A method and apparatus for operating a magnetic actuator in a power switching device by transmitting at least two different electrical current waveforms to the actuator. Both waveforms are sent to the actuator from a controller in the same direction to move an actuator's armature from a first position to a second position. The first current waveform causes the armature to move from the first position to the second position. The second waveform is transmitted to the actuator to keep the armature moving towards the second position without overdriving the armature.