An actuator for a latch is provided, the actuator having: a motor operatively coupled to a gear train; and a rack moveably mounted to the actuator for linear movement with respect to a housing of the actuator, wherein the gear train comprises: a worm; a worm gear and a pinion gear, wherein the pinion gear is rotatably mounted to the worm gear and the pinion gear has a plurality of teeth configured to engage a portion of the rack, wherein the axis of rotation of the worm is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the worm gear and the pinion gear and wherein the rack is configured to operatively couple the gear train to a locking lever of the latch and the rack also has a cam surface configured to actuate a switch as the rack is moved by the gear train.