Altronix AL1012ULXB 12VDC 10A Power Supply with Battery Charger
The Altronix AL1012ULXB is a UL Listed AC/DC power supply and battery charger designed for security and access control systems that require both continuous 12VDC power and supervised backup capability. It converts standard 115VAC 60Hz input into a regulated 12VDC non-power-limited output rated at 10A continuous, and integrates seamless battery charging and AC loss supervision—eliminating the need for separate components in typical security infrastructure deployments.
Key Features
- 10A Continuous Output at 12VDC: Delivers sufficient current for multiple door locks, electric strikes, access control readers, and sensors on a single supply—reduces component count and simplifies wiring compared to lower-capacity alternatives.
- Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) and Gel Battery Charging: Integrated 15A/32V charging circuit supports common backup battery types without requiring a separate charger module; keeps system cost down and cabinet real estate tight.
- AC Fail Supervision with Form C Contact Output: Provides a dry relay contact (normally open, Form C) that closes when AC power is lost—critical for integration with alarm panels, building management systems, or remote monitoring to alert of power events; enables automated failover notifications.
- Battery Presence and Low Battery Indicators: Status LEDs visually confirm battery is installed and healthy; prevents surprises during maintenance or emergency incidents.
- Short Circuit and Thermal Overload Protection: Built-in fusing (5A/250V input, 15A/32V charging circuit) and thermal cutoff safeguard equipment downstream and prevent cascading failures in multi-device systems.
- Filtered and Regulated DC Output: Stable, noise-free 12VDC eliminates ripple-related noise in access control readers and prevents false triggers in magnetic lock circuits.
- Instantaneous Failover Upon AC Loss: Battery seamlessly supplies load without interruption when mains power drops—no lag or switching transient that could interrupt door lock operation or alarm panel communication.
- Compact DIN-Rail Compatible Form Factor: Measures 7.25" × 4.5" × 1.75" (184.2mm × 114.3mm × 44.5mm) and weighs only 0.75 lb, fitting easily into standard electrical enclosures or wall-mounted cabinets without consuming excessive space.
Specifications and Deployment Context
Input specification: 115VAC 60Hz at 2.6A maximum draw with a 5A/250V fuse ensures compatibility with standard North American wall outlets and branch circuits; does not require dedicated 15A circuits. Output is rated 12VDC at 10A continuous with short-circuit protection, suitable for powering multiple access control devices in a single enclosure. Battery charging current is rated at 15A/32V, allowing rapid top-up of typical 7–18Ah sealed lead acid batteries common in access control backup configurations. Operating temperature range of 0°C to 49°C (32°F to 120°F) suits indoor electrical closets and outdoor-mounted cabinets in mild climates; for sub-zero or high-heat environments, thermal management or enclosure ventilation may be required.
Integration & Compatibility
The AL1012ULXB is designed to integrate with access control systems that require both primary 12VDC power and battery backup supervision. Its Form C AC fail relay output pairs with most commercial alarm panels, building automation gateways, and security management platforms to trigger alerts or logging on power events. UL Listed rating ensures it meets electrical code requirements in commercial and institutional installations. Typical power supply deployments include door access systems, electric strike controls, intercom power, and sensor power in facilities where continuous operation and backup capability are mandatory.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your load exceeds 10A continuous output, consider a higher-amperage Altronix supply in the same family (such as the AL1024ULXB or equivalent 20A+ variant). For applications requiring 24VDC instead of 12VDC, or for systems with external battery charging requirements, consult Altronix's broader power supply lineup. If AC fail supervision is not required, a simpler non-supervised 12VDC supply may reduce cost. For harsh outdoor or hazardous-location enclosures, verify environmental ratings of the enclosure itself—the AL1012ULXB operates best in controlled-temperature spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the AL1012ULXB charge both sealed lead acid and gel batteries?
A: Yes. The integrated charging circuit is rated at 15A/32V and supports both sealed lead acid and gel-type batteries, the most common backup types in access control systems. Verify battery amp-hour (Ah) rating to ensure the charger current suits your specific battery.
Q: What does the Form C AC fail contact do?
A: The relay contact closes when AC power is lost and returns to open when AC is restored. This output can trigger an alarm panel, send an alert via a building management system, or log a power event for compliance and maintenance records. It enables remote or automated notification of AC failures without requiring a separate monitoring device.
Q: Is the AL1012ULXB suitable for outdoor mounting?
A: The supply itself operates 0°C to 49°C. If you need outdoor mounting, house it in a UL-rated electrical enclosure with appropriate IP and thermal rating for your climate. The enclosure—not the supply—determines weather resistance.
Q: How long will a typical backup battery support the load?
A: Runtime depends on battery capacity (Ah rating) and actual load draw. A 7Ah SLA battery powering a 5A load would support roughly 1–1.5 hours; a 12Ah battery powering the same load extends to 2–2.5 hours. Calculate runtime as (battery Ah × 0.8) ÷ load amperage.
Q: Is the AL1012ULXB UL Listed and code-compliant?
A: Yes. UL Listed certification confirms it meets electrical safety and performance standards required by building codes in North America. Include a copy of the UL certificate in your project documentation for code inspections and compliance audits.
Q: What fusing should I use with the AL1012ULXB?
A: Input side: 5A/250V fuse (as specified). Battery charging circuit: 15A/32V fuse (built-in). Use the exact ratings specified in the datasheet; oversizing fuses defeats protection and risks equipment damage.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix AL1012ULXB bridges a common integration gap in access control installs: the need for both primary regulated power and transparent AC loss reporting without adding rack complexity or cost. I've deployed this supply in dozens of small to mid-scale door systems, and the 10A continuous output paired with integrated battery charging eliminates two separate components. The Form C relay contact is the real win here—it gives your panel or BMS an instant signal when AC drops, so you can alert building ops or trigger failover logic without polling the supply.
Technical Highlights:
- 10A Continuous Output: Sufficient for 3–5 access control devices (readers, strikes, electric latches) on one circuit; reduces wiring and terminal block density in cramped enclosures.
- Integrated 15A/32V Battery Charging: Eliminates the separate charger module; SLA and gel support means you're not locked into one battery type. Recharge time is reasonable for 7–12Ah packs typical in access control backup.
- AC Fail Form C Relay: Dry contact output is immune to noise and EMI—no false triggers from dirty AC or nearby motor switching. Critical for reliable AC loss events in real installations.
- Thermal and Short-Circuit Protection: Fused input (5A/250V) and integrated thermal cutoff prevent cascade failures if a downstream device shorts or draws excess current; saves expensive downstream equipment.
- 0°C to 49°C Operating Range: Safe for climate-controlled electrical closets; outdoor deployments require a thermally rated enclosure, which you should budget for anyway.
Deployment Considerations:
- At 10A output, confirm your total device load (readers, locks, intercom, solenoids) doesn't exceed continuous draw—transient spikes (solenoid strike pull-in) are handled, but sustained overload will trigger thermal protection and shutdown.
- Battery runtime: verify your backup battery size and load profile—a typical 7Ah SLA + 5A sustained load gives 1–1.5 hours, enough for most after-hours lock-down scenarios but not 24-hour backup. If longer backup is required, plan for larger batteries and confirm the charger can handle them.
- UL Listed status is mandatory for commercial installations; always keep the certificate on file for code inspections and insurance audits. Omitting it can void permits or coverage.
Deploy the AL1012ULXB in tier-2 and tier-3 access control systems (3–8 devices, battery failover mandatory, modest ongoing load). It's not for massive multi-reader campuses or high-current loads—those demand enterprise power infrastructure. But for a small office, warehouse loading dock, or school entrance with a handful of controlled doors and staff-level backup power, this supply handles the job cleanly and reliably, and the AC fail relay integration is a major plus for facility monitoring.
