Move more. Strain less.
No more craning and pulling. Plug into 120V. Get long stroke, quiet push‑pull, and smooth control at the tap of a button.

What is a 120V long‑stroke electric actuator

  • A plug‑in electric ram that moves in a straight line—up, down, in, out.
  • Runs on 120 VAC. No bulky DC power supplies.
  • Long travel: often 300–1500 mm (12–60 in), with custom options beyond.
  • Inside: AC motor + gearbox + lead screw or ball screw. Converts spin to thrust.
  • Formats: rod‑style, inline, parallel‑mount, telescopic.
  • Also called: 120VAC linear actuator, AC electric actuator 120V, long throw electric cylinder, electric ram.

Why choose 120V over low voltage

  • Direct from the wall. Standard outlet. No converters.
  • More power with lower amps. Cooler cable runs. Less voltage drop over distance.
  • Plant‑floor friendly. Easy to tie into relays, contactors, and PLCs.
  • A strong pick vs 24V DC for heavy loads and long strokes.

Key specs to get right

  • Stroke length: match travel; plan custom if needed.
  • Force: size for dynamic (moving) and static (holding). Add ~30% safety margin.
  • Speed: mm/s or in/s. Higher force usually means lower speed.
  • Duty cycle: S2 (short‑time) or S3 (intermittent). Consider continuous‑duty options.
  • Power: note inrush and stall current at 120V.
  • Feedback and control: built‑in limit switches; potentiometer or Hall sensors for position; PLC or simple switches.
  • Protection: IP44–IP67 as required. Overload and thermal protection. EMI considerations.
  • Build: aluminum for light weight; stainless for harsh sites; bearings/bushings to suit life and noise targets.
  • Size and noise: check envelope and dB for quiet spaces.
  • Mounting: clevis or trunnion; plan brackets and alignment.
  • Documentation: wiring diagrams, install guides, troubleshooting.
  • Life and cost: cycle life, maintenance, warranty, total cost of ownership.

Where 120V long‑stroke actuators shine

  • HVAC: big dampers and valves.
  • Buildings: windows, smoke vents, heavy gates.
  • Energy: solar trackers.
  • Industry: conveyors, tooling, material handling.
  • Robotics: precise placement over long travel.
  • Medical: lifts and therapy gear (ask about medical‑grade compliance).
  • Agriculture: barn doors, feeders.
  • Marine: hatches and platforms.
  • Home/office: beds, cabinets, TV lifts.

Control options

  • Simple: momentary/toggle switches, wired/wireless remotes.
  • Smart: PLC/relay panels, interlocks, e‑stops, safety circuits.
  • Manual override options for power loss.
  • Accessories: sensors, controllers and control boards, position displays.
  • Add linear guides for long travel precision.
  • Isolation transformers or supplies when code calls for it.

AC vs DC—quick notes

  • 120V AC: best for long runs, higher power, relay‑based reversing (swap motor leads).
  • DC: H‑bridge reversing, great for mobile/low‑voltage systems.
  • Both support feedback (pot or Hall) and hard limit switches.

Inside the build

  • Screw choice: ball screw for high efficiency and precision; lead screw for lower cost and quieter runs.
  • Tuned gearbox + AC motor + control board to match your load, speed, and duty.

Install, wiring, and care

  • Safety: follow local code, ground the unit, lockout/tagout.
  • Mounting: align axes, allow pivot at both ends, use correct brackets and clevis kits.
  • Wiring: follow the diagram; keep runs tidy and away from high‑EMI.
  • Commissioning: set/verify limit switches and travel.
  • Maintenance: clean rails, lube per manual, plan cycle‑based checks.
  • Troubleshooting: if it stalls, check load, duty cycle, thermal reset, and supply.

Typical ranges at a glance

  • Stroke: 300–1500 mm (12–60 in) standard; longer with custom design.
  • Force: ~1,000–10,000 N (225–2,250 lb).
  • Speed: ~5–50 mm/s depending on load/screw.
  • Duty cycle: common S2 short‑time and S3 30%; continuous options exist.
  • IP: IP44–IP67; outdoor units need seals and venting.
  • Noise: ~45–65 dB; aim <55 dB for quiet rooms.
  • Temp: −20 to +60 °C typical.
  • Power draw: ~1–8 A at 120V; higher at start/stall.
  • Accuracy: ±0.5 to ±1.0 mm with feedback.
  • Life: ~100k to 1M strokes based on load and care.

How to choose the best fit

  • Define: load, stroke, speed, orientation, environment.
  • Calculate: force and stroke (include margin and gravity/friction).
  • Set must‑haves: IP rating, duty cycle, noise, feedback, materials.
  • Plan control: simple switch vs PLC, safety needs, interlocks.
  • Check footprint: envelope, mounts, cable routing.
  • Total cost: efficiency, life, maintenance, warranty, integration.

Why Jimi

We design, build, and test linear motion every day. We share what works. We warn you about what breaks. We stand behind it.

Ready to act

  • Reach farther. Lift heavier. Place with precision.
  • One outlet. One button. Many jobs solved.
  • Tell us what you’re moving. We’ll spec it, wire it, and ship it.

Fast quote checklist (paste answers)

  • Load (moving/holding), stroke, target speed
  • Duty cycle (cycles/hour, on‑time), orientation (vertical/horizontal)
  • Environment (IP, temp, washdown), noise limit
  • Control (switch/remote/PLC), feedback (none/pot/Hall)
  • Mounting style (clevis/trunnion), materials (aluminum/stainless)
  • Power run length and cable routing notes