Cable-Driven TV, Projector & Appliance Lift Calculator

How the cable-driven lift works

The linear actuator is secured horizontally by its motor and body end. A cable connects to the moving rod end, passes over a fixed pulley, and then runs vertically to the guided moving platform. Extending the actuator pays out cable so gravity lowers the load. Retracting the actuator pulls the cable back and raises the load.

The illustrated fixed redirect is a 1:1 arrangement: one inch of actuator stroke produces one inch of vertical movement. The television, appliance shelf, or projector platform must run on rigid vertical guides so the cable carries tension rather than side load.

Choose one of three application views

• Drop-down TV: a guided television descends from a ceiling cavity or cabinet.
• Overhead appliance lift: a guided shelf lowers appliances from an upper kitchen cabinet.
• Drop-down projector: a guided projector deck lowers from between ceiling joists.

The actuator, cable ratio, force calculation, stroke rule, and model matching are identical in all three views. Changing the application only changes the illustration and keeps the entered measurements.

Measurements to enter

• Enter the required vertical drop. In this 1:1 layout it is also the minimum actuator stroke.
• Enter the complete equipment weight and the separate moving platform, carriage, trim, or bracket weight.
• Enter the clear horizontal actuator bay measured between the actuator mounting pin and pulley area. Leave room for mounting brackets and cable alignment.
• Add measured guide, seal, or cable resistance that opposes movement.

Actuator, cable, and control components

The calculator checks real FIRGELLI actuator stroke, pull force, and working length against the entered drop and horizontal space. Super Duty actuators are shown first when they fit, followed by Utility, Deluxe Rod, Classic Rod, and other compatible pulling actuators. Industrial actuators take priority for very high loads. Use the model and stroke lock boxes when you already own a specific actuator.

• Pulley lifting cable kit for redirecting actuator motion around the fixed pulley.
• Two-channel remote control system for convenient 12-volt raise and lower control.
• 12V DC power adapter sized for the selected actuator current.
• Drop-down TV lift installation article showing the cable-and-guide concept in a ceiling structure.

Important installation and safety requirements

The cable remains a tension-only drive member and is not a safety brake. Use load-rated pulleys, cable, clamps, anchors, guide rails, end stops, and an independent secondary retention or fall-arrest system. Verify the ceiling joists or cabinet structure for the full moving load and dynamic effects. Keep the cable aligned with the actuator rod so no side load reaches the rod, inspect the cable regularly, and prevent access beneath a moving suspended load.

The calculator supplies preliminary actuator sizing only. It does not certify the cable, pulley, overhead structure, guides, braking, anti-drop protection, electrical installation, or local code compliance.