Electric Actuator Designs Electric Actuator Designs Electric actuator are designed according to the specific functions that they serve within the engines in which they are installed--usually to open or close valves of different sizes. Some actuator are designed to withstand full thrust and must travel a relatively long distance to cover the diameter size of a large valve. Other valve discs, such as the globe valve, may require a shorter movement by an actuator. An example of a full-thrust actuator is the Thrust Vector Control of the Space Shuttle Rocket Booster. Short-travel actuators are the most common types of actuators in use. For instance, your house thermostat uses short-travel actuators for temperature controls and reversals.