Altronix AL62412CX 12VDC Power Supply Charger
The Altronix AL62412CX is a compact power supply and battery charger board engineered for access control and small-scale security deployments where reliable DC power with automatic failover is non-negotiable. This Class 2 rated unit converts standard 115VAC, 60Hz input into stable 12VDC output while simultaneously charging and maintaining a sealed lead acid or gel-type battery for emergency operation during AC loss. The integrated failover mechanism means you don't need external logic to switch to battery power—when AC drops, the AL62412CX instantly transitions to battery-backed operation with zero interruption.
Key Features
- 1.2A output capacity at 12VDC: Sufficient for single electronic door locks, badge readers, buzzer systems, or auxiliary control circuits in modest installations. At 1.2A, power draw stays well below the input current limit, reducing thermal stress and extending component life.
- 115VAC, 60Hz input (1.2A max): Standard North American mains voltage—no exotic power conditioning required. Input tolerance is typical for Class 2 supplies, so minor voltage sags won't trigger nuisance resets on dependent devices.
- Integrated sealed lead acid/gel battery charger: Eliminates the need for a separate charger module. The AL62412CX monitors battery health and applies float charging when AC is present, so your backup battery remains ready without constant trickle-charging waste. Sealed batteries mean no venting requirements and minimal maintenance.
- Instantaneous failover to battery on AC loss: No relay click-over delay. When AC fails, the unit seamlessly switches to battery supply, keeping your access control doors or alarm signaling live for the duration of the backup battery. Critical for life-safety and emergency egress scenarios.
- Compact 2.5" × 3" × 1.5" board form factor: This is a bare circuit board, not a chassis unit. It mounts directly into control enclosures, 19-inch racks, or custom cabinets without consuming much space. Ideal for retrofit or dense access control panel builds where real estate is scarce.
- Operating range 0°C to 49°C (32°F to 120°F): Covers most indoor security closets and outdoor equipment shelters in moderate climates. Do not deploy this unit outdoors in direct sunlight or in uncontrolled HVAC environments where temperature may exceed 49°C—you'll reduce battery life and component reliability. If your access control cabinet sits in a hot utility room or outside unshaded enclosure, consider a fan-cooled or thermally managed alternative.
- Class 2 safety certification: Meets UL Class 2 output rating, meaning the output circuit is inherently current-limited and cannot deliver dangerous shock hazard. Standard for building security systems and installer-friendly for integration into access panels and modular control architectures.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Altronix backs this unit for its serviceable life, which in a climate-controlled enclosure typically exceeds 5–7 years. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, but does not cover battery failure or damage from installation error or environmental abuse.
Deployment Considerations
The AL62412CX is purpose-built for small access control systems—single-door or dual-door installations with basic electronic locks and readers. It is not suitable for large multi-door panels or high-current auxiliary loads. If your system requires more than 1.2A of continuous 12VDC, or if you need multiple independent outputs or sophisticated power sequencing, step up to a larger access control power supply board or modular DIN-rail supply in the Altronix catalog.
Battery selection is customer-supplied; the charger is designed for 4–7 Ah sealed lead acid or gel cells, typical for 1–2 hour backup runtime on moderate loads. Size your battery based on your door lock wattage and required hold-up time—a 6 Ah battery powering a 500 mA lock will deliver roughly 12 hours of continuous operation, but real-world duty cycles are often much shorter due to lock release pulses.
This board requires mounting in an enclosure with proper AC input fusing and DC output protection (breaker or fuse on the 12VDC rail is recommended to protect against shorted solenoids or wiring faults). Do not expose the bare PCB to moisture, salt spray, or vibration without mechanical reinforcement or conformal coating.
Integration and Compatibility
The AL62412CX integrates with any access control system or security device requiring 12VDC power with battery backup. Common load types include electromagnetic door strikes, mag locks, badge readers, request-to-exit buttons, and alarm signaling relays. Altronix and third-party integrators routinely pair this supply with entry control keypads, motion sensors, and fire-rated door hardware. If your system uses 24VDC or 24VAC primary power, you will need a different Altronix supply model; confirm your panel's voltage requirements before ordering.
What's in the Box
- 1x AL62412CX power supply and charger board (2.5" × 3" × 1.5")
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the AL62412CX support a 24VDC lock instead of 12VDC?
A: No. The AL62412CX output is fixed at 12VDC. If your system requires 24VDC, you need a different Altronix supply model, such as those in the higher-voltage access control family.
Q: What battery capacity should I use with the AL62412CX?
A: Sealed lead acid or gel batteries in the 4–7 Ah range are typical. Choose battery size based on your lock's average current draw and required backup runtime. For example, a 500 mA mag lock with a 6 Ah battery will run approximately 12 hours before depletion; pulses of 50 ms per access will extend that significantly.
Q: Is the AL62412CX suitable for outdoor deployment?
A: Not directly. The unit is designed for indoor enclosures with ambient temperature between 0°C and 49°C. Outdoor cabinets in direct sunlight or cold climates may exceed these limits. Mount the board inside a temperature-controlled enclosure (NEMA 4X stainless steel or NEMA 3R aluminum, for instance) if outdoor installation is required.
Q: Does the AL62412CX include battery connectors?
A: No. Connectors are not included; wiring is direct PCB solder or screw terminal. You will need to supply appropriate connectors and terminal hardware for your battery type (typically a 2-pin terminal block for the battery, 2-pin for AC input, and 2-pin for 12VDC load output).
Q: What is the maximum runtime on battery backup?
A: Runtime depends entirely on battery capacity and load current. The AL62412CX itself draws negligible quiescent current during battery operation. Calculate runtime by dividing battery Ah rating by your load's ampere draw—a 6 Ah battery with a 0.5 A lock yields 12 hours theoretical maximum; actual hold-up time is usually shorter due to voltage sag under load.
Q: Is installation difficult, or should a technician handle it?
A: The AL62412CX requires basic soldering or terminal crimping skills, plus understanding of low-voltage DC wiring and AC input fusing. If you are uncomfortable with 115VAC mains wiring or soldering, engage a certified installer or systems integrator experienced in access control installation.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix AL62412CX is a no-frills, purpose-built access control supply that does one job well: deliver 12VDC with integrated battery failover in a footprint small enough to bolt inside an existing control panel without major rewiring. If your requirement is straightforward—one or two door strikes, a reader, and a buzzer—this board will serve you reliably for years. The 1.2A output is the real constraint here; understand your load profile before you commit.
Technical Highlights:
- 1.2A @ 12VDC output: Suitable for modest electromagnetic locks drawing 500–1000 mA and auxiliary relay loads under 200 mA. Total system current cannot exceed 1.2A continuous, or you'll trip thermal protection or cause voltage sag that resets your access readers.
- Sealed lead acid/gel charger integration: No external charger module means fewer connections, lower BOM cost, and less enclosure clutter. The float-charge algorithm keeps your backup battery healthy during normal operation without overcharging—critical in security systems where the backup battery may sit idle for months or years between actual AC loss events.
- Instantaneous AC-to-battery switchover: Zero delay failover is non-negotiable in access control. A 50 ms relay click-over on a mag lock could trigger a door slam or prevent emergency egress. The AL62412CX uses electronic switching, not mechanical relays, so the transition is instantaneous and silent.
- Class 2 output: Inherent current limiting means you don't need additional output fusing for safety compliance, though adding a DC breaker or 2A fuse on the load side is still recommended to protect against solenoid short-circuit or installation error.
Deployment Considerations:
- Operating temperature ceiling of 49°C is tight for outdoor or uncontrolled enclosures. If your security closet sits in a boiler room or direct sun exposure, either add ventilation or choose a higher-temperature-rated supply variant from the Altronix line.
- Bare PCB form factor requires competent installation. You must provide AC input fusing, DC output circuit protection, proper battery connectors, and mechanical strain relief. This is not a plug-and-play wall adapter; integrate it into a properly designed and tested enclosure.
- Battery sizing is installer responsibility. Undersizing the backup battery means short hold-up time and potential access denial during extended outages. Oversizing increases enclosure footprint and cost. Size based on your actual lock duty cycle, not worst-case theoretical load.
Deploy the AL62412CX in single-door or dual-door access control cabinets with modest power budgets—small office suites, storage facilities, parking gates. If you're building a multi-door enterprise system, look to higher-capacity or modular supply options that don't force you to stage multiple boards or upgrade later when the customer adds a third reader.
