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Spring return vs. Battery type vs. Backup power : Which Fail-Safe Wins?

Spring return vs. Battery type vs. Backup power : Which Fail-Safe Wins?

Understanding Valve Actuator Behavior During Power Loss
Power outages happen, but how your valve actuators respond can make all the difference in safety and operational continuity.

This infographic compares three common mechanisms in valve actuators:

1️⃣ Spring Return – Mechanical energy drives the valve to a preset safety position during power loss.

2️⃣ Battery Fail-Safe – An internal battery powers the actuator to move the valve to a preset safety position.

3️⃣ Battery Backup – Battery keeps the actuator operational, maintaining current position or allowing command-based adjustments.

Key takeaway: Choosing the right mechanism depends on your application—safety-focused systems benefit from Spring Return or Battery Fail-Safe, while operational continuity requires Battery Backup.

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