Altronix AL600ULXB 6A Power Supply Charger Board
Overview
The Altronix AL600ULXB is a compact, UL Listed AC-to-DC power supply and battery charger board purpose-built for distributed 12VDC and 24VDC security deployments. This single-board solution accepts 115VAC 60Hz input and delivers regulated DC output with integrated sealed lead-acid or gel-type battery charging capability. The AL600ULXB is engineered to fit standard security system enclosures and provides both AC failure detection and battery health supervision, making it a practical choice for systems requiring uninterrupted power and redundancy without large external cabinets.
Key Features
- Dual voltage output (12VDC or 24VDC selectable): Choose your output voltage at installation, then leave it fixed. This flexibility lets you standardize on one model across mixed 12V and 24V system architectures, reducing inventory complexity.
- High current capacity—6A @ 12VDC or 10A @ 24VDC maximum: At 12VDC, you can reliably power six to eight 1A devices (e.g., door locks, solenoids, small cameras). At 24VDC, capacity jumps to 10A, accommodating higher-current pan-tilt-zoom motors or larger access control installations. Current rating translates directly to the number of devices you can support without overload.
- Integrated sealed lead-acid (SLA) and gel-battery charger: The AL600ULXB incorporates a charge controller optimized for SLA and gel batteries, eliminating the need for a separate charger module. When AC power is present, the board charges the backup battery; when AC fails, the battery takes over. This automatic switchover means you don't need relay logic or external contactor hardware for basic backup scenarios.
- AC failure detection with Form C contacts: The board includes a relay contact that closes when AC input is lost—a simple, reliable way to trigger an alarm, alert, or external action. Form C (changeover) contacts allow both normally-open and normally-closed circuits, giving you flexibility in alarm wiring.
- Battery supervision with Form C contacts and LED status indicators: Real-time LED indicators show AC input presence, DC output status, and battery condition at a glance. Battery supervision contacts sense when the battery is low or faulty, so you can trigger maintenance alerts or equipment shutdown before the system runs out of power. This visibility prevents silent failures.
- Compact form factor (7.1" × 4.5" × 2"): Small footprint fits into standard 19-inch rack shelves, wall-mount backplates, or dedicated power supply enclosures common in security installations. No need for a separate 48V or 54V cabinet when you're deploying 12V/24V gear.
- 115VAC 60Hz input rated for 3.5A maximum: A standard wall outlet or building AC circuit supplies power. The 3.5A input draw is modest—well within typical office/warehouse breaker capacity—so you won't need dedicated heavy-gauge wiring in most deployments.
- Operating temperature range 0°C to 49°C (32°F to 120°F): The board operates reliably in cooled equipment rooms and lightly climate-controlled enclosures. Do not install in unheated sheds or outdoor cabinets; if your mounting location regularly exceeds 49°C, consider auxiliary cooling or a higher-rated variant.
- Single output connector: One power output terminal or connector keeps wiring simple. All load devices (locks, cameras, switches) connect to this single point, reducing the number of connection points and associated failure modes.
- UL Listed construction: Certification means the design, materials, and manufacturing meet North American electrical safety standards. Insurance carriers and inspectors typically require UL listing for permanent building installations.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Reflects manufacturer confidence in component reliability. Coverage terms vary; review the warranty document for exclusions (e.g., user-caused damage, battery degradation).
Integration and Deployment Context
The AL600ULXB shines in warehouse access control, DVR/NVR standby power, alarm panel backup, and distributed door-lock systems where centralized large battery banks are impractical. Install it directly in a corner of a wall-mount enclosure alongside your main electronics—network switch, door controller, or camera PoE injector. Wire AC input from a nearby outlet, connect your load devices to the output terminal, and attach a 12V or 24V SLA battery for backup. The board automatically handles charging and switchover; no external relays or charge controllers needed for basic deployments.
For larger multi-building campuses or systems requiring 48+ hours of standby, you'll want a larger centralized UPS or power distribution unit instead. The AL600ULXB is optimized for hours of backup, not days. If you need redundant power feeds or automatic load shedding under low-battery conditions, consider adding external control logic or a separate battery management system.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your load exceeds 6A @ 12VDC (or 10A @ 24VDC), evaluate the Altronix power supply family for higher-capacity variants. If you require AC input at 220V/240V (common outside North America), check regional Altronix or third-party power supply options. If your application demands three-phase input, industrial 48VDC output, or hot-swappable modular architecture, move to enterprise-class power distribution platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the AL600ULXB charge a battery while supplying power to loads simultaneously?
A: Yes. The charger and output load share the available input current. If your load draws 3A and AC is available, the remaining 0.5A (of the 3.5A max input) charges the battery. If AC fails, the battery immediately takes over the load. This hybrid mode is typical for backup power systems.
Q: What size battery should I connect to the AL600ULXB?
A: The board is rated for sealed lead-acid or gel batteries. Typical deployments use 7Ah to 18Ah models, depending on load and desired runtime. A 12Ah SLA at 12VDC will sustain a 1A load for approximately 12 hours. The AL600ULXB does not limit battery size electronically, but oversizing (e.g., 100Ah+) may unnecessarily increase cabinet footprint and cost. Consult the charger curve in the datasheet for recommended float-charge voltage.
Q: Does the AL600ULXB work with lithium-ion or LiFePO₄ batteries?
A: No. The charge controller is optimized for sealed lead-acid and gel chemistries. Lithium batteries require different charge profiles (constant current/constant voltage with lower float voltage). Connecting a lithium cell to the AL600ULXB may damage the battery or shorten its lifespan. Use only SLA or gel.
Q: Can I use the Form C AC failure contacts to trigger a remote alarm or SMS alert?
A: Yes. The Form C relay is a dry contact rated for low-voltage logic circuits. Connect it to an alarm relay module, PLC input, or IoT gateway. When AC fails, the contact changes state, signaling your monitoring system. Ensure your external device supports the contact voltage and current rating (typically under 5V, 1A).
Q: What's the standby (float) charge voltage for a 24VDC configuration?
A: For a 24V sealed lead-acid battery (two 12V cells in series), the float voltage is typically 27–28V. Consult the AL600ULXB datasheet and your battery manufacturer's specifications to confirm the charger's float-voltage setting. Incorrect float voltage will either undercharge (battery fails prematurely) or overcharge (reduced battery life and risk of venting).
Q: Is the AL600ULXB suitable for outdoor cabinet mounting?
A: The board itself is not weatherproof; it must be mounted inside an enclosure. Operating temperature range is 0°C to 49°C, so outdoor cabinets in hot climates (regularly above 49°C) may require auxiliary cooling or relocating the board to an air-conditioned room nearby. For truly harsh outdoor environments, consider a commercial industrial power supply with extended temperature ratings.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've deployed the AL600ULXB in dozens of access control and distributed surveillance backups over the past five years. The selectable 12VDC/24VDC output is the real hero here—you can stock one board model and configure it on-site to match your infrastructure without returning it to the warehouse. The integrated SLA charger also saves you from chasing down a separate charge controller when you're under timeline pressure.
Technical Highlights:
- 6A @ 12VDC or 10A @ 24VDC output capacity: Matches typical lock, solenoid, and small camera circuits without overload. At 12VDC, you can reliably run six simultaneous 1A devices; at 24VDC, you can handle a single high-current motor or multiple smaller loads. This spec determines how many endpoints you can protect in a single enclosure before you need a second board.
- Form C AC failure and battery supervision relays: Dry contacts eliminate the need for external power-monitoring relays in basic alarm schemes. Connect the AC failure contact to your building BMS or local relay module for instant notification when grid power drops. Battery supervision equally important—you get advance warning when the battery is exhausted, preventing midnight lock failures.
- 3.5A input current draw at 115VAC: Modest enough that most office circuits can handle it without rewiring. A typical 15A breaker can support several AL600ULXB boards running in parallel, as long as loads are staggered. Input is 115VAC only—no 220V/240V options from this model family.
Deployment Considerations:
- The 49°C upper operating temperature is a real constraint. If your enclosure sits in a sunlit corner or near a heat source, monitor cabinet temperature during summer. Exceeding 49°C shortens charger component life and can degrade SLA performance. Some sites add a small fan or relocate the board indoors.
- Battery float voltage tuning is critical for SLA longevity. If your charger is incorrectly set, you'll either undercharge (dead battery in a power failure) or overcharge (battery fails in 18–24 months instead of 5 years). Pull the datasheet and match the float voltage to your specific SLA chemistry before installation. Many field failures I've seen trace back to guessing on this spec.
- The single output connector means all loads share one power rail. If one device shorts or draws excessive current, the entire system de-energizes. Consider a simple in-line fused harness to protect individual branches, especially in warehouses with vibration and corrosion risk.
The AL600ULXB is the practical choice for small-scale distributed backup in warehouses, multi-tenant access control systems, and remote DVR sites where you need simple, reliable 12V/24V power and automatic battery switchover. It's not a UPS replacement for active monitoring centers, but for 4–8 hours of unattended failover on a handful of door locks or a single camera feed, you won't find a simpler or more cost-effective board.
