Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the Right Actuator

How do I choose the right force (N)?

Start from the load you actually need to move, not from the biggest number available. Weigh or estimate the moving part — a hatch, a bed platform, a panel — then remember that a hinged load usually needs more force than its weight suggests, because the mounting angle and lever arm change as it moves. If your actuator is mounted close to the hinge, it works harder. If it is mounted farther from the hinge, it works easier but needs a longer stroke. As a simple starting point on our range: 900N (HH-LA-U1) suits light jobs like cabinet doors, pet doors and small hatches; 1500N (HH-LA-U2) suits recliners and vents; 3500N (HH-LA-U11) is a good middle ground for outdoor jobs like solar trackers and boat hatches; 6000N (HH-LA-U3) and above are for heavy lifts such as RV platforms and machine guards. If you are between two sizes, send us your load weight and a photo of the mounting points on WhatsApp (+86 139 5881 4345) and we will check the sizing with you for free before you order.

How do I choose the right stroke?

Stroke is how far the rod travels. It is not the same as the total length of the actuator. Measure how far your moving part needs to travel at the point where the actuator will be attached, then choose a stroke that covers that distance. Always confirm both the retracted and extended mounting length before you finalize a design, so the actuator physically fits when fully closed and fully open. If the space is tight, ask us for a dimension drawing before ordering — a two-minute check is cheaper than a return.

What is the difference between no-load speed and load speed?

No-load speed is measured with nothing attached. Under a real load, the actuator moves more slowly. For example, the HH-LA-U3 is rated at 5 mm/s with no load and 3.5 mm/s under load, and the HH-LA-U11 at 3.5 mm/s with no load and 2.2 mm/s under load. When you estimate how long a lift will take, always use the load speed for your model.

Can I use two actuators together on one lift?

Yes, wide or heavy lifts — such as a bed platform or a large hatch — are often driven by two actuators, one on each side. Both actuators should be the same model, the same stroke and the same voltage, mounted symmetrically, so they extend evenly. If your platform binds or racks, stop and check the mounting alignment first rather than forcing it. Tell us the total load and the width of the platform and we will help you confirm whether one or two units fit your design.

Power Supply

Do I need 12V or 24V?

Match the actuator to the power system you already have. All HyHaven actuators are available in 12V DC and 24V DC versions. If you are installing in a vehicle, RV or boat with a 12V battery system, choose 12V. If you are building a fixed installation with a 24V supply, choose 24V. Never connect a 12V actuator to a 24V supply, or the other way around — check the voltage option on the product page before you check out, because the voltage is part of the configuration you select.

What power supply do I need?

You need a DC power supply or battery that matches the voltage of your actuator (12V or 24V) and can comfortably deliver the current your actuator draws under load. As a principle, choose a supply rated above the actuator's maximum current draw shown on its product page and datasheet — an undersized supply is the most common cause of slow movement, stalling and overheating. If you are running two actuators from one supply, the supply must cover the combined draw of both. If you are not sure how to size it, send us the model you are considering and how many units you plan to run, and we will point you to the right specification before you buy anything.

Can I run an actuator from a battery?

Yes. A 12V or 24V battery of the matching voltage works, which is why these actuators are popular in RVs, boats and off-grid solar setups. Keep the wiring run as short and as thick as practical to reduce voltage drop, and add a fuse in line for protection.

Controllers

Do I need to buy a controller separately?

In most cases, yes. The actuator itself is the motor and rod — it needs a way to tell it to extend, retract and stop. That can be our Wired Controller Kit ($26.99) for simple fixed control, our Wireless Remote Control Kit ($25.99) if you want to operate the lift from a distance, or your own switch, relay or control system if you already have one. The built-in limit switches stop the rod automatically at both ends of its travel, but they do not replace a controller for starting and reversing movement. If you tell us how you want to operate your lift, we will confirm which kit fits before you order.

Can one controller run two actuators?

For paired installations, the control setup matters for even movement. Contact us with your model and layout before ordering a controller for a two-actuator lift, and we will confirm a configuration that keeps both sides moving together.

Waterproofing and IP Ratings

What do IP54, IP65 and IP66 mean for my project?

The IP rating describes how well the actuator is protected against dust and water. IP54 models (HH-LA-U1, HH-LA-U2, HH-LA-U3) are suitable for indoor use and sheltered locations. IP65 models (HH-LA-U11, HH-LA-U6) handle outdoor exposure such as rain far better and are the safer choice for solar trackers, greenhouse vents and boat hatches. The IP66 HH-LA-508 is our most protected model for demanding heavy-duty environments. None of these ratings means the actuator can be submerged — if your application involves standing water or washdown, tell us about it first so we can advise honestly.

Installation

How hard is installation?

Most customers mount the actuator with a bracket at each end, connect two wires to power through a controller, and test the travel before final tightening. Every actuator has built-in limit switches, so it stops by itself at both ends of the stroke. Product pages offer downloadable datasheets, dimension drawings and installation guides — download the drawing for your model before you drill anything, and check retracted length, mounting points and clearance in your space. Angled Mounting Brackets ($12.99, for the 900N/1500N models) and U-Shaped Clevis Mounting Brackets ($14.99, for the 6000N model) are available on the product pages if your project needs them.

What if the actuator does not fit my project?

Measure first, using the dimension drawing. If it still does not fit and the actuator is unused and in its original packaging, our 30-day return policy applies — see the Returns section below. If you are unsure before ordering, send us your measurements on WhatsApp and we will check the fit with you first.

Shipping

Where do you ship, and how long does it take?

We ship by air to the United States and many European countries. Orders are prepared by our team in Wenzhou, China within 1-2 business days, and delivery typically takes 5-8 business days after dispatch. Shipping is $10 on orders under $59 and free on orders of $59 and above. Full details are on our Shipping Policy page. If your country is not listed at checkout, contact us before ordering and we will confirm what is possible for your destination.

Will I get tracking?

Yes. Once your order is dispatched, you will receive tracking information by email so you can follow it to your door.

Returns and Warranty

What is your return policy?

If the actuator is not right for your project, you can return it within 30 days as long as it is unused and in its original packaging. Contact support@hyhavenstore.com first so we can give you the return instructions and address. Full terms are on our Refund Policy page.

What warranty do I get?

Every actuator is checked before it leaves us. If something does not work as it should, contact us at support@hyhavenstore.com or on WhatsApp (+86 139 5881 4345) with your order number and a short video of the problem if you can — in most cases a video lets us diagnose the issue the same day. Warranty terms depend on the model and how the actuator was used, so we confirm the exact coverage for your configuration when you contact us, rather than publishing one promise that may not match your configuration. Please do not open the actuator housing yourself, as that can make diagnosis and support harder.

How do I contact you?

Email: support@hyhavenstore.com
WhatsApp: +86 139 5881 4345
For sizing help, send us three things: what you are moving, roughly how heavy it is, and how far it needs to travel. That is enough for us to start.

Are your linear actuators CE certified?

Our U-series actuators (U1, U2, U3, U5, U6, U11, U7 and U8) are covered by a CE Attestation of Conformity issued by UDEM for the EU Low Voltage and EMC Directives — certificate M.2023.206.C84513, valid until 23 April 2028. See our Certifications page for the full document. The worm gear motors and the controller kits are not covered by this certificate.

What warranty do I get?

Every actuator comes with a 12-month warranty from delivery, covering defects in materials and workmanship in normal use. To start a claim, email support@hyhavenstore.com with your order number and a short description of the problem.