Altronix ALTV1224DC2CB 16-Output PTC Power Supply
The Altronix ALTV1224DC2CB is a 16-channel DC power supply engineered for distributed CCTV and integrated security system installations. This unit delivers regulated 12VDC or 24VDC across 16 independently protected outputs, with 6A total current capacity. Each output is fitted with a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) thermal protection circuit, eliminating the need to manually reset breakers after fault conditions and providing automatic self-resetting overcurrent defense. This architecture is critical for unattended installations where nuisance shutdowns disrupt coverage and field service calls escalate costs.
Key Features
- 16 PTC-Protected Outputs: Individual thermal protection on every channel isolates faults—if one circuit draws excessive current or shorts, only that output resets automatically; the remaining 15 stay live. In a 16-camera system, a shorted cable on one camera doesn't blind you to the other 15.
- Selectable 12VDC or 24VDC Output: Configure the entire supply for either voltage in seconds. Useful when mixing legacy 12V analog cameras with newer 24V PTZ domes or access control hardware on the same backbone.
- 6A Total Current Capacity: Supports approximately 375mA average per channel if evenly loaded—adequate for standard IR turrets, fixed domes, and solenoid locks. Overloaded channels won't starve neighboring devices because PTC protection is per-output, not shared.
- Regulated Output Maintains Stable Voltage: Varying downstream load conditions don't cause voltage sag that degrades camera image quality or causes PTZ motors to stall mid-motion. Stabilization is essential in long cable runs where voltage drop is a practical concern.
- Compact Form Factor: Fits into wall-mounted security cabinets, DIN-rail racks, or small equipment enclosures, minimizing real estate in crowded electrical panels and simplifying retrofit installations where space is constrained.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Covers manufacturing defects. No arbitrary 1-year or 3-year cliff; lifetime protection reduces TCO on a passive component expected to run 24/7 for 7–10 years.
Integration & Compatibility
The ALTV1224DC2CB serves as the power backbone for mid-scale security deployments. Pair it with network video recorders and IP cameras operating on 12V or 24V auxiliary rails. The unit accommodates typical CCTV infrastructure—cameras, door locks, magnetic locks, auxiliary relay modules, and card readers—all sharing regulated DC power. Use dedicated power supply sizing guides to verify that your total device current (cameras + locks + accessories) does not exceed 6A. Altronix power distribution products are designed for modular scaling; if 6A proves limiting, upgrade to a higher-capacity unit in the same family or run multiple supplies on isolated output groups.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your system requires more than 6A of total current capacity, consider a higher-amperage variant within the Altronix power supply line. If you need UPS battery backup to sustain power during mains failure, a separate UPS module or integrated battery supply may be required. If circuits demand fused isolation rather than PTC thermal protection, verify whether fused outputs better match your installation standards.
Typical Deployment Scenarios
- Multi-camera CCTV installations: 8–16 cameras on individual 12V or 24V rails, each with its own power isolation.
- Access control backbone: distributed 24V power to magnetic locks, card readers, and door sensors across multiple entry points.
- Integrated surveillance + access: mixed 12V cameras and 24V locks on the same regulated supply, eliminating the need for separate power enclosures.
- Equipment cabinet consolidation: security cabinets housing cameras, switches, and auxiliary devices powered from a single compact source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the ALTV1224DC2CB indoors and outdoors?
A: The power supply itself is designed for indoor cabinet and enclosure installation. Outdoor use requires mounting inside a weatherproof cabinet or electrical enclosure. Consult the datasheet for operating temperature range and environmental specifications.
Q: What is the difference between PTC protection and a traditional fused output?
A: PTC protection is self-resetting: when a circuit overloads, the thermal element raises resistance, reducing current until the fault clears, then automatically resets. Fused outputs require manual replacement after a fault. PTC reduces field service calls in distributed surveillance systems where manual reset is impractical.
Q: How much current does each output of the ALTV1224DC2CB supply on average?
A: With 6A total capacity and 16 outputs, each channel can draw an average of 375mA if evenly distributed. However, individual devices can draw more (e.g., 500mA) as long as total system draw does not exceed 6A. The ALTV1224DC2CB does not enforce per-channel limits; it provides per-channel fault isolation.
Q: Is the ALTV1224DC2CB compatible with PoE cameras?
A: No. PoE cameras receive power over the network cable from a PoE switch or injector, not from a DC power supply. The ALTV1224DC2CB powers non-PoE analog cameras, 24V IP cameras, door locks, and auxiliary devices. Use PoE switching infrastructure for cameras that support it.
Q: What warranty does the ALTV1224DC2CB carry?
A: Lifetime Limited Warranty covering manufacturing defects. Verify specific exclusions and claim procedures in the official Altronix warranty documentation.
Q: Can I daisy-chain multiple ALTV1224DC2CB units?
A: Multiple supplies can be deployed in parallel to expand output channel count. Each supply operates independently. Consult installation guidance to avoid conflicts on shared ground or control lines.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've specified the ALTV1224DC2CB in several mid-scale warehouse and retail surveillance builds. The 16-output PTC architecture is genuinely useful—not just marketing window dressing. Here's why: in a typical 16-camera system spread across two floors and a parking lot, sooner or later a camera lead will short (torn conduit, water ingress, rodent damage). With fused protection, you lose an entire floor's worth of cameras while hunting for the single bad circuit. With the ALTV1224DC2CB's per-channel PTC, only that one camera goes dark. The other 15 stay recording. That's not trivial when you're managing uptime SLAs.
Technical Highlights:
- 6A Total Capacity, 16 Isolated Channels: Limits you to roughly 375mA per channel average if fully loaded. That's enough for 2–3 standard IR turrets per output or one higher-draw PTZ if you're selective. The math matters—spec your camera current draw carefully before deployment, or you'll hit the limit on fewer devices than expected.
- Selectable 12VDC or 24VDC: One supply handles legacy analog infrastructure and modern 24V access control in the same cabinet. Avoid buying two different SKUs. Real cost saver on retrofit projects where you're consolidating old and new equipment.
- Regulated Output Under Load Variation: The supply holds voltage steady as downstream load changes. Prevents the voltage sag that causes IR illumination to dim mid-night or PTZ motors to lag on jog commands—both are common field complaints on undersized or unregulated supplies.
Deployment Considerations:
- The ALTV1224DC2CB is a backbone component—it lives inside an enclosure, not on a pole or in harsh outdoor weather. If your cabinet will sit in a hot equipment room without HVAC, monitor ambient operating temperature (consult the datasheet). Sustained heat reduces component life.
- PTC protection is automatic but not instantaneous. A short will cause momentary current surge before the thermal element rises. If you're protecting sensitive downstream electronics (e.g., card readers with low tolerance for voltage spikes), add TVS diodes or surge suppression on the output rails.
- Six amps sounds like plenty until you load it. A single high-end PTZ with heater can draw 1.5–2A alone. Build margin into your load calculations—don't spec the ALTV1224DC2CB to 95% capacity. Plan for 70–75% nominal load to leave headroom for future additions and seasonal current increases (IR draws more on cold nights).
Best deployment fit: mid-scale integrated systems (8–16 cameras plus access control) housed in a cabinet-mounted or wall-mounted enclosure where you need reliable per-channel isolation without the complexity of fused distribution boards. If you're running fewer than 6 devices or a single-purpose 12V camera rig, you can probably downsize. If you're pushing toward 20+ devices across multiple zones, step up to a higher-capacity Altronix supply.
