By actuators we mean electrically controlled components that perform a task based on a command from the ECU. An actuator can convert an electrical control signal into light (a lamp), sound (horn), movement (electric motor), or heat (auxiliary heater).
To prevent duplication on overview pages, actuators with a specific function are included in the overview pages for comfort, safety, and access systems. The components with many applications that fall outside those categories are shown here. Example: we find the DC electric motor as a component in the power window system (comfort), in the windshield wiper mechanism (safety), and in the opening and closing mechanism of door locks (access).
The DC electric motor is described on those three pages in terms of its application. The general operation of this type of electric motor, meaning without a specific application, is explained on its own page, which is included in this actuators overview page.