ENGINEERING CMANUAL OF AUTOMATION CONTROL
AIR HANDLING SYSTEM CONTROL APPLICATIONS
207
VALVE AND DAMPER SELECTION
Pneumatic Actuators Electric Actuators
Actuator Application
System
Shutdown Loss of Air
System
Shutdown
Loss of
Electricity
Dampers
Outdoor air Closes Closes Closes Closes
Relief air (to outdoor)
Return air Opens Opens Opens Opens
1
VAV fan inlet vanes Closes Closes Closes Closes
VAV box Owner Perference Opens Owner Perference Owner Perference
Multizone hot deck, cold areas Opens Opens Opens
Multizone hot deck, hot areas Closes Closes Closes Closes
Valves
AHU chilled water Closes Opens Closes Stays same
Terminal reheat
Preheat in OA below 35F Opens
2
Opens
2
Opens
Preheat in OA above 35F Closes Closes
Other hot water Closes
2
Closes
2
Stays same
AHU steam heating Closes Closes
Steam humidifier Closes Closes
1
Return air dampers need no springs if the associated fan is delayed upon start-up to allow the RA damper to properly
position to assure that the fan does not start with both RA and OA dampers closed.
2
If a duct temperature sensor is located near a hot water or steam coil, leaving the coil under control (with a setpoint of
80°F to 100°F) during equipment shutdown can provide added freeze alarm protection. If variable flow hot water
pumping is provided and a duct low temperature control senses freezing conditions, hot water valves may be
positioned approximately 25% open if a temperature sensor is not available.
Pneumatic valve and damper actuators are shown in these
examples. If actuators are electric, certain ones need not
be spring return unless a specific reason exists. Table 1
outlines general actuator selection. The table indicates
actuator positioning desired on system shutdown and loss
of motive force.
Table 1. Valve and Damper Actuator Selection Guide.