I would like to create a circuit so that a standard light switch will control both a 120v light and a 24v linear actuator that opens a floor hatch. When the light switch is turned on, the light turns on and the hatch opens. When the light switch is turned off, the light goes off and the circuit reverses polarity of the power to the actuator to close the hatch. The actuator has limit stops so my understanding is that leaving the switch on or off shouldn’t damage the actuator, correct? Can anyone assist me with designing this circuit with readily available parts as well as advice for the appropriate fuses and locations? Thank you.

 

First pass, you need a 24 Vdc power supply with enough output current to run the actuator plus, maybe, a DPDT relay. The relay can have a 120 Vac coil and be connected in parallel with the light, or a 24 Vdc coil and be driven by a small, 1-transistor circuit.

The AC coil version is less work, but you assume all responsibility for wiring it correctly and not dying.

I this within your skill set?

ak

 

You would need to give a little information/details of the present equipment., ratings etc.
Any info of the present actuator connections would help
I would also use 24vdc for all control circuitry.

 

You can get a proper enclosure.
Sized suitably (Amazon)

 

I would like to create a circuit so that a standard light switch will control both a 120v light and a 24v linear actuator that opens a floor hatch.

As ak suggested in post #2.

 

You would need to give a little information/details of the present equipment., ratings etc.
Any info of the present actuator connections would help
I would also use 24vdc for all control circuitry.

First pass, you need a 24 Vdc power supply with enough output current to run the actuator plus, maybe, a DPDT relay. The relay can have a 120 Vac coil and be connected in parallel with the light, or a 24 Vdc coil and be driven by a small, 1-transistor circuit.

The AC coil version is less work, but you assume all responsibility for wiring it correctly and not dying.

I this within your skill set?

ak

Not presently, but I’ll have to think that through. I need to power the door up when the light is on and power it down (reverse polarity) when the light is off.

 

Regardless of how this is to work will require tying to the 120Vac line voltage.
Unless it's possible to use a sensor activated when the light comes on.

 

You would need to give a little information/details of the present equipment., ratings etc.
Any info of the present actuator connections would help
I would also use 24vdc for all control circuitry.

Haven’t received the door and actuator yet, but do have a picture of the actuator label provided by the supplier. Here is also a picture of the application from their website. If this is too difficult or unsafe, I can also use their controls and add a pressure sensitive switch for the light. I don’t want to make it harder than it needs to be! The idea is that this is never left open in the dark to create a fall risk.

 

I can also use their controls and add a pressure sensitive switch for the light.

Depending on how dark the room is normally a properly placed light sensor in the room might work.

 

Depending on how dark the room is normally a properly placed light sensor in the room might work.

This is in the master bedroom closet. I guess I’d also like to control everything with the flip of a light switch rather than another control box on the wall if I can reasonably do so. I can hide a circuit enclosure.

 

The pictures in post #8 tell me that the package includes a control system that includes a whole lot more than just the linear actuator device. I see that aside from having the external open/close switches it also includes a remote control fob.
SO I suggest a quite different scheme, since that will handle ALL of the open/close functions rather well: Add a "limit switch" to the hatch arrangement to operate the associated mains powered light.
It will be both much simpler and also much safer.
I understand that it is much different from what was requested, but when the application is clear it makes more sense. It also allows remote operation.

 

The pictures in post #8 tell me that the package includes a control system that includes a whole lot more than just the linear actuator device. I see that aside from having the external open/close switches it also includes a remote control fob.
SO I suggest a quite different scheme, since that will handle ALL of the open/close functions rather well: Add a "limit switch" to the hatch arrangement to operate the associated mains powered light.
It will be both much simpler and also much safer.
I understand that it is much different from what was requested, but when the application is clear it makes more sense. It also allows remote operation.

Thanks! That makes sense and you’re probably right. I’ll take the simpler safer approach

 

Somewhere there is a wreck yard waiting for you.

 

This is in the master bedroom closet. I guess I’d also like to control everything with the flip of a light switch rather than another control box on the wall if I can reasonably do so. I can hide a circuit enclosure.

This is a light sensor module I'm thinking of but only has a SPDT relay but can be connected to a heavier duty 24 volt DPDT relay to operate the Actuator.


EDIT: replace link to Relay module.

 

If the actuator is allowed to go maximum stroke in both directions, you should not need external limits.
This model shows two wire supply so normally it would include end limits internally, with reverse allowable diodes.
e.g.

.

 

Wiring diagram if deciding on the light sensor.

 

For those folks who looked at the photos, did you see that it looks like the TS is getting not only the actuator, but also the complete power supply and control,system package, including a remote control fob!. If the pictures are truthful then the controls system will be already completed, and in a nice package. So waiting until the actual hardware is on hand will provide a chance to see what it actually is. Seeing is usually better than guessing.

 

I did not see anything about a ready-to-go package?
The OP asked, "Can anyone assist me with designing this circuit with readily available parts?" which sort of implies they are putting it together??

 

I did not see anything about a ready-to-go package?
The OP asked, "Can anyone assist me with designing this circuit with readily available parts?" which sort of implies they are putting it together??

Three pictures in post #8. (TS posted them) AND the TS acknowledges that it does look like a complete system, not just an actuator. When the delivery arrives we may know for certain.
My suggestion in post #11 was acknowledged as an alternative.
So now we can wait to see what actually arrives. Seeing should work better than guessing.

 

That middle photo in post#8 certainly looks like a complete package.
The power plug looks like a European 230vac.
Not exactly as described in post #1.