How To Category - Progressive Automations Blog

Automated trap doors improve safety, convenience, and functionality by replacing manual lifting with a controlled motorized system. Whether you’re upgrading the access for a basement, attic entry, or hidden storage panels, adding linear actuators can transform a standard door entrance into a smooth and reliable automated solution. In this article, we cover examples of how automated trap doors work, as well as the key components and considerati...

IP Rating Chart & Guide: Waterproof & Dustproof Standards for Linear Actuators When selecting electrical and mechanical components such as linear actuators, understanding their IP rating is essential to ensure long-term reliability in real-world environments. Improperly specified ingress protection can result in premature failure, corrosion, or costly downtime. This guide explains how IP ratings work, how to interpret them correctly, a...

At Progressive Automations, we offer many options for controlling your linear actuator. From simple solutions like rocker switches to our more advanced control boxes for handling multiple actuators, we have many plug-and-play choices. However, sometimes project requirements and customer needs are a little more unique than what these options can offer. This is where microcontrollers can really be our friends. In this article, we will be going o...

The main difference is that a brushed motor uses physical brushes and a commutator to deliver electrical current to the motor windings, while a brushless motor (BLDC) uses electronic controllers instead of brushes to switch electrical current within the windings. For brushed motors, the design is simple, cost-effective, and provides good torque at low speeds, but it causes friction and wear over time, requiring regular maintenance. Brushless m...

The most common electrical linear actuator used in the industry today is the 12VDC version. The function of a linear actuator is quite simple; it moves an object in a linear motion. Depending on how the unit is wired, one can control it in many different ways. In this article, we will go over wiring a 12-volt linear actuator to a rocker switch and control box along with a basic understanding of how an actuator works.

When it comes to automation projects, selecting the right actuator is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re designing an industrial machine, upgrading home automation, or creating a custom project, choosing the wrong actuator can lead to costly mistakes — from poor performance to premature failure. At Progressive Automations, we’ve seen it all. From customers who needed a quick replacement for a 12V linear actuator to...