Altronix AL842ULADA NAC Power Extender 24VDC 8A

Altronix AL842ULADA NAC Power Extender

Overview

The Altronix AL842ULADA is a cost-effective voltage-regulated remote NAC (Notification Appliance Circuit) Power Extender designed for fire alarm system expansion. This UL864-listed unit connects directly to any 24-volt Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) and serves dual purposes: extending notification appliance circuits to meet ADA requirements and providing auxiliary power for system accessories. The AL842ULADA supports flexible output configurations—four Class A or four Class B supervised indicating circuit outputs—making it an ideal solution for integrators managing complex notification requirements across distributed facility layouts.

Key Features

• Dual Input Architecture: Two NC dry contact trigger inputs (INP1 and INP2) rated 8–30VDC at 6.5mA maximum from FACP; supports both 12V and 24V trigger levels
• Configurable Output Topology: Four Class B outputs, four Class A outputs, or two Class A and two Class B in mixed configuration
• Robust Current Delivery: 24VDC output at 8A total alarm current with 2.5A maximum per individual output; two auxiliary outputs rated 1A each (1A continuous, 1A AC disconnect)
• Multi-Protocol Synchronization: Supports Potter/Amseco, Gentex®, System Sensor®, and CooperWheelock® sync protocols; temporal code 3, steady mode, and input-to-output follower mode for synchronized audible and visual notification appliance control
• Output Supervision & Diagnostics: Programmable supervised indicating circuit outputs steered to Input 1 or 2; signal circuit trouble memory identifies intermittent loop problems; common trouble input/output for external trouble signal tie-in
• Ground Fault Detection: Built-in ground fault detection enhances system reliability and troubleshooting efficiency
• Filtered & Regulated Outputs: Voltage-regulated 24VDC power with thermal and short-circuit protection featuring auto-reset
• Battery Backup Ready: Supports sealed lead-acid or gel-type battery charging for failover operation; instantaneous battery backup upon AC loss
• Input Specifications: 120VAC, 60Hz, 5A maximum input current

Integration & Compatibility

The AL842ULADA integrates seamlessly with any 24-volt FACP and is fully compatible with standard UL864 fire alarm infrastructure. Its two independent input channels allow flexible trigger routing, enabling integrators to leverage existing control panel circuits without requiring additional wiring modifications. The unit's support for multiple synchronization protocols ensures compatibility with leading notification appliance manufacturers, reducing system integration complexity. Output loop supervision and trouble memory features provide real-time visibility into circuit health, critical for maintaining ADA-compliant notification systems in healthcare, hospitality, and commercial facilities.

Certifications & Approvals

The AL842ULADA holds UL listing under UL864 (Control Units and Accessories for Fire Systems) and carries approvals from the New York City Department of Buildings, Factory Mutual (FM), and California State Fire Marshal (CSFM), ensuring compliance with jurisdictional fire safety codes.

Jerry Tildsen

I've specified the Altronix AL842ULADA on several multi-building campuses where NAC expansion beyond the main control panel was essential. The unit's ability to support both Class A and Class B mixed configurations provides real flexibility during design—you're not locked into one topology across all four outputs. The 8A total alarm current budget is straightforward to calculate against typical horn/strobe power draws, and the 2.5A per-output limit prevents any one appliance circuit from monopolizing bandwidth.

Technical Highlights:

• Synchronization Protocol Support: The AL842ULADA recognizes all four major manufacturer protocols (Potter/Amseco, Gentex®, System Sensor®, CooperWheelock®), eliminating vendor lock-in concerns and supporting mixed-brand notification deployments common in retrofit work.
• Trouble Circuit Intelligence: Signal circuit trouble memory captures intermittent loop faults that may otherwise go undiagnosed. Combined with common trouble input/output, you get a complete fault-reporting path back to the main panel or external annunciator.

Deployment Considerations:

• Plan battery backup capacity based on appliance duty cycle; gel or lead-acid charger selection depends on your facility's maintenance protocols and climate control in the enclosure location.
• Test synchronization protocol configuration during commissioning—verify that horn/strobe mute functions operate as expected across your chosen appliance models before final sign-off.

For integrators managing ADA-compliant fire alarm expansions, the AL842ULADA delivers the output flexibility, supervision fidelity, and multi-protocol support you need without overengineering. Solid reliability, straightforward power budgeting, and UL/FM/CSFM certifications make it a dependable choice for distributed notification systems.