An actuator system which may incorporate a motor, a motor controller connected to the motor, a processor connected to the motor controller, and a switch connected to the processor for engaging the motor to open and close an actuator shaft. The switch may have a position which is a test mode. Selecting the position of test mode may cause the motor to move the actuator shaft to a certain position to verify operation of the actuator shaft. The actuator shaft may stay in the certain position while the switch is in a position of test mode. The system may also incorporate a spring attached to the actuator shaft. If power fails to the motor, then the actuator spring or another mechanism may return the actuator shaft to a fail safe position. The test mode may alternatively be selected at a controller via the communications bus to the processor.