Method and apparatus for controllably applying input power to storage devices in a multi-device array. The array preferably includes a circuit which changes input power state of the storage devices in a time-staggered sequence. Preferably, the change of input power state transitions the array from an operationally deactivated state to an operationally activated state, or vice versa. The storage devices preferably store data in accordance with a selected RAID configuration. A power supply preferably supplies respective first and second direct current (dc) voltages to each of the storage devices, and the circuit respectively connects the dc voltages to the storage devices in a selected sequential order. The circuit further preferably changes an input power state of a single storage device of the array in accordance with a selected time-varying profile. The profile is preferably applied to a gate of a switching device to control a source-drain conduction path.