How to Rotate Mounting Holes of PA-03 Actuators

In some electric actuator installations, the position of the motor housing, cable exit, or mounting holes can affect how easily the actuator fits into a project. This is especially common in compact assemblies where side-mounted motors or cables may interfere with surrounding frames, brackets, or enclosure walls. If your project requires a stock PA-03 actuator and you are comfortable making this adjustment yourself, this step-by-step guide explains how to rotate the mounting holes on our select models. Please note that rotating the actuator mounting holes may affect its ingress protection rating and should only be done when environmental sealing is not critical to the application.

-Actuators

-Vice

-Phillips screwdriver

-Needle-nose pliers

We will begin with the front mounting hole rotation. Using a piece of leather or something similar to protect the shaft housing from the vice plates, clamp the shaft housing with just enough pressure to prevent it from slipping during the following steps.

Place a screwdriver into the stroke mounting hole.

Rotate the screwdriver counterclockwise to the 90° position. If this is the first-time rotating the mounting hole, some extra torque may be required.

Warning: Do not rotate mounting holes counterclockwise more than 1 turn.

Remove the screwdriver, and your stroke mounting hole rotation is complete.

The next phase is rotating the rear mounting hole. Completely remove the four mounting plate screws by rotating them counterclockwise using a Phillips screwdriver.

Remove the bottom cap mounting plate, pulling it in the direction away from the rest of the actuator’s body.

Remove the bottom cap with the mounting hole, pulling it in the direction away from the rest of the actuator’s body.

Note: Some extra force and effort may be required for this step, but it should be possible to remove it by hand with a good grip.

Use a pair of pliers to rotate the internal torsion spring counterclockwise 90°.

Warning: Do not rotate counterclockwise more than 90°.

Insert the bottom cap with the mounting hole back and ensure it has been rotated 90° counterclockwise from its original position.

Insert the bottom cap mounting plate back into its original position.

Secure the bottom cap mounting plate firmly with the four mounting plate screws by rotating the screws clockwise using a Phillips screwdriver. Rotation complete.

To summarize, many actuators may need their mounting holes rotated for certain installation conditions and space requirements. By using a few tools and spending some time to follow our step-by-step guides, you too can rotate the mounting holes of an actuator to the required positions.

If you required further assistance or had more questions on how to rotate actuator mounting holes, you may call us at 1-800-676-6123 or email us at sales@progressiveautomations.com.