Question about thermo-electric actuator wiring

whosawhatsa

I have recently hooked up my gas boiler to a radiant manifold, and everything works fine. Now, I would like to add some control over the individual loops using Caleffi 656314: http://www.caleffi.com/sites/default/files/file/01142_06EN.pdf . However, when I try to wire the devices, I am not seeing the actuator open as I expect.

I have it wired as follows, red wire from boiler goes to the thermostat; white wire from thermostat is connected to the brown wire of the actuator; the blue wire from the actuator connects to white wire on boiler. I am ignoring the black wires for now.

Is this correct? Could there be an issue with insufficient current? Any ideas? Thanks!

Zman

The zone valve should be powered by a transformer having adequate capacity. It is not likely that the one in the boiler is sized for the additional load. The boiler just wants a switch, like the black wires on the zone valve to tell it to turn on.
Wiring these is much cleaner and simpler if you use a zone controller. Taco and other companies make nice ones.

hot_rod

How many actuators are you trying to power?

The best way is to use a relay board like this. If you use the Caleffi, you get a 5 year warranty on the components

whosawhatsa

Ok, I see ... I'll add the necessary equipment. BTW, I'm powering 4 actuators, but have only tested on one, just to see how/if it works.

whosawhatsa

Forgot to say thanks!

hot_rod

Those take a few minutes to fully open. You will see a green ring appear on top when they start opening.

You can manually open them for quick purging.
Aalso when manually opened they "make" the end switch, two black wires, for testing pump operation or call for heat.