Altronix AL600ULXD 12/24VDC 6A Power Supply with Battery Charger
The Altronix AL600ULXD is an enclosure-mounted AC-to-DC power supply and automatic battery charger rated for 6A continuous output at either 12VDC or 24VDC (operator selectable). It accepts 115VAC 60Hz or 230VAC 50/60Hz input, making it suitable for both North American and European installations. The unit integrates seamless battery backup with instantaneous failover upon AC loss, supporting up to two 12VDC/12AH sealed lead acid or gel-type batteries. UL294 and UL1481 approvals establish compliance for access control and fire protective signaling applications, a critical requirement for life-safety integrations.
Key Features & Deployment Benefits
- Selectable 12VDC or 24VDC output: Choose voltage at commissioning based on your control panels and end devices. Eliminates the need to stock two SKUs for mixed-voltage sites.
- 6A continuous supply capacity: Supports multiple door locks, access readers, and auxiliary circuits on a single enclosure-mounted unit. At 24VDC, this delivers up to 144W of usable power—sufficient for mid-scale access control deployments without central UPS overhead.
- Automatic battery charger with instantaneous AC-loss failover: Upon mains failure, the AL600ULXD automatically switches to battery power with zero latency. No relay delay, no access denial during handover. Critical for continuous door operation during power events.
- Dual 12VDC/12AH battery support: Two batteries in parallel provide up to 24AH of backup capacity. At 6A draw, this yields approximately 4 hours of runtime—enough to sustain access control through extended outages or until generator startup. Batteries install inside the enclosure, reducing installation footprint.
- Form C supervision contacts: AC Failure, Low Battery, and Battery Presence relay outputs integrate directly into building management or fire alarm systems. No separate monitoring module required. Enables automated alerts to security operations or building automation integrations.
- UL294 and UL1481 certifications: Approved for access control and fire protective signaling. Required for insurance compliance and life-safety integrations. CE marking supports European market deployment.
- Compact enclosure form factor: 15.5" H × 12" W × 4.5" D dimensions fit standard electrical cabinets and DIN rail mounting scenarios. Reduces real estate demand compared to floor-standing UPS units.
- Wide input voltage tolerance: Accepts 115VAC or 230VAC with selectable frequency (50 or 60Hz). A single SKU covers North American, European, and mixed-voltage site requirements.
- Operating temperature range 0°C to 49°C: Suitable for conditioned indoor environments and moderate climate control spaces. Not rated for unheated outdoor cabinets or high-temperature electrical rooms—verify site conditions before deployment.
Integration & Compatibility
The AL600ULXD integrates into any 12VDC or 24VDC access control ecosystem. It pairs with standard door strike assemblies, electric latch retraction devices, and multi-reader control panels. The supervision relay outputs connect to Notifier, Edwards, or third-party fire alarm panels for consolidated monitoring. Wire the AC input through a facility disconnect or branch circuit breaker to meet electrical code.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your deployment requires higher output current (above 6A) or extended battery runtime (beyond 4 hours with dual 12AH batteries), evaluate higher-amperage variants in the Altronix power supply line. For applications requiring redundant power conditioning or multi-building distribution, consider a central UPS system paired with field-mounted battery chargers at remote access points. If your site cannot accommodate sealed lead acid batteries due to environmental or maintenance constraints, consult the Altronix catalog for transformer-based power supplies without integrated charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the AL600ULXD in an unheated outdoor cabinet?
A: No. The operating range is 0°C to 49°C (32°F to 120°F). Outdoor installations in cold climates risk component failure and reduced battery capacity. Use a heated enclosure or select a model rated for wider temperature extremes.
Q: What is the battery runtime at full 6A draw with two 12AH batteries?
A: Approximately 4 hours. Actual runtime depends on ambient temperature, battery age, and load profile. Battery capacity degrades over time and in cooler conditions, so plan for 3-3.5 hours in real-world scenarios.
Q: Does the AL600ULXD support 24VDC loads only, or can I mix 12VDC and 24VDC outputs on the same unit?
A: The output voltage is selectable at commissioning—either 12VDC or 24VDC. You cannot configure dual-voltage outputs from a single AL600ULXD. If your site requires both 12VDC and 24VDC supplies, deploy two separate units.
Q: Are the supervision relay contacts isolated or do they share a common ground with the main output?
A: The supervision outputs use Form C relay contacts (normally open, normally closed, and common). Verify isolation requirements with your fire panel or BMS integration guide before wiring to ensure no ground loop conflicts.
Q: How often should I test or service the batteries?
A: Sealed lead acid batteries typically require inspection every 12–24 months and replacement every 3–5 years depending on charge cycle frequency and ambient temperature. Consult your battery manufacturer's data sheet for specific maintenance intervals.
Q: Is the AL600ULXD NDAA Section 889 compliant?
A: The provided documentation does not state NDAA compliance status. Contact the manufacturer directly to confirm supply chain certification if federal procurement is required.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've commissioned dozens of access control sites, and the AL600ULXD remains a workhorse for mid-scale deployments. The instantaneous failover and Form C supervision contacts eliminate common integration headaches—you get battery backup and alarm system visibility from a single, compact enclosure. The selectable 12/24VDC output is practical for mixed-voltage campuses or staged retrofits where you're not ready to standardize on one voltage.
Technical Highlights:
- Instantaneous AC-loss failover with zero relay delay: Door strikes stay energized during power events—no access denial during the transition. This matters on high-traffic entrances where even a 100ms handover delay can trip security protocols.
- 6A @ 24VDC = 144W usable power: Enough to run 3–4 electric strikes plus auxiliary circuits (readers, buzzers, HVAC damper controls) on a single unit. Reduces central UPS sprawl on smaller sites.
- Dual 12AH batteries in parallel yield ~4 hours runtime: At 50% draw (3A typical for access-only loads), expect 6–8 hours. The math is straightforward, and you're not bleeding money on oversized battery banks.
- UL294 + UL1481 marks the legal gate: Non-negotiable for insurance and code compliance. Confirms the unit meets access control and fire signaling standards—no shortcuts, no grey area.
Deployment Considerations:
- The 0–49°C operating window excludes unheated outdoor cabinets. If your remote access points sit in uncontrolled environments (parking garage, exterior wall box), you'll need a heated enclosure or a different product line. Cold battery capacity drops sharply below 0°C, so plan accordingly.
- Sealed lead acid batteries degrade predictably—expect capacity loss after 3 years and replacement by year 5. This is not a set-it-and-forget-it device. Budget for battery swaps and 12–24 month capacity testing into your service plan.
- The supervision relay outputs (AC Failure, Low Battery, Battery Presence) are contactors—they close and open discrete circuits. Integrate them into your fire panel or building automation system, or you're flying blind on power events at remote locations.
Deploy the AL600ULXD in climate-controlled electrical rooms, data closets, and indoor access point consolidation cabinets. Pair it with a building automation system that monitors the supervision relays, and you've got a transparent, auditable power distribution layer that meets both access control and fire safety codebooks. For large campuses, this is the building block—not the complete solution, but the right tool for the job.
