Altronix AL300ULXD 12/24VDC 2.5A Power Supply
The Altronix AL300ULXD is a dual-voltage regulated power supply and charger designed for security infrastructure, access control systems, and standby power applications. It accepts 115VAC or 230VAC input (50/60 Hz) and delivers selectable 12VDC or 24VDC output at 2.5A — enough headroom for electromagnetic locks, door readers, and control panels in single or multiple-device deployments. The unit integrates battery backup supervision with AC fail detection, low battery alerts, and battery presence monitoring, which means you get automatic failover monitoring without a separate supervision module.
Key Features
- Selectable 12VDC or 24VDC output: Choose voltage at installation via front panel selector — no jumpers or internal modification required. Saves inventory complexity if you manage sites with mixed voltage infrastructure.
- 2.5A rated output current: Sufficient for most single-load access control scenarios (e.g., one electromagnetic lock plus reader plus control module). Multi-load installations will need load calculation and may require parallel units or a higher-capacity supply.
- Dual input voltage (115VAC or 230VAC, 50/60 Hz): Accepts both North American and international mains, consuming only 0.9A at 115VAC or 0.45A at 230VAC. Low input current reduces strain on branch circuits, particularly useful in older facilities with limited electrical capacity.
- Battery backup with AC fail supervision: Monitors mains and battery health continuously. AC loss triggers automatic transfer to battery; low battery condition sends alert signal. This embedded supervision eliminates the need for external monitoring relays in many installations, cutting component count and wiring.
- Operating temperature range 0°C to 49°C (32°F to 120°F): Suitable for indoor electrical rooms and utility closets but not outdoor or unheated storage. Extended temperature models exist in the Altronix line if you need wider operating bounds.
- Compact enclosure dimensions (15.5″ × 12″ × 4.5″): Wall-mountable form factor fits standard electrical cabinets and small utility boxes. Allows co-location with control panels without requiring a separate equipment rack.
- UL listed and CE marked: Meets North American and European safety standards — required for insurance and code compliance in most jurisdictions. Verify local authority requirements before deployment.
Integration & Compatibility
The AL300ULXD integrates with access control systems that use 12VDC or 24VDC power buses. The integrated battery backup supervision is compatible with any alarm or access control panel that accepts a low-voltage signal input for AC fail and low battery alerts. Load planning is critical: if you're powering multiple readers, locks, and a control module, sum the nameplate current requirements and confirm the total does not exceed 2.5A sustained draw. Peak inrush current from solenoid locks can briefly exceed 2.5A, so magnetic door holders or energized-to-release locks may require a separate capacitor or soft-start relay. Consult the Altronix datasheet for recommended battery amp-hour ratings and circuit protection recommendations.
When to Choose a Different Model
If you need output greater than 2.5A or more than two discrete voltage rails, review the Altronix SMP (switched-mode) or industrial-grade supply families for higher current ratings. If your installation requires outdoor mounting or unheated environments below 0°C, specify an extended-temperature variant. If you need redundancy or active-active failover (rather than single battery backup), consider a dual-supply configuration with external transfer logic.
FAQ
Q: Can the AL300ULXD power both 12VDC and 24VDC loads simultaneously?
A: No. The output voltage is selectable — you choose 12VDC or 24VDC at installation. Both rails cannot be active at the same time. If you require both voltages, you will need a second power supply or a multi-output unit.
Q: What size battery should I pair with the AL300ULXD?
A: Battery capacity depends on your load current and desired hold-up time (e.g., 8 hours, 24 hours, or until generator start). The Altronix datasheet specifies compatible battery amp-hour ratings and charging current limits. Consult the manual or Altronix technical support for load-specific sizing.
Q: Does the AL300ULXD include a battery?
A: No. The unit provides charging and supervision circuits; you must source and install a compatible sealed lead-acid or lithium battery separately. Battery type and size are application-specific.
Q: Can I use the AL300ULXD in a freezer or outdoor cabinet?
A: No. The operating range is 0°C to 49°C (32°F to 120°F). Temperatures below 0°C or above 49°C will degrade performance and may cause the unit to shut down. For outdoor or extreme-temperature sites, confirm environmental requirements and consult extended-temperature variants from the Altronix product line.
Q: What certifications does the AL300ULXD hold?
A: UL listed and CE marked. Verify that these certifications meet your local electrical code and insurance requirements before deployment.
Q: Is there a warranty?
A: Yes, the AL300ULXD includes a lifetime limited manufacturer warranty. Coverage and exclusions are defined in the warranty documentation provided with the unit.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The AL300ULXD is a workhorse supply for small-to-medium access control and security infrastructure deployments. Its selectable 12/24VDC output and integrated AC fail/low battery supervision eliminate the need for external relay logic in most installations — a real simplification when you're commissioning a handful of doors or a small facility network.
Technical Highlights:
- 2.5A @ 12VDC or 24VDC output: Adequate for single electromagnetic lock plus reader plus local control module. Multi-load sites (four or more devices) will hit that ceiling and require load analysis or parallel supplies. Calculate inrush current from solenoid locks — peak current can exceed sustained rating briefly.
- Integrated battery supervision (AC fail, low battery, battery present): Saves a relay card and reduces wiring. The unit automatically transfers load to battery on AC loss and signals low-battery condition without external monitoring hardware.
- Dual input voltage (115VAC or 230VAC, 50/60 Hz) with low input draw (0.45A @ 230VAC): Fits into aging electrical panels without adding strain. The 230VAC option is essential for international deployments and reduces heating in long-run feeders.
Deployment Considerations:
- Load planning is non-negotiable: This supply is not 'set it and forget it' if you're stacking multiple readers, locks, and a control panel on a single site. Nameplate current summation must not exceed 2.5A sustained. Solenoid lock inrush (often 2–4A for 200–400 ms) will not damage the supply, but repeated peak loading will shorten battery life and may trigger false low-battery alerts if the charger circuit cannot recover between pulses.
- Temperature rating (0–49°C): This is an indoor electrical enclosure supply. Utility rooms and climate-controlled cabinets are fine. Unheated outdoor boxes, freezers, or direct-sun mounting will cause shutdown or performance degradation.
- Battery selection matters: The unit does not include a battery; you must specify compatible sealed lead-acid (SLA) or lithium backup. amp-hour rating determines hold-up duration — Altronix technical support publishes load-specific tables. Don't guess.
Deploy the AL300ULXD on small access control sites (1–3 doors) where you need failover battery backup and embedded AC loss detection. It cuts system complexity and spares you the expense of a dedicated alarm panel or relay module. If your site exceeds 2.5A sustained draw or requires multi-voltage architecture, evaluate higher-capacity supplies from the power supplies category or Altronix industrial-grade lineup instead.
