Altronix AL400ULPD4CB 4-Output 12/24VDC Power Supply
The Altronix AL400ULPD4CB is a UL Listed power supply and charger designed to distribute regulated 12VDC or 24VDC across four independent outputs for security infrastructure requiring redundancy and supervised backup. Each output delivers 4A at 12VDC or 3A at 24VDC — enough headroom to power multiple access control readers, surveillance sensors, intercoms, or credential processors in a single cabinet or distributed across multiple zones without overloading a single supply rail. The AL400ULPD4CB includes integrated rechargeable battery backup with automatic switchover during AC power loss, so mission-critical devices like badge readers and intercoms stay operational when mains power fails.
Key Features
- Four independent regulated outputs: Deploy different voltage requirements (12VDC and 24VDC) simultaneously across four isolated channels — no cascading failures if one load trips. Each output is individually protected and monitored.
- 4A maximum current per output at 12VDC; 3A at 24VDC: Sufficient capacity for typical access control readers (200–400mA each), magnetic locks (500–800mA), and camera power modules. Scaling beyond these limits requires multiple AL400ULPD4CB units or a higher-capacity supply.
- Integrated battery backup with automatic switchover: When AC power fails, the AL400ULPD4CB seamlessly transfers load to the rechargeable battery pack — no intervention needed. Critical devices remain online during brief outages or while generator fuel runs up.
- AC fail supervision: Real-time status monitoring alerts you (via relay or contact closure) the moment mains AC is interrupted, enabling integration with building automation or security management systems for proactive response.
- Low battery and battery presence detection: Predictive maintenance signals warn before battery capacity exhausts, and the unit detects if a battery pack has been removed or degraded — reducing surprise failures during actual outages.
- UL Listed for commercial and institutional installations: Meets electrical and fire safety codes required for secured facilities, data centers, and buildings subject to fire marshal inspection. Acceptable for insurance and compliance audits.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Long-term hardware coverage reduces total cost of ownership on cabinet-mounted infrastructure that may stay in service 10+ years.
Integration and Compatibility
The AL400ULPD4CB suits multi-zone access control systems where power distribution is decentralized rather than centralized in a single UPS. Install it in electrical enclosures, server cabinets, or wall-mounted housings near clusters of readers, locks, and sensors to minimize wire runs and voltage drop. The four isolated outputs simplify circuit design — assign 12VDC to one set of devices and 24VDC to another without complex regulators or converters. Battery backup is optional: pair the AL400ULPD4CB with a compatible rechargeable battery module (sold separately) for uninterruptible operation, or omit battery for basic regulated power distribution where brief outages are acceptable.
Typical Applications
- Multi-zone access control systems requiring distributed 12VDC/24VDC power in separate buildings or wings
- Intercom and communication infrastructure with battery backup for emergencies
- Surveillance camera and sensor power distribution in facilities without centralized UPS
- Card reader and credential processing equipment across multiple entry points
- Emergency lighting and life safety device backup power during AC loss
Deployment Considerations
Size the AL400ULPD4CB based on cumulative current draw per output. If you need to power four 800mA magnetic locks, you will exceed the 4A per-output limit and must either split the load across two supplies or specify a higher-capacity model from the Altronix power infrastructure line. Verify battery compatibility before ordering — not all Altronix battery packs are rated for the AL400ULPD4CB. Confirm your UPS or backup power strategy upstream: the AL400ULPD4CB battery backup is short-term (typically 4–8 hours depending on load), not a substitute for a building-level UPS or generator. Use the AC fail relay output to trigger alarms or notify your access control system so you can respond to extended outages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I mix 12VDC and 24VDC outputs on the same AL400ULPD4CB?
A: Yes. The AL400ULPD4CB supports simultaneous 12VDC and 24VDC operation across different outputs. Configure each output independently — no additional hardware required. This flexibility reduces the number of supplies needed in mixed-voltage deployments.
Q: What battery backup options are compatible with the AL400ULPD4CB?
A: Refer to the AL400ULPD4CB datasheet or contact the manufacturer for approved battery modules. Not all Altronix batteries are electrically compatible — verify ampere-hour rating and connector type before installation.
Q: What is the maximum load duration on battery backup?
A: Duration depends on the battery capacity (Ah rating) and connected load current. A typical 7Ah battery backup may sustain 2–4A load for 1–2 hours. Calculate runtime using: Runtime (hours) = Battery Capacity (Ah) ÷ Load Current (A). Include a safety margin for battery age and temperature.
Q: Does the AL400ULPD4CB support remote monitoring or integration with a security management platform?
A: The AL400ULPD4CB includes AC fail relay contact output for hardwired integration with building automation or access control panels. It does not include network/IP monitoring. For remote status visibility, integrate the relay output with your facility's building management system or security control panel.
Q: Is the AL400ULPD4CB suitable for outdoor enclosures?
A: The unit itself is rated for standard commercial indoor environments. If installing in outdoor or harsh environments, mount it inside a NEMA 3R or NEMA 4 enclosure. Verify temperature and humidity specifications on the datasheet before deploying in extreme climates.
Q: What certifications does the AL400ULPD4CB hold?
A: UL Listed for commercial and institutional installations. Acceptable for facilities subject to fire code inspection and insurance compliance audits. It does not carry NDAA or TAA designations — verify regulatory requirements for your deployment before purchase.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix AL400ULPD4CB is a workhorse for distributed access control and surveillance power — it does one job (regulated DC supply with battery backup) and does it solidly. The independent four-output design means you can carve up your load across isolated rails: slot 12VDC readers on outputs 1–2, throw 24VDC magnetic locks on outputs 3–4, and if one load faults, the others stay live. That isolation saves troubleshooting time on live systems.
Technical Highlights:
- Output isolation and current capacity: Each output independently rated at 4A/12VDC or 3A/24VDC. In a typical multi-door access control setup, that's enough for 8–12 card readers or 4–6 electromagnetic locks per output. Scale beyond that, and you're adding a second supply — calculate your cumulative draw before ordering.
- Battery supervision (low-battery and presence detection): The AL400ULPD4CB doesn't just back up — it talks. Presence detection tells you if someone unplugged the battery pack; low-battery alerts prevent surprise failures mid-shift. Feed those relay contacts into your BMS or access control panel for real-time visibility.
- AC fail supervision with contact relay: Hardwired relay closure on mains loss means you can trigger local sirens, SMS alerts (via a relay-to-IP gateway), or facility lockdown procedures — no network dependency. That's critical in older buildings or facilities where IP integration isn't practical.
Deployment Considerations:
- Battery backup is short-term only — typically 4–8 hours at moderate load. Don't rely on the AL400ULPD4CB alone for extended outages. Pair it with a generator run signal or facility-level UPS if you need survivability beyond one shift.
- Verify battery compatibility upfront. Altronix sells optional battery modules, but not every model works with every supply. Check the datasheet or part compatibility matrix before committing to installation — wrong battery means no backup.
- In outdoor or harsh environments, the AL400ULPD4CB itself stays indoors; mount it in a NEMA 3R or 4 enclosure and run conduit to remote readers and locks. Don't expose the supply directly to rain or UV.
Best fit: multi-zone access control in mid-sized facilities (office parks, light manufacturing, universities) where backup power needs to bridge a brief AC interruption but a full building UPS is overkill. Pair it with building automation for relay integration, and you've solved distributed DC power for a decade.
