Altronix VERTILINE246CD 24-Output Rack-Mount AC Power Distribution Unit
Overview
The Altronix VERTILINE246CD is a 1U rack-mount AC power distribution unit delivering 24 individually PTC-protected outputs at selectable 24VAC or 28VAC — purpose-built for multi-camera and access-control installations where centralized power management is a hard requirement. Drawing 4A from a standard 115VAC/60Hz circuit, it delivers up to 14A total output across all 24 zones, making it a practical fit for mid-to-large surveillance head-ends. If you're wiring a security rack with a mix of PTZ cameras, access readers, and door controllers, the VERTILINE246CD consolidates what would otherwise be a wall of individual transformers into a single 1U slot. Browse the full Altronix power distribution catalog to see how this unit fits alongside their DC and battery-backed lines.
Key Features
- 24 Independent PTC-Protected Outputs: Each output is fused at 2.5A via a resettable polymer PTC device — a shorted camera or reader resets automatically without a service call or blown fuse to replace. In a 24-camera rack, that distinction matters on a Sunday night.
- Selectable 24VAC or 28VAC Output: Many PTZ cameras and access control panels specify 24VAC; the 28VAC option compensates for voltage drop on longer wire runs. Select the voltage at installation rather than sourcing a separate transformer model for long-distance drops.
- 14A Total Output Capacity: At 2.5A per zone and 14A aggregate, the unit supports a fully loaded rack of standard 24VAC devices drawing under 0.6A each — typical for fixed cameras — with headroom for mixed loads. Budget your total draw before commissioning; exceeding 14A trips the 10A main fuse.
- 10A Main Fuse: A conventional glass fuse on the primary side protects the transformer from catastrophic overload. Keep a spare on the shelf; unlike the PTCs, this one does not self-reset.
- 1U Rack Form Factor (1.625" x 19.125" x 8.5"): Fits any standard 19-inch rack or enclosure. At 17.75 lbs, it sits firmly once rack-screwed — no shelf required. Plan for the 8.5-inch depth when positioning in shallow-depth wall-mount racks.
- UL, cUL, and CE Listed: All three agency listings are on this unit, which matters for AHJ sign-off in the US, Canada, and EU-destined projects. Verify local AHJ requirements before final design, but this covers the major certification checkboxes for commercial integrations.
- 0°C to 49°C Operating Range: Rated for standard indoor mechanical room environments. Not rated for outdoor or unconditioned spaces — if the rack lives in an uncooled equipment room that peaks above 49°C in summer, address the cooling first.
Integration and Compatibility
The VERTILINE246CD fits into any rack-based security head-end drawing 115VAC/60Hz. It is agnostic to camera brand and protocol — it supplies raw AC power, so compatibility is a function of whether your devices accept 24VAC or 28VAC. Pair it with a PoE switch for IP cameras that draw DC over Ethernet, and reserve the VERTILINE246CD outputs for analog PTZ cameras, access control panels, and door hardware that require AC supply. For planning multi-zone surveillance infrastructure, the IP camera category and access control section show the device types this unit commonly powers. Consult your NVR selection alongside this unit when speccing a complete head-end rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the VERTILINE246CD be used outdoors or in unconditioned spaces?
A: No. The unit is rated for 0°C to 49°C operating temperature and is designed for indoor rack installation only. Unconditioned or outdoor environments that exceed this range require a different solution.
Q: What happens if one output is overloaded or shorted?
A: Each output uses a 2.5A resettable PTC (polymeric positive temperature coefficient) device. On overload, the PTC trips and self-resets once the fault is cleared — no fuse replacement needed on individual outputs.
Q: Is the output voltage field-selectable between 24VAC and 28VAC?
A: Yes. The VERTILINE246CD supports both 24VAC and 28VAC output, allowing the installer to select the appropriate voltage at commissioning — useful for compensating voltage drop on longer cable runs.
Q: What is the maximum total output current?
A: 14A across all 24 outputs combined. Individual outputs are each rated at 2.5A via PTC. The main 10A fuse on the primary side protects the transformer; total connected load must stay within the 14A aggregate ceiling.
Q: Is the VERTILINE246CD UL listed?
A: Yes. It carries UL, cUL, and CE agency listings, supporting commercial installations requiring AHJ sign-off in the US, Canada, and applicable EU markets.
Q: What rack space does the VERTILINE246CD require?
A: It occupies 1U (1.625 inches tall) in a standard 19-inch rack. Depth is 8.5 inches — verify clearance in shallow-depth wall-mount enclosures before speccing.
The VERTILINE246CD is a unit I recommend specifically when an integrator is consolidating 20+ AC-powered devices into a single rack and wants fault isolation without a callback. The 2.5A PTC on each of the 24 outputs is the detail that earns it a slot in a serious head-end build — that self-resetting behavior is not universal across budget AC distribution units, and in a 24-zone install the difference is real operational cost.
Technical Highlights:
- 24 × 2.5A PTC Outputs: Self-resetting on fault — no fuse inventory needed per zone, no service call for a tripped output caused by a momentary short during cabling or a camera power-surge event.
- 14A Aggregate / 10A Primary Fuse: The math matters at commissioning: 24 outputs at theoretical max would require 60A — in practice you're budgeting mixed loads under 14A total. Map your device draw before wiring, and keep a 10A glass fuse on-hand since the primary does not self-reset.
- Selectable 24VAC / 28VAC: The 28VAC option is specifically useful for runs exceeding 200–300 feet of 18AWG wire where voltage drop would pull a 24VAC feed below the camera's minimum input threshold.
Deployment Considerations:
- At 17.75 lbs, confirm your rack's weight capacity before adding this unit — a fully populated 2-post rack with multiple heavy transformers can approach structural limits on wall-mount enclosures.
- Operating temperature ceiling is 49°C: mechanical rooms with poor airflow or summer peaks above that threshold will stress the unit; add a rack cooling solution or verify ambient temps before sign-off.
This unit is the right call for a commercial building security head-end with 16–24 analog PTZ cameras or mixed camera/access-control loads where centralized AC distribution and per-zone fault isolation are both required — not for small installs where a 4- or 8-output unit would suffice and cost less.
