Electric Linear Actuator Won’t Move or Keeps Faulting?
Save the exact alarm code, axis name, and point in the cycle when the fault occurs. Note whether the issue began after a motor, cable, drive, or tooling change. Record the actuator, motor, and drive models.
Before hands-on checks Follow your facility’s lockout/tagout procedure and verify isolation of stored energy, pressure, and moving loads. Qualified staff should perform powered tests under the equipment maker’s procedure. OSHA hazardous energy guidance
Where to check
Typical layout. Use the machine and component manuals to identify the corresponding points on your equipment.
Drive, cabling, actuator and driven mechanism
Checks before replacing the part
| Symptom | Where to check | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| No motion or an immediate drive alarm | 1. Review the fault history and existing drive status against the exact drive manual. Note whether the axis shows a valid command and whether an interlock or limit is active. | Have controls staff resolve command, configuration, or drive faults using the machine procedure. Keep interlocks and limits in service. |
| Feedback alarm or intermittent position error | 2. After isolation, inspect accessible power and feedback cables for loose connectors, damage, or strain near moving sections. | Have qualified staff verify cable integrity and motor or feedback configuration before suspecting an internal encoder or motor fault. |
| Stalls under load or faults at the same position | 3–4. Note the fault location. After the load is secured and the system isolated, look for damaged mounts, a misaligned rod connection, interference, or a binding guide. | Correct confirmed load or alignment issues first. Ask maintenance to compare the application load and duty cycle with the actuator’s ratings. |
When to replace it
If qualified testing isolates the fault to the actuator, motor, or feedback device, check the manufacturer’s repair options. A damaged rod, housing, or confirmed internal screw or bearing fault calls for manufacturer evaluation for repair or replacement. Order the affected assembly or component once its configuration is confirmed.
Manufacturer reference Curtiss-Wright Exlar EL30 manual, troubleshooting section