Altronix AL1002ULADAJ NAC Power Extender

Overview

The Altronix AL1002ULADAJ is a voltage-regulated remote NAC (Notification Appliance Circuit) power extender engineered for fire alarm system expansion and auxiliary power distribution. Designed to connect to any 24-volt Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP), this unit delivers cost-effective power extension for notification appliances including horns, strobes, and system accessories while maintaining full synchronization protocols and circuit supervision capabilities. The AL1002ULADAJ is housed in a Red BC600 enclosure and provides configurable output capacity to support ADA compliance requirements and multi-zone notification coverage.

Key Features

• Dual-Configuration Output: Supports either 2 Class A or 4 Class B notification appliance circuits from a single unit
• 24VDC Power Delivery: Regulated 24VDC outputs rated at 10A maximum total alarm current with 2.5A maximum per individual output
• Synchronization Protocols: Compatible with Potter/Amseco, Gentex®, System Sensor®, and CooperWheelock® sync modes, plus Temporal Code 3 and Steady Mode operation
• Dual Trigger Inputs: Two independent 2-wire NC dry contact inputs accept 8–30VDC supply (6.5mA max) from compatible FACPs
• Output Loop Supervision: Programmable supervised indicating circuit steered to Input 1 or Input 2 with signal circuit trouble memory for intermittent loop fault identification
• 1A Auxiliary Output: Dedicated 24VDC auxiliary power port for system accessories and integration components
• Thermal and Short-Circuit Protection: Integrated protection with auto-reset failover behavior; maintains synchronization during protection events
• Filtered and Regulated Outputs: Clean DC power delivery eliminates noise and voltage sag in extended circuit runs
• Ground Fault Detection: Common trouble input and output for external trouble signal tie-in and comprehensive fault reporting
• Battery Backup Ready: Sealed lead-acid or gel-type battery charging support (batteries sold separately); instantaneous failover upon AC loss
• UL 864 Listed: Approved for two Class A or two Class B fire alarm control unit applications
• Multi-Authority Approval: UL, MEA NYC Department of Buildings, FM (Factory Mutual), and CSFM (California State Fire Marshal) approvals

Integration & Compatibility

The AL1002ULADAJ integrates seamlessly with fire alarm control panels operating at 12VDC or 24VDC, making it a flexible choice for retrofit and new-build system expansion. Its input voltage tolerance (8–30VDC, 6.5mA max) accommodates legacy and modern FACP designs without modification. Sync-mode compatibility with major notification appliance manufacturers ensures that horn and strobe devices operate in coordinated silence/deactivation sequences, critical for ADA accessibility and multi-zone life safety operations. The programmable input-to-output follower mode maintains temporal code and audible/visual synchronization across extended circuit topologies. Ground fault detection and circuit trouble memory support rapid fault isolation in large installations, reducing service response time and mean-time-to-repair.

Power and Protection Specifications

Input power draws 120VAC, 60Hz at 5A maximum. Output capacity reaches 10A total at 24VDC, distributed across Class A or Class B topology, with individual output limiting at 2.5A per circuit. The 1A auxiliary output accommodates low-current accessories without impact on primary NAC circuits. Thermal protection with auto-reset ensures the unit recovers from transient overload without manual intervention, preserving system availability during surge events. Filtered and regulated outputs minimize voltage ripple, extending notification appliance lifespan and ensuring reliable operation in environments with power-quality challenges.

Ted Perry

Perspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.

I have evaluated the Altronix AL1002ULADAJ during the planning phase of a large multi-floor life safety retrofit. This unit stands out for its ability to decouple NAC expansion from the primary FACP, allowing integrators to scale notification coverage without reaching panel output limits. The synchronization protocol compatibility alone—Potter/Amseco, Gentex, System Sensor, CooperWheelock—eliminates vendor lock-in and simplifies cross-manufacturer device selection.

Technical Highlights:

• Flexible Output Configuration: The choice between 2 Class A or 4 Class B circuits means a single unit can serve diverse architectures. Class A loops support longer runs and redundancy; Class B is ideal for compact, single-path coverage.
• Trouble Memory and Ground Fault Detection: Signal circuit trouble memory identifies intermittent faults that would otherwise hide. Ground fault detection prevents silent failures in the auxiliary power chain.

Deployment Considerations:

• Battery backup requires separate sealed lead-acid or gel-type batteries; factor procurement lead time into project schedules, especially for emergency retrofit work.
• The 2.5A per-output limit demands load calculation during design; strobes and high-current speakers may require dedicated circuits or parallel units in large zones.

For integrators managing ADA compliance mandates and system expansion in existing fire alarm installations, the AL1002ULADAJ delivers regulated, supervised NAC power without replacing the control panel. UL and multi-state approvals eliminate re-certification friction. Highly reliable for modular system architecture.