Linear actuator power supply and remote or switch

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This will be my first DIY project involving electricity so I want to make sure I buy the correct components. I'm purchasing a used telescoping column (aluminum and steel, 4000n) that has two actuators hidden within, with two cords coming out the black and red wires within each cord.

Each requires a 24V 3.5A power supply, so I assume I would need a 24V 7+ amp power supply… but then when I Google around, all I get are these crazy looking power supplies with 10-15 different connectors on one side. When I look at the 12V power supplies it's simple… they look like battery chargers, cut off the end and strip the wires, make sure it's the right amperage before I do that obviously, and bam you're done.

Can someone help me figure out what a good beginner-friendly store or brand would be? I am not asking for shopping brand advice, but for safety advice. I don't want to buy something that's going to blow up in my face or electrocute me.

I would prefer something super simple, or a link to a great guide about power supplies (all I could find was some really old information).

Best Answer

There's nothing wrong with a power supply that has 10-15 connections; that's actually fairly typical for supplies in this class. You just need to understand what they're for.

For the power input, there will be connections for line, neutral and ground. There might be a separate "frame ground".

For the output, there will be at least one pair of output terminals (maybe more), possibly a pair of "remote sense" terminals (which help compensate for voltage drops in the wiring), and possibly terminals for remote adjustment or load-sharing.

The datasheet for the power supply should show how to hook it up for various application scenarios.

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