GCA OpenAir actuators down to
temperatures of -58°F
(-50°C). Assembly includes:
•Weather Shield
•Heater Kit
Figure 12.
499 Ohm Resistor Assembly Kit.
985-124: Used for converting a 4 to 20 mA
controller output signal into a 2 to 10 Vdc
actuator signal.
Service Parts
985-003
Position Indicators
(10/pkg.)
985-004
Standard Shaft Adapter. 985-006 Anti-rotation (Mounting)
Bracket.
985-008
Conduit Adapter,
1/2-inch (12 mm)
for 1/2-inch NPT
Connector.
Figure 13. Orderable Service Parts.
Operation
GCA12x and GCA22x: 2-Position Control
When power is applied, the actuator coupling moves toward the open position 90°.
GCA13x: Floating Control
A floating control signal controls the damper actuator. The actuator's angle of
rotation is proportional to the length of time the signal is applied. A 24 Vac/dc control
signal to Y1 causes the actuator coupling to rotate clockwise. A 24 Vac/dc control
signal to Y2 causes the actuator coupling to rotate counterclockwise.
With no control voltage, the damper actuator holds its position.
GCA16x and GCA15x: Modulating Control
A continuous 0 to 10 Vdc or 2 to 10 Vdc signal from a controller to wire Y operates
the damper actuator. The angle of rotation is proportional (or inverse proportional) to
the control signal. A 0 to 10 Vdc, or 2 to 10 Vdc position feedback output signal is
available between wires U and G0 (system neutral) to monitor the position of the
damper actuator.

OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator Technical Instructions
Document No. 155-173P25
May 19, 2014
Siemens Industry, Inc. Page 9
In the event of a power failure or when the operating voltage is shut off, all actuator
models will return to the 0 position.
In the event of a blockage in a damper, actuators are overload protected over the
full range to prevent damage to the actuators.
Life expectancy An improperly tuned loop will cause excessive repositioning that will shorten the life
of the actuator.
Control Signal
Adjustment GCA 163 and GCA164
The offset (start point) and span of the control signal can be adjusted. The offset,
Uo, can be adjusted between 0 to 5 Vdc. The span, ∆U, can be adjusted between
2 to 30 Vdc.
Ys Mechanical positioning range
(100% = angle of rotation 90°)
Yu Control signal
Uo Offset (start point)
∆U Span
Uo = 0V, ∆U = 2V
The minimum working range for Ys = 100%
1. Uo = 5V, ∆U = 30V The maximum
working range for Ys = 100%
2. Uo = 0V, ∆U ≈10V Factory setting
Setting for
10V span
0V offset
Figure 14. The Minimum and Maximum Control Signal Adjustment.
Example:
Open the actuator from 0% to 50% (45°) using a control signal of
Umin = 2V to Umax = 10V.
Calculating the value of
∆
U:
V16
50 2)
(10x100
%inrotation
ofangleWorking min)
Umax(U%]
[
100
U=
−
=
−
=
∆

Technical Instructions OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator
Document No. 155-173P25
May 19, 2014
Page 10 Siemens Industry, Inc.
Settings Uo = 2Y; ∆U = 16V
Umin = minimum control signal
Umax = maximum control signal
Figure 15. Example.
Dual Auxiliary Switch GCAxx4, GCAxx6
Actuator rotary range with the shaft
adapter mounted at position "0".
Setting range for switches A and B
Setting interval: 5°
Switching hysteresis: 2°
To change the settings of A and B:
1. Make sure the actuator is in the "0", fail-
safe position. The scale is valid only in
the "0" position.
2. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to turn the
switch adjustment dials to the desired
setting at which a signal is to be given.
Factory setting:
Switch A 5°
Switch B 85°
Figure 16. Dual Auxiliary Switch
Dials.
NOTE: For GCA15x actuators with signal inversion switch set to Inverse Acting,
90° corresponds to either a 0 to 10 Vdc or a 2 to 10 Vdc. Vdc input signal
depends on the input signal selection.

OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator Technical Instructions
Document No. 155-173P25
May 19, 2014
Siemens Industry, Inc. Page 11
Sizing The type of actuator required depends on several factors.
1. Obtain damper torque ratings (ft-lb/ft2or Nm/m2) from the damper
manufacturer.
2. Determine the area of the damper.
3. Calculate the total torque required to move the damper:
Total Torque =
SF AreaDamperRatingTorque 1
×
1 Safety Factor: When calculating the total torque required, a safety factor
should be included for unaccountable variables such as slight misalignments,
aging of the damper, etc. A suggested safety factor is 0.80.
4. Select the actuator type using Table 2.
NOTE:Mechanically coupled actuators must all be of the exact same type
except for the dual auxiliary switches and feedback potentiometer
options. Make sure to use the correct tandem-mounting bracket. See
Table 2.
Table 2.
Sizing
Total Torque Actuator
<62 lb-in (7 Nm) GMA
>62 lb-in <160 lb-in
(>7 Nm <18 Nm) GCA
>160 lb-in <320 lb-in
(>18 Nm <36 Nm) ASK73.2U*: Tandem mounting bracket with any
combination of two GCA16x (standard 0 to 10 Vdc
modulating control) actuators mounted on the same
side of the damper shaft.
ASK73.1*: Tandem mounting bracket for two GCA 2-
position and floating control actuators that are mounted
on the same side of the damper shaft.
NOTE: For applications requiring single damper
shaft operation by up to four GCA
modulating control signal actuators
mounted on each side of the damper shaft,
use the GCA15x Series Actuator with
Master/Slave mode operation selected. See
Figure 22 for master/slave DIP switch
settings, and Figure 27 for wiring of this
configuration.
*Tandem application tested for up to four actuators. Each bracket mounts two actuators.

Technical Instructions OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator
Document No. 155-173P25
May 19, 2014
Page 12 Siemens Industry, Inc.
Mounting and Installation
Figure 17.
Acceptable NEMA 2, IP54 per EN 60 529
Mounting Positions.
Figure 18.
Only Acceptable Mounting Position for NEMA Type 3R
Rating Using ASK75.1U Weather Shield.
The GCA actuator is UL listed to meet NEMA Type 3R requirements
(a degree of protection against rain, sleet, and damage from external
ice formation) when installed with the Weather Shield (product
number ASK75.1U) and outdoor-rated conduit fittings. Actuator must
be in the vertical position.
•The shaft adapter and the position indicator can be mounted on either side of the actuator. The actuator
mounting orientation and shaft length determine how they will be mounted on the actuator.
•The minimum damper drive shaft length is 3/4-inch (20 mm).
•See Specifications for the minimum and maximum damper shaft dimensions.
•The actuator is shipped from the factory with a 5° preload enabling tight close off of the damper in
power-fail-close applications.
•A mounting bracket is included with the actuator.
•The shaft adapter and mounting parts are shipped in a separate container with the actuator.
•See the detailed mounting instructions included with each actuator.

OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator Technical Instructions
Document No. 155-173P25
May 19, 2014
Siemens Industry, Inc. Page 13
Flip the actuator to select either clockwise or counterclockwise fail-safe rotation of the damper
shaft. Follow steps 1, 2, and 3 of Table 3 to determine the correct actuator mounting orientation.
Table 3. Actuator Mounting Orientation and Damper Control.

Technical Instructions OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator
Document No. 155-173P25
May 19, 2014
Page 14 Siemens Industry, Inc.
Manual override
Rotating Locking in place Releasing
when power is absent
Figure 19. Manual Override.
Always turn the key in the direction of the arrow.
CAUTION:
When engaging the gear train lock pin, be careful to turn only about five
degrees until you hear a click or meet slight resistance. Turning too far will
strip the lock pin.
To release manual override, either restore power and send a control signal; or when
power is absent, insert the 3 mm hex key in the override opening, turn the key in the
direction of the arrow and remove the key.
Mechanical
Range
Adjustment
The angular rotation is adjustable between 0 and 90° at five-degree intervals. To limit
the range of shaft movement, remove the locking clip and self-adjusting shaft adapter.
Rotate the damper blade shaft to its failed position. Rotate the shaft coupling to the
desired position. Insert the shaft adapter into the actuator and fasten it with the locking
clip. See Figure 20.
Figure 20. Mechanical Range Adjustment.

OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator Technical Instructions
Document No. 155-173P25
May 19, 2014
Siemens Industry, Inc. Page 15
Wiring All wiring must conform to NEC and local codes and regulations.
Use earth ground isolating step-down Class 2 transformers. Do not use
autotransformers.
The maximum rating for a Class 2 step-down transformer is 100 VA. Determine
the supply transformer rating by summing the VA ratings of all actuators and
other components used. It is recommended that one transformer does not
power more than nine actuators (or 80% of its VA).
WARNING:
Mixed switch operation is not permitted to the switching outputs of
both auxiliary switches (A and B).
Either AC line voltage from the same phase must be applied to all
six outputs of the dual auxiliary switches, or UL-Class 2 voltage
must be applied to all six outputs.
NOTE: With plenum cables, only UL-Class 2 voltage is
permitted.
Implementation
of DIP Switch
Features
(GCA15x Only)
Counterclockwise
Self-adapt feature
2 to 10 Vdc
Tandem Mount
Master
Clockwise
Self-Adapt Off
0 to 10 Vdc
Single Mount
Slave
Figure 21. GCA15x Series.
Self-Adapt Feature The factory setting is 0 (OFF).
When mechanical angle of rotation is limited, the self-adapt switch may be turned
ON so that the limited range will become the new 0 to 100% for the actuator
logic. In this case, 0 to 100% is not equal to 90°
CAUTION:
When turning the self-adaptive feature on or after a software reset
with the feature on, the actuator will enter a three-minute calibration
cycle as the actuator adjusts to the rotation limits of the system. A
software reset happens after power on or may be caused by
electrostatic discharge (ESD) at levels of 2kV and above.
The position output signal U is not influenced by the self-adapt function. The 0 to
10V feedback signal U is always proportional to 0° to 90° (or 90° to 0°).

Technical Instructions OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator
Document No. 155-173P25
May 19, 2014
Page 16 Siemens Industry, Inc.
GCA15x.1x
(0 to 10 Vdc or
2 to 10 Vdc)
for Tandem
Application
(Master/Slave)
Figure 22. Tandem Application DIP Switch Settings.
•After setting the 4th DIP switch for TM (tandem mount) on all actuators
used in the tandem application, one actuator must be identified as the
Master by selecting the "M" on the 5th DIP switch.
•The rest of the actuators used in the application must have the "S"
(slave) set on the 5th DIP switch.
•Connect all the 2 (black) Neutral wires and connect them to the power
supply.
•Connect all the 1 (red) Supply wires together and connect them to the
power supply.
•The Output Signal 9 (pink) wire, identified as the Master actuator, needs
to be connected to all the Control Signal Wires 8 (gray) of the slave
actuators used in the tandem application.

OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator Technical Instructions
Document No. 155-173P25
May 19, 2014
Siemens Industry, Inc. Page 17
Wire Designations
Each wire has the standard symbol printed on it. See Table 4.
Figure 23. GCA15x, GCA16x, Modulating Control.
Figure 24. GCA12x, 2-Position Control.
Figure 25. GCA13x, Floating Control.
Figure 26. GCA22x, 2-Position Control.
Figure 27. GCA15x.1x for Tandem Application (Master/Slave).

Technical Instructions OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator
Document No. 155-173P25
May 19, 2014
Page 18 Siemens Industry, Inc.
Table 4. Wire Designations.
Standard
Symbol
Function
Terminal
Designations
Color
Standard
Plenum
1
Supply (SP)
G
Red
Red
2
Neutral (SN)
G0
Black
Black
3
Line (120 Vac)
L
Black
Black
4
Neutral (120 Vac)
N
White
White
6
Control Signal clockwise (GCA13x)
Y1
Violet
Violet
7
Control Signal counterclockwise (GCA13x)
Y2
Orange
Orange
8
Input signal: 0 to 10 Vdc (GCA16x) or 2 to 10 Vdc (GCA15x)
Y
Gray
Gray
9
Position output: 0 to 10 Vdc (GCA15x & GCA16x)
U
Pink
Pink
S1
Switch A Common
Q11
Gray/red
Gray/red
S2
Switch A NC
Q12
Gray/blue
Gray/blue
S3
Switch A NO
Q14
Gray/pink
Gray/pink
S4
Switch B Common
Q21
Black/red
Black/red
S5
Switch B NC
Q22
Black/blue
Black/blue
S6
Switch B NO
Q24
Black/pink
Black/pink
P1
Feedback Potentiometer 0 to 100% P1 – P2
A
White/red
Black
P2
Feedback Potentiometer – Common
B
White/blue
Black
P3
Feedback Potentiometer 100 to 0% P3 – P2
C
White/pink
Black
Start-Up/
Commissioning
GCA12x
(24 Vac/dc)
GCA22x (120 Vac)
1. Check Operation:
a. Switch on Vac/dc power.
b. Allow the actuator shaft coupling to rotate from 0 to 90°.
c. Switch off Vac/dc power.
The actuator shaft coupling will return to the "0" position.
2. Check Spring Return:
a. Switch on Vac power.
b. Allow the actuator shaft coupling to rotate halfway.
c. Switch off Vac power.
The spring returns the actuator shaft coupling to the fail "0" position.
3. Check the Auxiliary Switch A:
a. Set the DMM dial to ohms (resistance) or continuity check.
b. Connect wires S1 and S3 to the DMM.
The DMM should indicate an open circuit or no resistance.
c. Switch on Vac power.
The DMM should indicate contact closure as the actuator shaft coupling
reaches the setting of switch A.
d. Connect wires S1 and S2 to the DMM.
The DMM should indicate open circuit or no resistance.
e. Switch off Vac power.
The DMM should indicate contact closure as the actuator shaft coupling
reaches the setting of switch A.

OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electric Damper Actuators Technical Instructions
Document Number 155-173P25
May 19, 2014
Siemens Industry, Inc. Page 19
Start-Up/
Commissioning
GCA12x
(24 Vac/dc)
GCA22x (120 Vac)
(Continued)
4. Check the Auxiliary Switch B:
a. Set the DMM dial to ohms (resistance) or continuity check.
b. Connect wires S4 and S6 to the DMM.
The DMM should indicate open circuit or no resistance.
c. Switch on Vac power.
The DMM should indicate contact closure as the actuator shaft coupling
reaches the setting of switch B.
d. Connect wires S4 and S5 to the DMM.
The DMM should indicate open circuit or no resistance.
e. Switch off Vac power.
The DMM should indicate contact closure as the actuator shaft coupling
reaches the setting of switch B.
GCA13x
1. Check Operation:
a. Connect wires 1 (red) and 2 (black) to 24 Vdc power supply.
b. Apply a control signal (24 Vac/dc) to wire 6 (violet).
c. Allow the actuator shaft coupling to rotate from 0 to 90°.
d. Stop applying a control signal to wire 6 (violet).
e. Apply a control signal (24 Vac/dc) to wire 7 (orange).
f. Allow the actuator shaft coupling to rotate from 90 to 0°.
2. Check Spring Return:
a. Apply a control signal (24 Vac/dc) to wire 6 (violet).
b. Allow the actuator shaft coupling to rotate half way.
c. Disconnect wire 1 (red).
d. The spring returns the actuator shaft coupling to the fail "0" position.
e. Connect wire 1 (red). The actuator shaft coupling begins to move.
3. Check Feedback:
a. Set the digital multimeter (DMM) dial to ohms.
b. Connect wires P1 and P2 to the DMM. The DMM should indicate a resistive value.
c. Apply a control signal (24 Vac/dc) to wire 6 (violet).
The reading of the DMM should increase.
d. Stop applying a control signal to wire 6 (violet).
e. Connect wires P2 and P3 to the DMM. The DMM should indicate a resistive value.
f. Apply a control signal (24 Vac/dc) to wire 7 (orange).
The reading of the DMM should increase.
4. Check the Auxiliary Switch A:
a. Set the DMM dial to ohms (resistance) or continuity check.
b. Connect wires S1 and S3 to DMM. The DMM should indicate an open circuit or no
resistance.
c. Apply a control signal (24 Vac/dc) to wire 6 (violet).
The DMM should indicate contact closure as the actuator shaft coupling reaches the
setting of switch A.
d. Stop applying a control signal to wire 6 (violet).
e. Connect wires S1 and S2 to the DMM. The DMM should indicate an open circuit or no
resistance.
f. Apply a control signal (24 Vac/dc) to wire 7 (orange).
The DMM should indicate contact closure as the actuator actuator-shaft coupling reaches
the setting of switch A.

Technical Instructions OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator
Document No. 155-173P25
May 19, 2014
Page 20 Siemens Industry, Inc.
Start-Up/
Commissioning
GCA13x
(Continued)
5. Check the Auxiliary Switch B:
a. Set the DMM dial to ohms (resistance) or continuity check.
b. Connect wires S4 and S6 to the DMM. The DMM should indicate an open circuit or no
resistance.
c. Apply a control signal (24 Vac/dc) to wire 6 (violet).
The DMM should indicate contact closure as the actuator actuator-shaft coupling reaches
the setting of switch B.
d. Stop applying a control signal to wire 6 (violet).
e. Connect wires S4 and S5 to the DMM. The DMM should indicate an open circuit or no
resistance.
f. Apply a control signal (24 Vac/dc) to wire 7 (orange).
The DMM should indicate contact closure as the actuator actuator-shaft coupling reaches
the setting of switch B.
GCA15x
GCA16x 1. Check Operation:
a. Connect wires 1 (red) and 2 (black) to the 24 Vac
or 24 Vdc power supply.
NOTE: With no input signal present, the GCA15x actuator with signal
inversion switch set to Inverse Acting will start driving towards 90°.
b. Use a Digital Multimeter (DDM) and set the dial to Vdc for the actuator input signal.
c. Connect wires 2 (black) and 8 (gray) to the DMM.
d. Apply to input signal wire 8 (gray):
Y = 10 Vdc or Y = Uo + ∆U (GCA16x)
Y = 10 Vdc (GCA15x in direct-acting mode)
Y = 2 Vdc (GCA15x in inverse-acting mode)
e. Allow the actuator shaft coupling to rotate from 0 to 90.
f. Apply to input signal wire 8 (gray):
Y = 0 Vdc or Y = Uo (GCA16x)
Y = 2 Vdc (GCA15x in direct acting mode)
Y = 10 Vdc (GCA15x in inverse acting mode)
The shaft coupling returns to the "0" position.
2. Check Spring Return:
a. Set the DMM dial to Vdc.
b. Connect wires 2 (black) and 8 (gray) to the DMM.
c. Apply to input signal wire 8 (gray):
Y = 5 Vdc or Y =Uo + 1/2 ∆U (GCA16x)
Y = 6 Vdc (GCA15x)
d. Allow the actuator shaft coupling to rotate halfway.
e. Disconnect wire 1 (red).
The spring returns the actuator shaft coupling to the fail "0" position.
f. Connect wire 1 (red) and the actuator moves.
3. Check Feedback:
a. Set the DMM dial to Vdc.
b. Attach wires 2 (black) and 9 (pink) to the DMM.
c. Apply the input signal as in Step 1d, to wire 8 (gray).
The reading at the DMM should increase (decrease for GCA15x in inverse acting mode).
d. Apply the input signal as in Step 1f, to wire 8 (gray).
The reading at the DMM should decrease (increase for GCA15x in inverse acting mode) and
the actuator shaft coupling returns to the fail "0" position.