Sizing a multi-actuator system means getting 2 things right simultaneously: total force output and total current draw. Get either wrong and you'll either underperform on the load or blow your power supply. Use this Parallel and Series Actuator Configuration Calculator to calculate total force, current draw, and required PSU wattage using the number of actuators, individual force, individual current, and supply voltage. It matters across industrial automation, medical equipment, and automotive manufacturing — anywhere multiple actuators share a single load. This page includes the governing formulas, a worked example, a full technical guide, and FAQs.
What is Parallel and Series Actuator Configuration?
Parallel and series actuator configuration describes how multiple linear actuators are arranged to work together. Parallel means all actuators push simultaneously on the same load — multiplying total force. Series means actuators are chained end-to-end — extending total stroke without increasing force.
Simple Explanation
Think of parallel actuators like 4 people pushing a car together — each person adds their strength to the total push. Series actuators are more like extending a telescope — each section adds reach, not extra push force. Which arrangement you choose depends entirely on whether your problem is "not enough force" or "not enough stroke length."
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Parallel vs Series Actuator Configuration
Interactive Calculator
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Parallel and Series Actuator Configuration Interactive Visualizer
See how actuator configuration affects total force output and current draw. Parallel configurations multiply force while series configurations extend stroke length.
TOTAL FORCE
450 lbs
TOTAL CURRENT
12.0 A
PSU POWER
288 W
FIRGELLI Automations — Interactive Engineering Calculators
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the number of actuators in your system and the individual force rating (in lbs or N) for a single actuator.
- Enter the individual current draw (in amps) for one actuator and the supply voltage (in volts).
- Select your configuration type — Parallel if actuators share a common load side by side, Series if they are chained end-to-end.
- Click Calculate to see your result.
Simple Example
Parallel setup — 3 actuators, each rated at 100 lbs force, 4 A current draw, running on 12 V:
- Total force: 300 lbs
- Total current draw: 12 A
- Required PSU: 144 W at 12 V
Mathematical Equations
Parallel Configuration:
Use the formula below to calculate total force, current, and power in a parallel actuator configuration.
Itotal = n × Iindividual
Ptotal = V × Itotal
Series Configuration:
Use the formula below to calculate total voltage requirement and power in a series actuator configuration.
Itotal = Iindividual
Vtotal = n × Vindividual
Ptotal = Vtotal × Itotal
Where: n = number of actuators, F = force, I = current, V = voltage, P = power
Technical Guide to Actuator Configurations
Understanding Parallel vs Series Configurations
When designing automation systems with multiple FIRGELLI linear actuators, engineers must choose between parallel and series configurations based on their specific force, speed, and power requirements. Each configuration offers distinct advantages and challenges that directly impact system performance and power consumption.
Parallel Configuration Fundamentals
In a parallel actuator configuration, multiple actuators work together simultaneously to move a common load. This arrangement is analogous to parallel electrical circuits, where each actuator operates independently at the same voltage while contributing its full force capacity to the total output.
The primary benefit of parallel configuration is force multiplication. When two identical 100-pound actuators are arranged in parallel, the system can generate 200 pounds of total force. This linear scaling makes parallel configurations ideal for heavy-duty applications requiring substantial lifting or pushing forces.
However, parallel configurations come with increased current draw. Since each actuator operates at full capacity, the total current consumption equals the sum of individual actuator currents. This higher current demand requires more robust power supplies and wiring, increasing both system cost and complexity.
Series Configuration Characteristics
Series actuator configurations connect actuators end-to-end, creating a chain where the output of one actuator becomes the input for the next. This arrangement is less common in linear actuator applications but offers unique advantages in specific scenarios.
In series configuration, the total force output equals the force of a single actuator, regardless of how many actuators are chained together. This might seem counterintuitive, but series configurations excel in applications requiring extended stroke length rather than increased force. The total stroke distance becomes the sum of individual actuator strokes.
From a power consumption standpoint, series configurations maintain the same current draw as a single actuator. However, they require higher voltage to operate, as the total system voltage must equal the sum of individual actuator voltage requirements.
Real-World Applications
Parallel configurations dominate industrial applications where high force output is critical. Manufacturing equipment, heavy machinery lifts, and automotive assembly lines frequently employ parallel actuator systems. For example, a car manufacturing plant might use four 500-pound actuators in parallel to lift a 2000-pound engine assembly, providing both the necessary force and redundancy for safety.
Medical equipment applications often favor parallel configurations for patient lifts and examination table positioning. The increased force capacity ensures smooth, safe operation while redundancy provides fail-safe operation if one actuator malfunctions.
Series configurations find their niche in applications requiring exceptional stroke length. Telescoping antenna systems, extended reach mechanisms, and specialized positioning equipment benefit from the cumulative stroke distance that series arrangements provide.
Worked Example: Hospital Bed Positioning System
Consider designing a hospital bed positioning system that requires 400 pounds of lifting force with safety redundancy. The system operates on a 12V DC power supply, and each available actuator provides 150 pounds of force with a 5A current draw.
Using our parallel series actuator calculator with these parameters:
- Number of actuators: 3
- Individual force: 150 lbs
- Individual current: 5 A
- Voltage: 12 V
- Configuration: Parallel
The calculator results show:
- Total force: 450 lbs (exceeding the 400 lb requirement with safety margin)
- Total current draw: 15 A
- Required PSU: 180 W at 12V
This configuration provides adequate force with built-in redundancy. If one actuator fails, the remaining two actuators still provide 300 pounds of force, sufficient for emergency lowering of the bed.
Design Considerations and Best Practices
Successful multi-actuator systems require careful attention to synchronization. In parallel configurations, actuators must extend and retract simultaneously to prevent binding and mechanical stress. This synchronization can be achieved through mechanical linkages, electronic control systems, or actuators with built-in feedback systems.
Load distribution presents another critical consideration. In parallel systems, ensure that the load is distributed evenly across all actuators. Uneven loading can cause premature wear, reduced efficiency, and potential system failure. Proper mounting and alignment are essential for optimal performance.
Power supply sizing becomes crucial in parallel configurations due to increased current demands. Always include a safety margin when selecting power supplies, typically 20-30% above calculated requirements. This margin accommodates startup current spikes, system inefficiencies, and future expansion.
Environmental factors also influence configuration choice. Parallel systems offer better fault tolerance, as the failure of one actuator doesn't completely disable the system. Series systems, while more efficient in terms of current draw, create single points of failure that can compromise entire system operation.
Control System Integration
Modern automation systems often incorporate sophisticated control algorithms to optimize multi-actuator performance. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers can maintain precise positioning and synchronization across multiple actuators in parallel configurations.
Feedback systems become increasingly important as actuator count increases. Position sensors, current monitoring, and load feedback help ensure system reliability and performance. These feedback mechanisms enable predictive maintenance, fault detection, and automatic compensation for varying load conditions.
Communication protocols such as CAN bus, Modbus, or proprietary systems allow centralized control of complex multi-actuator installations. These systems can implement advanced features like load sharing, synchronized motion profiles, and fault isolation.
Economic Considerations
While parallel configurations require higher initial investment due to increased power supply requirements and additional actuators, they often provide better long-term value through improved system reliability and performance. The redundancy inherent in parallel systems reduces downtime costs and maintenance requirements.
Series configurations, though less common in linear actuator applications, can offer cost advantages in specific scenarios requiring extended reach without increased force. The reduced current requirements can lead to savings in power supply costs and electrical infrastructure.
When evaluating configuration options, consider total cost of ownership including initial equipment costs, installation complexity, ongoing maintenance requirements, and potential downtime costs. Our parallel series actuator calculator helps quantify the electrical requirements, but comprehensive system analysis should include these broader economic factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
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About the Author
Robbie Dickson
Chief Engineer & Founder, FIRGELLI Automations
Robbie Dickson brings over two decades of engineering expertise to FIRGELLI Automations. With a distinguished career at Rolls-Royce, BMW, and Ford, he has deep expertise in mechanical systems, actuator technology, and precision engineering.
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