Altronix AL1024NKA8 8-Output Dual Voltage Power Controller

Altronix AL1024NKA8 Dual Voltage Access Power Controller with Power Supply/Charger

Overview

The Altronix AL1024NKA8 is a dual voltage access power controller designed for security integrators and IT managers deploying comprehensive access control systems. This unit converts 115VAC 60Hz input into eight independently controlled, fuse-protected outputs capable of delivering 12VDC or 5VDC at up to 6A, and/or 24VDC at up to 10A, with 240W total power capacity. The AL1024NKA8 powers access control panels, electronic door locks, magnetic locks, electric strikes, magnetic door holders, and ancillary devices while providing instantaneous transfer to standby battery power during AC loss.

Key Features

• Eight independently controlled outputs: Each output is individually selectable for 12VDC, 5VDC, or 24VDC operation, enabling flexible configuration for mixed-voltage system deployments
• High capacity dual voltage power: Delivers up to 6A at 12VDC or 5VDC, and up to 10A at 24VDC with 240W total power distribution across all outputs
• Instantaneous battery backup: Automatic transfer to standby batteries on AC failure with battery presence and battery fail supervision
• Short circuit and overvoltage protection: Integrated protection safeguards downstream access control hardware and eliminates nuisance device failures
• Filtered and electronically regulated outputs: Stable power delivery across all output channels with reduced noise interference to sensitive access devices
• Fire alarm disconnect capability: Individually selectable latching or non-latching fire alarm disconnect on any or all eight outputs for emergency egress compliance
• Bi-colored LED status indicators: Visual verification of voltage presence on each output for field commissioning and troubleshooting
• Multiple trigger input modes: Accepts open collector sink, normally open (NO), normally closed (NC) dry triggers, or wet output from access control systems, card readers, keypads, and push buttons
• Dry contact relay outputs: Power outputs convertible to dry form C contacts for integration with alarm monitoring and auxiliary device triggering
• Fail-Safe and Fail-Secure operation: Configurable output modes support both security philosophies depending on system design requirements
• Eight unswitched auxiliary power outputs: Additional power distribution points for expanded system architectures
• Daisy-chain capability: Spade connectors enable stacking of multiple ACMS8 modules for systems requiring more than eight outputs, conserving panel space

Integration & Compatibility

The AL1024NKA8 integrates seamlessly with access control system outputs, PIR sensors, proximity card readers, and keypads. The FACP interface supports emergency egress routing and alarm monitoring integration. Output triggering accommodates both dry contact and open collector signals, making this controller compatible with legacy and modern access control architectures. AC Fail supervision enables integration with building management systems and provides real-time monitoring of AC power availability. The stackable sub-assembly design allows integrators to expand output capacity without requiring separate enclosures or additional power supplies.

Package Contents

The AL1024NKA8 kit includes UL Listed sub-assemblies: AL1024ULx with VR6 voltage regulator and ACMS8 control module. Stackable assembly design allows multiple units to be combined within the supplied BC400 enclosure, providing a compact, space-efficient solution for access control power distribution.

Marty Allison

I've evaluated the AL1024NKA8 during several multi-door access control deployments, and this controller delivers the voltage flexibility and redundancy that modern security integrators expect. The dual voltage architecture—supporting 5VDC, 12VDC, and 24VDC simultaneously across eight independently controlled outputs—eliminates the need for separate power supplies when deploying mixed-technology access hardware. That's a genuine operational advantage on larger jobs where you're combining legacy card readers with modern smart locks and magnetic door holders.

Technical Highlights:

• Battery backup with instantaneous transfer: The AL1024NKA8 automatically switches to standby power on AC failure with zero switching delay, ensuring door locks and access control logic remain powered during outages. Battery fail and battery presence supervision provide real-time system status visibility.
• Fire alarm disconnect integration: Individually selectable on each of eight outputs, with both latching and non-latching modes. This simplifies compliance with emergency egress codes and allows selective unlocking without requiring a separate interface module.
• Short circuit and overvoltage protection: Built-in protection prevents downstream device damage if a magnetic lock or electric strike develops a fault, reducing warranty claims and field callbacks.
• Stackable architecture: Multiple ACMS8 modules can be daisy-chained via spade connectors, letting you expand to 16+ outputs within a single BC400 enclosure without adding separate power conditioning.

Deployment Considerations:

• Verify your standby battery capacity matches the total load (240W max). A single battery may be insufficient for full-load operation during extended AC loss; plan for staged load shedding or oversized UPS capacity on larger systems.
• The open collector and dry contact trigger inputs require clean signal conditioning; verify that your access control system outputs meet logic-level specs to avoid false triggering or missed unlock commands.
• Eight outputs cover most single-door or dual-door configurations, but daisy-chaining adds interconnection points. Inspect spade connectors regularly on field-installed units to prevent contact corrosion in humid or outdoor environments.

The AL1024NKA8 is a solid choice for integrators who need reliable, supervised multi-voltage power distribution without the complexity of building custom relay logic. Specify this unit for access control systems that mix voltage requirements or require battery-backed emergency egress control.