Motorized louvered roofs offer a convenient and efficient way of making accurate adjustments, positions, and tilt angles for outdoor pergolas spaces. Linear actuators are commonly used as the drive mechanism for the motion that adjusts the louvers according to a user’s preference for airflow, sunlight, and rain cover. While the aesthetic enhancements and functional benefits are something many enjoy, the actuators will eventually require replacements due to wear and tear over time. In this article, we will cover how Fred Novakov upgraded his motorized louvered roof pergola with our PA-10 as replacement waterproof linear actuators.
Step 1: Uninstalling the Failed Actuator
Fred initially used the default electric linear actuators that came with the original louvered pergola system; however, one of the installed units eventually failed over time and required a replacement. Fred had to climb up on the roof and uninstall the failed actuator by dismounting the front and rear mounting holes and removing their mounting pins. He also disconnected the wiring between the actuator and the pre-existing control box to electrically separate the unit from the rest of the system.
Step 2: Identifying the Specification Requirements
The company that manufactured the original actuators would not provide Fred replacements because the actuators were manufactured for use only on their branded roofs and had to be purchased through them. Unfortunately, this brand had been purchased by another company and that company used a different actuator that was not compatible with the original system. Doing a few measurements and inspecting the labeled stickers on his original actuator confirmed:
· 12 VDC operation, 4.5 Amps current draw
· 2000 N (450 lbs) push/pull force
· Stroke: 136 mm (5.35")
· 10% duty cycle
· IP67 ingress protection (outdoor capable)
· Closed length: 10.75" hole to hole
· Mounting holes: 3/8" (0.375") diameter
After calling the local company that represents them, they quoted Fred thousands of dollars for the actuators and essentially guaranteed him that the actuators would burn up his original control box. The replacement control box and remote would also be thousands of dollars on top of the actuators.
Step 3: Browsing for an Upgrade Replacement Actuator
Being quoted an exorbitant amount for a single replacement actuator from the local company motivated Fred to do his own research and see if he could find a solution that would meet his needs from a different company. Fred stumbled across Progressive Automations via a Google search for linear actuators. He reached out to us and shared his application requirements to pinpoint which models from our range of electric linear actuators will be the most suitable. Fred found our technical sales team very helpful in making sure what he ordered would do the job and ensuring the recommended actuators delivered exactly what he was looking for:
· little to no modification of mounting hardware
· compatibility with the existing control box and remote
· plug and play style wiring
· similar or better overall specifications
· resistance to rain, sun, snow, and ice
Step 4: Verifying the Suitability of The Chosen Actuator
Our team recommended the PA-10 actuator as this was our most similar model to the previous actuators Fred was using. We also assisted in providing the information requested by Fred including the customization options available for the PA-10, standard specifications, and estimated lead times. Below are the general specifications and stroke ranges for our standard model PA-10:
· Ingress Protection: IP68M / IP69K (Waterproof)
· 12 VDC operation, 6 A current draw
· 20% duty cycle
· Force options: 450 lbs (Dynamic and static)
· Stroke options: 2" to 36"
· Full load speed: 0.16"/sec
· Mounting holes: 0.32" diameter
Besides a faster speed at 0.16"/sec fully loaded while offering the same force rating of 450 lbs, our PA-10 model also has a higher ingress protection rating for better dust and waterproof protection in outdoor environments. IP68M / IP69K represents being dust-tight, rated for submersion and operation in water up to a depth of 3 meters for indefinite periods of time, and resistant to high pressure/temperature water jets. The higher 20% duty cycle was also another bonus from the 10% rating of the original actuators. Stroke length options listed for selection on our website are for off-the-shelf units available for shipping right away, however, custom orders such as for 136 mm stroke can be processed by contacting our team.
Step 5: Wiring Safety Limit Switches and Controls
For wiring the electric actuators the basic 2-wire operation for their brushed DC motors and 12 VDC compatibility made the integration process very simple. The PA-10 waterproof linear actuator comes with a 60" wire harness with a 2-pin Molex Mini-Fit Jr connector connected to two wires, Motor + (Blue) and Motor - (Brown) which operate the same way as the original actuators:
- If 12 VDC is provided to Motor + and common to Motor -, the actuator will extend.
- If 12 VDC is provided to Motor - and common to Motor +, the actuator will retract.
The original wireless transmitter allows one-touch open, stop, and close for up to 6 actuators connected to the control box. Fred will only need 3 actuators connected so the transmitter enables the selection of one or all 3 actuators to operate. Since the control box can handle 10 A of current draw, our PA-10 which draws a maximum of 6 A fully loaded was safely within the range of the control box requirements. Each PA-10 outdoor linear actuator comes with two internal limit switches set at its endpoints that are not adjustable, so the standard 6" stroke was slightly too long. Our AC-24 external limit switches were then used to limit the length of the travel, however, we recommend this external limit switch to be used for indoor applications only.
Step 6: Gradually Upgrading the Entire System
The purpose of only upgrading the one actuator that failed was to check and ensure the PA-10 was truly the right unit. While the first PA-10 with the 6" stroke continues to work great, using an AC-24 external limit switch took a lot of fabrication. After about a year, the external limit switch failed due to exposure to the outdoor elements. Fred decided that customized solutions were better as they would have fewer failure points and just required a few minor mounting modifications to make the actuators plug-and-play.
After proving itself for over a year of service as a reliable actuator replacement, Fred decided to upgrade the last two original actuators with PA-10 custom orders for 136 mm stroke. Fred had to slightly relocate the mounting bracket because the custom actuators were 0.5" shorter than he expected, however, he found this an easy adjustment and completed installation on the same day the actuators arrived.
Step 7: Using the Upgraded Louvered Roof with PA-10
The upgraded system using our PA-10 waterproof linear actuators now works quieter and faster than the originals. Fred currently has the 6" stroke version as a backup but plans to order another custom PA-10 in a couple of months so that the operation is synchronized across all sections. Aside from the very minor modification to the actuator mounting points, they were wired into the system and have been working perfectly. Thanks to their added salt, dust, and water protection, we also look forward to seeing Fred enjoy his motorized louvered roof pergola for many more years to come!
“I had ordered one of these actuators and installed it with a limit switch. It did the job, but was not the perfect solution for my situation. I worked with Progressive Automations to customize this actuator to provide the exact stroke I needed. I ordered two and installed them. They work GREAT! I took a video when I completed the install. They work quieter and faster than the originals. Which I plan on replacing, so they all open and close together. Couldn't be happier with the support and product.” – Fred Novakov
IN SUMMARY
Our PA-10 Waterproof Linear Actuator offers versatile specifications and high environmental protection ratings suitable for many outdoor applications including the adjustments of louvered pergola systems.
Thank you to Fred Novakov for sharing your success story with us!
We hope you found this as informative and interesting as we did, especially if you were looking to upgrade your replacement actuators for motorized louvered roof pergolas. If you have any queries or wish to discuss our products further, please do not hesitate to contact us! We are experts in what we do and will be happy to assist however we can.
sales@progressiveautomations.com | 1-800-676-6123