Siemens OpenAir GCA Series Owner's manual

Technical Instructions
OpenAir™
Document No. 155-173P25
EA GCA-1
January 26, 2011
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
January 26, 2011
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 ●●●●●
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.
Page 2 Siemens Industry, Inc.

OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator Technical Instructions
Document No. 155-173P25
January 26, 2011
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
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
Power
Supply
holding 5 VA/3W 5 VA/3W 5 VA/3W 5 VA/3W 6 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)
Floating 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 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
Siemens Industry, Inc. Page 3

Technical Instructions OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator
Document No. 155-173P25
January 26, 2011
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) dia.
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) 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, 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
Page 4 Siemens Industry, Inc.

OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator Technical Instructions
Document No. 155-173P25
January 26, 2011
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)
Country of Origin USA
Actuator
Components
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
Siemens Industry, Inc. Page 5

Technical Instructions OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator
Document No. 155-173P25
January 26, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Page 6 Siemens Industry, Inc.

OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator Technical Instructions
Document No. 155-173P25
January 26, 2011
Accessories,
Continued
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.)
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.
Siemens Industry, Inc. Page 7

Technical Instructions OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator
Document No. 155-173P25
January 26, 2011
Service Parts
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.
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.
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.
Page 8 Siemens Industry, Inc.

OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator Technical Instructions
Document No. 155-173P25
January 26, 2011
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 13. GCA15x Series.
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.
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
Siemens Industry, Inc. Page 9

Technical Instructions OpenAir™ GCA Series Spring Return 160 lb-in Electronic Damper Actuator
Document No. 155-173P25
January 26, 2011
Settings Uo = 2Y; ΔU = 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°
80
70
60
50
B
90
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.
Page 10 Siemens Industry, Inc.