Altronix MAXFIT78APS 24VDC 8-Amp Surveillance Power Supply
Overview
The Altronix MAXFIT78APS is a packaged surveillance power supply assembly built around the AL1024ULXB2 chassis and configured with an ACM8 access control module, VR6 voltage regulator, and PDS8 power distribution strip. It runs on 115VAC/60Hz mains and delivers a regulated 24VDC output at up to 8 amps — enough headroom to drive multiple door controllers, lock hardware, or supplemental camera power circuits from a single enclosure. For integrators specifying Altronix power solutions in commercial access control or hybrid surveillance panels, the MAXFIT78APS consolidates what would otherwise be several separate components into a pre-assembled, factory-wired package.
The non-power-limited (NPL) output classification is the spec that determines how this unit gets installed. NPL power supplies must be wired and routed per NEC Article 725 Class 1 rules — separate conduit from low-voltage Class 2 or Class 3 runs, appropriate wire gauge, and inspection-ready separation from signal conductors. If your AHJ or system designer requires a power-limited supply, this is not that unit; plan accordingly at the design phase rather than at rough-in.
Key Features
- 8A @ 24VDC Output: 192 watts of available DC capacity means you can feed a PDS8 distribution strip with meaningful per-output current allocation — typically enough for four to eight access control field devices depending on lock type and door hardware draw. Sizing the supply to actual load with 20–25% headroom is standard practice; the MAXFIT78APS gives you room to grow without immediately hitting the ceiling.
- AL1024ULXB2 Base Supply: The UL-listed chassis is the load-bearing component in this assembly. UL listing matters when the local AHJ requires it for permit sign-off — a non-listed supply in a permitted commercial installation can trigger a rejection at final inspection.
- ACM8 Access Control Module: The eight-output access control module is factory-integrated into the enclosure, eliminating field assembly of discrete components. This reduces wiring errors at installation and speeds commissioning on multi-door projects where time-at-panel is a real cost.
- VR6 Voltage Regulator: The included voltage regulator stabilizes output under variable load conditions. Lock hardware and door strikes with solenoids draw surge current on activation; without voltage regulation, those transients can appear on the bus as voltage sag that destabilizes other connected devices.
- PDS8 Power Distribution Strip: Eight individually fused or switched distribution outputs allow per-circuit fault isolation. If one circuit shorts, remaining outputs stay live — a critical operational requirement in multi-door access control deployments where a single fault shouldn't take down an entire floor or zone.
- 115VAC/60Hz Mains Input: Standard North American mains input — no step-down transformer or special circuit required beyond appropriate breaker sizing for the enclosure's rated draw.
- Non-Power-Limited Classification: NPL output gives you higher power delivery capability than power-limited alternatives, which is the trade-off against more stringent NEC routing requirements. For installations where load requirements push past PL thresholds, NPL is often the only viable path.
Integration & Compatibility
The MAXFIT78APS is designed for commercial access control power applications and security panel installations where a regulated 24VDC bus is required. The ACM8 module interfaces with standard access control field hardware operating on 24VDC — electric strikes, magnetic locks, request-to-exit devices, and door position switches. Consult the individual device current draw specifications against the 8A total output and per-output distribution limits of the PDS8 when planning device counts. The VR6 regulator within the assembly is compatible with the AL1024ULXB2 chassis per Altronix's factory configuration; field substitution of regulator modules should follow Altronix documentation for the base supply.
This assembly does not include a battery backup component in the evidence available. If your installation requires standby power for life-safety or 24/7 uptime requirements, verify the full assembly BOM against your standby runtime needs — the AL1024ULXB2 platform supports battery integration in other configurations, but confirm against the MAXFIT78APS specific bill of materials before specifying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the output voltage and current of the MAXFIT78APS?
A: The MAXFIT78APS delivers 24VDC at up to 8 amps, providing 192 watts of DC capacity for access control and surveillance field devices.
Q: Is the MAXFIT78APS a power-limited or non-power-limited supply?
A: It is a non-power-limited (NPL) output supply. This means installation wiring must comply with NEC Article 725 Class 1 requirements, including separation from Class 2/3 signal conductors. Check with your AHJ before specifying if your project requires a power-limited supply.
Q: What components are included in the MAXFIT78APS assembly?
A: The MAXFIT78APS is a factory-assembled package consisting of the AL1024ULXB2 power supply chassis, an ACM8 access control module, a VR6 voltage regulator, and a PDS8 power distribution strip — all pre-integrated in a single enclosure.
Q: What mains voltage does the MAXFIT78APS require?
A: The unit requires 115VAC at 60Hz — standard North American mains. No step-down transformer is required; size the branch circuit breaker appropriately for the enclosure's rated input draw.
Q: How many outputs does the MAXFIT78APS support for field devices?
A: The PDS8 distribution strip provides 8 outputs, allowing per-circuit fault isolation. A fault on one circuit does not affect the remaining outputs — important for multi-door deployments where a single short should not disable an entire zone.
Q: Does the MAXFIT78APS include battery backup?
A: Battery backup capability is not confirmed in the available product evidence for this specific assembly. If standby runtime is required for your application, verify the full MAXFIT78APS bill of materials against your backup power requirements before finalizing the design.
The MAXFIT78APS is one of those assemblies that saves real time on multi-door commercial jobs — Altronix did the integration work for you by pre-marrying the AL1024ULXB2, ACM8, VR6, and PDS8 into a single factory-wired package. The 8A @ 24VDC output gives you 192 watts of regulated DC on tap, which is the number that actually drives your device count planning.
Technical Highlights:
- 8A @ 24VDC Non-Power-Limited Output: 192W of available capacity is enough headroom for a full PDS8 load across typical 24VDC lock and reader hardware — electric strikes typically draw 300–500mA each, so you can realistically drive 6–8 devices with budget left for controllers.
- VR6 Voltage Regulator: Solenoid-driven hardware creates inrush spikes on activation. The integrated VR6 absorbs those transients and keeps the output bus stable — without it, voltage sag during simultaneous door activations can cause controller resets or intermittent reader faults that are painful to diagnose in the field.
- PDS8 8-Output Distribution: Per-circuit fault isolation means one shorted field device doesn't cascade into a zone-wide outage. In a code-compliant installation, that's not just convenience — it's how you pass an access control inspection without callbacks.
Deployment Considerations:
- Non-power-limited classification requires NEC Article 725 Class 1 wiring practices — plan conduit routing and wire gauge before rough-in, not after. This is the most common scheduling mistake on first installs with NPL supplies.
- Battery backup is not confirmed for this specific assembly configuration. If the AHJ or end-user spec requires standby operation (common in commercial egress applications), validate the full BOM against backup requirements before the submittal goes out.
The MAXFIT78APS is the right call for commercial office or institutional access control panels where you need a UL-listed, factory-integrated 24VDC distribution assembly and the AHJ accepts NPL wiring — multi-tenant office floors with 4–8 controlled doors per riser closet are the typical sweet spot.
