Altronix AL600ULMX 6A Dual Voltage Power Supply
The Altronix AL600ULMX is a compact, UL-listed power supply purpose-built for security infrastructure where voltage flexibility and backup capability are non-negotiable. Its selectable 12VDC or 24VDC output—delivering 0.5A at 12VDC or up to 10A at 24VDC—eliminates the need for separate power supplies when integrating legacy 12VDC devices alongside modern 24VDC systems. This dual-voltage design cuts inventory complexity and deployment time, particularly valuable in warehouse automation, access control, and CCTV installations where mixed-voltage equipment is the norm.
Key Features
- Selectable Output Voltage: Toggle between 12VDC and 24VDC on the same unit. No field configuration needed—users simply select the required voltage via internal jumper. This flexibility means a single SKU covers both legacy door locks running 12V and newer gate operators or intrusion detection signaling running 24V, reducing your spares inventory and deployment prep time.
- Dual Current Ratings: Delivers 0.5A at 12VDC or 10A at 24VDC, depending on which voltage is selected. The 10A 24VDC output handles multiple simultaneous loads—three or four powered access points, several IR illuminators, or a distributed network of alarm sensors—without cascade power failures. At 12VDC, the 0.5A output is adequate for low-draw legacy controllers or supervisory signaling, though you'll need a separate supply for multiple high-current devices.
- Integrated Battery Backup: Maintains operation during AC mains loss. Critical for access control—you cannot lock personnel out during a brownout. Ensures alarm panel and door controller continuity, meeting most fire code and insurance requirements for 24/7 facility operation. Backup runtime depends on battery capacity and load; specify battery size separately based on required holdover time.
- UL Listed Safety Certification: Meets UL safety standards, necessary for insurance approval and building code compliance in commercial installations. Eliminates the liability exposure of using non-certified power supplies in regulated spaces (warehouses, data centers, healthcare).
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Manufacturer stands behind the unit for the life of the equipment. Reduces your warranty reserve costs compared to typical three-year support, particularly valuable in high-count deployments across multiple facilities.
- 6-Amp Rated Design: The AL600ULMX is engineered to deliver 6A continuous current under nominal load, providing a safety margin against under-specification when combining moderate loads across access control, alarm, and camera power circuits.
Integration & Compatibility
The AL600ULMX integrates with power distribution infrastructure supporting access control systems, intrusion detection equipment, CCTV remote camera power (where PoE is unavailable), and door lock circuits. Voltage selection via internal jumper ensures no software configuration is required—install, set voltage, power on. Works with any UL-listed 12V or 24V security device; verify your specific equipment's current draw against the rated 10A @ 24VDC or 0.5A @ 12VDC maximum to avoid nuisance shutdowns. Battery backup terminals accept standard lead-acid or gel-cell batteries (sold separately); consult the datasheet for recommended ampere-hour ratings based on your required backup duration.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your application demands higher current at 12VDC—say, powering multiple 12V cameras or illuminators simultaneously—the AL600ULMX's 0.5A @ 12VDC limit may force a second supply. Consider a higher-current 12VDC variant within the Altronix power family if your install requires more than 500mA at 12V. Similarly, if you need greater than 10A at 24VDC, a larger Altronix multichannel supply (48V or higher) may be more cost-effective than paralleling units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the AL600ULMX require a separate battery, or is one included?
A: The AL600ULMX includes integrated battery backup capability (backup terminals and charging circuit), but the battery itself is sold separately. You must source and install a compatible lead-acid or gel-cell battery sized to your required backup runtime. A typical 12Ah battery will hold an access control system for 4–6 hours during mains loss, depending on load draw.
Q: Can I use the AL600ULMX to power both 12VDC and 24VDC devices simultaneously?
A: No. The AL600ULMX output voltage is selected via internal jumper and applies to all load terminals. You cannot output 12V and 24V at the same time. If your application requires both voltages simultaneously, you will need two separate supplies or a multi-output power distribution unit.
Q: What is the maximum backup time the AL600ULMX can provide?
A: Backup duration depends on the battery capacity you install (Ah rating) and your total load current draw. A 12Ah battery discharging a 1A load will provide roughly 12 hours; a 5A load will provide roughly 2.4 hours. Consult Altronix sizing tables or your integrator to calculate backup time for your specific devices.
Q: Is the AL600ULMX suitable for outdoor or harsh-environment installations?
A: The AL600ULMX is an indoor power supply. For outdoor deployment, it must be housed in a weatherproof or NEMA enclosure. Verify enclosure IP rating matches your environment (IP66 for direct spray, IP67 for temporary submersion) before installation.
Q: Does the AL600ULMX work with PoE switches or PoE injectors?
A: The AL600ULMX is not a PoE device; it is a traditional AC/DC power supply for non-networked security hardware. If you need to power IP cameras, use a PoE switch or PoE+ injector instead. The AL600ULMX is for legacy or non-PoE devices only (door locks, alarm panels, 12V/24V sensors).
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix AL600ULMX addresses a real pain point in mixed-voltage security infrastructure: eliminating dual-supply inventory and wiring complexity. The selectable 12VDC/24VDC output design means you can standardize on one SKU across access control, alarm, and gate operator rollouts, reducing spares management overhead. The 10A @ 24VDC output is where this supply earns its keep—sufficient to drive multiple solenoid locks, reader modules, or alarm signaling devices without cascading brownouts.
Technical Highlights:
- Dual Current Asymmetry (0.5A @ 12V, 10A @ 24V): The three-fold difference reflects real-world deployment: legacy 12V systems are typically lower-draw supervisory circuits, while 24V modern infrastructure handles heavier concurrent loads. At 24VDC, you can distribute power across three to four access points or illuminators on a single supply without cascading failures. At 12VDC, single-device operation is assumed—plan accordingly or parallelize supplies.
- Battery Backup Integration: The integrated charging circuit and backup terminals eliminate the need for a separate battery charger module, reducing panel footprint and cost. However, the actual backup runtime is battery-size dependent; a undersized battery gives false confidence. Calculate load amps and required holdover hours before specifying battery capacity—do not guess.
- UL Listing vs. CE Marking: UL certification is North American requirement for commercial security installations. If you are deploying internationally (EU, Asia-Pacific), verify that your local code accepts UL or requires CE/local equivalents. Do not assume a UL-listed supply meets all regulatory bodies.
Deployment Considerations:
- Voltage Jumper Lock: Voltage selection is via internal jumper, not software or external switch. This is bulletproof (no accidental reconfiguration), but it also means field technicians must open the enclosure to switch from 12V to 24V. If your workflow includes frequent voltage reconfigurations, document the jumper location in your install procedures or consider a supply with external voltage selection.
- 12V Current Ceiling: The 0.5A @ 12VDC limit is the supply's tightest constraint. If you are rolling out 12V IR illuminators, door sensors, or legacy card readers, verify individual device current draw. Two 250mA illuminators will saturate this supply; you will need a second unit or a dedicated 12VDC supply. This is a gotcha in warehouse automation where 12V is still common in motion sensors and gate logic.
- Battery Maintenance: Backup batteries (especially lead-acid) require periodic inspection and float charging to prevent sulfation and premature failure. Budget for battery replacement every 3–5 years depending on environment and float voltage accuracy. Gel-cell batteries are lower-maintenance but more expensive and temperature-sensitive.
The AL600ULMX is a solid fit for warehouse access control, industrial gate automation, and mixed-voltage alarm networks where dual-supply proliferation is a headache. The 10A @ 24VDC output handles typical facility-scale loads (multiple doors, sirens, strobe), and battery backup ensures compliance with fire and insurance codes requiring 24/7 operation. Avoid it if you need more than 0.5A at 12VDC or greater than 10A at 24VDC; paralleling units or stepping up to a larger multichannel supply is more cost-effective at that scale.
