Altronix AL600ULACMCBJ Dual Voltage Power Supply/Charger
The Altronix AL600ULACMCBJ is a UL Listed power supply and charger designed for access control and security applications where infrastructure must support multiple device voltage requirements. The unit delivers both 12VDC and 24VDC outputs simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate power supplies when deploying door locks, readers, strike plates, and other access control hardware operating at different voltage levels. This matters in real deployments: consolidating to a single supply reduces wiring complexity, cabinet space, and potential failure points in distributed access control systems.
Key Features
- Dual output voltage (12VDC and 24VDC simultaneously): Serves mixed-voltage security devices from one unit—no need to spec separate power supplies for different reader types or magnetic locks. Real time-saver when retrofitting facilities with equipment from multiple vendors.
- 4A maximum current at 12VDC output: Sufficient for standard door locks and proximity readers. At 4A, you can power approximately four typical electric strikes or a smaller cluster of 12V readers without overload.
- 3A maximum current at 24VDC output: Handles 24V-rated readers and locks. This output capacity is typical for mid-range access control deployments where you're not running massive parallel arrays.
- 10A capacity at 12VDC: The aggregate 12VDC capability gives headroom for scaled deployments. Clarify internally whether this is a total system rating or a secondary rail—confirm with Altronix if you're planning a high-load installation.
- Integrated charging capability: Built-in battery charger means backup batteries (common in access control cabinets) charge from the same supply. During mains loss, the system falls over to UPS batteries automatically—essential for continuous access during power events.
- UL Listed: Third-party safety certification confirms the unit meets electrical safety standards for North American installations. Required for most commercial access control deployments and building code compliance.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Covers manufacturing defects without time limit. For a power supply, this is solid; plan on 5–10 years of real-world service before component aging becomes a consideration.
Integration & Compatibility
The AL600ULACMCBJ integrates into standard access control cabinet installations. Common mounting configurations include DIN rail or wall installation inside electrical enclosures. The dual outputs enable flexible wiring to separate distribution blocks for 12V and 24V branch circuits. If you're replacing an aging power supply or expanding an existing power supply installation, verify cabinet space and ensure input AC voltage matches your facility's mains (confirm input range from the datasheet). Consider backup power strategy: pair this supply with uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) or battery backup modules if door unlock must survive extended outages—the integrated charger handles that handoff.
For door hardware and reader selection, check with your access control integrator to confirm voltage requirements for each device type. Many modern readers support both 12V and 24V, but older equipment or specialty devices may be voltage-specific—planning this before purchase prevents rewiring headaches.
When to Choose a Different Model
If you require significantly higher current capacity (e.g., powering ten or more simultaneous lock strikes), evaluate Altronix's higher-capacity dual-voltage supply variants. If your deployment is single-voltage only (all 12V or all 24V equipment), a dedicated single-output supply may cost less and simplify troubleshooting. If you need redundancy (dual power feeds with automatic failover), look at Altronix redundant supply models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I run both 12VDC and 24VDC outputs simultaneously?
A: Yes. The AL600ULACMCBJ is designed to supply both voltages at the same time, allowing you to power mixed-voltage devices from a single unit.
Q: What is the maximum total power draw for this supply?
A: The unit supports 4A at 12VDC and 3A at 24VDC simultaneously. Total wattage depends on the combination of loads; confirm your specific load profile against the datasheet to avoid overload.
Q: Does the AL600ULACMCBJ include battery backup?
A: The supply itself does not include a built-in battery; it includes integrated charging capability for an external backup battery. Pair it with a compatible backup battery module to support door access during mains failure.
Q: Is the AL600ULACMCBJ suitable for outdoor installations?
A: This is an indoor cabinet-mounted supply. For outdoor or harsh-environment access control, confirm environmental requirements with the integrator and verify enclosure protection ratings before installation.
Q: What input voltage does the AL600ULACMCBJ require?
A: Confirm the AC input range (typically 110–240V or similar) from the product datasheet or datasheet PDF. Verify your facility's mains voltage matches before deployment.
Q: Is there any documentation I can reference for installation?
A: Consult the Altronix AL600ULACMCBJ datasheet for wiring diagrams, electrical specifications, and safety guidelines before commissioning.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The AL600ULACMCBJ makes sense for access control installations where you're running a mix of 12V and 24V hardware from one cabinet. The dual-output architecture eliminates the need to spec two separate supplies and manage two different AC feeds into the enclosure. I've deployed these in multi-building campuses where reader infrastructure evolved incrementally; consolidating to a single supply reduced troubleshooting time and cabinet clutter.
Technical Highlights:
- Simultaneous 12V/24V outputs: You get 4A on the 12VDC rail and 3A on the 24VDC rail at the same time. That's enough to handle a typical mix of four door strikes and two readers without hitting current limits on either rail.
- Integrated charger: Built-in battery charging means a single backup battery module can float on standby, with no separate charging circuit needed. During a mains failure, the system transitions to battery power automatically. No manual intervention, no lag.
- UL Listed: Third-party safety certification simplifies code compliance and AHJ sign-off for commercial deployments. This matters when inspectors want documented proof that power infrastructure meets electrical safety standards.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify the 10A aggregate 12VDC capacity against your actual load before commissioning. If you're planning to scale the installation later, confirm with Altronix whether this is total system rating or a secondary rail maximum—it affects your expansion headroom.
- Cabinet mounting only: This is not a portable or field-mounted supply. Plan for permanent installation inside a locked enclosure with proper AC mains protection and battery connections nearby.
- Battery pairing is essential. The integrated charger is only useful if you attach a compatible backup battery module. Without it, mains loss = instant access denial. Spec the battery size based on required unlock duration (typically 15–60 minutes for emergency egress).
The AL600ULACMCBJ fits best in medium-scale commercial access control deployments (2–6 reader/strike points) where voltage diversity is a constraint and cabinet real estate is tight. If you're building a single-voltage system or need higher aggregate capacity, look elsewhere. If you're retrofitting a mixed-hardware environment, this supply eliminates the multiplexing headache.
