Altronix AL62412C 12VDC 1.2A Linear Power Supply
The Altronix AL62412C is a Class 2 rated linear power supply and battery charger built for security infrastructure and access control systems where uptime is non-negotiable. It accepts 16/24VAC input and delivers 12VDC at 1.2A nominal output, with integrated charging for 12VDC sealed lead acid or gel batteries up to 4AH capacity. The AL62412C handles instantaneous failover to battery backup the moment AC input drops—no switching delay, no glitching—making it suitable for door strikes, magnetic locks, alarm panels, and fire/emergency egress systems that cannot tolerate power loss.
Key Features
- 12VDC @ 1.2A Output: Delivers adequate current for most single door locks, keypads, or sensor arrays without overloading. At 1.2A, you're pulling roughly 14.4W continuous—low enough to run for extended periods on battery backup without rapid drain.
- 16/24VAC Input Flexibility: Accepts both standard 16VAC and 24VAC AC sources, so you can integrate this into legacy infrastructure or modern transformer-based systems without seeking voltage-specific variants.
- Integrated 4AH Battery Charger: Built-in charging circuit automatically maintains and charges 12VDC/4AH sealed lead acid or gel-type batteries. No external charger module required—one board handles both supply and charge management.
- Instantaneous Failover: When AC input fails, the AL62412C switches to battery power without perceptible delay. Critical for access control—door locks and readers stay powered during brownouts and brief outages.
- Compact PCB Form Factor: Measures 2.5" × 3" × 1.5" on the board itself, small enough to mount inside cabinets or enclosures alongside control panels and readers. Ships in an 8" × 6" × 5" box.
- Class 2 Safety Rating: Meets safety standards for secure installations, reducing liability and simplifying integration into certified security systems and fire alarm networks.
- Wide Operating Temperature Range: Rated 0°C to 49°C (32°F to 120°F), so it handles unheated equipment rooms and moderate outdoor enclosures without thermal derating. Outside that range, performance may degrade or shutdown activate.
Typical Deployment Scenarios
Deploy the AL62412C where access control systems require backup power without complexity. Door strike systems, magnetic locks, and reader/keypad combinations drawing under 1.2A benefit from the integrated battery charger—no separate UPS or power distribution unit needed. Alarm control panels and fire egress controllers use it as a dedicated backup supply. When integrated into a larger security cabinet, pair it with a lead acid battery mounted nearby; the AL62412C will maintain and charge that battery continuously, ensuring emergency power is always ready.
Integration & Compatibility
This is a standalone linear supply—no network connectivity, no management interface. Wire 16/24VAC input from your transformer or AC branch, connect the 12VDC output to your load, and optionally attach a 12VDC lead acid or gel battery for automatic charging and failover. It operates independently, so it works with any access control panel or security device that accepts 12VDC input. No VMS, ONVIF, or firmware updates required.
What's in the Box
- Altronix AL62412C power supply board (2.5" × 3" × 1.5")
- Lifetime Limited Warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the AL62412C power multiple door locks simultaneously?
A: The AL62412C outputs 1.2A at 12VDC. A typical door strike draws 400–600mA, and a magnetic lock draws 300–500mA. Powering two locks simultaneously would approach or exceed 1.2A, causing voltage sag or shutdown. For multi-door systems, consider a higher-amperage power supply or distribute loads across multiple AL62412C units.
Q: What battery types does the AL62412C support?
A: The integrated charger supports 12VDC sealed lead acid (SLA) and gel-type batteries up to 4AH capacity. It does not support lithium or AGM batteries unless they are 12VDC/4AH and compatible with float-charge circuits.
Q: Does the AL62412C require any software or configuration?
A: No. The AL62412C is a passive linear supply with automatic failover. Wire input, connect output, attach an optional battery, and it operates. No firmware, drivers, or network setup required.
Q: What is the maximum backup runtime if I attach a 4AH battery?
A: Runtime depends on load current. At 1.2A draw, a 4AH battery provides roughly 3 hours of backup (4AH ÷ 1.2A = ~3.3 hours). At lower loads (e.g., a single lock at 500mA), runtime extends proportionally.
Q: Can the AL62412C be mounted outside an enclosure?
A: The AL62412C PCB is not potted or conformal-coated and is rated for indoor or temperature-controlled enclosures only (0°C to 49°C). It must be installed inside a cabinet or sealed housing for outdoor or exposed applications.
Q: Is the AL62412C NDAA or TAA compliant?
A: There is no evidence of NDAA Section 889 or TAA compliance certification in the manufacturer documentation. Contact the manufacturer or integrator for government contracting requirements.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix AL62412C is a straightforward, proven linear supply for small-to-medium access control deployments where battery failover is mandatory and simplicity is valued. The 1.2A output and integrated 4AH charger cover single-door and dual-reader installations reliably; beyond that, load-stacking becomes a constraint worth acknowledging upfront.
Technical Highlights:
- 1.2A @ 12VDC Output: Sufficient for one or two standard door locks (500mA each), one magnetic lock (400mA), or a mix of locks and readers. Any expansion beyond roughly 1000mA total requires parallel units or a higher-capacity supply—verify load beforehand to avoid surprise undersizing in the field.
- Instantaneous Failover with Integrated Charging: The AL62412C manages both supply and battery charge state on a single board. No external UPS hardware; the moment AC drops, battery takes over with zero switching lag. For emergency egress systems or access denial during power loss, this matters.
- 16/24VAC Input Range: Most transformer-based security systems output either 16VAC or 24VAC. This unit accepts both, reducing SKU confusion during integration and allowing retrofit into mixed legacy environments without voltage conversion hardware.
Deployment Considerations:
- Linear Design Means Heat: Linear supplies dissipate input-to-output loss as heat. At 1.2A continuous into a 12VDC load from 24VAC input, you're burning roughly 17–20W as heat. In a closed cabinet without ventilation, monitor enclosure temperature and add passive cooling if the AL62412C is co-located with other equipment.
- 4AH Battery Ceiling: The integrated charger is optimized for 4AH sealed lead acid or gel batteries. Do not attempt to charge larger batteries or non-compatible chemistries—charge voltage may be incorrect, and float-charge logic may not suit the battery, leading to premature failure or thermal runaway in edge cases.
The AL62412C is purpose-built for facilities managers and integrators deploying small access control cabinets where a single power supply with automatic battery backup solves the problem elegantly. It shines in 1–2 door installations or panel-mounted secondary power for larger systems. If you're powering four locks or a distributed reader network, step up to a higher-amperage supply or UPS architecture.
