Description
The Woodward 8256-012 is a core component within the company’s versatile Electrically Powered Governor (EPG) family. Engineered to provide precise control for prime movers, this Actuator operates as the mechanical arm of the governor system. It is specifically designed to adjust fuel settings on diesel, gas, and gasoline engines, as well as gas turbines, by translating electrical signals from the speed controller into physical throttle adjustments to maintain desired RPM levels.
Product Technical Details
- Model Number: 8256-012
- Series: EPG (Electrically Powered Governor)
- Application: Speed and fuel control for internal combustion engines and turbines
- Weight: ~1.85 kg
- Dimensions: 130 mm x 115 mm x 100 mm (approximate chassis dimensions)
- Primary Material: Industrial-grade heat-dissipating alloy
- Country of Origin: United States of America
Common Questions & Answers
💡 What makes the 8256-012 specific to certain engine applications? Woodward designs these units with varying torque outputs and response speeds. The 8256-012 is calibrated to match the governor’s control loop to the specific inertia and fuel system resistance of the target engine. Using the correct actuator model ensures that the engine does not experience hunting or slow response during transient load changes.
⚙️ How does this unit contribute to engine stability? In an EPG system, the controller monitors engine speed via a magnetic pickup. When a deviation occurs, the controller sends a modified current signal to the 8256-012 actuator. The actuator responds instantly to move the throttle, keeping the engine speed constant despite fluctuations in load or fuel pressure.
🛡️ Is this unit suitable for gas turbine environments? Yes, this model is robust enough to handle the operational profiles of gas turbines. However, the installation must account for the specific thermal and vibration characteristics of the turbine housing. Proper mounting and heat-shielding are recommended to ensure long-term reliability.
🔧 What does the integration process involve? Integration requires proper electrical calibration (tuning the PID loops on the compatible speed controller) and mechanical alignment. The linkage between the actuator and the fuel rack must be free-moving; any mechanical binding will lead to poor governing and potential coil damage over time.
Recommended Woodward Series & Models
If you are expanding your control capabilities or servicing a site with diverse Woodward equipment, these related models are frequently used within the EPG and broader industrial control ecosystem:
- Woodward 8290-038 (Standard EPG Speed Control)
- Woodward 8256-008 (EPG Actuator, 24V variant)
- Woodward 8290-039 (Versatile EPG Speed Control Module)
- Woodward 8272-356 (Magnetic Pickup Sensor)
- Woodward 8256-015 (High-Torque EPG Configuration)
- Woodward 8290-186 (Integrated EPG/Speed Control System)
- Woodward 8270-1002 (701A Digital Governor Controller)
- Woodward 8404-1002 (Peak 150 Digital Controller)
- Woodward 8273-001 (EasyGen 1000 Series)
- Woodward 9907-162 (2301A Speed Control)

