PNEUMATICS

Double-Acting Cylinder Control

A double-acting pneumatic cylinder needs air applied to either side of its piston. This electro-pneumatic control circuit shows the electrical side of that arrangement: a protected 24 VDC supply, an emergency-stop contact, two momentary commands, and the two coils of a 5/2 directional valve. Pressing Extend energizes the first coil; pressing Retract energizes the second. The valve and cylinder’s pneumatic ports are normally documented beside this control schematic. Add end-of-stroke sensors, relay interlocks, or PLC outputs when the actuator must run automatically. Keep both commands mutually safe so the valve is not asked to move in conflicting directions. Mark each coil with the installed valve designation.

UPDATED 2026-09-24

TYPECircuit

EXAMPLEDouble-Acting Cylinder Control

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CASE ANALYSIS

Scenario

Manual double-acting cylinder control

Key decisions

Supply: Use a protected 24 VDC control supply.
Stop circuit: Put the E-stop ahead of both commands.
Valve coils: Use one coil for extend and one for retract.

When to reuse this

Use for a simple manually controlled double-acting pneumatic actuator.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What valve controls a double-acting cylinder?01

A 5/2 directional valve is a common choice because it alternates pressure and exhaust between the two cylinder ports.

Why use two solenoid coils?02

One coil commands extension and the other commands retraction on a double-solenoid valve.

What voltage is common for pneumatic controls?03

24 VDC is widely used for industrial control circuits, although the valve coil rating must match the installed supply.

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