Siemens OpenAir GCA Series Owner's manual

OpenAir™
Technical Instructions
Document No. 155-173P25
EA GCA-1
March 17, 2006
GCA Series Spring Return 142 lb-in
Electronic Damper Actuators
Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.
Description
The OpenAir 24 Vac/dc spring return 142 lb-in 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
•142 lb-in (16 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
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 142 lb-in (16 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 142 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator
Document No. 155-173P25
March 17, 2006
Page 2 Siemens Building Technologies, 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 3-position 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 ●●●●●
GCA132.1P ●●●●●
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 follow a
procedure as specified.

OpenAir GCA Series Spring Return 142 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator Technical Instructions
Document No. 155-173P25
March 17, 2006
Siemens Building Technologies, 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 UL listed to UL60730
(to replace UL873)
cUL certified to Canadian Standard
C22.2 No. 24-93
Power
Supply GCA16x GCA15x GCA13x GCA12x GCA22x
Operating
Voltage
(G-G0)
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 9 VA/7W 9 VA/7W 8 VA/6W 8 VA/6W 9 VA
holding 5 VA/7W 5 VA/4W 5 VA/4W 3 VA/3W 9 VA
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)
3-Position 2-Position 2-Position
Control
Signal
input
resistance
>100K ohms >100K ohms — — —
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
— —
Feedback
Signal
maximum
output current
±1 mA +1 mA, -.5 mA — — —
Function Running/spring return torque
Operating with 24 Vac 142 lb-in (16 Nm)
Maximum torque <360 lb-in (40 Nm)
Runtime for 90°
operating with motor 90 seconds
closing (on power loss) with spring return 15 seconds typical
Equipment rating Class 2, in accordance with UL/CSA
Mounting Nominal angle of rotation 90°
Maximum angular rotation 95°
Shaft size 3/8-inch to 1-inch (8 mm to 25.6 mm) dia.
1/4-inch to 5/8-inch (6 to 18 mm) square
Minimum shaft length 3/4-inch (20 mm)

Technical Instructions OpenAir GCA Series Spring Return 142 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator
Document No. 155-173P25
March 17, 2006
Page 4 Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.
Specifications,
continued
Auxiliary features
Control signal adjustment
Offset (start point) Between 0 Vdc to 5 Vdc
Factory setting 0 Vdc
Span Between 2 Vdc to 30 Vdc
Dual auxiliary switches
AC rating (Standard cable) 24 Vac to 250 Vac
AC 6A resistive
AC 2A FLA, 12LRA
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.

OpenAir GCA Series Spring Return 142 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator Technical Instructions
Document No. 155-173P25
March 17, 2006
Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. Page 5
Specifications,
continued
Housing
Enclosure NEMA 2 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
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 29.
Weight 4.85 lb (2.2 kg)
Actuator
Components
EA0377R1
11
12
EA1106R2
90
A
B
Offset, Uo
2
4
01
3
5
Span, DU
30
2
15
10
5
20
25
Gear Train
Lockpin
10
9
8
7
6
14
5
4
1
13
3
2
Manual
Override
2-10
TM
M
0-10 SM 0 S
Figure 1. Modulating GCA Actuator.
NOTE: Not all features are on all models.
See Table 1 for 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 142 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator
Document No. 155-173P25
March 17, 2006
Page 6 Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.
Accessories NOTE: The control signal adjustment cannot be added in the field. Order the product number that
includes the option(s).
EA0477R2
(4 each)
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.
EA0476R2
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.
EA0495R1
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.
EA0494R1
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.
EA0496R1
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.
EA0740R1
Figure 7. Tandem Mount Bracket.
ASK73.2U: Bracket provides an extended anti-rotation
pin allowing two OpenAir modulating actuator to directly
drive a single damper shaft. (For GCA16x Series only.)

OpenAir GCA Series Spring Return 142 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator Technical Instructions
Document No. 155-173P25
March 17, 2006
Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. Page 7
Accessories,
Continued
EA0497R1
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.
EA0845R1
(14)
Figure 9. Weather Shield.
ASK75.1U: GCA actuators are UL listed to meet
NEMA 3R requirements (a degree of protection
against rain, sleet, 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 28.
Heating
Element
Thermostat
EA0992R1
Figure 10. 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
EA1089R1
Figure 11.
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
EA0499R1
EA0498R1
EA0500R1
EA1059R1
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 12. Orderable Service Parts.

Technical Instructions OpenAir GCA Series Spring Return 142 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator
Document No. 155-173P25
March 17, 2006
Page 8 Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.
Operation
GCA12x and GCA22x: 2-Position Control
When power is applied, the actuator coupling moves toward the open position 90°.
GCA13x: 3-Position 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.
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.
Implementation of
DIP Switch Features
(GCA15x Only)
Counter Clockwise
Self-adapt feature
2 to 10 Vdc
Tandem Mount
Master
Clockwise
Self-Adapt Off
0 to 10 Vdc
Single Mount
Slave
Figure 13. GCA15x Series.

OpenAir GCA Series Spring Return 142 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator Technical Instructions
Document No. 155-173P25
March 17, 2006
Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. Page 9
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, ΔU, can be adjusted between
2 to 30 Vdc.
100
0
U
O
ΔU (max. 30 V) Y
U
(v)
Y
S
(%)
EA0411R1
2 5 10 35
2)1) 3)
Ys Mechanical positioning range
(100% = angle of rotation 90°)
Yu Control signal
Uo Offset (start point)
ΔU Span
Uo = 0V, ΔU = 2V The minimum working
range for Ys = 100%
1. Uo = 5V, ΔU = 30V The maximum working
range for Ys = 100%
2. Uo = 0V, ΔU ≈10V Factory setting
Offset, Uo
2
4
01
3
5
Span, U
30
2
15
10
5
20
25
Control
Signals
Uo U
EA0287R1
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 ΔU:
V16
50
2)(10x100
%inrotationofangleWorking
min)Umax(U%][100
U=
−
=
−
=Δ
Settings Uo = 2Y; ΔU = 16V
Umin = minimum control signal
Umax = maximum control signal
100
0
ΔU (16 V)
Y
U
(v)
Y
S
(%)
21810
Umin Umax
50
Uo
EA0412R1
Figure 15. Example.

Technical Instructions OpenAir GCA Series Spring Return 142 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator
Document No. 155-173P25
March 17, 2006
Page 10 Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.
Dual Auxiliary Switch GCAxx4, GCAxx6
AB
-5°0°10°20°30°70°80°90°
0°10°20°30°70°80°90°
EA0413R2
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°
80
70
60
50
B90
AUX
SWITCH
ADJ 20
30
40
10
20
40
A
70
EA0277R3
Manual
Override
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.
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.