Altronix AL802ADA220 8A 24VDC NAC Power Extender

Altronix AL802ADA220 NAC Power Extender

Overview

The Altronix AL802ADA220 is a voltage-regulated remote NAC (Notification Appliance Circuit) power extender designed for Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) expansion. This unit operates from 220VAC input (198–256VAC working range, 50/60 Hz) and delivers regulated 24VDC output at up to 8A total alarm current, making it suitable for expanding notification appliance circuits while maintaining ADA compliance requirements. The AL802ADA220 connects directly to any 24-volt FACP and supports both primary notification expansion and auxiliary power distribution for system accessories.

Key Features

• 8A Maximum Total Alarm Current Output: Delivers 24VDC regulated power at 8A total, with 2.5A maximum per individual output circuit for reliable notification appliance operation
• 2-Wire Horn/Strobe Sync Mode: Allows audible notification appliances (horns) to be silenced while visual notification appliances (strobes) continue operating, supporting ADA accessibility requirements
• Multi-Protocol Sync Support: Compatible with Potter/Amseco, Faraday, Gentex®, System Sensor®, and CooperWheelock® sync protocols, plus Temporal Code 3, Steady Mode, and Input to Output Follower Mode
• Dual Class A/B Supervision Inputs: Accepts two (2) Class A, Style Z or two (2) Class B, Style W/X/Y FACP inputs; two (2) NC dry contact trigger inputs for flexible integration
• Four Supervised Output Circuits: Configurable as four (4) Class B, Style W/X/Y; two (2) Class A, Style Z; or one (1) Class A and two (2) Class B combinations to match system architecture
• Comprehensive Diagnostics: Signal circuit trouble memory identifies intermittent loop problems; common trouble input/output for external trouble signal tie-in; ground fault detection; output loop supervision selectable to Input 1 or Input 2
• 1A Auxiliary Power Output: Dedicated 1A auxiliary circuit supports system accessories independent of main notification circuits
• Thermal and Short-Circuit Protection: Auto-reset protection safeguards against overcurrent and thermal conditions
• Filtered and Regulated Outputs: Ensures stable 24VDC supply across all output circuits under varying load conditions
• Battery Backup Capacity: Enclosure accommodates up to two (2) 12VDC/12AH sealed lead acid or gel-type batteries (sold separately) for instantaneous failover upon AC loss
• Compact Enclosure: 15.5" H × 12" W × 4.5" D form factor fits standard mounting locations; weighs approximately 9.6 lbs

Integration & Compatibility

The AL802ADA220 is compatible with both 12VDC and 24VDC fire panels, offering flexible deployment across mixed-voltage fire alarm environments. Its dual Class A and Class B input/output configurations support conventional fire alarm architectures and enable straightforward panel integration without additional conversion equipment. The unit's selectable output loop supervision and signal circuit trouble memory provide diagnostic clarity during commissioning and ongoing maintenance, reducing troubleshooting time on NAC expansion circuits.

Ted Perry

Perspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.

I've specified the Altronix AL802ADA220 on several NAC expansion projects, and it delivers reliable performance for distributed notification circuits in mid-to-large fire alarm systems. The 8A output capacity and support for ADA sync protocols make it a straightforward choice when you need to extend beyond the panel's on-board NAC capacity without overcomplicating the architecture.

Technical Highlights:

• Regulated 24VDC Output: The AL802ADA220 maintains voltage stability across all four supervised output circuits, preventing under-voltage issues that degrade strobe intensity or horn loudness in extended runs.
• 2-Wire Sync Flexibility: Support for Potter/Amseco, Gentex, System Sensor, and CooperWheelock protocols means you can expand with diverse appliance manufacturers without firmware headaches or additional interface modules.
• Troubleshooting Efficiency: Signal circuit trouble memory and selectable output loop supervision (to Input 1 or Input 2) cut diagnostic time when intermittent faults occur on remote NAC circuits.

Deployment Considerations:

• Verify your FACP supports direct connection to Class A or Class B inputs before installation—most modern panels do, but older legacy systems may require verification.
• Plan battery backup upfront: the unit's battery charging circuit accommodates up to 24AH total (two 12AH modules), so factor that into your UPS strategy and physical space planning.
• When selecting output configuration, map your appliance count to the 2.5A-per-circuit limit to avoid nuisance resets; four strobes plus one horn per circuit is a safe baseline.

If you're expanding NAC capacity on an existing fire alarm system, the AL802ADA220 is a cost-effective, diagnostics-rich choice. The multi-protocol sync support saves integration time, and the regulated output means you won't see performance degradation on extended notification circuits. Recommended for integrators who value troubleshooting transparency and backward compatibility.