Altronix AL600ULACM 8-Output Relay Controller
The AL600ULACM is a purpose-built relay control module engineered for fire alarm disconnect circuits and multi-output load switching in security infrastructure. If you need to remotely control access devices, door locks, or emergency shutdown circuits from a central panel, this module integrates directly into standard enclosures and delivers independent relay switching across eight fused outputs.
Key Features
- 8 Independently Fused Relay Outputs: Each output is fused separately, so a failure or short circuit on one channel won't cascade to the others—critical when controlling multiple critical circuits like fire doors, mag locks, or emergency lighting.
- 115VAC Input with Selectable 12/24VDC Output: Accepts standard wall power and converts to the voltage your security devices need. Selectable 12V or 24V output means you don't need separate modules for mixed-voltage deployments.
- 6A Maximum Current per Output: Sufficient for most access control solenoids and electromagnetic locks in typical installations. For heavier loads (strobe lights, high-power contactors), verify load specs against this limit to avoid nuisance fuse trips.
- FAI Fire Alarm Disconnect Approved: This is not a generic relay board—it carries Fire Alarm Industry certification for use in fire alarm disconnect circuits. That approval matters if your jurisdiction requires documented fire safety compliance.
- BC400 Enclosure Compatible: Mounts directly into Altronix's BC400 backup power enclosure, keeping relay logic and power distribution in a single, compact cabinet—reduces rack clutter and simplifies wiring.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product, reducing long-term replacement risk in mission-critical security deployments.
Integration & Compatibility
The AL600ULACM integrates into any security control architecture where remote relay switching is needed—access control panels, fire alarm systems, backup power supplies, or custom automation logic. Its form factor is designed specifically for the Altronix BC400, a popular choice in enterprise access control and emergency backup power installations. If your panel architecture requires relay switching and you're already using Altronix power infrastructure, this module plugs directly into existing workflows.
The module operates from standard 115VAC power, making it compatible with existing building electrical infrastructure. The selectable output voltage (12V or 24V) means it can serve both legacy 12VDC access control devices and newer 24VDC systems in the same cabinet without requiring multiple SKUs or external converters.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your load requirement exceeds 6A per output, or if you need more than eight switching channels, look for higher-current or multi-channel variants within the Altronix relay and power control lineup. Similarly, if you don't require fire alarm disconnect certification and are building a general-purpose relay control panel, simpler unpowered relay modules may reduce cost. However, the FAI approval and integrated power conversion make the AL600ULACM a practical choice for integrated security and life-safety systems where documentation and compliance matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the AL600ULACM FAI-approved for fire alarm disconnect applications?
A: Yes. The AL600ULACM carries FAI (Fire Alarm Industry) certification for fire alarm disconnect functionality, making it compliant for documented life-safety applications.
Q: What is the maximum current per relay output?
A: Each of the eight outputs is rated for a maximum of 6A. Confirm your load draw against this limit; exceeding it will trip the fuse on that output and interrupt service to that circuit.
Q: Can I use the AL600ULACM with both 12VDC and 24VDC devices?
A: The output voltage is selectable (12V or 24V), but the same voltage is applied to all eight outputs. You cannot mix 12V and 24V loads on the same module.
Q: Does the AL600ULACM work with the BC400 backup power enclosure?
A: Yes. The AL600ULACM is designed for direct mounting into Altronix BC400 enclosures, integrating relay logic and backup power in one cabinet.
Q: What warranty does the AL600ULACM carry?
A: Altronix provides a Lifetime Limited Warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Q: What input voltage does the AL600ULACM require?
A: The AL600ULACM operates from 115VAC input, standard for most security and building control panel installations.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The AL600ULACM is a solid choice if your access control or life-safety panel needs documented relay switching without overengineering. The FAI certification removes regulatory friction in fire alarm disconnect installations, and the modular form factor—designed for the BC400 enclosure—keeps your power and relay logic in one cabinet. The key trade-off is current capacity: at 6A per output, it handles standard mag locks and solenoid releases, but not 24VDC high-power contactors or strobe circuits.
Technical Highlights:
- 8 Fused Outputs: Independent fusing on each channel prevents cascade failures. If one load shorts, only that output fuse blows; the other seven channels remain live.
- Selectable 12/24VDC Output: Choose the voltage once during commissioning and the module applies it uniformly across all eight outputs. This eliminates the need for dual-voltage modules in installations using both legacy 12V and modern 24V devices—just pick one voltage per module and deploy multiples if you need both.
- 115VAC Input: Standard building power; no special transformer or converter required. Simple AC wire-in means faster deployment than modules requiring isolated DC sources.
- 6A per Output Limit: Verify your load specs carefully. A standard 12VDC mag lock typically draws 500–700mA, leaving headroom. But if you're stacking multiple solenoids on one output or driving a high-inrush device, you'll exceed the limit quickly.
Deployment Considerations:
- The BC400 form factor is not universal—confirm your enclosure uses Altronix's mounting standard. If you're retrofitting into a non-Altronix cabinet, you'll need custom mounting or a different module.
- All eight outputs operate at the same voltage (12 or 24V). If your site has mixed-voltage access devices and you can't standardize, you'll need multiple AL600ULACM modules, one per voltage. Budget accordingly.
- The 6A limit per channel is a hard constraint. Exceeding it triggers a fuse. Cheap fuses are readily available, but repeated fuse trips indicate a load mismatch—don't just keep buying replacement fuses without addressing the underlying overload.
Position the AL600ULACM in deployments where you need fire-alarm-certified relay switching, modular enclosure integration, and moderate current per output (under 6A). Typical scenarios: centralized access control panels with emergency door unlock circuits, backup power systems requiring remote load shedding, or multi-building campuses where each building's security cabinet already uses Altronix infrastructure. Skip it if you need high current (10A+) or unmanaged, mixed-voltage outputs on a single board.
