Altronix AL1002ULADA 24VDC 10A NAC Power Extender

Altronix AL1002ULADA NAC Power Extender

Overview

The Altronix AL1002ULADA is a voltage-regulated NAC (Notification Appliance Circuit) power extender designed to expand fire alarm system capacity and support auxiliary power distribution. This remote power extender connects to any 24-volt Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) and provides cost-effective output expansion for notification appliances, including horns and strobes, while maintaining full synchronization and supervision across distributed circuits. The AL1002ULADA is ideal for installations requiring NAC expansion to meet ADA compliance requirements or systems needing auxiliary power for connected accessories.

Key Features

• Configurable Output Capacity: Supports four (4) Class B outputs, two (2) Class A outputs, or one (1) Class A and two (2) Class B circuits simultaneously
• Power Output: 24VDC @ 10A maximum total alarm current with 2.5A maximum per individual output; 1A auxiliary output for system accessories
• Input Ratings: Accepts 120VAC @ 60Hz input; dual 24V dry contact trigger inputs rated at 8–30VDC with 6.5mA maximum draw from FACP
• Synchronization Protocols: Built-in support for Potter/Amseco, Gentex, System Sensor, and CooperWheelock sync modes; includes Temporal Code 3 and Steady Mode followers to maintain coordinated notification appliance operation
• Circuit Supervision: Output loop supervision steered to Input 1 or Input 2; signal circuit trouble memory to identify intermittent loop problems; ground fault detection and common trouble input/output for external trouble signal tie-in
• Protection & Reliability: Thermal and short-circuit protection with automatic reset; filtered and regulated outputs to ensure stable 24VDC supply
• Battery Charging: Supports sealed lead-acid or gel-type batteries (sold separately) for system continuity during AC loss; instantaneous failover to battery power upon mains failure
• Panel Compatibility: Works with both 12VDC and 24VDC fire alarm control panels
• Agency Approvals: UL Listed under UL864 (Control Units and Accessories for Fire Systems); MEA NYC Department of Buildings Approved; FM Factory Mutual Approved; CSFM California State Fire Marshal Approved

Integration & Compatibility

The AL1002ULADA integrates seamlessly into multi-zone fire alarm systems where central panel capacity limits NAC expansion. Its dual input architecture allows independent or redundant triggering from separate FACP circuits, enabling flexible deployment in large or geographically distributed facilities. The unit's voltage regulation ensures consistent horn and strobe performance regardless of load conditions or wire runs, while programmable output loop supervision detects circuit faults before they compromise life safety response.

Battery charging capability (when configured with sealed lead-acid or gel batteries) maintains power to notification appliances during commercial AC interruption, critical in applications where sustained alarm signaling is required. The unit's compact 15.5" × 12" × 4.5" enclosure fits standard cabinet installations, and its red BC400 powder-coated steel housing provides durability in both indoor and harsh environments.

Typical Applications

The AL1002ULADA addresses NAC circuit expansion in institutional campuses, multi-tenant office buildings, healthcare facilities, and industrial plants where a single FACP cannot directly power all notification appliances. Its ADA-compliant output staging is particularly suited to accessible alarm systems requiring distributed visual and audible signals across multiple zones or floors. Systems integrators deploy this extender to avoid costly FACP upgrades while maintaining full UL compliance and supervisory diagnostics.

Ted Perry

During fire alarm system deployments across multi-building campuses, I've consistently specified the AL1002ULADA to resolve NAC capacity bottlenecks without requiring panel replacement. The unit's dual input design and support for mixed Class A and Class B circuits provides the flexibility needed in retrofit scenarios where zones may have different circuit requirements. The AL1002ULADA delivers genuine cost savings without compromising code compliance or supervisory capability.

Technical Highlights:

• Output Flexibility: The configurable 2/4 Class circuit support eliminates the need for separate extenders in mixed-circuit environments. You can provision exactly the circuit type each zone requires without over-specifying equipment.
• Synchronization Protocols: Native support for Potter/Amseco, Gentex, System Sensor, and CooperWheelock sync modes means you'll never face incompatibility with existing notification appliances during expansion. Temporal Code 3 and Steady Mode followers maintain coordination across all zones.
• Fault Diagnostics: The signal circuit trouble memory and ground fault detection features have caught intermittent loop issues in real time, enabling preventive maintenance before nuisance alarms or actual failures.

Deployment Considerations:

• Budget battery time carefully: the unit supports 24VDC batteries but does not charge them in the traditional sense—it provides regulated power to a charging circuit. Confirm battery size with your system designer and conduct failover testing before live deployment.
• Monitor the per-output 2.5A limit in high-load zones. A single large horn/strobe combination can quickly approach this threshold; consider distributing loads across multiple outputs or using lower-impedance appliances if ceiling capacity is tight.
• Test output loop supervision configuration during commissioning. Verify that trouble signals route to the correct input and that intermittent faults generate circuit memory without nuisance shutdowns.

The AL1002ULADA is a pragmatic, field-proven solution for NAC expansion. Its full UL/FM/CSFM approval list and support across 12/24VDC panels make it a safe choice for integrators managing multi-vendor environments. Spec it when a single FACP cannot power all notification zones, and you'll eliminate upgrade costs and deployment delays.