Altronix BC100 Compact Indoor Battery Enclosure
The Altronix BC100 is a compact indoor enclosure purpose-built for secure battery storage and management in access control and security systems. With a footprint of 8.5 inches high by 7.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches deep, the BC100 solves a real constraint: fitting backup power infrastructure into wall-mounted or equipment-rack installations where space is already tight. The grey powder-coat finish resists corrosion in typical indoor security environments.
Key Features
- Compact dimensions (8.5"H × 7.5"W × 3.5"D): Fits into equipment closets, wall-mounted racks, and tight spaces where full-size enclosures won't work. This density matters when you're retrofitting backup power into an existing access control installation without major infrastructure changes.
- Grey powder-coat finish: Painted steel resists surface rust and corrosion — standard protection for indoor controlled environments. Not rated for outdoor or high-moisture spaces; if you need that, step to an outdoor-rated enclosure.
- Battery storage focus: Designed specifically for housing backup batteries that support access control systems, card readers, lock mechanisms, and other security devices during power loss. The enclosure itself does not provide power management or charging circuitry — it is a housing only.
- Indoor deployment only: Suitable for conditioned spaces (offices, server rooms, equipment closets). Not rated for temperature extremes, humidity, or direct environmental exposure.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product — applies to the enclosure itself, not batteries or third-party components inside.
- Standardized form factor: Compatible with common 19-inch rackmount configurations and wall-mount brackets used in security system deployments. Verify bracket compatibility with your existing infrastructure before ordering.
Integration & Compatibility
The BC100 is a passive enclosure — it houses batteries and backup power modules but does not actively manage, charge, or monitor them. You will need to pair it with a compatible Altronix power supply, battery module, or UPS system that fits within its internal dimensions. Confirm that your selected backup power module (batteries, charging circuit, terminal connections) will fit within the 8.5" × 7.5" × 3.5" envelope before purchase. For access control systems relying on continuous power to readers, locks, and control panels, this enclosure provides physical protection and organization; it does not replace or supplement your UPS strategy — it complements it by containing the batteries securely and neatly.
When to Choose a Different Model
If you require outdoor or high-humidity rated battery enclosure, look to larger Altronix weatherproof models with IP-rated construction. If you need integrated power management, active battery monitoring, or integrated charging circuitry, consider an Altronix UPS or power supply module that combines enclosure and electronics in one unit rather than pairing the BC100 with separate components. If your installation demands significantly more battery capacity than the BC100 can accommodate, step up to a larger enclosure in the Altronix power infrastructure line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the BC100 include a power supply or charging circuitry?
A: No. The BC100 is an enclosure only. You must supply your own batteries and backup power module. It is designed to house batteries and related backup power components; it does not charge, monitor, or convert power itself.
Q: Can the BC100 be installed outdoors?
A: No. The BC100 is rated for indoor use only. The grey powder-coat finish resists corrosion in typical indoor spaces but is not weatherproof. Direct rain, humidity extremes, or temperature cycling will degrade the enclosure and any batteries inside.
Q: What's the warranty coverage on the BC100?
A: Lifetime Limited Warranty covers defects in the enclosure's materials and workmanship. It does not cover damage from misuse, environmental exposure, or failure of batteries or third-party components stored inside.
Q: Will the BC100 fit in a 19-inch equipment rack?
A: The BC100 itself is not a rackmount unit (it is not 19 inches wide), but it can be installed adjacent to or below rack-mounted equipment using wall-mount or shelf brackets. Verify bracket compatibility with your installer before purchase.
Q: What size batteries will fit inside?
A: Internal space is 8.5"H × 7.5"W × 3.5"D. Measure your battery module or backup power component to confirm it will fit within these dimensions. Altronix does not publish internal clearance or capacity charts; contact the manufacturer for compatibility confirmation if you are uncertain.
Q: Is the BC100 NFPA or fire-rated?
A: The enclosure itself is not fire-rated. It is a standard powder-coated steel box. If your installation requires fire-rated or flammable-materials-rated battery enclosures, consult your local fire code and specify enclosure materials accordingly.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The BC100 is a no-frills passive enclosure, and that's its strength. In access control retrofits, you often run into situations where backup batteries need to be housed somewhere discrete but accessible. The BC100's 8.5-inch height and compact 3.5-inch depth let you wall-mount it in tight spaces without the footprint of a full equipment cabinet. Grey finish won't stand out next to other network gear in a server closet. That said, this is a housing only — you're responsible for sourcing compatible batteries and any power management modules that go inside.
Technical Highlights:
- Compact footprint (8.5"H × 7.5"W × 3.5"D): Fits into shallow wall cavities and tight rack spaces where full-size enclosures create installation headaches. Real benefit when you're adding backup power to an existing access control deployment without major infrastructure work.
- Grey powder-coat finish: Resists light corrosion in conditioned indoor environments — not a feature for outdoor, humid, or temperature-cycling deployments. If you need weatherproofing, this is not your box.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Covers the enclosure's structural and finish defects indefinitely, provided you stay within indoor environmental limits. Does not cover battery failures or third-party component issues.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify internal space against your specific battery module and charging circuit dimensions before ordering — there is no published internal clearance spec. A too-large battery assembly will not fit.
- This is a passive enclosure: you still need to size and provision a separate backup power supply and UPS module. The BC100 does not replace your power-management strategy; it organizes and protects the batteries that execute it.
- Not rated for outdoor use, high humidity, or temperature extremes. If your installation has any environmental exposure (garage, loading dock, outdoor electrical shelter), step to a weatherproof enclosure.
The BC100 is the right choice for small-format indoor access control systems that need secure battery housing without the cost and complexity of a full UPS cabinet. Use it in office closets, secure entry vestibules, and equipment rooms where space is constrained and environmental conditions are stable.
