Don't worry, we don't run over everything that comes between our fingers.

However, we do attach importance to providing correct technical data for our products. This is precisely why we also test a product ourselves when in doubt. This can be electrical operating parameters, such as for control systems (for example, the output voltage of a SHEV control panel under load) or the durability and wear resistance of drives.

For the second case, we have a specially designed drive test device that loads drives with a specific weight and cyclically moves the spindle or chain in and out. Of course, we take into account the manufacturer's specifications regarding voltage, maximum force or duty cycle.

• At 230V, for example, we operate the drives at 207V (lower limit) or 253V (upper limit).
• The maximum force (lifting force) is always specified. 250N means here on earth approx. 25kg (250N : 9,81). Commonly, one divides the specified force by ten and thus has approximately the weight that the drive can lift. Our motor tester lifts weights here - just like in the gym.
• It is very important to consider the duty cycle (ED in %). 30% means, for example, that the drive may only be operated under nominal load for 3 minutes within 10 minutes. It needs the remaining 7 minutes to cool down. Of course, the running time for one opening must also be taken into account. So if the drive opens or closes completely within 1.5 minutes, it may perform exactly one complete opening and closing process within 10 minutes.

SHEV-compatible drives are tested by all renowned manufacturers with 10000 ventilation cycles. Our actuator test device is therefore set to cycle the actuator with weight load, taking into account the voltage, duty cycle and lifting force. We have, of course, installed a counter that shows us how many strokes it has already completed.

Currently, we have a VEGA chain drive (not a drive suitable for smoke and heat ventilation, only for ventilation purposes) in continuous testing for weeks. At present, it has completed approx. 26000 ventilation strokes (albeit with somewhat reduced lifting force). It still works perfectly. We'll see how long it keeps it up and update this blog here after its demise. So far, it's quite an accomplishment. If we assume that a window is opened and closed twice a day, 365 times a year, the drive would last a good 35 years.

Here in the video we show our drive test unit in action:

Update from July 30, 2019

In the meantime, the counter shows over 50000 stroke cycles. The actuator is still working perfectly.

Update from October 28, 2019

R.I.P. - After a little over 90000 cycles, the actuator now does nothing and seems to be defective. We will disassemble it when we get a chance and post some photos of the inner workings here.