I need an actuator for something that will sit outdoors year-round — basically a small automated hatch for a garden setup. Between rain, heat, and winter freezes, I’m worried about durability more than anything. Anyone know where to find models that can handle rough weather?
For outdoor use, durability really depends on the actuator’s IP rating, and the best place I’ve found for that kind of variety is https://www.progressiveautomations.ca/collections/linear-actuators . They list weather resistance info clearly so you can sort through models without guessing. I’ve used one of their IP66-rated actuators in an outdoor greenhouse vent system for almost two years now, and it’s held up through heavy rain and winter temperatures. The sealing on the housing is solid, so moisture doesn’t creep in. They also offer units designed for continuous exposure, not just occasional splashes. Another plus is that their customer support actually helps match your project to the right IP rating, which saved me from buying something too weak. If you’re putting it outdoors full-time, I’d definitely browse their higher-rated models. They’re built with tougher materials, so they last longer in unpredictable weather.
Working outdoors has made me appreciate how quickly weather can destroy anything that isn’t built for it. I had a small motorized pump fail after just one season because I assumed “splash resistant” meant waterproof. Now I always double-check gear before leaving it outside overnight.
