RACO Actuators are designed and built to last many years, even in the harshest of environments.

As with most electro-mechanical drive assemblies today, upfront attention to sizing, the application, ambient environment conditions, proper installation, and following simple maintenance procedures, makes it possible to get 15-20 years of reliable service out of a RACO unit. This upfront attention, coupled with RACO’s solid reputation for building extremely robust and durable equipment, makes for a product system that will last.

Electric actuators used in industry are expected to perform the “hard work” in a plant or facility, run flawlessly sometimes 24 hours per day, and not show any abnormal wear or tear. This is a high expectation of any machine, but our actuators do meet these expectations, especially whenever RACO engineers work closely with the customer to build the best actuator for the application.

Attention to detail in the design stage of the application

The electric actuator is a great choice over hydraulic and pneumatic units because of a simpler means of producing thrust, many times, with fewer components. RACO electric cylinders are robust units and often times get installed in the worst of environments, indoors or outdoors. Dirty, wet, extreme heat and cold, dusty and even corrosive areas seem to be where most electric actuators get installed. If extended downtime is not an option for your installation, or having a complete spare actuator unit available is not practical, then building in upfront safeguards is paramount.

Further consideration when sizing and designing the actuator can only help lengthen the years of service. Several heating packages are available for extreme cold conditions, custom seals for dirtier areas, and over stroke protection can be provided, even beyond the actuator’s limit switch system.

RACO Bethel Park Return and Repair Policy

Taking appropriate steps in sizing, selecting, installing the actuator, along with some routine maintenance will help prevent any possible breakdown. Visually inspect the outer portion of the actuator often and note any shock loading or vibration while operating. Also listen for any unusual noise coming from the actuator while running. If supplied with controls, check these devices for excessive heat or unusual alarms. Despite all these precautions, electric actuators do have a finite service life and may have to be returned to RACO for evaluation and possible repair or be scrapped.

Repair questions and forms can be found on the website. Likewise contacting RACO will speed up the process. Nameplate information from the actuator is necessary to begin the analysis process. There will be a nameplate on the actuator, with serial number and order numbers. There may also be a nameplate on the electric motor and even a nameplate on a RACOmatic controller attached to the actuator. Thus, there can be three possible places of information on the equipment. When in doubt, and when “crawling” around the machine/actuator with a flashlight, get as much information and as many pictures as possible to send to the repair department.

Repair Process and Standard Lead Times

The RACO Electric actuator repair policy states that any of our units must be returned to our facility in Bethel Park, PA in order for us to perform a complete inspection and evaluation.  Our thorough evaluation process includes a full disassembly of the actuator and inspection of the individual components.  This allows us to accurately determine where the issues lie and allows us to formulate a detailed quotation highlighting the parts that can be upgraded or replaced if necessary.  If the ball screw or ACME screw, being the major component in the actuator, is damaged, then the entire actuator will need to be replaced. Repairs or reworks to a screw are not economical nor practical.

Our know how is your customer benefit 

Being the only authorized repair and manufacturing facility in the United States allows RACO to provide customer-related solutions, quickly, whether for complete new units or for repair units. We guarantee maximum tool lives, longer service intervals and minimum maintenance requirements to reduce the “life cycle” costs. As a manufacturer, we offer you after-sales service performed by trained specialists and this accompanies our products throughout their service life. Additionally, by using RACO for authorized service and repair, further product warranties will be provided.