Valve actuator product attributes

An actuator is only useful if it matches a specific valve, so its record has to carry both output and interface data. Output means torque or thrust, travel and speed. Interface means the mounting flange, the drive coupling that engages the valve stem, and the power or air supply available on site. Supplier files often give a model code and a single torque figure and leave the rest to a PDF.

Torque is the value most often misread. A pneumatic spring-return actuator delivers different torque at the start and end of its air stroke and its spring stroke, and every figure depends on the supply pressure it was measured at. Electric actuators add duty class and motor duty rating, and a torque value without its conditions cannot be compared with a valve's required seating torque.

A buyer sizing an actuator needs the actuator type, fail action, torque at the stated conditions, ISO 5211 flange and drive size, control signal, manual override and enclosure rating. Where hazardous-area or functional safety requirements apply, the exact marking and certificate scope must come from the manufacturer's documentation.

The valve actuators attribute template

18 candidate fields in 5 groups, ordered the way a record gets built: identify the item, capture its specifications, then record fit and the evidence behind any claim. 11 are marked Core: without them the item cannot be identified or filtered. Example values show the expected format only; they do not describe a real SKU.

Identity

Which exact item, variant and pack this record describes.

Check before use: Preserve leading zeros and punctuation, validate against the manufacturer record, and check the GTIN check digit and packaging level before linking.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Manufacturer Part Number manufacturer_part_number	Identifier	Core	RP-120-SR-F0507
GTIN / UPC gtin_upc	Identifier	Core	0614141001224

Technical specifications

Measured or rated values that must travel with their unit and test conditions.

Check before use: Store the number and unit separately. Convert only when the source unit and test conditions are known.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Rated Output Torque rated_output_torque	Number · Nm	Core	120 Nm at 5.5 bar
Power Supply power_supply	Text	Core	Pneumatic, 2.5-8 bar supply
Operating Time (rated travel) operating_time_rated_travel	Number · s	Buyer decision	1.2 s for 90°
Enclosure Protection Rating enclosure_protection_rating	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	IP68 (EN 60529); NEMA 4X

Selection attributes

The type, material and option choices buyers filter and compare on.

Check before use: Map supplier wording to a governed vocabulary only after checking the source text and which variant it applies to.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Actuator Type actuator_type	Controlled list	Core	Pneumatic rack and pinion
Valve Motion (Travel Type) valve_motion_travel_type	Controlled list	Core	Part-turn (quarter-turn)
Fail Action fail_action	Controlled list	Core	Spring return, fail closed
Angle of Travel angle_of_travel	Controlled list · degrees	Core	90°
Duty Class duty_class	Controlled list	Buyer decision	EN 15714-2 Class C (modulating); S4-25% (electric actuators)
Control Signal / Command Input control_signal_command_input	Controlled list	Buyer decision	4–20 mA / 0–10 V; Modbus RTU
Manual Override manual_override	Controlled list	Buyer decision	Declutchable handwheel

Fit & compatibility

What the item mounts to, mates with, replaces or works alongside.

Check before use: Keep model and series qualifiers. A similar-looking part is not a verified fit until a source says so.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Valve Mounting Flange valve_mounting_flange	Controlled list	Core	ISO 5211 F05 / F07
Drive Interface (Stem Coupling) drive_interface_stem_coupling	Controlled list	Core	14 mm square (ISO 5211)

Evidence & compliance

Listings, standards, classifications and origin claims that need a document behind them.

Check before use: Link the manufacturer document or label with its edition or date. Never copy a certification from a neighboring SKU.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Country of Origin country_of_origin	Controlled list	Core	Germany
Hazardous Area Certification hazardous_area_certification	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	ATEX II 2G Ex h IIC T6...T4 Gb
SIL Capability sil_capability	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	SIL 2 (IEC 61508), single actuator

Normalize supplier values

The same value arrives in many spellings. Map each raw string to one governed value, and keep the raw text beside it so a reviewer can see what the supplier actually wrote.

Often missing from supplier files

These fields are commonly absent from price lists and basic feeds, even though the information usually exists in a datasheet, label or installation manual. Treat an empty value as a request for evidence, not as permission to fill it from a similar model.

• Spring stroke torque at 0° and 90° for each spring set
• Supply pressure the torque was rated at
• Ex marking detail (gas group and temperature class)
• Ambient temperature range and seal kit option
• Air volume per stroke

Questions the record must answer

Buyers and counter-sales reps choosing valve actuators ask questions like these. Each one needs a specific field, sourced for the exact variant.

• Does this actuator produce enough torque at our 80 psi air supply to seat the valve?
• Will it mount directly on our valve's F07 pad and 14 mm square stem?
• Does it fail closed if air is lost?
• Can it take a 4-20 mA signal and give position feedback?

From supplier file to record

1. Resolve identity first. Link the supplier SKU, manufacturer part number and packaging identifiers without merging distinct variants or pack sizes.
2. Extract with the source attached. Pull values from rows, tables and datasheets, keeping the raw text, unit and page or row reference.
3. Map to your classification. Assign the ETIM, ECLASS, UNSPSC or internal class your company licenses, and keep the supplier's original terms.
4. Review, sync and watch. Hold conflicts and safety-related values for a category expert, write approved values to ERP or PIM, and recheck when the supplier sends a new file.

For the full method, see how to build a category attribute template and the category catalog gap audit.

FAQ