Johnson Controls VA9104 Non-Spring Return Valve Actuator

Overview

The Johnson Controls VA9104 is a compact, direct-mount, non-spring return electric valve actuator designed to position Johnson Controls VG1000 Series ball valves in DN15, DN20 and DN25 sizes. It is a workhorse of building HVAC: fan coil units, small air handling unit coils, reheat coils, radiant panels and zone control valves all use small ball valves that need reliable, quiet, low-power actuation. The actuator produces a running torque of 4 Nm (35 lb-in) and turns the valve through 90 degrees in a nominal 60 seconds at 60 Hz, and it holds its position when the control signal stops.

Seven Star LLC supplies the Johnson Controls VA9104 to HVAC contractors, MEP subcontractors, district cooling end users and facility management companies across Oman and the GCC. From Muscat we help confirm the correct power supply, control type and electrical connection for each model, and we supply matching VG1000 valves and accessories so replacement and new-build projects can be completed from one source.

Operating Principle

When combined with a controller, the Johnson Controls VA9104 converts an electrical command into rotation of the ball valve stem. A synchronous motor on the 24 VAC AGA, IGA and GGA models, or a stepper motor on the line voltage IUA model, drives a reduction gear train that turns the output coupling. Because synchronous motors run at a speed fixed by the supply frequency, rotation time stays constant regardless of load, which keeps floating control loops predictable. In floating control the controller energises one of two inputs to drive the valve open or closed and simply removes the signal to stop; the actuator then remains in place.

Proportional Johnson Controls VA9104 GGA models accept a DC 0(2) to 10 V signal, or 0(4) to 20 mA with a 500 ohm resistor, and position the valve in proportion to the command. They are factory set for direct acting operation, where a minimum signal drives the actuator fully counterclockwise, and switches on the circuit board allow reverse acting operation. A 24 VAC override input on GGA models can force the valve to minimum, mid or maximum position for application logic based fail positions. The GGA and IGA models include automatic shutoff at the end of travel; with AGA models the controller should provide a timeout to avoid unnecessary motor drive time.

Engineering Design of the Johnson Controls VA9104

The Johnson Controls VA9104 mounts directly on the valve with a single screw, which reduces installation time and cost on projects with many terminal units. A manual override lets technicians position the valve without power during flushing, balancing or commissioning. Two electrical options are available: -2S models carry an integrated 1.2 m UL 444 Type CMP plenum rated cable with a connector for 3/8 in. flexible metal conduit, while -3S models have M3 screw terminals. Enclosure ratings are NEMA 2 / IP42 for the cable versions and NEMA 1 / IP40 for the screw terminal versions.

The Johnson Controls VA9104 is rated for 100,000 full stroke cycles and 2,500,000 repositions at rated running torque, with a maximum audible noise of 35 dBA at 1 m, quiet enough for open ceilings in offices and hotel rooms. Operating ambient conditions are minus 20 to 60 degrees Celsius at up to 90 percent relative humidity, non-condensing. The bulletin warns against installation in corrosive atmospheres. Johnson Controls backs the series with a 5-year warranty.

Key Features

The Johnson Controls VA9104 product bulletin lists the following features and benefits.

• Running torque of 4 Nm (35 lb-in) with a rotation range of 93 degrees plus or minus 3 degrees, clockwise or counterclockwise.
• Synchronous drive on 24 VAC models for constant rotation time independent of load.
• Floating, on/off and proportional control versions, including 100 to 240 VAC line voltage operation.
• Maximum audible noise of 35 dBA at 1 m for occupied spaces.
• Rated for 100,000 full stroke cycles and 2.5 million repositions.
• Direct mounting with a single screw and a manual override for positioning without power.
• Plenum rated cable or screw terminal connections, with a 3/8 in. flexible conduit connector on -2S models.
• Optional M9000-342 weather shield to NEMA 4X / IP66 and M9000-561 thermal barrier for higher fluid temperatures.

Industrial Applications

In Oman and across the GCC, chilled water is the backbone of building cooling, and thousands of small ball valves modulate flow through fan coil units in apartments, hotels, hospitals and offices. The Johnson Controls VA9104 suits these terminal units in Muscat developments, in hospitality projects along the coast and in government buildings, where quiet operation and low power draw matter. With the thermal barrier fitted, the same actuator can serve heating water and low-pressure steam coils in laundries, kitchens and industrial process air handling.

Facility teams also use the Johnson Controls VA9104 to replace failed actuators on existing VG1000 valves without draining the system, since the actuator is removed and refitted at the valve stem. Seven Star LLC supplies the Johnson Controls VA9104 together with valves and accessories, and our Muscat engineers help contractors choose between floating and proportional models to match the building management controller.

Technical Specifications

Key Johnson Controls VA9104 specifications from the Johnson Controls product bulletin (LIT-12011050) are summarised below.

How to Order

To order the Johnson Controls VA9104, send Seven Star LLC the full code number or the required supply voltage, control signal and connection type, plus the valve size if valves are also needed. Our Muscat instrumentation division confirms availability, provides the Johnson Controls product bulletin for your submittal, and supports HVAC engineers in Oman and the GCC. Related products we supply include the Johnson Controls VFC-060HB-722D butterfly valve, the Belimo LF24-SR spring-return actuator and the Weflo Fig. 1209 flanged balancing valve.