Altronix AL400ULXR 12/24VDC Power Supply Battery Charger
The Altronix AL400ULXR is a UL Listed single-output power supply and battery charger built for 12VDC and 24VDC security infrastructure deployments. This unit combines regulated DC power delivery with integrated battery backup and supervision circuitry into a single compact enclosure—eliminating the need to source and wire separate components. Current capacity of 4A at 12VDC or 3A at 24VDC covers moderate-load access control, surveillance, and alarm system applications where extended runtime during AC failure is mandatory.
Key Features
- Dual Output Voltage (12VDC / 24VDC selectable): Field-selectable output means a single SKU covers most door strike, magnetic lock, and control panel requirements. No voltage-specific variants to stock or mix up during installation.
- High Current Output (4A @ 12VDC; 3A @ 24VDC): Current headroom supports multiple field devices simultaneously—door strikes, sensor loops, and auxiliary loads—without voltage sag that would compromise operation.
- Integrated Battery Charger with Automatic Switchover: Built-in charger condition charges and maintains a backup battery continuously during normal AC operation. When line power drops, the unit switches to battery power automatically. No separate charger module required, reducing BOM complexity and single points of failure.
- AC Fail Supervision: Immediate detection of utility power loss signals downstream control systems and monitoring panels—critical for triggering fail-safe responses (door unlock, siren activation, guard alerts) within the supervision window defined by your alarm protocol.
- Low Battery Supervision: Monitors backup battery voltage continuously and reports degraded or depleted battery status before loss of power, allowing technicians to schedule battery replacement during business hours rather than discovering failures in an emergency.
- Battery Presence Detection: Verifies that a battery is installed and properly connected at power-up and during periodic supervision cycles. Prevents false AC fail signals caused by missing or loose battery leads.
- UL Listed: Meets UL standards for commercial and institutional security installations, satisfying code and insurance requirements across most jurisdictions.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Component reliability backed by manufacturer warranty, reducing lifecycle replacement costs.
Integration & Deployment Context
The AL400ULXR fits standard 19-inch rack or wall-mount installations alongside access control panels, alarm control units, and surveillance infrastructure. Supervision outputs (AC fail, low battery, battery presence) integrate with panel input modules or dedicated relay cards, enabling closed-loop monitoring and automated response. The unit's compact form factor makes it suitable for retrofit into existing cabinet space where footprint constraints limit options. When deploying the AL400ULXR in a networked security environment, pair it with a network video recorder or management appliance that can receive alarm signals over Ethernet, creating a unified event log across physical access, video, and power status.
Common Deployment Scenarios
Access Control with Failsafe Door Hardware: A door strike or magnetic lock powered by the AL400ULXR maintains power to the lock during battery mode, keeping the door secured even if utility power fails. The AC fail and low battery signals feed a relay card on the access control panel, logging power events and triggering notification to security operations.
Alarm Sensor Networks: Perimeter sensors, motion detectors, and door/window contacts powered by a supervised AL400ULXR remain operational during AC outages. Loss of AC triggers alarm panel responses; low battery warnings allow preventive maintenance before the backup is exhausted.
CCTV and IP Camera Backup: Security cameras and network switches connected to the AL400ULXR via PoE injectors or inline taps remain powered during brief outages, preserving video continuity. UPS-grade battery runtime depends on backup battery capacity—larger batteries extend recording windows when sourced separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What battery types does the AL400ULXR support?
A: The unit is compatible with sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries commonly used in security applications. Consult the datasheet or contact the manufacturer for approved battery models and capacity ranges that match your runtime requirements.
Q: Can I use the AL400ULXR with both 12VDC and 24VDC devices on the same installation?
A: The AL400ULXR has a single selectable output—either 12VDC or 24VDC. To power mixed-voltage devices, you would need either two units (one per voltage) or a multi-output power supply such as other models in the Altronix line.
Q: How long will battery backup power last?
A: Runtime depends on the backup battery capacity (amp-hour rating) and the current draw of connected devices. The AL400ULXR delivers up to 4A at 12VDC or 3A at 24VDC from battery. A 7Ah battery at 12VDC supporting a 1A load, for example, would provide roughly 7 hours of runtime.
Q: Is the AL400ULXR rack-mountable?
A: The AL400ULXR is a compact benchtop or wall-mount unit. Verify enclosure dimensions and mounting provisions against your installation space before ordering. Optional mounting brackets may be available through the manufacturer.
Q: Does the AL400ULXR require periodic maintenance?
A: The backup battery should be tested periodically (typically annually) to verify charge capacity. Charger circuitry and supervision relays are solid-state with no user-serviceable components. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule in the product documentation.
Q: Can I monitor the AL400ULXR status remotely?
A: The unit provides hardwired supervision outputs (AC fail, low battery, battery present). These signals must be wired to an alarm panel, relay card, or external monitoring device. The AL400ULXR itself has no network interface or cloud connectivity.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I reach for the Altronix AL400ULXR when I need a bulletproof backup power and charger for access control and alarm panel deployments. The three-in-one design—regulated supply, battery charger, and supervisor in a single box—cuts wiring time and eliminates the common mistake of omitting supervision circuitry. The 4A at 12VDC headroom is generous enough for dual strikes or a lock plus solenoid without voltage sag, and the switchable 24VDC tap covers most panel and sensor requirements. What makes the AL400ULXR stand out is the quality of the supervision: AC fail detection is immediate, low battery alerts prevent disasters at 3 a.m., and battery presence detection catches loose leads that would otherwise ghost an AC fail signal.
Technical Highlights:
- 4A @ 12VDC / 3A @ 24VDC Output: Adequate headroom to power multiple field devices simultaneously without regulatory droop. No need to upsize to a larger supply when you have two door strikes and a relay card on the same rail.
- Integrated Charger with Automatic Switchover: Eliminates a separate charger module and the chance of wiring it backward. The unit's charge algorithm is factory-tuned for typical SLA batteries; no user configuration required.
- Three Discrete Supervision Functions: AC fail, low battery, and battery presence outputs are separate relays or open-collector outputs that feed directly into panel input cards. Closed-loop monitoring catches both power loss and battery degradation before they impact security operations.
Deployment Considerations:
- Battery runtime is entirely dependent on the capacity of the external SLA you pair with it. A 7Ah battery is typical for 4–8 hours of runtime at modest load. For critical 24-hour backup, plan on a larger battery or a UPS-grade solution.
- The selectable output (12V or 24V) is set at installation—you cannot switch it on the fly. Verify your entire load is compatible before power-up, and label the enclosure clearly if mixed voltages exist nearby.
- Supervision outputs are hardwired relay contacts or open-collector logic—no Ethernet or cloud reporting. Integration with remote monitoring requires a separate alarm panel or data logger that accepts dry contact inputs.
Position the AL400ULXR as your standard choice for single-output access control power in small to mid-sized deployments (up to ~10 doors or equivalent load). It punches above its weight because the supervision is built-in, not bolted on—reducing complexity and service call risk during battery or AC events.
