How to use Relays to Control Linear Actuators

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In this technical how to video we go over how a relay works and how it can be used to control the motion of linear actuators. Stay tuned for more video like this one in the coming weeks.
LC-200 2 Channel Relay Module - www.progressiv...
LC-201 4 Channel Relay Module - www.progressiv...
LC-202 8 Channel Relay Module - www.progressiv...
LC-066 Arduino Uno - www.progressiv...
For a more in depth discussion on relays and how they can control linear actuators check out our blog! - www.progressiv...
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[@ToninFightsEntropy]

Awesome video dude! I have one question though.. I wanted to make the actuators speed up/slow down.. is there another way to do this other than by rapidly powering the relays on/off at alternating speeds, or if not, how long do you reckon the relays would last if this were to be occurring for maybe a whole 10 seconds a day?

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hi Tony To control the speed of a linear actuator, you can use a DC speed controller such as our AC-14 (www.progressiveautomations.com/ac-14), or a PWM Motor Controller such as the LC-80 (www.progressiveautomations.com/lc-80). If you have any more questions or need more information, don't hesitate to contact us. Best Regards

[@stevenbeebe35]

You need a servo relay. A 2 wire relay does not allow speed control. A 2 wire relay only extends and retracts depending on the voltage applied. Do not try to rapidly switch on and off a relay(s), they will burn out in under a minute if you do that.

[@ToninFightsEntropy]

Ok I now know a relay would be fine for ages doing this with code, BUT it would be loud. For that reason, a motor controller is nicer. Or building your own with a transistor.

[@KrutiDeshpande]

Hello such an informative video...but i had a question is it possible that for extending the actuator you press the button and for rectracting the actuator it retracts automatically after 5-10 sec? And one more doubt is it possible to use such push button that you don't have to keep pressing it until it extends...

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hello Kruti, Yes, it is possible to program the Arduino microcontroller with a timer function so that the relays cause the actuator to retract after 5-10 seconds. This example was programmed for momentary controls, however, Arduino microcontrollers can also be programmed for non-momentary control if pressing the push button once and letting go was preferred.

[@rubenrios646]

So I have a snow blower motor working as my actuator. Will that work with this setup as well? Also the codes in the website you direct everyone too isn't the one you used for this video right. On the website there is only 1 code that control linear actuators and it only has pin 6 and 7 labeled as used. You are using way more pins on the pwm side of the arduino. Could you clarify that?

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hi Ruben, we'd love to assist you in choosing the right motor for your setup. Can you provide us with more details by giving us a call at 1-800-676-6123 or please send us an email at [e-mail] We look forward to hearing from you!

[@Anth78p]

How much load can each relay support @12v? I mean, could you connect to just 1 relay a 160w/12v fan? Cheers :)

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hi Anth! These relay modules can support a maximum current of 10A @ 250VAC and 10A @ 30VDC

[@lz1kka]

Hello! Can that be used with Raspberry Pi and what if the linear actuator is equipped with feedback sensor (potentiometer)?

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hi Konstantin, If using a linear actuator that is equipped with a potentiometer, this device will be able to provide positional feedback. Raspberry Pi devices can be connected to relays in order to activate the relays when necessary. Thanks.

[@Mr75capoeira]

can you only use one switch to do it instead for 2?

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Good question! The actuator would need one switch for extension and one for retraction. This would equal 2x SPDT relays. Alternatively, you are able to use 1x DPDT relay such as this one: www.progressiveautomations.ca/products/ac-28-30-12

[@erickbostrom4049]

might you have a way to Alaxa-fi a dc reversing motor? I want to tell Alexa to open or close that actuator, no buttons, so need a smart reversing relay of some kind.

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hi Erick At the moment we do not have a way for Alexa to directly control our actuators unfortunately. We were however able to find some guides online on how to use Alexa to control a relay, hopefully they help - maker.pro/arduino/projects/how-to-control-an-led-or-relay-with-amazon-alexa-echo. Best Regards

[@jacktepper1]

Sonoff....www.itead.cc/sonoff-4ch-pro.html...you can program it for all kinds of stuff, if your amp draw goes over 10Amp, place a relay switch between the actuator and the controller. Best of luck

[@anasahmed9118]

thanks alot for your video this help me alot to understand the whole process of operating linear actuator. can you provide the wiring diagram of your circuit just a lil confuse i have that how to connect the buttons with aurdino ? & this buttons are of specific kind or can use a normal one for it ?

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hello Anas For more in depth information on the wiring and how we did this. please refer to our Instructables post - www.instructables.com/id/Using-Relay-Boards-to-Control-Linear-Actuators/. If you need more information then just give us a call at 1-800-676-6123 or email us at [e-mail]. Best Regards

[@Beobout6]

If the actuators have their own limit switches and I use a rocker type momentary switch with neg and pos (reverse) I don’t understand why I would need relays and accompanying boards.

[@jbeard3390]

You don't

[@donaldsteele6276]

I have a question for you. I have a single axis solar tracking controller that can handle maximum of 8 amps 12v DC current and my linear actuators I would like to use are 400 pound 18 inch and use 20 amps 12v for full power. Is there a power supply I can wire to my fuse box on a 20 amp or 30 amp that can supply the needed power that will detect the power from the tracker controller and supply it to the linear actuator for both motions up and down?

[@stevenbeebe35]

I doubt you will have 20 amps for 18 inches of relay travel and 400 LBS. Respectfully, you need to go back and check your equipment AMPS. All of that seems way to heavy on the amps???

[@growponics9170]

Hey great video. I was curious do you connect one side of the actuator to NO and one side connected and the other side to the NC? Or do use two of the relays with one sending signal to open the actuator and another sending signal to close it? Trying to figure out if i can use a single or if i need a dual for my application. Thanks in advance.

[@growponics9170]

My apologies i realized you covered this. But would still appreciate confirming if i am correct or not with this.

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hi there. Please refer to our article that goes into much more detail on how to use the relays here - www.progressiveautomations.com/how-to-use-relays-to-control-linear-actuators/. If you have any other questions please contact us at 1-800-676-6123 or [e-mail]. Best Regards

[@2ntenz]

Can I power the Arduino with 12VDC? And could 2 relays work on a 4 channel with 2 linear actuators operating at the same time?

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hello, Each actuator requires positive and negative 12VDC to achieve extension and retraction. Ensure that the relays you use can provide the DC voltage polarity reversal. Thanks Team Progressive Automations.

[@2ntenz]

Progressive Automations : is there a wiring schematic that you could provide? I am still unclear by what you mean. By the way, I bought the 14-PA actuators. Looking forward to integrating Arduino. Thanks Progressive

[@Diggnuts]

Most Arduinos can take 12VDC and turn it into 5V and/or 3.3V. The 5V from the Arduino can operate 2 or 3 relays most of the time. (I would recommend to seperate the actual relays and controller in your PSU setup regardless. It just makes for a less noise and touchy setup) Regarding the actuators, if you are using the same 12VCD PSU, you just need to make sure the maximum amperage is higher than both your components and your motor.

[@raycali8762]

What is the duty cycle of your linear actuator?

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hi Ray Our Linear actuators have a variety of duty cycles, however they are typically in the 20-25% range. This mean that the actuators can be run for approximately 4-5 minutes, where they will require an approximate 15 minute cool-down period. Thanks

[@raycali8762]

@@ProgressiveAutomations ohh thank you for the reply that helped me alot!

[@MGL83]

No diagram? I'm especially curious how you make sure there's never a short during relay switching.

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hello, The wiring in this video follows the same wiring diagram listed in the video’s description linked below: www.progressiveautomations.com/blogs/how-to/how-to-use-relays-to-control-linear-actuators If you had any other questions, we’ll happily assist you at [e-mail] Best regards, Progressive Automations Team

[@skyzkid415]

What about the duty cycle of the motor?

[@nittygritty6670]

Hi sir, I need some help, I have 24v actuator motor and my Fcu unit is 220v, how I control this motor.

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hi there. For technical questions like these, please contact us to get in touch with an engineer so they can best assist you. Call us at 1-800-676-6123 or [e-mail]. Best Regards

[@AztecWarrior69]

All you need to do is get a 24v power supply to power the actuator. It doesn't require any special engineer assistance. In fact that what relays are for. They are meant to separate the Load from the controller. Example: Your car headlights. They draw a lot of current and therefore need larger wire to handle that current. Well you don't want large wires going through the dash and large buttons that are able to handle that current. Also you want the circuit to be as sort as possible. So you use a relay. Small button, small wires, longer distance operating a low voltage/ low amp/low current relay coil. Simple: Use small to operate big. In fact they are actually semi doing it wrong in this video. They are using the Micro controller power to power the actuator. That's a big no no.The power should come as direct, from the power source, as possible.

[@MuhammadAwais-jh2dy]

Please can you share code and what is name of button you are using

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hello Muhammad! Any type of Breadboard Friendly Momentary Push Button Switch should be suitable for this circuit. The code is available on our site linked in the video description, however, this link will also work: www.progressiveautomations.com/blogs/how-to/how-to-use-relays-to-control-linear-actuators

[@nitzsantillan1653]

Can you give me the diagram?

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hi Nitz! Please refer to our article that goes into much more detail on how to use the relays here - www.progressiveautomations.com/blogs/how-to/how-to-use-relays-to-control-linear-actuators If you have any other questions please feel free contact us toll-free 1-800-676-6123 or [e-mail]

[@ladyqonimvu8604]

wiring diagram for this example please

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hello, we have a list of wiring diagrams on our website: www.progressiveautomations.com/technical-data#wiring-pdfs Please feel free to send us an email at [e-mail] and we can directly email you a wiring diagram if a certain wiring diagram is not listed.

[@ankurnath4072]

Which relay module is it? 4 channel 12V or 4 channel 5V?

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hi there. The relay module used in this video is a 4 Channel 5V relay, which you can see here - www.progressiveautomations.com/lc-201. If you have any other questions please contact us at 1-800-676-6123 or [e-mail]. Best Regards

[@martinamorelli9860]

hi! Can you share the Arduino code? thank you!

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hello Martina, We have several Arduino sample codes that can be utilized with our actuators. For control options using relays with linear actuators, you can check out more here! www.progressiveautomations.com/pages/resources#arduino-coding

[@kimyacapin6852]

are you using a 12v linear actuator?

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hi Kim, yes we are using a 12V linear actuator in this video.

[@halimhussain8203]

Can you do this without an arduino?

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hello This specific application requires an arduino to function correctly. If you would like to discuss alternative options to get similar forms of control, please contact us at 1-800-676-6123 or [e-mail]. Best Regards

[@anonamus4860]

Good video. But I think you are overthinking this. I built my kayak actuator steering control using just 2 DPDT Relays . I have foot switches to turn left or right .

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

We'd love to see your kayak actuator steering control!

[@YuiSenpai]

thanks m8

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

You're welcome. Cheers!

[@ihsanc94]

awesome video... can i have the coding please?

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hi there. You can see the coding we used for this example in our blog post - www.progressiveautomations.com/how-to-use-relays-to-control-linear-actuators/. If you have any other questions please contact us. Best Regards

[@markrainford1219]

What is the Arduino doing?

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hi Mark We actually have an article related to this video on our blog here - www.progressiveautomations.com/how-to-use-relays-to-control-linear-actuators/. It shows the coding that the Arduino is using. If you have any other questions related to the Arduino coding, please contact us directly at 1-800-676-6123 or [e-mail] to get in touch with one of our engineers. Best Regards

[@ipmoroca]

@@ProgressiveAutomations hi there, I noticed the article but it doesn't mention the push buttons you have in the video, how for these work? If statement ?

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hi there Please refer to our Instructables post on this example here - www.instructables.com/id/Using-Relay-Boards-to-Control-Linear-Actuators/. This goes into much more detail on the coding and how everything comes together to function correctly. Hope this helps. Best Regards

[@MuhammadAwais-jh2dy]

Please can you share code

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

The code is available on our site linked in the video description, however, this link will also work: www.progressiveautomations.com/blogs/how-to/how-to-use-relays-to-control-linear-actuators

[@morante1998]

Why use relay instead of transistors?

[@ProgressiveAutomations]

Hi, Typically relays are easier to integrate into the average users setup. However, we do offer transistors in a motor driver package. Thank You.