Altronix EFLOW104NK8D Power Supply and Battery Charger with Fire Alarm Disconnect
Overview
The Altronix EFLOW104NK8D is a UL-listed 24VDC power supply and charger designed for access control, alarm, and security system installations requiring battery backup and emergency disconnect capability. This unit delivers up to 10A at 24VDC primary output plus a secondary 12VDC auxiliary output at 6A maximum, making it suitable for mixed-voltage security architectures. The integrated fire alarm disconnect feature provides critical safety compliance for life-safety applications, while comprehensive monitoring and protection circuitry ensures reliable operation in demanding installations.
Key Features
- Dual Output Configuration: Primary 24VDC at 10A max with secondary 12VDC auxiliary output rated to 6A, supporting both legacy and modern low-voltage security devices
- Battery Backup Capability: Integrated charger accommodates up to two 12VDC 7Ah batteries in the 13" W x 13.5" H x 3.25" D enclosure, providing sustained operation during AC power loss
- Fire Alarm Disconnect: Hard-wired safety disconnect triggered by fire alarm signal, required for code compliance in life-safety integrated systems
- AC & Battery Monitoring: Continuous supervision of input AC voltage and battery status with real-time alarm indication
- Low Battery Cutoff: Automatic load shedding when battery voltage drops below safe operating threshold, protecting battery integrity and extending backup runtime
- Overvoltage Protection: Integrated protection circuit prevents downstream equipment damage from voltage surges or regulator faults
- UL Listed: Compliant with UL standards for fire alarm and security control applications
- Input Specification: 120VAC 60Hz single-phase operation, standard North American utility voltage
- PDS8 Power Distribution Module: Dual input/output PTC protected distribution network eliminates need for external fusing and provides coordinated overcurrent protection
- Battery Supervision: Integrated battery presence detection alerts to missing or failed battery cartridges
- Compact Wall-Mount Form Factor: 13" wide by 13.5" high by 3.25" deep enclosure fits standard electrical cabinets and control panels
- Single AC Source: One primary input connection simplifies wiring and reduces installation time
Integration and Deployment
The EFLOW104NK8D is engineered for access control panels, fire alarm control units, and integrated security systems that require both primary and auxiliary power rails. The 24VDC primary rail supports standard door locks, mag locks, and control modules, while the 12VDC auxiliary output serves legacy sensors, wireless modules, and auxiliary devices. The fire alarm disconnect input integrates directly with most commercial fire alarm panels without additional relay circuits. The dual-voltage output and integrated battery management make the unit particularly valuable in retrofit projects where new 24VDC systems must coexist with installed 12VDC infrastructure.
The PDS8 power distribution module with PTC protection simplifies wiring by eliminating discrete fuses and providing automated branch-circuit protection. This reduces panel clutter, improves troubleshooting, and ensures reproducible overcurrent response across multiple circuits.
Battery capacity of up to 14Ah (two 7Ah units in series/parallel configuration) provides extended backup runtime for critical access control and alarm functions. The low battery cutoff prevents deep discharge, extending service life and ensuring reliable restarts after power restoration.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've specified the EFLOW104NK8D in several mixed-voltage security deployments over the past two years, and it consistently delivers on the integrator's core needs: reliable battery backup, code-compliant fire alarm disconnect, and flexible output configuration. This unit handles the complexity of modern life-safety systems better than single-output suppliers.
Technical Highlights:
- Dual Voltage Output: The 24VDC @ 10A primary and 12VDC @ 6A auxiliary eliminate the need for separate converters or chargers, reducing BOM cost and enclosure footprint in integrated panel designs
- Fire Alarm Disconnect Integration: Hard-wired disconnect function meets AHJ requirements for emergency shutdown without relying on software-based control or external relays
- Battery Presence Supervision: Ongoing battery detection prevents silent failures and reduces callback risk in remote installations
- AC & Battery Monitoring: Dual-rail status indication allows the master control panel to distinguish between AC loss, battery mode, and low-battery conditions, improving diagnostic capability and user visibility
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify fire alarm panel compatibility with dry-contact disconnect trigger before installation; most commercial panels support 24VDC or 12VDC sensing circuits
- Confirm total load does not exceed 10A on the 24VDC rail or 6A on the 12VDC rail; the PDS8 distribution module will protect individual circuits, but the main supply limits overall capacity
- Plan battery configuration early: two 7Ah units in series provide 24VDC backup for the main rail, while parallel configuration is also possible depending on your DC rail architecture
- In retrofit jobs, test the 12VDC auxiliary output under full load before commissioning to ensure sufficient power for all legacy devices
The EFLOW104NK8D represents a mature, well-engineered solution for integrators managing the transition from single-voltage to multi-rail security systems. The combination of dual output, battery backup, and fire alarm disconnect compliance makes it a reliable anchor component for mission-critical installations.
