Electric Actuator - FQ Range | Bernard Controls | Philippopoulos s.a.
Electric Actuator - FQ Range | Bernard Controls | Philippopoulos s.a.

Electric Actuator - FQ Range | Bernard Controls

Bernard Controls FQ Electric Fail-Safe Actuator

The FQ series is a quarter-turn electric actuator with mechanical spring return, designed for ball, butterfly, and plug valves. It is specified where the valve must automatically move to a defined safe position upon loss of power or emergency shutdown signal. Direct mounting torque range: 40–500 Nm.

Fail-Safe Operation

Normal operation is electric. On power failure, the spring return mechanism drives the valve to either fail-close or fail-open position, depending on spring orientation. Standard spring direction is clockwise; counterclockwise is available. No external energy is required for the safety action.

Technical Specifications

  • Duty classes: On-Off Class A, Inching/Positioning Class B, Modulating Class C per EN 15714-2.
  • Enclosure rating: IP67.
  • Weatherproof temperature range: -20 to +70 °C; -40 °C option available.
  • Self-locking gear train.
  • Output flange per ISO 5211.
  • Vibration resistance: 1 g, 10–500 Hz.

Control and Feedback

Standard configuration is SWITCH with camblock and limit switches. Optional position switches, potentiometer, or position transmitter available. For advanced control, remote INTEGRAL+ (on-off) or POSIGAM+ (positioning/modulating) control boxes can be installed up to 50 m from actuator.

Ex Versions and Environmental Ratings

Explosion-proof models: ATEX EEx d IIC T4/T5/T6, Ex II 2 G and NEMA 7 / NEMA 9. Ex temperature limits: up to +60 °C (T4/T5), up to +50 °C (T6).

Applications

Used on ESD valves, fuel lines, chemical processes, storage tanks, steam, process water, and industrial gases. Media compatibility is determined by the valve. FQ selection is based on torque, safe return time, fail position, voltage, and area certification.

FAQ

When to select FQ over AQ?
When mechanical spring return to a safe position is required without available electrical power.

What is checked during maintenance?
Cable glands, camblock, position switches, solenoid brake, manual override, spring orientation, and valve return time.

Datasheet and documents

Description

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE RANGE:

  • 40 to 500 Nm

EXPLOSION PROOF VERSIONS AVAILABLE (ATEX, NEC500)

TYPE OF CONTROLS

  • Electromechanical SWITCH
  • INTEGRATED with INTEGRAL/POSIGAM control box

DUTY & MODULATING CLASSIFICATION

  • On-Off: Class A
  • Inching/Positioning: Class B
  • Modulating: Class III (complying with EN15714-2 Class C)

ENVIRONMENT: IP 67

SPECIFIC VOLTAGE FOR SOLENOID BRAKE SUPPLY: 115V AC/ 230V AC/ 24V DC

(other DC voltages on request)

FAST SPRING RETURN

CLOCKWISE OR COUNTERCLOCKWISE SPRING ACTION

PRODUCT BENEFITS

SPECIAL MECHANICAL DESIGN

  • BC has specially designed a quarter-turn actuator dedicated to fail-safe applications and with self-locking gears
  • Fast and shock-free operation, several speeds available

TOP LEVEL RELIABILITY

  • No need for external power supply: the FQ works with an automatic spring-return
  • No resetting of the spring is required after emergency operation: fail-safe function is continuously available
  • Full electrical priority even in case of manual operation: a lever for manual operation stops the fail-safe function of the actuator but not the actuator operation. Moreover, manual operation can be inhibited with a padlock
  • Maintenance-free product: lubricated for product lifetime, no periodic check-up or maintenance to perform
  • Vibration proof cam-block system

MODULAR DESIGN ADAPTABLE TO SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

  • Explosion proof versions: ATEX & NEMA 7
  • Low temperature version: -40°C
  • Separated control box available for advanced integrated control functions and fieldbus communication
  • Suitable for Modulating applications
  • (BC Class III complying with EN15714-2 Class C)

Accessories & Compatibility