Description
The Woodward 8270-1068 is a Model 524 EPG actuator designed for precise speed control of diesel, gas, or gasoline engines. It forms a complete EPG system when paired with a compatible Woodward speed control unit and magnetic pickup sensor.
Commercial Availability & Procurement
- Condition: New Original (Factory Sealed / New Surplus) or Refurbished (Fully Tested)
- Warranty: 12-Month Comprehensive Warranty
- Lead Time: Ships within 1–2 business days from stock availability
- Pricing Note: Listed price is indicative and subject to market conditions. Contact our sales team for a firm, up-to-date quote.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Model Series | EPG Model 524 |
| Nominal Operating Voltage | 24 V DC |
| Maximum Current Consumption | 5.0 A (during transient response or maximum load) |
| Work Output Capacity | 1.0 J (0.75 ft-lb) nominal work |
| Travel Rotary Range | 30° to 35° clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation |
| Operating Temperature Range | −40 to +93°C (−40 to +200°F) |
| Mounting Orientation | Multi-positional; vertical installation preferred |
| Enclosure Rating | US occupational/industrial environmental standard compliance |
Field Experience & Engineering Insights
Application and Mechanical Interfacing
In field installations, the Model 524 actuator is primarily deployed on small to medium-sized prime movers where low-mass fuel control linkages are present. Because the actuator does not rely on an internal oil pump or mechanical drive, it requires minimal maintenance compared to hydraulic alternatives.
- Linkage Best Practices: To prevent hunting or unstable speed control, ensure the mechanical linkage to the fuel pump or butterfly valve is completely free of backlash. Use low-friction rod-end bearings and light, rigid linkage rods to minimize deadband.
- Rotation Verification: Ensure the linkage setup allows the actuator to move freely through its specified 30° to 35° travel range without hitting mechanical stops before the fuel system achieves minimum or maximum fuel delivery positions.
Electrical and Wiring Constraints
The 8270-1068 operates on a 24 V DC system. Voltage drops during engine cranking can disrupt control loop stability if the power supply distribution is inadequate.
- Wire Sizing: Run dedicated power leads directly from the battery to the speed control unit. Use a minimum wire gauge of 12 AWG (3.3 mm^2) for runs up to 3 m (10 ft) to prevent excessive voltage drop during high current demands.
- Shielding: The magnetic pickup (MPU) circuit must be run using twisted-pair, shielded cable. Terminate the shield only at the speed control unit end to eliminate potential ground loop interference.
System Integration & Compatibility Checklist
- Speed Control Complement: Typically paired with Woodward 24 V DC EPG Speed Control units (e.g., 8270-1003 or similar variants depending on application needs).
- Magnetic Pickup Compatibility: Operates with standard high-output MPU sensors; requires a minimum sensor output of 1.5 V AC RMS during engine cranking.
- Regulatory Compliance: Designed to conform to standard industrial machinery environmental requirements. Verify specific marine or hazardous area classification marks on the physical product label before commissioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the 8270-1068 replace a 12 V DC EPG actuator directly?
No. The 8270-1068 is rated for 24 V DC operation. Installing this module into a 12 V DC control system will result in insufficient torque, slow response times, and system instability. The speed control unit must also match the 24 V DC operating profile.
What causes an actuator to rapidly hum or vibrate at standstill?
This behavior usually indicates excessive gain or derivative settings on the corresponding speed control unit, or electromagnetic interference on the speed sensor line. Reduce the GAIN potentiometer on the control box or inspect the MPU shielding integrity to rectify the issue.
Is the actuator repairable if the internal return spring fails?
No, the internal return spring and coil assembly are factory-calibrated components. If the internal mechanism suffers mechanical damage or electrical failure (such as an open coil circuit), the actuator cannot be serviced in the field and requires a depot repair or replacement.
