Altronix AL201ULX 12VDC 1.75A Regulated Power Supply
The Altronix AL201ULX is a compact, UL-listed regulated power supply that converts 24VAC input to stable 12VDC output at up to 1.75A—enough capacity to power access control systems, door locks, small intercom installations, and entry-level video surveillance infrastructure simultaneously. The built-in integral transformer eliminates the need for external step-down components, and the integrated battery backup supervision with AC failure and low battery alarm monitoring provides early warning before power loss affects your perimeter security.
Key Features
- 12VDC regulated output at 1.75A maximum capacity: Delivers stable voltage to access control readers, electric strikes, door position sensors, and auxiliary security devices without the voltage sag that causes intermittent lock failures or sensor dropouts.
- 24VAC input with integral transformer: Accepts standard transformer-supplied 24VAC directly—no external step-down hardware required, reducing installation footprint and cost in small installations.
- AC Fail detection and low battery alarm: Monitors both AC availability and battery charge state, signaling when mains power is lost or battery capacity is dropping. Gives you time to investigate power issues before locks go unpowered during an outage.
- Battery backup supervision capable: Designed to work with auxiliary backup batteries (not included), allowing connected devices to remain powered for a grace period during mains failure—critical for access control door lock drop-in time and supervised alarm reporting.
- UL Listed construction: Meets electrical safety code requirements for installation in most jurisdictions without additional certification hurdles or inspection delays.
- Compact wall and DIN-rail mounting: Small enough to fit in electrical enclosures or wall-mounted cabinets alongside entry control panels, reducing hardware clutter and cabinet space consumption.
When to Choose the AL201ULX
This model is a fit for small-to-medium security installations where 12VDC at 1.75A meets your device load—particularly access control systems with 1–4 door strikes, low-power intercom stations, or mixed security device arrays that don't demand higher current. The battery backup supervision is especially valuable in facilities where maintaining lock power during brief outages is non-negotiable: hospitals, apartment buildings, and office access corridors where AC mains interruptions are possible.
The AL201ULX is also a common choice in facilities that already have 24VAC transformer infrastructure installed (HVAC systems, lighting control circuits), allowing you to tap into existing AC without pulling additional 110–240V mains power to a new supply.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your load exceeds 1.75A—for example, multiple electric strikes, maglocks, or a small camera power distribution hub—look to higher-current variants in the Altronix power supply family. If battery backup is not required and you need a simpler, lower-cost option, non-supervised models may reduce price. If your facility has no 24VAC source available and cannot easily install one, a direct 110–240VAC input supply may eliminate one conversion step, though it will require more careful installation planning.
Integration & Compatibility
The AL201ULX delivers 12VDC and integrates with any access control, door lock, intercom, or auxiliary security device rated for 12VDC operation. It pairs naturally with access control power infrastructure in installations where supervised battery backup is managed at the panel level. For larger distributed power networks, consider power distribution and backup systems guidance to plan your overall mains and backup strategy.
Warranty & Support
Covered by Altronix Lifetime Limited Warranty, standard for the brand's power supply line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the AL201ULX require an external backup battery?
A: The AL201ULX has built-in supervision capability and can monitor external battery charge state, but the battery itself is not included. You supply a compatible 12VDC battery (typically a sealed lead-acid type) connected to the unit's battery terminals, and the AL201ULX monitors its condition and provides low-battery alarm signals.
Q: What happens if AC power fails?
A: The AL201ULX detects the loss of 24VAC input and triggers its AC Fail alarm output. If a battery is connected, the unit can continue supplying 12VDC from the battery until it is depleted. Without a battery, output will be lost once AC fails.
Q: Can I use the AL201ULX to power multiple door locks simultaneously?
A: Yes, provided the combined current draw does not exceed 1.75A. A typical electric strike draws 0.3–0.6A; a maglock may draw 0.8–1.2A. Two strikes (0.6–1.2A total) will fit comfortably; two maglocks will exceed the unit's maximum. Calculate your load before installation.
Q: Is the AL201ULX UL compliant for commercial security installation?
A: Yes, it is UL Listed, meeting electrical safety codes for installation in most commercial and residential jurisdictions without additional certification.
Q: What is the input voltage tolerance?
A: The AL201ULX requires 24VAC input (typically 50/60 Hz). Consult the datasheet for the acceptable voltage range if you have non-standard transformer output.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix AL201ULX is a workhorse power supervision module for small access control and auxiliary security installations. At 1.75A output, it sits at the upper edge of the "single-door" power supply range—enough for one maglock or two electric strikes, plus monitoring headroom. The key differentiator is the integrated AC Fail detection and battery alarm supervision, which means you get status feedback about mains and battery health without requiring a separate monitoring relay or UPS controller.
Technical Highlights:
- 1.75A @ 12VDC output: Sufficient for a single fail-secure maglock (0.8–1.2A) or two electric strikes (0.3–0.6A each). Current draw is linear—know your device specs before installation to avoid undersizing.
- 24VAC input with integral transformer: Eliminates one piece of external hardware and one failure point. If your facility already has a 24VAC transformer supplying other building systems (HVAC, lighting), you can derive the AL201ULX input directly without pulling a separate 110–240V line.
- AC Fail + Low Battery supervision: Two independent alarm outputs mean your access control panel or building monitoring system sees power status in real time. You catch battery depletion before locks fail, and you know instantly if mains is lost—useful for triggering forced-unlock procedures or alerting facilities staff to investigate.
Deployment Considerations:
- Battery is not included. You must supply an appropriately sized 12VDC sealed lead-acid battery and wire it to the unit's battery terminals. A typical 7–12 Ah battery will provide 30–60 minutes of lock holding power, depending on device draw.
- The AL201ULX is compact, but it is not a UPS or holdup battery—it is a supervised power supply that allows you to add a battery separately. If you need integrated backup in one enclosure, look to larger Altronix panels that combine power and battery in a single unit.
Position the AL201ULX inside an electrical enclosure or cabinet beside your access control reader/controller. The supervision alarms integrate directly into your panel's 12VDC supervised input loops. This is the right choice for apartment buildings, small office suites, and healthcare facilities where access control power outages create liability and operational friction—the battery backup and supervision outputs justify the cost over a non-supervised supply.
