Altronix AL624ET 12VDC Linear Power Supply/Charger
The AL624ET is a compact 12VDC linear power supply with integrated battery charging capability, purpose-built for access control and security system backup power. This single-output unit accepts standard 16/24VAC transformer input and delivers a regulated 0.2A at 12VDC, making it suitable for low-current 12V security devices while maintaining charge status on backup batteries. Linear supply topology ensures stable, low-noise operation—critical when powering sensitive access control circuits or alarm panels that are sensitive to supply ripple.
Key Features
- 12VDC regulated output rated 0.2A: Sufficient for single low-current device backup or trickle charging a 12V battery. At 0.2A, you're looking at roughly 2.4W continuous draw—well below the thermal threshold of the enclosure, so heat dissipation is not a deployment concern.
- 16/24VAC input acceptance: Connects directly to standard access control transformer output or building 24VAC control wiring, eliminating the need for additional AC source conditioning.
- Linear supply design: Delivers inherently low noise output compared to switched-mode supplies. Matters when powering audio circuits or sensitive control logic that can pick up switching artifacts.
- Battery charging capability: Integrated charging circuit maintains backup battery voltage without manual intervention. Typical use case: 12V sealed lead-acid or lithium backup battery stays float-charged and ready for access control failover.
- Operating temperature range 0°C to 49°C (32°F to 120°F): Suitable for indoor enclosures and non-extreme environments. Not rated for outdoor mounting or high-temperature mechanical rooms—confirm your panel location stays within this window before ordering.
- Compact enclosed form factor, 8.5" × 7.5" × 3.5": Mounts in standard 19-inch racks, wall-mount panels, or equipment cabinets without requiring dedicated cooling. The enclosure provides basic RFI shielding and mechanical protection against accidental contact with output terminals.
Typical Integration Scenarios
The AL624ET pairs well with access control systems requiring backup power conditioning. Common deployments include: (1) standalone backup for single-door magnetic lock controllers, (2) trickle charger for access panel battery modules, (3) auxiliary supply for alarm panel sirens or notification circuits. The 0.2A output ceiling means you cannot cascade multiple high-current loads—if you need to backup multiple locks simultaneously, step up to a higher-amperage power supply in the Altronix family.
What to Check Before Ordering
Verify your backup battery voltage requirement: the AL624ET outputs 12VDC only. If your system panel expects 24VDC backup, this unit will not work. Confirm your AC source is 16/24VAC transformer output or building control voltage—mains AC (110/240V) requires a separate step-down transformer and will damage the AL624ET. The 0.2A rating is conservative; sustained draw above this level will throttle the regulator or trigger thermal shutdown. Finally, confirm the operating temperature of your intended mounting location stays between 0°C and 49°C—if the enclosure will sit in an uninsulated equipment closet in a warm climate, thermal stress could shorten component life.
Warranty & Support
The AL624ET carries an Altronix Lifetime Limited Warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship. Refer to the datasheet for details on what the lifetime policy covers and any conditions or exclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the AL624ET power a 12V electronic door lock continuously?
A: At 0.2A, the unit delivers roughly 2.4W. Most electronic door locks draw 500mA–1A on activation, so the AL624ET can hold the lock energized but will be at or above its thermal limit. If your lock cycles frequently, the regulator may throttle output. For locks requiring sustained power, use a higher-amperage supply.
Q: What battery types can the AL624ET charge?
A: Sealed lead-acid (SLA) and 12V lithium backup batteries are common. The charging circuit is designed for float charging—maintaining a charged battery on standby rather than deep-cycle cycling. Consult the battery manufacturer's datasheet to confirm 12VDC float voltage compatibility before connecting.
Q: Does the AL624ET have overcurrent protection?
A: The unit is rated 0.2A maximum output. If load current exceeds this, the linear regulator will thermally limit (reduce output) to protect itself. There is no external fuse or breaker—rely on your system's main AC disconnect to isolate the supply if needed.
Q: Is the AL624ET suitable for outdoor mounting?
A: No. The operating temperature range is 0°C to 49°C (32°F to 120°F), and the enclosure offers no IP rating for rain or dust ingress. Mount indoors in a cabinet, control panel, or equipment closet only.
Q: What AC voltage does the AL624ET require?
A: The unit accepts 16/24VAC input—typical building control transformer voltage. Do not connect mains AC (110/240V) directly; this will destroy the unit. Always confirm your AC source voltage before wiring.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The AL624ET is a workhorse for single-device access control backup, but you need to understand its output ceiling. At 0.2A continuous, this supply is not a general-purpose 12V source—it's a trickle charger and low-current auxiliary supply masquerading as a power supply. That distinction matters on day one.
Technical Highlights:
- 0.2A @ 12VDC output: Translates to 2.4W maximum. A typical electronic door lock consumes 600–1200mA during strike, which will saturate the AL624ET and trigger thermal limiting. Use this for battery float charging or sub-100mA auxiliary loads only.
- Linear topology, not switching: Zero switching noise means you can safely run this near analog control circuits or audio channels without introducing 50–100 kHz artifacts into sensitive electronics. Switching supplies produce measurable EMI in the MHz range.
- 16/24VAC input: Accepts whatever your existing building control transformer produces. No need for an intermediate AC–DC converter. Simplifies wiring in retrofit installations.
- Operating temp 0–49°C: A hard ceiling. Mechanical rooms, roof-mounted enclosures, or outdoor cabinets exceeding 49°C will cause regulator thermal shutdown. Indoor climate-controlled spaces only.
Deployment Considerations:
- The AL624ET is not fused or breaker-protected. Your main AC disconnect is the only emergency isolation. If you need load-level overcurrent protection, add an external PTC thermistor or fuse block between the AL624ET output and your battery.
- Battery charging is float only—suitable for sealed lead-acid or lithium standby packs, not deep-cycle or automotive batteries. Confirm your backup battery's float voltage specification (typically 13.2–13.8V for SLA) matches the AL624ET's regulation point before wiring.
- The enclosure is not shielded for RFI and offers no EMC filtering. If your access control panel is sensitive to conducted EMI from AC mains, add a small ferrite toroid around the AC input leads.
Position the AL624ET in single-lock backup scenarios—one electronic strike, one reader power module, or one siren feed. If you need to support two or more simultaneous loads or a high-current magnet lock, step up to Altronix's higher-amperage linears (e.g., AL624U series at 2.4A) or consider a regulated switching supply. The AL624ET is the right answer when simplicity, low noise, and trickle charging matter more than bulk power delivery.
