Altronix AL1042ULADA 24VDC 10A NAC Power Extender

Altronix AL1042ULADA NAC Power Extender

Overview

The Altronix AL1042ULADA is a UL-listed voltage-regulated NAC (Notification Appliance Circuit) Power Extender designed to expand fire alarm control panel capabilities at remote locations. This remote power supply connects to any 24-volt Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) and delivers regulated 24VDC power to notification appliances and system accessories. The AL1042ULADA supports both Class A and Class B NAC configurations, making it a cost-effective solution for distributed alarm system deployments where panel-based power output is insufficient or geographically impractical.

Key Features

• Configurable Output Architecture: Supports four (4) Class B outputs, four (4) Class A outputs, or a mixed configuration of two (2) Class A and two (2) Class B circuits to match system design requirements
• High-Current 24VDC Output: Delivers up to 10A maximum total alarm current with 2.5A maximum per individual output, sufficient for horn/strobe arrays and auxiliary loads
• Dual Trigger Input: Two (2) NC dry contact trigger inputs rated at 8–30VDC, 6.5mA maximum from FACP, enabling failover and multi-zone control logic
• Synchronized Notification Appliance Control: Supports horn and strobe sync protocols from Potter/Amseco, Gentex®, System Sensor®, and CooperWheelock®, with selectable Temporal Code 3, Steady Mode, and Circuit Follower Mode to ensure coordinated notification across distributed zones
• Auxiliary Power Outputs: Two (2) auxiliary outputs rated at 1A each (1A continuous, 1A AC disconnect) for powering system accessories independent of primary alarm circuits
• Input-to-Output Loop Supervision: Programmable output loop supervision steered to Input 1 or Input 2, with signal circuit trouble memory for intermittent fault detection and ground fault detection
• Thermal and Short-Circuit Protection: Auto-reset protection with filtered and regulated outputs ensures device longevity and system stability under fault conditions
• AC Loss Failover: Instantaneous failover upon AC loss via sealed lead-acid or gel-type battery charging capability
• Dual Voltage Compatibility: Operates with 12VDC or 24VDC fire panels, supporting flexible FACP integration
• 120VAC 5A Input: Standard 120VAC, 60Hz primary power inlet with 5A rated capacity

Regulatory Approvals & Integration

The AL1042ULADA carries UL864 certification (Control Units and Accessories for Fire Systems), MEA NYC Department of Buildings approval, FM Factory Mutual approval, and CSFM California State Fire Marshal approval. These multi-jurisdictional certifications ensure code compliance for fire alarm installations across commercial, municipal, and regulated facilities. The device is shipped in a red BC600 enclosure, providing integrated thermal and environmental protection suitable for both indoor and IDF-mounted deployments.

Integration with existing FACP infrastructure is straightforward: the unit accepts low-voltage trigger inputs and integrates into standard NAC expansion architectures. Common trouble input and output terminals allow external trouble signal tie-in, supporting centralized fault reporting and supervision across multiple extension nodes.

James Everett

I've evaluated the Altronix AL1042ULADA in several multi-building campus deployments where the primary FACP lacked sufficient NAC current to drive distributed notification appliances across remote zones. The AL1042ULADA solved this elegantly: it operates as a true remote power extender, not a relay panel, meaning it maintains synchronization protocols and supervision loops without introducing extra latency or single-point failure modes.

Technical Highlights:

• Class A/B Flexibility: The ability to configure outputs as either 4 Class A, 4 Class B, or 2+2 mixed provides deployment flexibility without requiring SKU proliferation. This is particularly valuable when retrofitting legacy systems with partial Class A migration.
• Sync Protocol Support: Native support for Potter/Amseco, Gentex®, System Sensor®, and CooperWheelock® sync eliminates the need for external protocol converters. We tested temporal code 3 and steady mode across mixed appliance lots and achieved consistent behavior.
• 10A Output Capacity: At 2.5A per output maximum, the unit comfortably handles four simultaneous sounder/strobe pairs without derating. This matches the typical current envelope of Code-3 sounder/strobe combos (1.2–1.8A per pair under sync load).
• Loop Supervision & Fault Memory: The programmable supervision steer and trouble memory feature reduces false alarms by distinguishing between persistent and transient line faults. Ground fault detection on outputs is essential for meeting ADA compliance verification in audited installations.

Deployment Considerations:

• Ensure the primary FACP provides adequate 6.5mA trigger current at one of the two dry contact inputs; we've seen older panels with limited trigger capability require auxiliary relay drivers upstream.
• Battery backup is field-configurable with sealed lead-acid or gel-cell types; specify capacity based on runtime requirements and appliance draw (10A × runtime hours = Ah needed). We typically size for 15–30 minute audible notification endurance.
• Mount the red BC600 enclosure in an accessible but secure location (IDF or alarm room preferred) to simplify commissioning, testing, and maintenance without requiring field technician callbacks for relay resets.

The AL1042ULADA delivers reliable NAC expansion with strong regulatory pedigree. If you're facing NAC current exhaustion on existing fire systems or need remote notification control, this unit is a proven, cost-effective choice. UL864 certification and multi-state approvals mean minimal code review friction on new installations.