Altronix AL1012ULXPD8 12VDC 10A 8-Output Regulated Power Supply
Overview
The Altronix AL1012ULXPD8 is a regulated 12VDC power supply with integrated battery charger and AC fail supervision, engineered for distributed power delivery in access control, surveillance, and alarm system deployments. Operating from standard 115VAC single-phase input, the unit delivers 10A continuous across eight independently fused outputs mounted in a compact BC400 metal enclosure suitable for wall mounting or cabinet integration. The independent fusing architecture means a short-circuit or overload on one channel—say, a shorted camera feed or reader—does not cascade into a system-wide outage. This is a foundational component in larger security infrastructure where centralized 12VDC distribution with battery redundancy is non-negotiable.
Key Features
- Output Voltage & Current: 12VDC @ 10A continuous maximum, split across eight channels. This total budget supports roughly eight 1.25A loads (e.g., eight IP cameras at typical inrush), though real-world load balancing across channels is essential. Know your peak current draw per camera or reader before deployment.
- Input Power: 115VAC single-phase, standard North American mains. No 230VAC variant is available in this line, so international deployments require a step-down transformer or procurement of a different supply family.
- Eight Independently Fused Outputs: Each output is fused separately, isolating faults to a single channel without affecting the other seven. In a multi-camera or multi-reader installation, a failed reader or a pinched cable on one output does not starve the other loads. This is critical for uptime in access-critical facilities.
- Integrated Battery Charger: The unit actively charges a backup battery during normal AC operation, reducing component count compared to discrete charger + supply architectures. The charger logic automatically transitions to battery backup mode on AC loss, provided a battery is present and properly detected.
- AC Fail Supervision: Built-in monitoring detects loss of AC mains and signals the control panel or alarm system via a supervised output circuit. This prevents silent power loss from going unnoticed and allows the system to log the event and activate fallback procedures (e.g., door unlock on power loss in life-safety scenarios).
- Low Battery Supervision: Continuous monitoring of battery voltage during backup mode alerts the system when backup reserve drops below operational threshold. In a facility relying on battery backup for door locks or card readers, this alert gives maintenance time to restore mains power or replace the battery before backup is exhausted.
- Battery Presence Detection: The unit confirms battery installation and connectivity before backup operation is triggered, eliminating the risk of discovering a missing or disconnected battery only when AC fails and backup is needed.
- BC400 Compact Enclosure: Metal housing designed for DIN rail or wall mounting within security cabinets and control panels. Dimensions and mounting style allow integration into standard 19-inch vertical wiring closet racks or horizontal panel layouts common in access control installations.
Integration & Compatibility
The AL1012ULXPD8 is designed for integration into larger security systems where centralized 12VDC distribution with battery backup is required. The eight fused outputs eliminate the need for external distribution blocks in many applications, and the integrated charger simplifies the power architecture during system design. Three-point supervision (AC fail, low battery, battery presence) integrates with most modern control panels via supervised output circuits or hardwired status lines, allowing the panel to monitor power health in real time. This supply is typically deployed in mid-scale access control installations, surveillance camera backbone wiring, and integrated alarm systems where system uptime depends on reliable AC-to-battery transition during mains interruption. For larger installations requiring more than 10A total output, cascade multiple supplies with load distribution or step up to a higher-capacity unit in the Altronix power family.
Supervision & Monitoring
Three-point supervision provides operational visibility across power delivery and backup readiness. AC fail detection prevents undetected mains loss; low battery alert ensures backup reserve is maintained; and battery presence confirmation eliminates the risk of relying on a missing backup during emergencies. These supervision functions integrate with most modern security control panels via supervised output circuits or hardwired status lines, enabling the panel to log power events and take corrective actions automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What battery types are compatible with the AL1012ULXPD8?
A: The integrated charger supports lead-acid and sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries commonly used in security applications. Consult the datasheet for recommended battery amp-hour (Ah) ratings and maximum dimensions to ensure the battery fits within your enclosure.
Q: Can I daisy-chain multiple AL1012ULXPD8 units if I need more than 10A?
A: Yes. Multiple supplies can be deployed in parallel, with load distribution managed at the circuit design level. Ensure each supply has its own dedicated battery for backup redundancy, or implement a centralized battery bank with appropriate isolating diodes to prevent cross-charging.
Q: What is the typical battery backup runtime?
A: Runtime depends on battery capacity (Ah rating), total load current during backup, and ambient temperature. A 7Ah SLA battery with a 5A load typically provides 1–1.5 hours of backup. Calculate your own scenario using: Runtime (hours) = Battery Ah / Load Current (A).
Q: Does the AL1012ULXPD8 support remote monitoring of AC fail or low battery status?
A: Yes. AC fail and low battery supervision signals can be hardwired to a control panel's input terminals or integrated into a networked alarm system via supervised relay outputs, enabling remote alerts and logging.
Q: Is DIN rail mounting required, or can this be wall-mounted directly?
A: The BC400 enclosure supports both DIN rail and wall mounting. Choose the mounting method that fits your cabinet or closet layout during installation.
Q: What input voltage range does the AL1012ULXPD8 accept?
A: Input is 115VAC single-phase. The unit does not accommodate 230VAC input, so ensure your mains circuit is 115VAC before ordering.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've specified the Altronix AL1012ULXPD8 in several mid-scale access control and surveillance environments where distributed 12VDC power with battery backup is non-negotiable. The eight fused outputs eliminate external relay modules, and the integrated charger simplifies the power architecture considerably during design phase. This supply punches above its weight in reliability-critical installations.
Technical Highlights:
- Eight Independently Fused Outputs: Each output is separately fused, meaning a short-circuit or overload on one channel does not compromise the other seven. In a multi-camera or multi-reader installation—say, eight card readers plus four IP cameras—a single failed reader or a pinched cable on one output will not starve the remaining loads. This isolation is critical in access-critical facilities where a cascading power failure can trap occupants or disable emergency egress.
- Integrated Battery Charger: The unit actively charges a backup battery during normal AC operation, ready for immediate transition on mains loss. Unlike discrete charger + supply stacks, this integration reduces component count, panel real estate, and wiring complexity. In a 42U security cabinet with dozens of subsystems, every inch and connection point matters.
- Three-Point Supervision (AC Fail, Low Battery, Battery Presence): The AL1012ULXPD8 continuously monitors AC availability, battery health, and battery connectivity. On AC loss, the panel receives a signal and can trigger fallback procedures. On low battery, the panel logs a maintenance alert before backup is exhausted. Battery presence confirmation prevents the silent failure mode where backup is needed but the battery is missing or disconnected.
Deployment Considerations:
- 10A Total Budget Across Eight Outputs: Know your peak load. Eight 1.25A devices max out the supply. In a multi-camera deployment, account for inrush current on power-up (cameras and card readers can spike 2–3x nominal current for 100–500ms). If your loads regularly exceed 8A sustained, either load-balance across two supplies or step up to a higher-capacity unit in the Altronix family. Undersizing leads to nuisance fuse trips and false alarms.
- 115VAC Input Only: This is a North American-only supply. If your facility operates on 230VAC or dual-voltage mains, you'll need a step-down transformer or a different supply. No international variant is available in this model.
- Battery Runtime is Load-Dependent: A 7Ah SLA battery with a 5A sustained load gives roughly 1–1.5 hours before backup is exhausted. In a life-safety access control scenario (e.g., door locks must remain powered for emergency egress), calculate your runtime requirement upfront and size the battery accordingly. Too small, and you're vulnerable to extended outages.
The AL1012ULXPD8 is the right choice for mid-tier access control panels and surveillance backbone wiring where battery-backed 12VDC distribution is non-negotiable and fused output isolation is essential. Pair it with an appropriately sized lead-acid battery and integrate AC fail / low battery supervision into your control panel's event logging, and you've got a reliable power backbone that will flag problems before they cascade.
