An actuator converts electrical energy into the motion behind countless automation systems—from adjustable desks and TV lifts to industrial machinery and custom DIY projects; however, actuators still depend on external components to manage voltage, current, direction, and safety. To achieve smooth motion, consistent performance, and long-term durability, selecting the right power supply and control box is just as important as choosing the actuator itself. This article covers crucial aspects to consider when selecting power supplies and control boxes, and how Progressive Automations’ latest solutions simplify actuator control for both simple and advanced applications. 

Considerations When Choosing Power Supplies

A power supply converts AC power from a wall outlet into the DC voltage required by linear actuators—most commonly 12VDC or 24VDC. Standalone DC power sources are often used to supply power to the control system, often a control box or switch that manages how that energy is applied to the actuator. When choosing a power supply for your system of electric linear actuators and controllers, there are a few parameters & features to consider, such as:

• Input & output voltage ratings  
• Current draw ratings
• Ingress protection (Dust and water resistance)
• Size & weight considerations
• Safety features
• Feedback control requirements

It must provide enough current (amperage) to support the actuator(s) under full load, which is also the value of current draw when unloaded during the current spike of motor startups. This prevents voltage drops, overheating, and premature power supply failure—especially in applications with frequent starts and stops.

Choosing the Right Control Boxes for Your Project

While a power supply provides energy, the control box determines how that energy is used by controlling actuator direction, speed, synchronization, and user input through compatible remotes and switches. Power supplies and control boxes must be selected as a matched system for compatible actuators. When selecting between compatible control boxes, consider feature & parameter requirements such as: 

Voltage Operation - The power supply input voltage must match the wall outlet’s voltage, while the output voltage must match both the control box input rating and the actuator voltage. Many of our new generation control boxes accept both 12VDC and 24VDC, offering flexibility when upgrading systems.

Current Requirements - The control box must support the per-channel current draw of each actuator while the power supply handles the total system current draw. For multi-actuator systems, the total system current must be calculated carefully to avoid overload conditions.

Connector Compatibility - Most of our control boxes and select models of power supplies, such as the newly released PS-13-12-67 and PS-5-12-67, use standardized Mega-Fit or Molex-style connectors. This enables plug-and-play installation when paired with compatible wiring harnesses.

Ingress Protection - Assess the specific environmental requirements of your application to determine the type of Ingress protection you need or if additional enclosure cases are necessary for added protection against dust and water. An ingress protection rating of IP65 or higher is recommended for control systems exposed to outdoor elements such as rainwater, dust, and debris.

Positional Feedback - Certain control boxes may convert AC input voltage into DC output voltage and do not require an additional external power supply. For actuator systems that operate with hall sensors or other positional feedback devices, control boxes/systems with more advanced programming logic are required to allow for capabilities such as:

• Synchronization of multiple actuators
• Memory preset positions
• Positional display functions (through remote)
• Higher accuracy and precision movements

Our control boxes comparison chart highlights the compatible power supplies we carry for each of our control boxes under the AC Power Option section. To see which of our control boxes and actuators are compatible with each other, check out our control box compatibility chart and control box comparison chart for more information.

Our Manufactured in Canada New Generation Control Boxes

Our new generation of control boxes, manufactured in Canada, is engineered to simplify motion control and extend the functionality of your linear actuators. Each actuator control box includes our new and improved wireless RT-40 remotes with a longer 100 ft wireless range, updated wireless remote from 2-button to 4-button, wireless remote pairing & mode selection, and can pair up to 4 remotes:

• PA-CB40-2-12V24V Synchronized Dual Hall Effect Control Box - 2 Channel
• PA-CB40-4-12V24V Synchronized Hall Effect Control Box - 4 Channel
• CBK-PA-CB30-2-P 12/24VDC Control Box - 2 Channel - 25/12.5A - Parallel Control
• PA-CB31-1-12V24V High Power Control Box - 1 Channel

These control boxes provide new and enhanced protection features to ensure safe and efficient operation, serving as an upgrade to our previous generation. Other standard features offered in these new-generation actuator control boxes include:

• Automatic Power Saving Mode
• Smooth Motion Mode
• Instant Wake Up (Single press, 100mS response time)
• Accepts 12 or 24 VDC input voltage
• 2x LED indicators for control box status and error codes
• Intuitive programming via remote or onboard button
• Momentary & non-momentary configuration options

Compatible Wiring Adapters, Extensions, and Connectors

Our plug-and-play wiring accessories are designed to cover a wide range of input and output connectors found in our line of actuators, control boxes, and power supplies. All connectors and extensions utilize the suitable gauge wires and pins to ensure proper electrical current ratings and actuator compatibility with our range of control boxes and power supplies. Whether you’re wiring feedback cables to actuators for precise position control or a standard unit for basic movement, these connectors make setup fast and dependable. Explore our range of wiring adapters, extensions, and connectors designed for plug-and-play easy installation.

IN SUMMARY

By choosing the right power supply and control box, you ensure system compatibility, consistent motion, and long-term reliability with enhanced safety. With Progressive Automations’ latest releases, users now have access to more efficient, flexible, and feature-rich solutions than ever before.

As one of the top actuator and motion control suppliers in the world, Progressive Automations offers industry-leading flexibility, quality, support, and field experience to meet all your needs. If you have any other questions about what we can offer, please do not hesitate to reach out to us! We are experts in motion control and want to ensure you find the best automation solutions for your application.

sales@progressiveautomations.com | 1-800-676-6123