UCS Vega AC Series Chain Actuator — Installation & Maintenance Guide
Installation and maintenance guide for the Functional Fenestration Inc (FFI) VEGA motorized chain actuator for windows and skylights — covers Vega AC, Vega DC UL, Vega AC RF, and Vega AC RF Rain models.
Full text manual (for reference)
Installation and maintenance guide for the Functional Fenestration Inc (FFI) VEGA motorized chain actuator for windows and skylights — covers the Vega AC, Vega DC UL, Vega AC RF, and Vega AC RF Rain models. This page summarizes the safety essentials, specs, bracket mounting, and troubleshooting; the full downloadable PDF includes the complete wiring diagrams.
Application Options
The Vega actuator mounts on wall, frame, or window sill and supports on-wall/frame, awning, skylight, hopper, or concealed-in-frame/curtain-wall applications. CAD files are available on request from FFI; optional brackets for hopper and wall mounting are sold separately.
Specifications
| Vega AC | Vega DC UL | Vega AC RF | Vega AC RF Rain | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supply voltage | 100–240 Vac | 24 Vdc ±10% | 100–240 Vac | 100–240 Vac |
| Normal current draw | 0.15–0.3A | 0.7A avg* | 0.15–0.3A | 0.15–0.3A |
| Power cable | 4 conductors: load/open, load/close, common, ground | 2 conductors (± polarity inversion) | 5 conductors: load, common, ground, open, close | 5 conductors + rain sensor wire |
| Items included | Actuator, standard brackets | Actuator, standard brackets | Actuator, brackets, RF receiver, remote (30 ft range) | Actuator, brackets, RF remote (30 ft), rain sensor wire |
| Push/pull force | 55 lbs (250 N) | |||
| Chain stroke | 300mm (12 inches) opening length | |||
| Environment | 14°–140°F (-10°–60°C); max. relative humidity 60% | |||
*Vega DC start-up current is 1.67A for one actuator. Calculate power supplies based on peak draw of 2x normal amp draw (approx. 1.67A per actuator).
Safety Notices
- Actuators should only be used on windows/skylights out of reach of people. Installation below 2.5 meters (8 feet) wall height is not recommended — provide an emergency off-switch or anti-entrapment device if the sash is accessible.
- Do not approach moving parts until they have come to a complete stop.
- Take proper precautions when installing/uninstalling to avoid accidental closing that could cause injury.
- The actuator must be installed by skilled engineers and licensed electricians.
- Verify window profiles and hinges can withstand actuator forces, and that windows/sashes open and close completely and are free of obstacles before installation.
- The power circuit must be turned OFF before connecting the actuator.
Warnings
- Indoor use only. Operating temperature range: 14° to 140°F (-10° to 60°C); max relative humidity 60%.
- Only original FFI parts and fittings may be used.
- Do not use more than one motor on a vent unless using "Synchro-" series motors (designed for extra-wide vents), or two tandem (non-Synchro) motors connected to a 40733T Control Box.
- Do not tamper with actuators, or warranty is void! Do not open the case, disassemble, clip wires, or attempt repair. Contact FFI Customer Service at 800-677-0228 or service@fenestration.net for any malfunction.
Bracket Mounting Reference
Installation Overview
Top-Hinged Window with Windowsill or Skylights
- Mark the center-line of the sash and drill the holes.
- Fasten the Sash Connector to the sash with the supplied screws.
- Fasten the actuator to the window sill with Pivoting Brackets (recommended) or appropriate screws (not supplied). Pivoting Brackets are required if the window is less than 35" tall.
- Attach the chain operator to the sash with the Sash Connector Pin.
Top-Hinged Window with No Sill (Standard or Long Pivot Bracket)
- Mark the center-line of the sash and drill the holes.
- Fasten the Sash Connector with the supplied screws.
- Fasten the actuator to the wall just below the window with Pivoting Brackets.
- Attach the chain operator to the sash with the Sash Connector Pin.
Bottom-Hinged (Hopper) Windows
- Mark the center-line of the sash and drill the holes.
- Fasten the Sash Connector to the Hopper Bracket, then attach this assembly to the sash.
- Fasten the actuator to the window frame using the Standard Pivoting Brackets.
- Attach the chain operator to the sash with the Sash Connector Pin.
RF Remote Control (RF models only)
- Battery does not come pre-installed. Unscrew the small screw on the back, pry the cover open from the bottom with a flathead screwdriver, insert the battery (wording side up), replace the cover, and re-install the screw.
- Replacement battery type: CR2032 (not sold by FFI).
- Operating range: approximately 30 feet.
- Each RF actuator must be used with a remote of matching frequency code (1, 2, 3, or 4). To operate several motors with one remote/frequency, or to use different frequencies for several motors, specify before ordering.
- Extra Vega RF Remote Control for replacement or multiple-motor control: FFI part # 40956W (specify frequency code with order).
RF Remote Troubleshooting
Remote control interference can occur — for example, TV or stereo IR remotes may inadvertently trigger the IR sensor on a CRM keypad, causing the window/skylight to open or close when someone changes channels. Solutions: mount the CRM keypad away from other IR-remote-operated electronics, or codify the keypad and CRM remote control (see the CRM Installation Guide) by selecting dip-switches 1-2-3 in a different position to avoid interference.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
- Do not approach moving parts until they have come to a complete stop.
- To open the window manually during a power failure, remove the Sash Connector Pin.
- At least once a year, wipe away debris where the chain emerges from the case, and check the power cable for damage or wear. Do not lubricate chain actuators (no oil, grease, or WD-40) — use a clean cloth or one with a small amount of silicone lubricant if wiping dirt from the chain.
- Prevent water or other liquids from entering the actuator.
- If experiencing problems, verify power is working, the switch is on, and there is no debris blocking the case aperture around the chain.
- Do not tamper with actuators, disassemble, or attempt repair — contact FFI Customer Service (800-677-0228, service@fenestration.net) for any malfunction. FFI must inspect the motor for defect claims.
Guidelines for Wiring & Power Supplies
Wiring and power arrangements are the responsibility of the project electrical contractor — FFI is a material supplier, not a subcontractor. Key considerations:
- Distance between power supply and actuator is critical — account for voltage drop over the actual wire length.
- Power supplies and wiring must handle both normal current draw and amperage spikes (2–3x normal) during open/close cycles.
- FFI recommends sizing power supplies, controls, and conductors at 150–250% of normal operating amperage.
- Vega DC requires 24VDC ±10% under full load, including at start-up — voltage below 22V can impair performance.
- Consult FFI before ordering power supplies and wiring for multi-actuator projects.
Sample wiring diagrams (Vega DC with Control Relay Box, Vega DC with maintained-contact switch, Vega AC with momentary-contact switch, and Vega RF Rain) are included in the full downloadable PDF for reference — for project-specific wiring, consult FFI.
Warranty
Ultraflex Control Systems S.r.l. (UCS) products carry a two-year warranty from date of manufacture against defects in material and workmanship. Functional Fenestration Inc. (FFI) honors this warranty for two years from the date of sale on FFI's invoice. Warranty does not cover damage from improper installation or misuse.
Manufacturer
Functional Fenestration Inc (FFI) — Hawthorne, CA. Phone: 800-677-0228. Web: www.fenestration.net.