Can I Power Multiple Actuators from One Power Supply?
Yes — one power supply can run multiple actuators, provided it is rated for the combined current load. This article shows you how to calculate the required supply current and wire actuators in parallel correctly.
Calculating Required Supply Current
Each actuator draws current independently. Add the peak current ratings to determine the minimum supply capacity. Use the no-load current if actuators will rarely run simultaneously; use the full-load current for worst-case design.
Worked Example - (4× PA-14)
| Actuators | 4× PA-14 |
| Current per unit |
5 A peak (no-load ~0.8 A)
|
| Simultaneous? |
All four run at once
|
| Min PSU current | 4 × 5 A = 20 A (add 25% safety margin → 25 A) |
Choose a 24–30 A, 12 V DC power supply. PA's PA-41-4-12V24V wireless sync controller includes a built-in 25 A supply suitable for exactly this configuration.
Wiring in Parallel
1. Run bus bars or a distribution block
Connect the PSU positive and negative terminals to a bussed distribution block. This avoids daisy-chaining which creates unequal voltage drops across actuators farthest from the supply.
2. Fuse each actuator branch
Insert an inline fuse rated at 1.5× the actuator's peak current in the positive feed to each actuator or its controller. This limits damage if one actuator develops a short.
3. Keep wire gauges equal
Use the same wire gauge for all actuator branches. Unequal resistance means unequal voltage — actuators with thinner wire will run slower and produce less force.
4. Test each actuator independently first
Before connecting all actuators, verify each one operates correctly on its own. Troubleshooting a multi-actuator system is far harder than catching an issue early.
Synchronised motion? Simply paralleling actuators does NOT produce synchronised movement. For synchronised control you need a PA-41-4 wireless sync controller or an FLTCON series control box which monitors position feedback to keep all actuators in lock-step.