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.
HH-LA-508
Push / Pull ForceUp to 12,000 N / 2,698 lbf (4 mm lead, 40:1 gear)
No-Load / Full-Load Speed6.5 / 4.5 mm/s (standard configuration)
Voltage / IP Rating12 V / 24 V DC · IP66
Standard Stroke / Installation Length50–500 mm · stroke + 200 mm
HH-LA-508 configuration note: The 12,000 N force rating and 6.5 / 4.5 mm/s no-load / full-load speeds apply to the standard 4 mm lead, 40:1 gear setup. Force and speed vary by configuration; maximum force and maximum speed are not available in the same setting.
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:
HH-LA-U1
Standard Stroke Range50–450 mm
Installation LengthStroke + 105 mm
OEM Custom Stroke15–1000 mm
HH-LA-U2
Standard Stroke Range50–450 mm
Installation LengthStroke + 105 mm
OEM Custom Stroke15–1000 mm
HH-LA-U3
Standard Stroke Range50–450 mm / 2"–18"
Installation LengthStroke + 175 mm
OEM Custom StrokeUp to 700 mm (OEM/custom only; engineering and production confirmation required)
HH-LA-U11
Standard Stroke Range50–450 mm
Installation LengthStroke + 120 mm
OEM Custom Stroke15–1000 mm
HH-LA-U6
Standard Stroke Range200–600 mm
Installation LengthStroke + 250 mm
OEM Custom Stroke15–1000 mm
Important: The HH-LA-U3 standard online storefront variants are 50–450 mm / 2–18 in. Custom strokes up to 700 mm may be available for qualified OEM or project orders, subject to engineering and production confirmation. These custom configurations are not standard online storefront variants.
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.
Linear Actuator Dimensions: Retracted vs Extended Length
Stroke is only half the fit check: the table below lists each model's stroke range with its retracted and extended lengths, worked out from the installation-length relationships in Step 2 (retracted length = stroke + constant; extended length = retracted length + stroke).
| Model | Stroke Range | Retracted Length | Extended Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| HH-LA-U1 | 50–450 mm | 155–555 mm (stroke + 105 mm) | 205–1005 mm |
| HH-LA-U2 | 50–450 mm | 155–555 mm (stroke + 105 mm) | 205–1005 mm |
| HH-LA-U3 | 50–450 mm | 225–625 mm (stroke + 175 mm) | 275–1075 mm |
| HH-LA-U11 | 50–450 mm | 170–570 mm (stroke + 120 mm) | 220–1020 mm |
| HH-LA-U6 | 200–600 mm | 450–850 mm (stroke + 250 mm) | 650–1450 mm |
| HH-LA-508 | 50–500 mm | 250–700 mm (stroke + 200 mm) | 300–1200 mm |
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.
HH-LA-U1
No-Load Speed10 mm/s
Load Speed7 mm/s
HH-LA-U2
No-Load Speed6 mm/s
Load Speed4.5 mm/s
HH-LA-U3
No-Load Speed5 mm/s
Load Speed3.5 mm/s
HH-LA-U11
No-Load Speed3.5 mm/s
Load Speed2.2 mm/s
HH-LA-U6
No-Load Speed9 mm/s
Load Speed7 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
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 →
Browse HyHaven Linear Actuators →
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.