Power Jacks has designed an electric linear actuator unit to be used in a machine designed to carry out reactor core inspections at nuclear power stations. The machine is called the NICIE (New In-Core Inspection Equipment). It was developed by BNS Nuclear Services with whom Power Jacks worked to design and manufacture the main linear actuation unit engaging the machine with the reactor standpipe. Four additional jacks act as stabilisers when the machine is coupled to the standpipe. The NICIE inspects nuclear reactors by lowering a camera down into the reactor fuel channel to provide measurement and maintenance checks. The main body of the machine is raised and lowered to engage it with the reactor stand pipes. To maintain a rigid column over the stroke the actuator has two internal guidance mechanisms for the ram. The actuator is designed to lift and lower the 20kN load over a stroke of 525mm with the end of travel signalled by proximity sensors installed in the actuator.