Altronix EFLOW102N8D 12VDC Power Supply with Fire Alarm Disconnect
The Altronix EFLOW102N8D is a 12VDC regulated power supply and battery charger designed for security installations that demand both uninterrupted backup power and compliance with fire code emergency shutdown requirements. Built around eight independently protected Class 2 supervised outputs, it distributes power to access control readers, CCTV equipment, door locks, and intrusion sensors while maintaining automatic battery float-charging and seamless transition to battery power during AC loss. The integrated fire alarm disconnect relay automatically de-energizes the security system on alarm signal—a requirement in many jurisdictions for life-safety compliance.
Key Features
- 8 PTC Class 2 Supervised Outputs: Individual over-current protection on each circuit means a short or over-draw on one output won't cascade into a system-wide failure. In a multi-building or multi-tenant deployment, you isolate problems to specific circuits and keep the rest of the infrastructure live.
- Integrated Fire Alarm Disconnect Relay: When a fire alarm signal is received, the relay automatically cuts power to all security outputs—a fire code requirement in many installations. No manual intervention needed; the system shuts down autonomously.
- Battery Backup with Automatic Float Charging: The EFLOW102N8D charges and maintains a connected backup battery automatically. If AC power drops, the system seamlessly transitions to battery power, keeping access control and critical sensors operational during a power outage or emergency. Float charging extends battery life by preventing overcharge.
- AC Fail Supervision with Notification Capability: The unit monitors incoming AC mains voltage and can signal an alarm condition if AC is lost. This allows your monitoring station or building automation system to be notified immediately of power loss, enabling faster response.
- Low Battery Voltage Detection and Alarm Output: Detects when the backup battery voltage drops below a usable threshold and triggers an alarm output. This prevents silent battery depletion and ensures maintenance personnel know when the battery needs replacement.
- Battery Presence Detection: Confirms the backup battery is physically connected and operational. Missing or failed batteries won't go undetected—supervisory outputs confirm backup availability at all times.
- 120VAC 60Hz Input with Automatic Charger Regulation: Accepts standard North American utility voltage (120VAC) and automatically regulates output to 12VDC. No manual voltage selection required; plug into any standard outlet.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Manufacturer-backed warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, reducing replacement risk over the service life of the installation.
When the EFLOW102N8D Is the Right Fit
Choose this model if you operate a small-to-medium security installation (access control at 2–4 entry points, CCTV equipment distribution, or intrusion detection circuits) in a jurisdiction that mandates fire alarm integration. The 10A aggregate output capacity and eight separate circuits align well with distributed power needs—for instance, four 2A readers plus two 1.5A door strikes plus monitoring sensors. If your site requires battery backup but also falls under fire code, this unit consolidates both requirements in a single chassis, reducing wiring complexity and control points.
Retrofit installations benefit from the EFLOW102N8D's modular output design. If your existing security panel already uses eight supervised circuits, the drop-in power supply simplifies upgrades without redesigning the entire architecture.
When to Choose a Different Model
If you need higher aggregate current (more than 10A simultaneous draw across all circuits), consider a higher-capacity variant in the Altronix power supply line. If your installation does not require fire code compliance or fire alarm disconnect, a simpler supervised power supply without relay output may reduce cost. If you operate in a 240VAC three-phase facility or need DC output other than 12V, consult Altronix datasheets for alternative configurations.
Integration & Compatibility
The EFLOW102N8D outputs 12VDC regulated power suitable for standard access control readers, electronic locks, CCTV equipment, and alarm sensors rated for 12V operation. The battery backup input accepts common lead-acid batteries (consult the datasheet for capacity recommendations). The fire alarm disconnect relay is a supervised relay output—it interfaces with most proprietary or open-protocol fire alarm control panels that can accept a monitored relay input. The unit does not include built-in network connectivity; it is a hardwired, standalone device designed to integrate with traditional security infrastructure.
Deployment Considerations
Install the EFLOW102N8D in a secure, climate-controlled location (indoor, dry enclosure) to protect the battery and electronics. Do not expose to outdoor weather, high humidity, or temperature swings outside the specified operating range. The 10A maximum output is a system limit—adding circuits beyond the unit's capacity requires a second supply or a higher-capacity model. Verify local fire and building codes before installation; some jurisdictions require specific relay response times or certification—confirm the EFLOW102N8D meets your authority's requirements before designing your system around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the EFLOW102N8D support networked supervision or alerts?
A: No. The EFLOW102N8D is a hardwired device with analog relay outputs for AC fail and low battery alarm. It does not include IP networking, email alerts, or cloud integration. Supervision is signaled via relay contacts that connect to a traditional security panel, fire alarm control, or monitoring station receiving equipment.
Q: What battery should I connect to the EFLOW102N8D?
A: The unit accepts standard lead-acid batteries. Consult the product datasheet for recommended capacity (amp-hour ratings) to meet your desired backup runtime. Battery type and size are not specified in the summary documentation; contact the manufacturer for approved battery models.
Q: Can the EFLOW102N8D work with a wireless access control system?
A: The EFLOW102N8D supplies 12VDC power to wired access control readers and door strikes. If your access control devices are wireless (battery-powered), they do not draw power from this supply. However, wireless equipment often requires a powered hub or gateway—if that hub is 12VDC, the EFLOW102N8D can power it.
Q: Is there a warranty on the battery backup?
A: The Altronix EFLOW102N8D itself carries a Lifetime Limited Warranty on the power supply and charger components. The backup battery is a separate consumable—it is not typically covered under the power supply warranty. Check with the battery manufacturer for its warranty terms.
Q: What is the maximum runtime on battery backup?
A: Runtime depends on the capacity of the battery you connect and the total current draw of your security equipment. A larger-capacity battery extends runtime. The datasheet includes guidance on battery selection; contact the manufacturer or your integrator to calculate the runtime for your specific load.
Q: Does the fire alarm disconnect relay disable all outputs simultaneously?
A: Yes. When the relay is triggered by a fire alarm signal, it de-energizes all eight output circuits at once. This is intentional—fire code requires that security systems shut down completely to allow fire safety systems to operate unimpeded.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix EFLOW102N8D solves a real problem: jurisdictions that mandate fire code compliance alongside continuous security operations. Too many integrators try to shoehorn two separate devices (a power supply and a fire disconnect relay) into one cabinet, adding wiring complexity and failure points. This unit bundles them—10A across eight individually protected circuits, automatic battery float-charging, and a supervised relay that trips the instant a fire alarm signal arrives. It's purpose-built for small-to-medium access control and CCTV plants where compliance and uptime both matter.
Technical Highlights:
- Eight PTC Class 2 Supervised Outputs: Each circuit has individual over-current protection—a short on one reader or strike won't take down the whole system. That granularity is crucial in multi-tenant or multi-building deployments where one faulty circuit can orphan downstream sites.
- Integrated Fire Alarm Disconnect Relay: When fire alarm trips, the relay cuts all power automatically. No firmware, no network dependency, no single point of failure. That's the simplicity fire marshals want to see.
- 10A Aggregate Output, Battery-Backed: Realistic for 3–5 access points plus sensors and auxiliary equipment. The automatic float charger keeps the backup battery healthy indefinitely—no manual intervention, no overcharge damage.
- AC Fail, Low Battery, and Battery Presence Supervision: Three independent alarm outputs confirm the system is watching itself—mains loss, battery depletion, and missing battery are all detected and signaled separately, giving your monitoring center precise diagnostic data.
Deployment Considerations:
- Fire code jurisdiction first: Before specifying the EFLOW102N8D, confirm your authority having jurisdiction accepts this relay response time and circuit logic. Some fire codes require specific disconnect timing or certification—don't assume.
- Battery selection is critical: The datasheet recommends battery capacity for your load and desired runtime. Undersizing the battery defeats the purpose of backup. Work with the manufacturer or a qualified integrator to size correctly.
- Hardwired supervision only: There is no IP network interface, no cloud reporting. If you need real-time email or SMS alerts, you'll need a separate gateway or monitoring system receiving the relay outputs. That's by design—hardwired relays are faster and more reliable than networked devices in an emergency.
- Operating environment: Keep this indoors, climate-controlled, and dry. The battery is sensitive to temperature swings; extremes shorten its lifespan. Do not mount in a wall or enclosure with poor ventilation.
Best fit: small-to-medium access control or CCTV plant in a jurisdiction with fire code mandate, where your integrator or maintenance team can manage battery replacement on schedule and confirm compliance annually. The eight-circuit architecture is also ideal for retrofit into older systems that already use eight supervised outputs—drop it in and upgrade the backup and fire compliance without rewiring the whole installation.
