Altronix AL168300CBM Power Supply with PTC-Protected Outputs
Overview
The Altronix AL168300CBM is a regulated AC power supply designed for security and access control installations requiring multiple independently protected outputs. This unit delivers 16VAC at 18A total capacity from a standard 115VAC input, making it suitable for powering door strikes, magnetic locks, auxiliary devices, and control systems in mid-sized security deployments. The AL168300CBM integrates into the BC100M metal enclosure, providing a compact form factor for wall or rack mounting in control rooms, equipment closets, and equipment cabinets.
Key Features
- Output Configuration: 8 individually PTC-protected outputs prevent nuisance circuit trips and reduce downtime from false shorts
- Output Voltage & Current: 16VAC @ 18A total capacity supports multiple solenoid locks, door strikes, and auxiliary loads simultaneously
- Input Power: 115VAC, 60 Hz operation standard to North American facility infrastructure
- Enclosure: BC100M metal housing provides protection, heat dissipation, and professional appearance in visible installations
- PTC Output Protection: Automatic resettable protection on each output eliminates the need for manual fuse replacement and reduces service calls
- Compact Design: Fits standard 19" vertical rack space or wall-mount configurations in equipment rooms
Integration & Compatibility
The AL168300CBM integrates into existing security infrastructure controlled by access control panels, door controllers, and auxiliary equipment that operate on 16VAC. The 8 independent outputs allow installation technicians to distribute power to multiple zones or devices without cascading failures—each output operates autonomously, ensuring that a fault on one circuit does not affect others. This is particularly valuable in multi-door access control systems, building entry management, and perimeter security deployments where uptime and fault isolation are critical.
Typical Applications
Installation professionals deploy the AL168300CBM in scenarios including apartment buildings with multiple electronic door locks, commercial office buildings with distributed access control, parking facility gate operators, and integrated security systems where AC power distribution must remain fault-tolerant. The PTC protection on each of the 8 outputs makes it especially suitable for environments with older wiring, extended cable runs, or systems prone to intermittent shorts that would otherwise require frequent on-site service intervention.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I have specified the Altronix AL168300CBM in several mid-sized access control rollouts where we needed reliable AC distribution without the operational overhead of conventional fused power supplies. The 8 individually protected outputs eliminate the common problem of a single short cascading through multiple zones.
Technical Highlights:
- PTC Protection Per Output: Each of the 8 outputs is independently protected, meaning a short on the door strike circuit will not affect auxiliary device power or other zones
- 18A Total Capacity: Sufficient headroom for typical installations with 2–4 magnetic locks, solenoids, and auxiliary equipment draws without thermal stress
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify upstream breaker and facility service panel capacity before installation—16VAC AC supplies can draw significant current from the 115VAC line during fault conditions
- Mount in a well-ventilated location; the BC100M enclosure will develop heat under sustained maximum load
The AL168300CBM is a solid choice for integrators who want to minimize service callbacks and reduce wiring complexity in distributed access control systems. The combination of 16VAC output, 18A capacity, and per-output PTC protection makes it a workhorse in small-to-medium deployments.
