HARL1218, HARL2418 actuators – variants of the popular Super Power Jacks

Electric actuators by Elektrobim

Quite often we meet with customers’ questions about how to decode the markings of one of the most popular Super Power Jack actuators. We decided to present in a short and concise article the method of marking these products. After reading the following content, the markings of the Super Power Jack series (SPJ for short), such as HARL-2418, HARL-1218 or HARL1212, should not be confusing anymore. Thanks to this, it will be possible to easily and quickly determine which version of the actuator we are working with. From this entry, we will learn what marking the actuator that we need for our applications should have.

Getting to the point – to correctly read the marking of the SPJ actuator, you should pay attention to 2 things that are included in the marking of a specific model:

• Lettered actuator model (i.e. DARL, HARL or QARL)
• Actuator variant marked with numbers (e.g. 2412, 2418, 1212, 1218 etc.)

DARL, HARL, QARL – SPJ actuator model designations

The Super Power Jack series of actuators is divided into 3 basic models, which come in different extension lengths and nominal voltages. The main difference between individual actuators is mainly due to the voltage version, capacity and dimensions of the product. These are the basic criteria that are taken into account when selecting an actuator. To distinguish individual models from each other, the symbols DARL, HARL and QARL were introduced (as you can see, the first letter is the most important here).

Below is a brief description of each model:

DARL / MINI model

This so-called Mini version of the Super Power Jack actuator is characterized by a low extension speed (about 3.6 mm / s) and a small maximum load capacity of 1500N (150 kg). The smaller dimensions of this actuator make it suitable for places where a lot of force is not needed, and the small dimensions of the device are important. The model is available in a voltage version of 12V. The product is often used for the automatic opening of doors / gates of chicken coops or the tilting of small hatches ventilating the room.

HARL model

HARL is the standard and probably the most popular and universal version of the SPJ. The product is characterized by an increased speed of extension compared to the mini version. In this case, it is about 7.5 mm / s and has an increased maximum load capacity of up to 3000 N (300 kg). As a result, this model is widely used in the operation of various types of flaps, tilting windows that vent greenhouses, and is also used in cheap, budget drives for swing gates. Due to the very wide application of this actuator, it is available in 3 different voltage versions: 12V, 24V or 36V.

Due to the popularity of this product, it is often counterfeited. Quite often you can come across counterfeit products that confusingly resemble this actuator model. The quality of the counterfeit products is very poor and their prices are close to the original ones. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to this when choosing a supplier.

You can recognize fakes by looking at the inside of the actuator – imitations of this model have a plastic mounting base to which an electric cube is attached (similar to the mini version). The original version of the HARL model from our distribution has a mounting base made of metal – the difference is easy to spot in the photo below.

QARL model

The industrial version of the Super Power Jack actuator. It is distinguished primarily by a massive structure and a relatively large maximum load capacity of up to 4500 N (450 kg). This product is often used when rotating solar collectors, larger photovoltaic panels or in industry, where high power and stability of the motor system are needed.

Comparison of the nominal parameters of individual models:

*Do not load the actuator with forces higher than its maximum capacity.

It is worth noting that these actuators look very similar. Therefore, when placing an order, pay attention to the markings and parameters of a given model. These actuators look similar in the photos, but in reality they differ in size and weight.

It can be difficult to distinguish these models from each other. That is why we pay attention to it because sometimes there were mistakes when placing the order.

Super Power Jack HARL, DARL and QARL variants

Apart from the device model, another important thing is its variant. The basic parameters are encoded in the variant number, i.e. the voltage version and the extension length of the arm. It is a four-digit number that is very easy to decode. The first two digits indicate the rated voltage of the actuator and the following digits mean the length of the actuator’s extension, given in inches.

Examples

The HARL-2418 is a 24V actuator with an extension length of 18 inches

HARL-1218 is a 12V actuator with an extension length of 18 inches

The HARL-1212 is a 12V actuator with 12 inch extension length

The HARL-1224 is a 12V actuator with an extension length of 24 inches

The rated voltage of the motor and the extension speed

When discussing actuator variants, it is worth mentioning what the rated voltage of the actuator is. Simply put, this is the voltage that is connected to the actuator and it is thanks to it that the actuator will achieve its nominal parameters, i.e. the extension speed.

The actuators should not be supplied with voltage higher than the rated voltage, as this significantly increases the power dissipated by the motor. This can lead to overheating and overloading of the actuator with consequent rapid failure.

The nominal voltage of a Super Power Jack actuator is always given as a specific value of 12, 24 or 36V – never as a voltage range.

Remember! If the seller specifies the nominal voltage of one of the above-mentioned variants of actuators as a voltage range, e.g. 12-24V, and suggests a speed of 10 mm / s or higher – it would be worth considering if such parameters are true. After purchasing the actuator from such a dealer, you will probably find that it is a 12-volt actuator, and the given speed is reached when the actuator is powered with 24 volts (i.e. a voltage 2x higher than allowed for this model). This type of abuse is perpetrated by dishonest sellers who sell budget swing gate kits. They offer the most popular control panel, e.g. HB5, which supplies the actuators with 24V voltage and attaching to it 12V actuators. Thanks to such a “clever” procedure, overloaded actuators work faster. Their speed looks much better on the offer. This “overclocked speed” is close to the speed of premium class motors. The sellers of such solutions, however, forget to add that such a set will not last long and will be damaged quickly.

In some specific cases, it is necessary to lower the actuator’s extension speed.

Is it possible to supply the actuator with a voltage lower than the rated voltage to reduce its speed?

The answer is: Yes we can, it is acceptable.

For example, connecting the 9V voltage to the 12V actuator will reduce its speed. A much better solution, however, is to use a DC motor speed regulator that uses the PWM technique to regulate the speed. Regulators of this type are inexpensive devices that, by modulating the nominal voltage, offer much more possibilities.

The length of the actuator and the value of the nominal extension

Individual actuator models are produced with different arm lengths, providing different extension values. The value of the nominal extension of the actuator has a direct impact on its dimensions – the longer the nominal extension, the greater its size. In addition, it is worth noting that the value of the extension can be limited to the actuator by appropriate adjustment of the limit switches. So, an 18 inch (46 cm) extension actuator can extend like a 6 inch (15 cm) one, but its size will be much larger. The 18 inch one is approximately 70 cm when folded, the 6 inch actuator approximately 40 cm.

When analyzing the nomenclature of individual actuator variants, it can be seen that they are produced only in specific versions for a given model:

DARL (mini) model :

• 6-inch (15 cm extension).
• 8-inch (20 cm extension).
• 10-inch (25 cm extension).

HARL model:

• 6-inch (15 cm extension).
• 8-inch (20 cm extension).
• 10-inch (25 cm extension).
• 12-inch (30 cm extension).
• 18-inch (46 cm extension).
• 24-inch (61 cm extension).

QARL model:

• 18-inch (46 cm extension).
• 36-inch (61 cm extension).

Before choosing the right actuator, it is worth getting acquainted with its external dimensions. The file specifying the dimensions of individual actuator models can be downloaded here. The dimensions given in the file always refer to the actuator in the folded state, i.e. the actuator with the piston hidden.

We hope that the above article has cleared up doubts about the markings and properties of the various variants of Super Power Jack actuators. However, if not everything was clear – as always, please contact us by e-mail.