Altronix AL400ULACMCB 8-Output Access Power Controller
The Altronix AL400ULACMCB is a UL-listed power supply engineered for distributed power delivery across access control installations. It provides eight independent, PTC-protected outputs in a compact form factor suited for enclosure mounting. Each output can be individually protected without shutting down the entire supply—a design choice that matters in multi-door systems where a single fault (short, overload, or device failure) shouldn't trigger a site-wide lockout. The unit selects between 12VDC and 24VDC, covering most legacy and modern access control equipment.
Key Features
- 8 PTC-Protected Outputs: Each channel includes Positive Temperature Coefficient protection, which acts as an automatic current limiter. If a connected device (mag lock, strike, reader) draws excess current, the PTC element increases in resistance, limiting current rather than blowing a fuse. This prevents cascading failures in multi-door deployments and eliminates nuisance downtime from tripped breakers.
- Selectable 12VDC or 24VDC Output: Single-unit flexibility supports both legacy 12V access hardware and newer 24V equipment. Eliminates the need to stock two different power supplies for mixed-legacy retrofit projects.
- Maximum Current: 4A @ 12VDC / 3A @ 24VDC / 10A Total @ 12VDC: The per-channel limits ensure no single output device overloads the supply. The 10A total budget at 12VDC is typical for small- to mid-size access systems with 4–6 solenoid locks plus readers and controllers. Larger installations may require multiple units or a higher-capacity Altronix supply from the access control power supply family.
- Compact Enclosure-Mount Design: Wall-mounted or panel-mount form factor reduces installation footprint and integrates cleanly into cable trays or ATS panels alongside other security infrastructure.
- UL Listed: Meets UL safety standards, providing code compliance for commercial and institutional deployments. Required by most AHJs and building inspectors in access control retrofits.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Reflects Altronix's confidence in industrial-grade power supply manufacturing. Long-term reliability expected in 24/7 duty cycles.
Deployment Context
The AL400ULACMCB fits squarely in multi-door or multi-reader access control installations where power is distributed from a central location. Typical deployments include: large commercial buildings with mag locks on secondary exits, warehouse access points fed from a central cabinet, and retrofit scenarios where existing wiring runs to a central panel. The PTC protection is critical in these environments because a shorted mag lock solenoid (water ingress, mechanical impact, wiring fault) cannot trip a breaker and leave all doors powered down. Each output fails independently.
For single-door systems or applications requiring battery backup (UPS integration), evaluate dedicated access control modules or higher-end Altronix supplies with integrated battery charging circuits. If your system demands more than 10A @ 12VDC total capacity, step up to Altronix's AL5024/AL5012 models or equivalent higher-amperage alternatives.
Integration & Compatibility
The AL400ULACMCB is voltage-agnostic at the output stage—it works with any 12VDC or 24VDC access control device (locks, strikes, readers, controllers) from any manufacturer. No specialized drivers or software required. It integrates into standard security infrastructure alongside access control readers, electronic door locks, and hardwired or networked controllers. Ensure your input power (AC source) provides adequate capacity; check the datasheet for input current draw under full 10A load.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is PTC protection and why does it matter for access control?
A: PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) is a thermistor element that increases in resistance when current exceeds a threshold. Unlike a fuse, which must be manually replaced, a PTC element automatically recovers once the fault is cleared. In access control, this prevents a single shorted lock solenoid from triggering a site-wide power loss. Each output on the AL400ULACMCB is independently PTC-protected, so a fault on one door doesn't affect the other seven.
Q: Can I mix 12VDC and 24VDC outputs on the same AL400ULACMCB?
A: No. The output voltage is selectable globally via a jumper or switch on the unit—all eight outputs will be either 12VDC or 24VDC, not both. If your installation requires both voltages, you'll need two separate AL400ULACMCB units or a multi-voltage alternative from Altronix.
Q: What is the maximum current draw per individual output?
A: At 12VDC, each output can supply up to 4A; at 24VDC, up to 3A. This accommodates a typical solenoid mag lock (2–3A) plus a reader and wiring voltage drop. Do not exceed the per-channel limit or the 10A total @ 12VDC system budget.
Q: Is the AL400ULACMCB suitable for battery backup integration?
A: The AL400ULACMCB is a power supply only—it does not include built-in battery charging or UPS logic. For access control systems requiring battery backup (fail-safe locks on power loss), consider Altronix's battery-integrated supplies or pair this unit with an external uninterruptible power supply (UPS) module.
Q: What input voltage does the AL400ULACMCB require?
A: The unit accepts AC input (typically 110–240VAC). Refer to the datasheet for exact input voltage range and maximum input current draw under full load.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix AL400ULACMCB is a no-nonsense access control power supply that solves a common retrofit headache: distributed power delivery without the fuse-blowing drama. The eight PTC-protected outputs mean each door lock, strike, or reader runs on its own protected circuit. If one solenoid shorts, you don't lose power to the entire panel. That's the kind of fault isolation that keeps security operations intact during troubleshooting.
Technical Highlights:
- PTC Protection Per Channel: Automatic current limiting on all eight outputs prevents fuse replacement cycles and nuisance downtime. Each output can handle 4A @ 12VDC or 3A @ 24VDC without affecting its neighbors.
- 10A Total @ 12VDC System Budget: Sufficient for small to mid-size multi-door deployments (typically 4–6 mag locks plus readers and control modules). This limit is often the pinch point—check your load calculation carefully before ordering.
- Selectable Voltage Output: Global 12VDC or 24VDC configuration supports legacy equipment retrofit alongside newer 24V infrastructure without requiring multiple supply models.
Deployment Considerations:
- Watch the 10A total budget at 12VDC—large installations with 8+ locks or high-draw devices will exhaust this capacity and require multiple units or a higher-amperage alternative.
- This unit provides no battery charging or UPS logic. If your site requires fail-safe operation on power loss, you'll need a secondary battery module or UPS, not just this supply.
- The global voltage selection (not per-channel) means a mixed 12V/24V infrastructure requires multiple AL400ULACMCB units. Plan your voltage standard early in the design phase.
Position the AL400ULACMCB in retrofit and distributed-power scenarios: commercial buildings with secondary exits, warehouse access points fed from a central cabinet, or any multi-door site where independent per-door fault isolation matters more than high-amperage density. For single-door or high-load applications, look at Altronix's battery-integrated or higher-amperage alternatives.
