What Are 24 VDC Linear Actuators?
A 24 VDC linear actuator is an electric actuator that uses 24-volt direct current power to produce mechanical linear motion. Inside the actuator, a DC motor generates high-speed rotational motion, a gearbox increases the torque, and a lead screw converts that rotation into the linear extension and retraction of the output shaft.
This allows the actuator to push, pull, lift, or position a load along a straight path. Because of their straightforward mechanical design and reliable operation, 24V DC actuators integrate cleanly into industrial control systems, automation controllers, and PLC-based environments where 24V is the standard operating voltage.
24V vs 12V Linear Actuators
Both 12V and 24V electric linear actuators use the same internal mechanism. The voltage difference affects current draw, wiring requirements, and efficiency across longer cable runs not the fundamental operating principle.
The core relationship is straightforward: for the same power output, doubling the voltage halves the current draw. A 24V actuator producing a given force draws approximately half the current of a 12V actuator producing the same force at the same speed. That difference has practical consequences in how you size the wiring, power supply, and control system.
12V vs 24V Linear Actuators - Key Differences
Both voltage options use the same internal mechanism. The difference is electrical: doubling the voltage halves the current draw, which affects wiring cost, voltage drop over distance, and power supply sizing.
| Factor | 12V | 24V |
|---|---|---|
| Current draw | Higher - doubles for the same power output | Lower - half the current of an equivalent 12V unit |
| Wire gauge | Heavier gauge required to handle higher current | Lighter gauge sufficient, reducing material cost |
| Voltage drop over distance | More pronounced on long cable runs | Half the voltage drop of 12V on the same wire gauge |
| Typical applications | Automotive, marine, home automation, lighter loads | Industrial machinery, vehicles, solar, heavy-duty use |
| Power supply availability | Widely available, compatible with standard batteries | Standard in industrial and commercial control systems |
| Multi-actuator systems | Current draw multiplies quickly across multiple units | Lower per-unit current simplifies power supply sizing |
12V is the practical choice for automotive, marine, and battery-based systems. 24V is the better fit for industrial power systems, long cable runs, or installations with multiple actuators running simultaneously.
Applications of 24 VDC Linear Actuators
Automation Systems
In industrial automation, 24V actuators are used to open and close doors, move panels, adjust equipment positions, and control mechanical components. Their compatibility with programmable controllers and 24V PLC outputs makes them a natural fit for automated production systems.
Machinery and Equipment
Many types of machinery use 24V actuators to adjust machine parts, control gates or valves, and automate mechanical processes. The lower current draw compared to 12V units reduces heat generation in control cabinets and simplifies fusing and wiring in high-cycle applications.
Vehicles and Mobile Equipment
In trucks, agricultural equipment, and specialty vehicles, 24V actuators control compartments, seating adjustments, lifting mechanisms, and access panels. Many commercial vehicles and agricultural machines run 24V electrical systems, making 24V actuators a direct fit with no voltage conversion required.
Robotics and Motion Control
Robotic systems use 24V actuators for precise mechanical movement. Feedback options including Hall effect sensors support position control and synchronization in multi-axis systems.
Solar Tracking
24V actuators are commonly used in solar panel tracking systems, where panels tilt to follow the sun throughout the day. The efficiency advantages of 24V wiring are particularly relevant in outdoor solar installations with long cable runs between the panel and the control system.
Selecting the correct 24V actuator requires matching the mechanical, electrical, and environmental requirements of your application to the actuator's rated specifications
How to Choose the Right 24 VDC Linear Actuator
Determine the Required Force
Calculate the total load your actuator will move, including a 20 to 30 percent safety margin. If the actuator is mounted at an angle, the required force is higher than the load weight alone. Use our actuator force calculator to work through the load angle calculation for your specific geometry.
Identify the Stroke Length
Measure the full travel distance required. Select the next available standard stroke length at or above that measurement and confirm that the extended hole-to-hole length fits within the installation envelope.
Consider Speed Requirements
Faster actuators carry lower force ratings on the same motor platform. If the application requires both high force and high speed, confirm whether any single model meets both or whether the geometry or mechanism needs to be adjusted.
Evaluate Environmental Conditions
Match the IP rating to the worst-case exposure in your installation, not the average. For outdoor or wet environments, start at IP65. For submersion or high-pressure washdown, verify a higher rating is available for the model you are considering.
Match the Power System
24V actuators are the natural fit for systems where a 24V supply is already present. They draw about half the current of an equivalent 12V unit, which simplifies fusing and reduces heat in wiring and control components. If you are working from a 12V supply, our 12-24V voltage converter provides a straightforward solution. For guidance on pairing a power supply to your actuator, see our power supply guide.
Key Specifications and Features
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Stroke Length
Stroke length defines the total travel distance of the output shaft from fully retracted to fully extended. Verify that the installation space accommodates the fully extended hole-to-hole body length, not only the retracted length.
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Load Capacity
Load capacity is the rated push or pull force the actuator can produce. Always apply a 20 to 30 percent safety margin above the calculated load requirement, and account for load angle if the actuator is not pushing directly inline with the load.
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Speed
Actuator speed determines how fast the shaft extends and retracts. Speed and force are coupled through the gear ratio, a higher force configuration uses a greater gear reduction and moves more slowly.
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IP Rating
The IP rating indicates the actuator's resistance to dust and water ingress. For outdoor and industrial environments, IP65 is a practical minimum. For washdown or marine environments, a higher rating is appropriate.
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Voltage and Current
24V actuators draw approximately half the current of a 12V actuator delivering the same force and speed. This has three practical benefits: wiring can be a lighter gauge, voltage drop over longer cable runs is reduced, and power supply sizing is simpler in multi-actuator systems where peak startup current across several units adds up quickly.
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Positional Feedback
Some 24V linear actuators include a built-in feedback device that reports shaft position to the control system in real time. This is required for applications involving synchronized multi-actuator motion, programmable travel presets, or precision positioning.
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