Altronix AL1024ULACM 24VDC 10A Access Power Controller
The Altronix AL1024ULACM is a regulated DC power supply and battery backup unit designed to centralize power distribution across multi-door access control systems. It delivers selectable 12VDC or 24VDC output with eight fused relay outputs, making it suitable for medium-scale deployments where you need synchronized control over multiple locks, readers, and door operators from a single point.
Key Features
- Dual voltage output (12VDC or 24VDC selectable): Flexibility to match your readers, locks, and operators without needing separate power supplies. Choose 24VDC for longer cable runs with less voltage drop, or 12VDC for devices that require lower voltage—both available from one unit.
- 10A maximum output at 12VDC: Sufficient current to power a typical multi-door installation with magnetic locks, request-to-exit buttons, and card readers. At 24VDC, output is rated at 3A, which covers lighter loads; at 12VDC mixed with 24VDC use, you get 4A—plan your load accordingly.
- Eight fused relay outputs: Independent relay channels allow you to control up to eight separate circuits (doors, strikes, or auxiliary devices) with synchronized logic. Each relay is fused to protect downstream wiring and devices from overcurrent events.
- Integrated battery backup system: Supports a connected backup battery (typically lead-acid or gel-cell) so critical access points remain powered during AC mains failure. This is essential for life-safety compliance and prevents lockouts during power events.
- 115VAC input: Standard North American mains voltage—verify your facility provides this before installation. No three-phase or 240VAC variant is offered in this model.
- BC400 enclosure form factor: Compact wall-mount or DIN-rail mounting. Standard footprint simplifies integration into existing access control racks and cabinets.
- UL Listed: Meets commercial and institutional safety standards, required for insurance and code compliance in most jurisdictions.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Manufacturer covers defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the original purchaser, reducing long-term replacement risk.
Integration & Compatibility
The AL1024ULACM integrates into access control systems that rely on hardwired relay logic or legacy controllers. The eight relay outputs are passive (dry contacts), meaning they're compatible with virtually any access control panel, door controller, or third-party logic module that accepts relay closure signals. If you're deploying a modern networked access control system (cloud-based or IP-native), verify that your system requires or supports relay output interfacing; many newer platforms use API or network-based commands instead. The unit is a pure power and relay distribution device—it does not itself perform card reading, credential validation, or access decision logic.
When to Choose a Different Model
If you need higher current capacity—say, for a large facility with many simultaneous lock activations—examine the Altronix product family for higher-amperage variants in the same enclosure class. If you require IP-native control (Ethernet input) instead of relay outputs, or networked power management with remote monitoring, consider an intelligent access control appliance outside the relay-based power supply category. If your facility operates on 240VAC or three-phase power, confirm that Altronix offers a suitable variant; the AL1024ULACM is 115VAC only.
Deployment Scenario
The AL1024ULACM is a natural fit for a mid-sized office building, industrial facility, or warehouse with 4–8 controlled doors served by a single hardwired access panel. It centralizes power and relay logic in one mountable unit, reducing cable clutter and simplifying troubleshooting. Pair it with appropriately sized UPS battery backup and you have a resilient entry control system that survives brief power loss without rebooting or dropping locks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the AL1024ULACM include a backup battery?
A: No. The unit has integrated charging and supervision circuits for a battery (typically 12V lead-acid or gel-cell), but the battery itself must be purchased separately and connected by a qualified installer.
Q: What's the maximum cable distance from the AL1024ULACM to a 24VDC lock?
A: No fixed limit is specified in the datasheet. Follow the lock manufacturer's voltage drop tolerance—typically 10% maximum (2.4V drop on 24VDC). For runs over 100 feet, use heavier gauge wire (10 AWG or thicker) to minimize losses.
Q: Can I use the AL1024ULACM to power IP cameras on the same circuit?
A: Not directly. This unit is designed for access control loads (locks, readers, operators). IP cameras require PoE or dedicated 12V supplies. Do not mix access control and camera power on the same output—use separate circuits.
Q: Is the AL1024ULACM UL Listed for installation in all states?
A: UL listing means it meets national safety standards and is accepted by most building codes. Local jurisdiction requirements may vary—consult your AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) for specific approval in your area.
Q: What happens if I exceed 10A at 12VDC?
A: The unit will current-limit or shut down to protect internal circuitry. Fused relay outputs protect individual circuits, but sustained overload will trigger a thermal shutdown. Size your load carefully and use the 24VDC output (3A limit) only for lower-current devices.
Q: Does the AL1024ULACM work with IP-based access control systems?
A: Only if your IP-based system includes relay output cards or modules that can accept dry-contact signals. Modern cloud-based systems typically control doors via API or direct network commands, not relay inputs—verify compatibility with your system vendor before purchasing.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix AL1024ULACM fills a specific niche in hardwired access control—a no-frills power supply and relay distribution unit that handles medium-scale facilities reliably. What sets it apart is the combination of selectable dual voltage, battery backup support, and eight independent fused relay channels in a compact form factor. If you're retrofitting a building with a legacy access control panel or deploying a small-to-medium warehouse system, this unit checks all the boxes without overengineering.
Technical Highlights:
- Dual voltage (12VDC or 24VDC selectable): Running 24VDC reduces voltage drop over longer cable runs by a factor of four compared to 12VDC at the same power—critical for a facility where some door readers or locks sit more than 50 feet from the power supply. The ability to select at installation time (no jumper swapping mid-deployment) is a small win in field commissioning.
- 10A output at 12VDC, 3A at 24VDC: Do the math: that's roughly 120W at 12V or 72W at 24V. A typical magnetic lock draws 600–800mA; a card reader and request-to-exit button together pull another 200–300mA. You can realistically power 8–10 doors on the 12V rail, or 4–5 on 24V. Don't exceed this; the unit will thermal-limit.
- Eight fused relays: Each relay is independent and fused, meaning a short on one door's control circuit won't cascade and kill the others. That's professional thinking—cheap power supplies skip the fuses and you lose everything simultaneously.
- Battery backup integration: The charger circuit is built in; you bring your own 12V battery. This keeps the unit from becoming a doorstop during a power event, and it's legally required in most jurisdictions for life-safety compliance.
Deployment Considerations:
- Load planning is non-negotiable: The AL1024ULACM will not tell you (in real time) when you're approaching current limits. A poorly documented installation can fail in the field if someone adds a third lock to a circuit that was already at 90% capacity. Document your load on day one, and leave 20% headroom.
- Battery size matters: The manual doesn't specify the maximum recommended battery capacity. Oversizing a battery can extend the charger's thermal stress. Consult Altronix tech support for your specific battery choice, or use a standard 7–12Ah lead-acid unit as a safe baseline.
- Relay-only control: If your system uses IP-native access control (API calls, network commands), this unit is the wrong choice. It's for hardwired panels and legacy systems where relay closure is the native control signal. Verify upfront.
- No remote monitoring: The AL1024ULACM has no network port, SNMP, or email alerting. If you need to know when the battery is dying or when AC mains fails, you'll wire a contact closure to a separate monitoring system or panel—no built-in intelligence.
Deploy the AL1024ULACM in a mid-sized office, warehouse, or light industrial facility with 4–8 controlled doors served by a hardwired access control panel. Pair it with a 12V lead-acid battery, fuse the input at the breaker panel, label every relay terminal clearly, and you have a rock-solid power and control backbone that will outlast the building's first renovation cycle. It's not flashy, but it works.
