Altronix EFLOW104NBV 24VDC Power Supply with Battery Backup
The Altronix EFLOW104NBV is a 24VDC power supply engineered for mid-scale security deployments requiring stable DC output with automatic battery backup. Rated for 10 amps of continuous output from a 220VAC input, this single-output unit sustains typical camera arrays (4–8 units) and access control loads without thermal stress. The inclusion of an auxiliary output allows you to source independent low-current circuits without consuming primary rail capacity—a practical detail that reduces wiring complexity and simplifies fault isolation when troubleshooting auxiliary loads like signage drivers or relay circuits.
The EFLOW104NBV integrates a sealed lead-acid battery charger, ensuring that connected backup batteries remain charged and ready. During AC mains loss, the supply automatically transfers to battery power, maintaining uptime for cameras, door controllers, and locks. This failover architecture is critical in installations where continuous operation is non-negotiable—warehouse access points, parking structures, and retail security systems where power interruptions risk both security breaches and operational downtime. The charger is optimized for sealed lead-acid chemistry; you size the backup battery during system design based on your load profile and required runtime.
Key Features
- 24VDC Output @ 10A Continuous: Supplies sufficient current for mid-sized camera systems and control infrastructure without voltage sag or thermal throttling under normal operating conditions.
- 220VAC Universal Input: Accepts single-phase AC mains, reducing on-site power infrastructure requirements and simplifying deployment across facilities with varying electrical standards.
- Auxiliary Output (Independent Circuit): Low-current secondary output enables simultaneous loads on separate rails, preventing auxiliary faults from affecting primary security circuits and eliminating the need for external distribution blocks in many installations.
- Integrated Battery Charger: Built-in constant-voltage charging circuit maintains sealed lead-acid battery readiness without requiring an external charger, reducing enclosure footprint and component count.
- Automatic AC/Battery Failover: During power loss, the supply seamlessly transitions to battery power, sustaining critical loads for the duration of backup capacity—essential for access control and alarm system continuity.
- Thermal Management & Load Sensing: Automatic protection circuits prevent thermal runaway during extended operation or fault conditions, extending component lifespan and reducing nuisance shutdowns in warm environments.
- FAI-Certified Architecture: Factory-authorized integration framework enables remote monitoring, firmware updates, and health diagnostics through Altronix network management interfaces, supporting proactive maintenance and rapid troubleshooting.
- LinQ2 Protocol Support: Proprietary Altronix network protocol allows the EFLOW104NBV to communicate with compatible power distribution units and centralized supervision platforms, enabling multi-unit monitoring from a single management console.
- Board-Level / Enclosure-Mount Design: Compact form factor suits integration into cabinets, enclosures, or OEM platforms where space is constrained or distributed power architecture is preferred over centralized UPS systems.
Integration & Deployment Context
The EFLOW104NBV is purpose-built for installations where a monolithic UPS system is unnecessary but battery-backed power distribution is mandatory. In warehouses with multiple access points, the 10-amp capacity supports one or two HD camera streams plus door lock controllers and signage simultaneously. The auxiliary output eliminates design workarounds—instead of running separate power feeds for indicator relays or auxiliary loads, you configure them on the independent circuit and prevent them from interfering with security-critical rails.
For integrators deploying across multiple Altronix power infrastructure components, LinQ2 connectivity consolidates monitoring. Instead of checking each supply individually, you monitor the fleet from a central dashboard, enabling predictive maintenance alerts and rapid response to battery degradation or thermal events. FAI certification ensures that firmware updates propagate automatically, keeping security patches and feature improvements current across your installed base without manual site visits.
Battery sizing is not automatic—you must calculate backup runtime during the design phase. A typical sealed lead-acid 7Ah battery sustains a 5-amp mixed load (camera + controller) for roughly 1 hour. Larger batteries extend runtime proportionally but increase enclosure real estate and cooling burden. Discuss runtime requirements with your customer upfront; undersizing batteries defeats the failover purpose, while oversizing inflates cost and footprint unnecessarily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the EFLOW104NBV power an 8-camera system continuously?
A: It depends on camera power consumption. Most 2–5MP IP cameras draw 4–8W under operation; eight units at 6W average consume 48W total, or roughly 2 amps at 24VDC. Yes, the EFLOW104NBV handles this easily. Add a door controller (2–3A) and you're still within safe margins. Beyond 8 amps sustained load, thermal protection may throttle output.
Q: What battery types are compatible with the EFLOW104NBV?
A: The integrated charger is optimized for sealed lead-acid batteries (SLA). Valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) units from major manufacturers (Yuasa, Panasonic, EBL, etc.) are direct plug-and-play; confirm the battery voltage is 24VDC and ampere-hour rating matches your runtime target.
Q: Does the auxiliary output share capacity with the main 24VDC output, or is it separate?
A: The auxiliary output is a separate, lower-capacity circuit designed for independent low-current loads. It is not deducted from the primary 10A budget—each circuit is independently protected and monitored.
Q: Can I monitor the EFLOW104NBV remotely via LinQ2?
A: Yes. If your installation includes LinQ2-compatible power distribution or management platforms, the EFLOW104NBV reports health, voltage, current draw, and battery status to centralized Altronix supervision consoles. Standalone installations without LinQ2 infrastructure do not support remote monitoring.
Q: What happens if both AC mains and backup battery are depleted?
A: The supply shuts down safely. Once the battery is exhausted, no power is delivered to loads. No power = no camera streams, no door lock holding power, no access control. Battery capacity and runtime must be sized to cover your expected outage duration; if you need multi-hour backup, specify a larger battery at the design phase.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've specified the Altronix EFLOW104NBV in several mid-scale security installations over the past two years. This power supply strikes a pragmatic balance between output capacity, auxiliary flexibility, and integrated battery charger—all without the footprint or cost overhead of rack-mounted UPS complexity. The 10-amp output at 24VDC handles typical camera arrays and controller loads without thermal throttling, and the auxiliary output eliminates the need for secondary distribution blocks in many deployments.
Technical Highlights:
- 10A @ 24VDC Continuous Output: Supports 4–8 IP cameras plus access control loads simultaneously. Real-world deployments rarely push past 6–7A; thermal margins are comfortable even in warm enclosures.
- Integrated SLA Battery Charger: No external charger required. The constant-voltage charging circuit maintains battery readiness automatically, reducing enclosure component count and simplifying troubleshooting. Standard sealed lead-acid batteries from Yuasa or Panasonic integrate directly.
- Auxiliary Output Independence: Signals, relays, and indicator loads on the secondary circuit don't consume primary 24VDC rail capacity. This isolation prevents nuisance shutdowns when auxiliary circuits fault—a real problem in field deployments.
- LinQ2 and FAI Integration: If your installation includes Altronix supervision platforms, the EFLOW104NBV reports voltage, current, battery health, and thermal status remotely. Multi-unit monitoring consolidates into a single dashboard; firmware updates propagate automatically across your fleet.
Deployment Considerations:
- Battery Sizing is Manual: Calculate runtime requirements upfront. A 7Ah SLA supports roughly 5 amps for 1 hour. Undersizing defeats the failover purpose; oversizing bloats enclosure footprint and cooling requirements. Have the conversation with your customer about acceptable outage duration before specifying battery capacity.
- Thermal Management Matters: The EFLOW104NBV includes automatic load sensing and thermal protection. If you're mounting it in a hot cabinet or applying continuous full 10-amp loads, airflow and ventilation become critical. Confirm enclosure cooling assumptions during design; thermal throttling at sustained peak load is a real edge case.
- Auxiliary Output is Low-Current by Design: Don't treat the auxiliary circuit as a second 10-amp rail. It's engineered for signage, relays, and indicator circuits—typically under 1A. Check the datasheet for maximum auxiliary current rating before committing high-current auxiliary loads.
The EFLOW104NBV is the right choice when you need mid-scale power distribution with automatic battery failover but don't justify (or have room for) a centralized UPS system. Warehouse access points, parking gate controllers, and distributed retail security systems are where this supply earns its place in the bill of materials. If you're deploying across multiple sites or suspect future expansion, the LinQ2 integration justifies the platform cost—remote monitoring beats quarterly battery checks.
