How Do I Safely Extend the Actuator Cable?
Standard PA actuators ship with a fixed cable length. If your installation requires more reach, you can extend the wiring — but wire gauge and connection quality are critical to avoid voltage drop, heat, or intermittent faults.
Extension Options
1. PA 4-Pin Extension Wire
Official PA Part
The AC-04 2-foot extension wire uses the same 4-pin connector as PA-20/22/24 control boxes. Plug-and-play — no soldering. Fits all actuator models except PA-17.
2. Custom Wire Extension
DIY Method
Use 18 AWG (for up to 5 A loads) or 16 AWG (for PA-17 at up to 20 A) stranded wire. Solder or use properly rated butt connectors. Protect joins with heat-shrink tubing. Never use household lamp cord or solid-core wire.
Choosing the Right Wire Gauge
| Actuator Series | Max Current | Recommended AWG | Max Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA-01 / PA-12 (micro/mini) | 2 A | 22 AWG | Up to 10 ft |
| PA-14 / PA-04 / PA-03 | 5 A | 18 AWG | Up to 15 ft |
| PA-09 / PA-10 | 10 A | 16 AWG | Up to 10 ft |
| PA-17 (industrial) | 20 A | 12 AWG | Up to 10 ft |
Voltage drop matters Every additional foot of wire adds resistance. Excessive voltage drop will reduce speed, reduce force output, and cause overheating. If your actuator seems weaker after extending the cable, check voltage at the actuator terminals under load — it should be within 0.5 V of supply voltage.
Extending Feedback Wires
If your actuator has potentiometer or Hall effect feedback wires, extend them separately using shielded signal cable (e.g., 24 AWG shielded 3-conductor). Route feedback wiring away from motor power wires to prevent electrical noise from coupling into the signal and causing erratic position readings.