Hi,

I would like to run 4 linear actuators at the same time but when I connect 2 or more to the switch they do not work but 1 works fine on its own.

The linear actuators have 2 wires, they are 85W, 12vdc.
The dpdt with off is a non momentary 12v 20A.
The power supply is output DC 12v 25A max, 300W.

What can I do to sort this out.

Many thanks

 

First thing is your power supply is not going to provide enough current for all four. 4 x 85 = 340 watts.

Your switch won't handle all four actuators. 85 watt / 12v = 7.08A for each actuator. 7.08 x 4 = 28.32A total load. You are going to at least need a switch capable of handling 30A at minimum.

Motors generally pull a lot more than their rated current at startup and with two connected to the power supply it's most likely pulling enough power to cause the power supply to shut down due to it's over current protection.

 

First thing is your power supply is not going to provide enough current for all four. 4 x 85 = 340 watts.

Your switch won't handle all four actuators. 85 watt / 12v = 7.08A for each actuator. 7.08 x 4 = 28.32A total load. You are going to at least need a switch capable of handling 30A at minimum.

Motors generally pull a lot more than their rated current at startup and with two connected to the power supply it's most likely pulling enough power to cause the power supply to shut down due to it's over current protection.

Hi,

Thanks for the info.

I have only tried connecting 2 of the actuators and get no response from them but again, 1 works fine.
I thought the power and amps maybe an issue but 2 should work??

 

I have only tried connecting 2 of the actuators and get no response from them but again, 1 works fine.

If the motors are connected in parallel they should work unless your power supply is the problem.
How do you have the two actuators connected with this DPDT switch?

 

If the motors are connected in parallel they should work unless your power supply is the problem.
How do you have the two actuators connected with this DPDT switch?

There are 2 points coming off the switch and I connected both actuators to it, +ve on one side and -ve on the other

 

Is the TS able and willing to measure the power supply voltage while the two connected devices are trying to be operated??? HOW are the devices being connected?? Are the connections solid?? just exactly HOW are they connected?? In at least one thread a while back the problem was that the connecting wires were way to skinny.
And the sad reality is that I am unable to read any of the details from the TS mind.
The first suspect, unseen but standing tall, is an excessive voltage drop because of a poor connection, the second suspect is excessive voltage drop because of too thin wire. The third suspect is an incorrect connection. The fourth suspect is a power supply with an incorrectly set current limit adjustment.

 

That power supply listed is for LED lighting, probably can't handle the in-rush current of two actuators.

 

That power supply listed is for LED lighting, probably can't handle the in-rush current of two actuators.

Thanks for the info and help.

I've changed the power unit to a larger 500W one and they all work together.