How to Choose a Linear Actuator: Force, Stroke, Speed & Voltage Guide
Choosing a linear actuator starts with four technical requirements: force, stroke, speed, and voltage. Installation length, ingress-protection rating, and control requirements also matter. This guide compares the current HyHaven linear actuator range using verified model specifications, without assuming that a specific model is suitable for a particular application.
Step 1: Determine the Required Force
Start with the push and pull force your mechanism actually requires. Do not select an actuator from load weight alone: mounting angle, linkage geometry, friction, motion direction, and an appropriate engineering margin can all affect the required actuator force.
Compare your calculated requirement with the verified push and pull ratings below. If your mechanism is not straightforward, confirm the required force before ordering.
| Model | Push Force | Pull Force | Max Self-Locking Load | IP Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HH-LA-U1 | 900N / 202 lbs | 800N | 1500N | IP54 |
| HH-LA-U2 | 1500N / 337 lbs | 1100N | 1800N | IP54 |
| HH-LA-U3 | 6000N / 1320 lbs | 4000N | 8000N | IP54 |
| HH-LA-U11 | 3500N / 787 lbs | 3500N | 5000N | IP65 |
| HH-LA-U6 | 7000N / 1574 lbs | 7000N | 9000N | IP65 |
Step 2: Choose the Required Stroke and Check Installation Length
Stroke is the actuator rod travel from the retracted position to the extended position. Measure the travel your mechanism requires, then verify that the actuator can physically fit in both positions.
Standard storefront stroke ranges and installation-length relationships differ by model:
| Model | Standard Stroke Range | Installation Length | OEM Custom Stroke |
|---|---|---|---|
| HH-LA-U1 | 50–450 mm | Stroke + 105 mm | 15–1000 mm |
| HH-LA-U2 | 50–450 mm | Stroke + 105 mm | 15–1000 mm |
| HH-LA-U3 | 2"–18" | Stroke + 175 mm | 50–700 mm |
| HH-LA-U11 | 50–450 mm | Stroke + 120 mm | 15–1000 mm |
| HH-LA-U6 | 200–600 mm | Stroke + 250 mm | 15–1000 mm |
Do not choose a longer stroke simply as a default safety margin. The required stroke and installation length should come from the actual mechanism geometry and available mounting space.
Step 3: Compare No-Load and Load Speed
HyHaven lists both no-load speed and load speed where applicable. For motion planning under working load, compare the load-speed figure rather than relying only on the no-load value.
| Model | No-Load Speed | Load Speed |
|---|---|---|
| HH-LA-U1 | 6 mm/s | 4 mm/s |
| HH-LA-U2 | 6 mm/s | 4.5 mm/s |
| HH-LA-U3 | 5 mm/s | 3.5 mm/s |
| HH-LA-U11 | 3.5 mm/s | 2.2 mm/s |
| HH-LA-U6 | 9 mm/s | 7 mm/s |
Step 4: Choose 12V or 24V DC
The current HyHaven linear actuator models listed on this page are available in 12V DC and 24V DC versions. Choose the version that matches your system power architecture and verify the required current, switching method, and controller or power-supply capability before installation.
Do not assume that a controller, relay, power supply, or synchronization system is compatible with a specific actuator only because the nominal voltage matches. Confirm the electrical and control requirements for the complete system.
Step 5: Understand IP54 and IP65 Correctly
IP54 and IP65 are ingress-protection ratings. They should be treated as one technical selection factor, not as a blanket claim that an actuator is suitable for every outdoor, wet, humid, dusty, tropical, RV, solar, gate, or agricultural environment.
- HH-LA-U1, HH-LA-U2, HH-LA-U3: IP54
- HH-LA-U11, HH-LA-U6: IP65
For an actual installation, evaluate the complete exposure conditions, mounting orientation, electrical connections, duty cycle, and enclosure requirements before selecting a model.
Step 6: Check Other Model-Specific Requirements
Force, stroke, speed, and voltage are not the only selection criteria. Depending on the project, also check duty cycle, operating temperature, noise, installation dimensions, limit-switch configuration, signal requirements, mounting geometry, and control-system requirements.
All five actuator models listed above have a built-in limit switch. HH-LA-U6 also has a verified signal output. Do not assume Hall feedback, synchronized operation, controller compatibility, wiring polarity, or other feedback functions unless they are explicitly specified for the product and system being used.
Quick Technical Comparison
| Model | Push Force | No-Load / Load Speed | Voltage | IP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HH-LA-U1 | 900N / 202 lbs | 6 / 4 mm/s | 12V / 24V DC | IP54 |
| HH-LA-U2 | 1500N / 337 lbs | 6 / 4.5 mm/s | 12V / 24V DC | IP54 |
| HH-LA-U3 | 6000N / 1320 lbs | 5 / 3.5 mm/s | 12V / 24V DC | IP54 |
| HH-LA-U11 | 3500N / 787 lbs | 3.5 / 2.2 mm/s | 12V / 24V DC | IP65 |
| HH-LA-U6 | 7000N / 1574 lbs | 9 / 7 mm/s | 12V / 24V DC | IP65 |
Still Not Sure?
Send us your required push/pull force, travel distance, available installation length, voltage, expected duty cycle, environment, and control requirements. HyHaven can help compare the verified specifications and identify which model should be evaluated for your project.
Contact HyHaven for Product Selection Support →
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the force rating for a linear actuator?
Determine the push and pull force required by the actual mechanism, including the effects of mounting geometry, friction, motion direction, and an appropriate engineering margin. Then compare that requirement with the actuator's verified push and pull ratings.
What is the difference between no-load speed and load speed?
No-load speed is the rated actuator speed without the working load applied. Load speed is the rated speed under load conditions. For a loaded mechanism, use the load-speed specification when comparing expected motion speed.
How do I choose the correct stroke?
Match the actuator stroke to the required travel of the mechanism and confirm that the actuator's installation length fits in both the retracted and extended positions. Standard stroke ranges differ by model.
Should I choose 12V or 24V?
Choose the voltage that matches your system architecture, then verify current requirements and the ratings of the power supply, switch, relay, or controller. Matching voltage alone does not prove controller or system compatibility.
Does an IP54 or IP65 rating guarantee suitability for an outdoor application?
No. The IP rating is one part of the environmental specification. Suitability depends on the complete exposure conditions, installation, electrical connections, duty cycle, and other project requirements.