Altronix ALTV244UL 24VAC 3.5A 4-Output Power Supply
Overview
The Altronix ALTV244UL is a compact, wall-mounted power supply designed to distribute 24VAC power across multiple security and access control devices in distributed installations. It accepts standard 115VAC input and delivers regulated 24/28VAC output via four independently fused circuits, each capable of carrying up to 3.5A of total load. This architecture makes it suitable for small-to-medium camera deployments, door locks, intercoms, and other auxiliary security equipment that require isolated branch-circuit protection without running separate mains lines to each device.
Key Features
- Four independently fused outputs: Each output has its own fuse, so a fault or overload on one circuit won't kill power to the others — critical in multi-camera or multi-reader installations where a single bad connection could take down your whole system.
- 3.5A maximum output current: Sufficient to power a mix of IP cameras (typically 2–15W each depending on optics and IR), solenoid locks, and access readers. You can run roughly 4–6 mid-range PoE-injected cameras per unit if power-budgeting conservatively.
- Regulated 24/28VAC output: Holds voltage stable even as load fluctuates, preventing voltage sag that can degrade camera performance or cause reader malfunctions. Traditional unregulated supplies drift under load.
- 115VAC input: Standard North American mains voltage; verify local electrical code and outlet availability before installation.
- Wall-mount form factor: Compact installation footprint — fits easily in a cabinet, utility closet, or behind false ceiling; no rack rails or floor space required.
- UL Listed and CE approved: Meets North American and European safety standards, reducing liability risk in commercial and institutional deployments. Important for insurance and code compliance in many jurisdictions.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Manufacturer backs the unit for the life of the original owner, though coverage details and exclusions should be reviewed in the warranty document.
Integration & Compatibility
The ALTV244UL outputs 24VAC, so it is compatible with any 24VAC-rated security device: analog and IP cameras with 24VAC inputs, electromagnetic lock strikes, magnetic readers, intercom systems, and exit devices. Do not use this supply for 12VDC-only devices. If your system requires mixed voltages (both 24VAC and 12VDC), you'll need a separate 12VDC supply or a dual-output unit. Check each connected device's power specification before wiring.
Fused outputs provide branch-circuit protection, but the ALTV244UL itself does not include surge suppression or monitoring. In installations with long cable runs or high EMI (industrial environments, near large motors, radio transmitters), consider adding surge protection modules or a UPS to preserve power during mains transients.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your load exceeds 3.5A total, or if you need more than four independent circuits, consider a higher-capacity power supply in the Altronix family or a redundant dual-supply configuration. If you require 12VDC, 48VDC, or mixed outputs, select a model designed for those voltages. For outdoor or harsh-environment installations, verify that the ALTV244UL's enclosure rating and operating temperature range (-20°C to 60°C typical) meet your site conditions; some installations may require a weatherproof enclosure or a unit rated for extended temperature.
Deployment Context
This unit is most effective in organized security systems where power distribution is centralized — a wiring closet, communications rack, or utility room serving a floor or zone. Cable runs to cameras and devices should be kept under 200 feet to minimize voltage drop. For larger installations spanning multiple floors or buildings, deploy multiple ALTV244UL units or a larger centralized system. Always consult power supply selection guides to confirm adequate capacity and ensure compliance with local electrical code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the ALTV244UL to power IP cameras directly?
A: Only if your IP cameras have a 24VAC power input. Most modern PoE-powered IP cameras draw power over the network cable and don't need a separate AC supply. Check your camera's power specifications. If you're mixing PoE and non-PoE devices, the ALTV244UL works for non-PoE devices; PoE cameras connect to a PoE injector or switch.
Q: What happens if one output overloads or a fuse blows?
A: The individual fuse on that output will blow, isolating that circuit from the others. The remaining three outputs continue to operate. You'll need to replace the blown fuse and identify the fault (usually a short or excessive load) before restoring power to that circuit. Always use the correct fuse amperage specified in the ALTV244UL documentation.
Q: Is the ALTV244UL suitable for outdoor installation?
A: No. The unit is designed for indoor wall mounting. For outdoor or wet environments, you'll need to house it in a weatherproof enclosure or select a model specifically rated for outdoor use. Check the operating temperature and humidity limits in the datasheet before installing in unconditioned spaces.
Q: What's the difference between 24VAC and 24VDC? Can I use this with 12VDC devices?
A: 24VAC is alternating current; 24VDC is direct current. They are not interchangeable — connecting a 24VAC device to 12VDC (or vice versa) can damage it. The ALTV244UL outputs 24VAC only. If you need 12VDC, use a separate 12VDC supply or a dual-output unit.
Q: Does the ALTV244UL include surge or lightning protection?
A: No. The unit provides regulated output and fused branch protection but not surge suppression. For outdoor camera runs or areas prone to electrical storms, install surge suppressors on the output lines or use a UPS to condition the input power.
Q: What warranty does the ALTV244UL come with?
A: Altronix provides a Lifetime Limited Warranty to the original owner. Coverage exclusions, repair procedures, and terms should be reviewed in the full warranty documentation.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix ALTV244UL occupies a pragmatic middle ground in distributed security power architecture. At 3.5A total capacity across four fused outputs, it's neither an entry-level single-output unit nor a cabinet-scale multi-amp supply — it's a workhorse for floor and zone-level distribution in mid-sized deployments. The independently fused outputs are the key differentiator here: isolation between circuits means a shorted lock solenoid won't crash your camera power, and troubleshooting is faster because you can deduce which circuit failed by checking which fuse is blown.
Technical Highlights:
- Regulated 24/28VAC output: Voltage regulation under load is critical. A traditional unregulated transformer will sag as you add devices, potentially dipping to 18–20VAC under full load — enough to cause magnetic readers and solenoid locks to behave erratically or fail intermittently. The ALTV244UL holds regulation, so your 24VAC-rated devices see consistent voltage.
- Four independent fuses: Branch-circuit isolation means troubleshooting is surgical. If circuit 1 fuses, circuits 2, 3, and 4 keep running. This is especially valuable in larger facilities where taking down an entire floor's access control because of one bad door strike creates operational chaos and liability.
- 3.5A shared capacity: This is a pool, not per-output. You can't run 3.5A on each circuit simultaneously. Budget conservatively — a solenoid lock draws 0.5–1A on strike, an access reader 0.3–0.5A, a small camera 0.2–0.5A. With four circuits, you're typically looking at 2–4 mixed devices per output to stay within margin.
Deployment Considerations:
- Voltage drop over distance: 24VAC and long cable runs (over 200 feet) are not friends. Voltage loss accumulates, especially on high-current circuits. If your cameras or devices are far from the supply, install the ALTV244UL closer to the load or step up to a larger supply closer to the mains panel.
- No surge suppression built-in: Outdoor runs and electrical storms can introduce transients that blow output circuits or damage connected devices. In any facility with outdoor cabling or in an area prone to lightning, budget for external surge suppressors on the output lines — they're cheap insurance against field replacements and downtime.
- 115VAC input only: This assumes single-phase residential or small commercial power. If your site is three-phase industrial, you'll need an appropriately sized three-phase transformer upstream, or select a different supply rated for your mains voltage.
Best-fit deployment: a single-floor or zone installation in a small commercial building, retail space, or warehouse where you're centralizing camera and access control power in a utility closet or comms room. Wire each device category (cameras, readers, locks) to its own output for isolation, and leave one circuit spare for future expansion. Not suitable for large multi-floor buildings or high-density access control systems — for those, deploy multiple ALTV244UL units or a larger centralized supply.
