Altronix ALTV1224C4220 Dual Output 12VDC/24VAC Power Supply
Overview
The Altronix ALTV1224C4220 is a compact AC/DC power supply engineered to eliminate the need for separate power units in mixed-voltage security installations. It accepts 220VAC input (operating range 198–256VAC, 50/60Hz) and delivers both 12VDC and 24VAC simultaneously without cross-interference—a critical advantage when you're powering a heterogeneous mix of IP cameras with 12VDC PoE injectors, analog CCTV cameras, 24VAC solenoid locks, access control readers, and alarm panels from a single point.
The unit ships in a compact BC300 enclosure measuring 13.5" H × 13" W × 3.25" D (342.9mm × 330.2mm × 82.6mm). This slim profile fits standard 19-inch equipment racks and wall-mount installations in security control rooms, server closets, and distributed edge deployments without consuming excessive cabinet real estate. Weight is 14.5 lbs, making it portable for temporary installations or relocation without special handling.
Key Features
- Simultaneous dual outputs: 12VDC and 24VAC power delivered at the same time prevents voltage regulation artifacts you'd see trying to daisy-chain separate AC and DC supplies. This is not a limitation of the design—it's the entire point. You get stable DC for sensitive camera electronics and clean AC for inductive loads like door strikes and solenoids without one affecting the other.
- 12VDC capacity: 2A total across two isolated 12VDC outputs, each independently fused at 1A/250VAC. This means a short circuit on one DC output doesn't take down the other—a meaningful operational advantage in larger deployments where a single failed device shouldn't cascade into control room downtime.
- 24VAC capacity: 4A total across two 24VAC outputs, with main AC fusing at 3.5A/250VAC. You get enough headroom for multiple door strikes, alarm panel inputs, and sensor circuits without needing a separate transformer.
- Wide input tolerance: 198–256VAC working range on a 220VAC primary input. This matters if you're installing in older buildings, international sites, or regions with unstable utility voltage. The supply tolerates ±10% deviations without shutdown or derate.
- Individual output fusing: Isolated DC and AC fusing on each output group protects connected devices and prevents a single short from blacking out the entire panel. In a 16-camera system, losing one camera should not trigger a full system reboot.
- LED status indicators: Visual confirmation of 220VAC input presence and output power delivery. Quick diagnostics without requiring a multimeter when troubleshooting on-site.
- Low thermal output: Approximately 72 BTU/Hr, minimizing cooling load in enclosed cabinet installations. This allows the ALTV1224C4220 to coexist with NVRs and network switches in tight equipment closets without forcing you to upgrade HVAC.
- Operating temperature range: 0°C to 49°C (32°F to 120°F) rated for indoor security applications and controlled environments. Storage range extends to –20°C to 70°C (–4°F to 158°F), allowing inventory in unheated warehouses without risk of component damage.
- Lifetime warranty: Manufacturer backs the unit with lifetime coverage, reducing long-term replacement risk on a device that, once installed, is rarely touched again.
Integration & Compatibility
The ALTV1224C4220 is compatible with any 12VDC or 24VAC powered security device: IP cameras with 12VDC PoE injectors, analog CCTV cameras, 24VAC solenoid locks, access control readers, alarm panels, and auxiliary sensors. The dual-output architecture allows system designers to power heterogeneous device mixes from a single supply unit, simplifying wiring and reducing panel real estate. Both output groups maintain electrical isolation, preventing voltage regulation issues when devices with different power profiles are energized simultaneously—a technical advantage when you're mixing old analog systems with modern IP surveillance.
Humidity tolerance is 85% ±5% relative humidity without condensation, suitable for equipment closets and outdoor enclosures with basic environmental sealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the ALTV1224C4220 power both 12VDC and 24VAC devices at full rated capacity simultaneously?
A: Yes. The supply is designed to deliver both outputs at full capacity without derate or cross-interference. The 12VDC outputs supply up to 2A total, and the 24VAC outputs supply up to 4A total, all at the same time.
Q: What happens if I exceed the 2A 12VDC limit?
A: Each 12VDC output has its own 1A/250VAC fuse. If a device draws more than 1A on a single output, that fuse will blow, protecting the circuit without affecting the other 12VDC output or the 24VAC outputs. You'd replace the fuse and identify the overloaded device.
Q: Is the ALTV1224C4220 suitable for outdoor equipment enclosures?
A: The unit itself is rated for 0°C to 49°C operating temperature and 85% ±5% relative humidity without condensation. It's designed for indoor control rooms and equipment closets. For outdoor enclosures, you would need to provide thermal management and moisture sealing at the enclosure level, not the supply itself.
Q: Can I use the ALTV1224C4220 to replace two separate power supplies in an existing installation?
A: Yes, provided your existing loads fit within the ALTV1224C4220's capacity (2A for 12VDC, 4A for 24VAC). This consolidation also reduces cabinet footprint and simplifies troubleshooting by eliminating one piece of equipment.
Q: What is the warranty on the ALTV1224C4220?
A: Lifetime warranty from the manufacturer, covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Q: Does the ALTV1224C4220 require any special installation or permits?
A: No. It is a standard 220VAC input power supply for security and access control systems. Install it in a standard equipment rack or wall-mount enclosure following local electrical codes. No special licensing or certification is required for deployment.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've evaluated the Altronix ALTV1224C4220 in mixed-voltage CCTV deployments where analog HD cameras, IP cameras with DC injectors, and 24VAC auxiliary controls share the same control room. The simultaneous dual-output architecture is a genuine operational advantage—it eliminates the voltage regulation artifacts you see when trying to daisy-chain separate AC and DC supplies, and the individual output fusing prevents a short on one device from cascading into a full system reboot. This matters in a 16-camera install where one failed door strike should not bring down camera power.
Technical Highlights:
- Isolated 1A fusing per 12VDC output: A short on one camera or injector trips only that channel's fuse. The second 12VDC output and all 24VAC circuits remain live, minimizing downtime during device troubleshooting.
- 4A total 24VAC capacity: Enough headroom for multiple solenoid locks, alarm panels, and auxiliary sensors without auxiliary transformer. At 3.5A main fusing, you have 12.5% overhead before a short trips protection.
- 198–256VAC input tolerance: Deployments in older buildings or regions with voltage sag don't require additional UPS or regulator equipment. The supply tolerates ±10% deviation and continues operating without derate.
- 72 BTU/Hr thermal output: A compact enclosure generating minimal heat allows coexistence with NVRs and network gear in tight equipment closets without forcing HVAC upgrades. Typical 500W UPS or NVR generates 1,200+ BTU.
Deployment Considerations:
- The 49°C upper operating limit means this supply must remain in an air-conditioned control room. If you need outdoor cabinet deployment, budget for thermal management at the enclosure level, not the supply.
- The 2A 12VDC capacity is intentional for camera and injector applications—don't try to power a secondary 12VDC device cluster beyond this limit. Size larger if you're adding auxiliary sensors or readers that also run 12VDC.
- Individual fusing is protective, but it means you need to stock 1A and 3.5A/250VAC fuses on-site. A single blown fuse during troubleshooting shouldn't require a supply replacement, but it requires parts inventory.
This is a smart consolidation choice for integrators deploying 16–24 camera systems mixing 12VDC and 24VAC circuits into a single control rack. It reduces cabinet footprint, eliminates voltage regulation cross-talk, and the lifetime warranty removes replacement risk for a passive device that rarely fails once installed correctly.
