Altronix BL2 8-Inch Battery Leads
The Altronix BL2 is a set of two pre-fabricated battery leads designed to connect batteries to power supply enclosures and UPS systems in security installations. These leads eliminate field-wiring errors and cut installation time when setting up battery backup in compact cabinet environments. The BL2 consists of a red and black pair, each 8 inches in length, wound from 18AWG gauge copper wire — a specification that matters because 18AWG handles roughly 10 amps of continuous current, which suits most mid-range security power supplies and access control systems without undersizing or overheating risk.
Key Features
- 8-inch length: Bridges the gap between battery terminals and enclosure connection points in standard-depth cabinets without excess slack or tension — neither creates installation headaches or hidden fire risk.
- 18AWG wire gauge: Sized to carry typical UPS discharge currents (roughly 10A continuous) without voltage drop or heat buildup, a common concern in older field-wired installations where technicians oversized or undersized gauge by guesswork.
- Color-coded leads (red and black): Eliminates polarity confusion during installation — no second-guessing which terminal is positive, which cuts troubleshooting time and prevents reverse-connection damage to downstream equipment.
- Pre-terminated design: Arrives ready to connect; no crimping, splicing, or stripping required. Reduces labor time and guarantees consistent, code-compliant terminations across multiple installations.
- Direct compatibility with Altronix enclosures: Engineered to fit standard battery terminal posts and enclosure pass-through layouts, so no adapter hunting or custom splicing.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Covers defects in materials and workmanship, giving you confidence in the reliability of a critical backup power path.
Integration and Compatibility
The BL2 is a passive accessory — no electronics, no software, no firmware. It pairs with any Altronix power supply, UPS module, or battery backup system that uses standard battery post terminals. If your enclosure uses non-standard connectors (e.g., Anderson PowerPole, ring terminals, or proprietary connectors), verify terminal compatibility before ordering. The 8-inch length suits standard 19-inch and 15-inch cabinet depths; deeper or custom enclosures may require longer leads.
Typical Deployment Scenarios
- UPS battery backup in security control panels: Wires battery modules directly to access control power supplies or video surveillance NVRs where mains AC fails.
- Door strike or magnetic lock backup: Ensures fail-safe locks remain powered during power loss, a legal requirement in life-safety code for many jurisdictions.
- System redundancy: Connects hot-standby batteries in redundant power supply configurations, so no single point of failure takes down the backup path.
When to Choose a Different Option
If your battery terminals use non-standard connectors (Anderson PowerPole, European-style posts, or proprietary quick-disconnects), or if your enclosure depth exceeds 12 inches and you need a longer lead run, contact the manufacturer or an integrator to verify fit. If you require shielded or armored leads for high-EMI environments (e.g., near heavy machinery or radio transmitters), consult your system designer — 18AWG unshielded leads may pick up noise in those settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the BL2 with non-Altronix battery backup systems?
A: Yes, provided the battery terminals and enclosure pass-throughs accept standard battery post connectors and the 8-inch length suits your cabinet layout. If your system uses proprietary connectors, the BL2 will not fit without an adapter.
Q: Is 18AWG sufficient for high-current backup applications?
A: 18AWG is rated for roughly 10 amps continuous current, which covers most mid-range access control and moderate video surveillance backup scenarios. For high-draw systems (e.g., multiple door strikes, heavy UPS loads), confirm your total backup current requirement against the 10A rating — oversized systems may need heavier gauge leads.
Q: What is the warranty coverage for the BL2?
A: Altronix provides a Lifetime Limited Warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Normal wear, environmental damage, or installation errors are not covered.
Q: Do I need any tools to install the BL2?
A: No. The leads arrive pre-terminated and ready to connect. You need only a screwdriver or wrench sized to your enclosure's battery post terminals — no crimpers, strippers, or soldering.
Q: Can the BL2 be used outdoors?
A: The BL2 is designed for indoor enclosure environments. If outdoor battery backup is required, deploy the batteries and power supply inside a weatherproof cabinet and run outdoor-rated conduit and wire from the cabinet to outdoor loads.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix BL2 is a straightforward but critical piece of infrastructure in any battery-backed security enclosure. At 18AWG, these leads are sized to handle the 10-amp discharge curves typical of mid-tier UPS and access control systems. The 8-inch length is the sweet spot for 19-inch cabinet depths — long enough to reach from battery terminals to the power distribution board without slack that invites crushing or pinching, short enough to stay neat inside a compact footprint.
Technical Highlights:
- 18AWG copper wire: Handles ~10A continuous discharge without voltage drop or thermal stress — the typical peak load for backup power in access control and small-to-medium NVR systems.
- Color-coded polarity: Red and black leads eliminate the single biggest installation error in field backup wiring — reversed polarity, which can destroy sensitive electronics downstream.
- Pre-terminated design: Zero field crimping means zero variability in connection quality across dozens of installations — critical for consistency in large enterprise rollouts.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify terminal compatibility: Altronix enclosures typically use standard battery post connectors, but older cabinets or third-party equipment may use ring terminals or proprietary quick-connects. Check before ordering to avoid adapter hassles on site.
- Current load verification: If your total backup draw exceeds 10 amps (e.g., multiple 12V door strikes plus NVR), you risk voltage sag or thermal stress. Size your leads up or reconfigure your load distribution.
Best suited for: mid-size access control and modest video surveillance backup systems in indoor cabinets where installation speed and polarity reliability matter. If you're wiring a single door strike or a two-door badge reader cabinet, the BL2 is overkill in cost but zero risk; for enterprise-scale rollouts of 50+ cabinets, the standardized pre-terminated approach cuts labor and eliminates troubleshooting callbacks.
