Altronix EFLOW4NV 12/24VDC Selectable Power Supply with Fire Alarm Interface
Overview
The Altronix EFLOW4NV is a 220VAC-input, 12VDC or 24VDC selectable power supply rated at 4A continuous output — purpose-built for surveillance and access control installations in regions or facilities running 220VAC mains. The supervised fire alarm interface (FAI) disconnect sets it apart from standard surveillance power supplies: in a fire alarm event, connected devices are automatically de-energized per life-safety code requirements, making this the correct choice for integrated security installations where fire panels are in the mix. Battery backup support for sealed lead-acid or gel-type batteries up to 12AH/12VDC means the system stays live through a power interruption — a non-negotiable requirement in 24/7 monitored environments.
This unit ships as part of the Altronix power distribution line, a catalog focused on commercial-grade DC power for cameras, door controllers, and related field devices. The EFLOW4NV targets integrators deploying surveillance or access systems in international markets or US facilities with 220VAC infrastructure — manufacturing floors, data centers, and multi-tenant commercial buildings wired for 220V.
Key Features
- Selectable 12VDC or 24VDC Output at 4A Continuous: One unit covers both common surveillance and access control voltage rails. Configuring for 24VDC lets you run longer cable runs to cameras or door hardware before voltage drop becomes a factor — important when home-run distances exceed 200 feet in a large facility.
- 220VAC / 50–60Hz Input at 2.1A Max: Designed for 220VAC mains, this eliminates the need for step-down transformers in international installations or 220V-wired US industrial facilities. Dual-frequency (50/60Hz) acceptance adds installation flexibility across markets without re-specifying hardware.
- Supervised Fire Alarm Interface Disconnect: The FAI circuit is supervised, meaning the panel can detect a wiring fault (open or short) at the disconnect path — not just trigger on command. In code-inspected commercial builds, a supervised FAI is frequently required, not optional. This removes a common bid objection on integrated security jobs.
- Fused 2.5A + PTC 2A Output Protection: Two independent protection mechanisms — a fused 2.5A hard-cut for fault isolation and a PTC (resettable) 2A element — reduce service calls. The PTC self-resets after a fault clears, meaning a momentary short on one output doesn't require a truck roll to replace a blown fuse.
- Battery Charging for 7AH or 12AH Sealed Lead-Acid / Gel: On-board charging at 12VDC supports both common battery capacities. A 12AH battery at 4A draw gives roughly 3 hours of runtime — enough for most power outage windows in a monitored commercial environment. Gel-type compatibility matters in sealed-enclosure deployments where off-gassing is a concern.
- Auxiliary 1A Output: A secondary 1A output is available for powering supplemental devices — reader power, REX sensors, or auxiliary lighting — without pulling from the primary 4A budget. Keeps load accounting clean on larger door or camera clusters.
- AC and DC LED Status Indicators: Dual LEDs (AC input present, DC output active) give a technician an instant health check at the enclosure without pulling a meter. Simple, but essential for rapid troubleshooting during commissioning or service calls.
- 25–49 BTU/Hr Heat Output: At 12VDC the unit dissipates 25 BTU/Hr; at 24VDC, 49 BTU/Hr. Either figure is manageable in a standard IDF closet or security equipment room without dedicated cooling, but worth accounting for if this supply is one of several in a densely loaded rack or enclosure.
- CE Listed: CE agency listing confirms the unit meets European conformity requirements for electrical safety and EMC — a procurement requirement for many international installations and increasingly expected on commercial-grade equipment even in non-EU markets.
- Operating Temperature 0°C to 49°C (32°F to 120°F): Rated across a range that covers conditioned mechanical rooms and uncooled security closets in warm climates. Storage down to -20°C means the unit ships and stores in cold-weather environments without concern.
Integration and Compatibility
The EFLOW4NV integrates into any surveillance or access control power supply architecture requiring 220VAC input with DC field device output. The selectable voltage rail (12VDC / 24VDC) makes it compatible with the broad majority of IP cameras, analog cameras, magnetic locks, electric strikes, and card readers in the Altronix ecosystem and beyond. The supervised FAI output is designed to interface with conventional and addressable fire alarm control panels (FACPs); verify FAI wiring polarity and supervision requirements with your specific panel manufacturer before wiring. Battery backup compatibility with sealed lead-acid and gel-type batteries is a standard fit for commercial UPS and battery backup enclosures. No VMS or software integration is required — this is a hardware power supply with no network interface.
When sizing for a camera or access control run, account for total connected load against the 4A continuous rating. At 12VDC with a mix of standard IP cameras drawing 5–8W each, this supply comfortably powers 6–8 cameras within budget. At 24VDC, the same 4A provides 96W — sufficient for a mix of PTZ cameras or motorized locks sharing the same circuit. Always derate 20% for thermal headroom and cable resistance losses, particularly on longer runs in warm environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What input voltage does the EFLOW4NV require?
A: The EFLOW4NV requires 220VAC input at 50 or 60Hz, with a maximum input current draw of 2.1A. It is not designed for 120VAC mains — verify your facility's supply voltage before specifying this unit.
Q: Can the EFLOW4NV output both 12VDC and 24VDC simultaneously?
A: No. The output voltage is selectable — either 12VDC or 24VDC — not both at the same time. Set the voltage at installation to match the requirements of connected field devices.
Q: What battery types and sizes are compatible for backup power?
A: The EFLOW4NV supports sealed lead-acid or gel-type batteries at 12VDC in either 7AH or 12AH capacity. Gel-type batteries are appropriate for sealed enclosures where venting is not possible.
Q: Is the fire alarm interface (FAI) on the EFLOW4NV supervised?
A: Yes. The FAI disconnect is supervised, allowing the connected fire alarm control panel to detect open or short-circuit faults on the disconnect wiring — not just command a shutdown. This meets the supervision requirements in most commercial code-inspected installations.
Q: What is the maximum continuous output current, and how should I size my load?
A: Maximum continuous output is 4A on the primary output, with an auxiliary 1A output available for supplemental devices. As a practical rule, derate to 80% of rated capacity (3.2A primary) to account for cable losses and thermal headroom, particularly in warm equipment rooms.
Q: What are the physical dimensions of the EFLOW4NV enclosure?
A: The unit measures 13.5
