PAW-12-100-700 Waterproof 12V DC Linear Actuator - 100mm Stroke, 700N Force, 12mm/s Speed

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. What is the operating voltage? This actuator requires a standard 12V DC power supply or battery to operate.

2. What does "100mm Stroke" mean? The stroke is the total distance the inner silver rod travels from fully closed to fully open. It extends exactly 100mm (about 3.9 inches).

3. How much is 700N of force? 700 Newtons translates to roughly 71 kilograms or 157 pounds of pushing and pulling force.

4. How fast does it move? It travels at a steady, controlled speed of 12mm per second (12mm/s) when unloaded.

5. Is this actuator waterproof? Yes, the sealed black motor housing and aluminum tubing provide excellent weather and splash resistance for outdoor applications.

6. What is the length when it is fully closed (retracted)? Based on the manufacturer's formula (Stroke + 105mm), the hole-to-hole retracted length is exactly 205mm.

7. What is the length when it is fully open (extended)? The extended hole-to-hole length is exactly 305mm.

8. How do I mount it? Both ends feature clevis mounts with 6mm diameter holes. You can use 6mm bolts, pins, or standard actuator mounting brackets.

9. How do I reverse the direction? It operates via a simple brushed DC motor. Swap the polarity of the power source (e.g., connect positive to Red and negative to Black to extend, then reverse them to retract).

10. Does it have limit switches? Yes, it is equipped with internal limit switches. It will automatically shut off when it hits the fully extended (100mm) or fully retracted position.

11. Can I adjust where the limit switches stop? No, the internal limit switches are fixed at the factory for the 100mm stroke and cannot be manually moved or adjusted.

12. Can I stop it midway through its stroke? Absolutely. If you cut the 12V power at any point during its 100mm travel, it will stop and hold its exact position.

13. Will it drop the load if power is lost? No. Linear actuators utilize internal lead screws that are inherently self-locking. It will hold its 157 lb payload firmly in place even when unpowered.

14. Can I control this with an Arduino or Raspberry Pi? Yes, but not directly. You must use the microcontroller to trigger a heavy-duty Relay module or a high-current H-Bridge motor driver that can handle the 12V current.

15. What is the diameter of the outer aluminum tube? The silver outer tube is 30mm in diameter.

16. What is the diameter of the inner extending rod? The moving inner rod has a diameter of 20mm.

17. Can I run this off a 12V car battery? Yes. A 12V automotive, SLA, or deep-cycle marine battery is a perfect power source for this actuator.

18. Can I run it on 5V or 24V? Applying 24V will quickly burn out the 12V motor. It may turn on lower voltages like 5V, but it will be incredibly slow and lose the vast majority of its pushing force.

19. Can this actuator pull as well as push? Yes, the 700N rating applies equally to both the extension (pushing) and retraction (pulling) motions.

20. How do I wire this up? Wiring is incredibly simple. There are only two wires coming from the motor housing. Connect them to 12V DC via a DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) reversing rocker switch or relay to control forward and reverse.