Altronix AL400ULACMCBJ Dual-Voltage Power Supply & Charger
The Altronix AL400ULACMCBJ is a compact AC/DC power supply designed specifically for access control systems, security infrastructure, and standby power applications. This UL-listed unit delivers selectable dual-voltage output—12VDC or 24VDC—with integrated charging capability for battery backup systems. The configurable voltage design simplifies deployment across mixed access control ecosystems where both voltage rails may be required at the same site.
Key Features
- Selectable dual-voltage output (12VDC or 24VDC): eliminates the need for separate power supplies when powering door strikes, mag locks, readers, and control boards operating at different voltage standards.
- 4A continuous output at 12VDC or 3A at 24VDC: sufficient for multi-door access control nodes, auxiliary circuits, and low-power security devices without requiring a oversized supply.
- 10A peak surge capacity at 12VDC: handles inrush current from solenoid locks and relay banks during lock actuation without dropout or nuisance resets—a critical requirement for reliable access control.
- Integrated battery charger: supplies charging current to backup batteries within the same enclosure, avoiding the complexity of separate charger modules and reducing overall power-distribution footprint.
- UL Listed certification: meets recognized safety standards for electrical equipment in commercial and industrial access control installations, required by most jurisdictions for facility acceptance.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: provides assurance against manufacturing defects over the operational lifespan of the access control system.
Typical Deployment Scenarios
The AL400ULACMCBJ fits naturally into modular access control architectures where a single power supply must feed both 12VDC card readers and 24VDC solenoid locks within the same controller cabinet or wall-mounted box. The integrated charger capability makes it especially useful in locations requiring uninterruptible power for emergency egress locks or fail-safe door release. Because it accepts standard AC mains input and provides selectable DC output, it integrates with existing Altronix control panels and third-party access control boards that follow industry-standard voltage conventions. The 10A surge capacity prevents voltage sag during lock engagement, which can otherwise cause false access denials or system resets in entry-point security nodes.
Integration & Compatibility
The AL400ULACMCBJ pairs with access control panels, power distribution modules, and battery backup systems requiring dual-voltage DC supply. It is compatible with standard 12VDC and 24VDC security infrastructure components, including electronic locks, request-to-exit sensors, card readers, and auxiliary relay modules. The integrated charger supports lead-acid and sealed battery topologies commonly used in access control UPS configurations. For larger, multi-cabinet installations, multiple AL400ULACMCBJ units can be deployed in parallel (with appropriate fusing and monitoring) to distribute load across redundant power paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use both 12VDC and 24VDC outputs simultaneously on the AL400ULACMCBJ?
A: No. The output voltage is selectable—you configure it for either 12VDC or 24VDC operation, not both at the same time. If you need both voltages in the same installation, you must deploy two separate units or use a multi-output power distribution module.
Q: What happens if a lock surge draws more than 10A at 12VDC?
A: The AL400ULACMCBJ is rated for a peak surge of 10A at 12VDC. Loads exceeding this threshold may cause the supply to current-limit or shut down momentarily. Verify your lock's inrush spec before deployment; if consistent load exceeds 4A continuous at 12VDC, upgrade to a higher-capacity unit.
Q: Does the integrated charger work with all battery types?
A: The charger is designed for lead-acid and sealed battery backup systems common in access control UPS. Confirm your backup battery chemistry and capacity with the manufacturer before assuming compatibility.
Q: Is the AL400ULACMCBJ suitable for outdoor cabinet mounting?
A: The AL400ULACMCBJ itself is not IP-rated for direct outdoor exposure. It should be installed inside an outdoor-rated enclosure with appropriate ventilation and thermal management, or in a sheltered equipment cabinet.
Q: What is the warranty coverage on the AL400ULACMCBJ?
A: Altronix provides a Lifetime Limited Warranty, covering manufacturing defects and component failures under normal operating conditions within the specified temperature and load ranges.
Q: Can I parallel two AL400ULACMCBJ units for redundancy?
A: Yes, multiple units can be deployed in parallel with appropriate fusing, monitoring, and load-sharing circuitry. Consult the system design documentation and a qualified integrator to ensure proper configuration and fault tolerance.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix AL400ULACMCBJ occupies a specific niche in access control power distribution: it's a compact, UL-certified dual-voltage supply with integrated charging that eliminates the logistics headache of managing separate 12V and 24V supplies on the same job. The configurable output voltage is the key differentiator here—you don't need to order two models or stock redundant SKUs for mixed-voltage sites.
Technical Highlights:
- Selectable 12VDC or 24VDC output: Single unit covers both access control voltage standards; no field reconfiguration needed, just set once at commissioning. Saves spare-parts inventory and reduces support calls.
- 4A continuous at 12VDC / 3A at 24VDC with 10A surge capacity: The 10A peak is crucial—most electromagnetic locks draw 2–4A inrush when energized. Without that headroom, you get voltage sag, which triggers access denials or system resets. This supply handles it cleanly.
- Integrated battery charger: Eliminates the need for a separate charger module in the cabinet, freeing DIN rail space and simplifying wiring. Especially valuable in compact door-controller boxes where real estate is tight.
Deployment Considerations:
- The output voltage is binary—either 12V or 24V, not simultaneous dual output. If you need both rails live at the same time, you must deploy two units or step up to a multi-output panel-mount supply.
- The 4A continuous rating is the hard limit. If your lock load, readers, and sensors add up to more than 4A continuous at 12VDC (or 3A at 24VDC), this supply will throttle or shut down. Verify your load math before committing—especially on multi-door nodes with multiple readers and request-to-exit circuits.
Best fit: Single-door and dual-door access controllers, auxiliary power for badge readers and relay modules, and standby battery charging in compact wall-mounted or cabinet-based access nodes. Skip this if you need simultaneous dual-voltage output, high continuous current (>4A @ 12V), or outdoor-rated environmental protection without an external enclosure.
