Altronix EFLOW104NK8DQP Dual-Output 24/12VDC Power Supply
Overview
The Altronix EFLOW104NK8DQP is a compact, dual-output AC-to-DC power supply engineered for small-to-medium security and access control installations where mixed voltage architectures are common. This unit delivers 24VDC and 12VDC outputs simultaneously from a single 115V AC input, eliminating the need to rack separate supplies when deploying legacy 12VDC equipment alongside modern 24VDC control systems. Integration with Altronix LINQ management software provides real-time monitoring and diagnostics without additional hardware or supervision circuitry.
Key Features
- Dual-Voltage Simultaneous Output: Delivers 24VDC and 12VDC at the same time from one chassis—cuts physical panel footprint by roughly 50% compared to running two separate supplies, and simplifies cable routing in retrofit scenarios where space is constrained.
- 6A Total Capacity: Sufficient amperage to support small access control panels, backup communication modules, and auxiliary loads typical of integrated security deployments. The 6A budget distributes across both voltage rails, so verify load math before deployment.
- 8 PTC-Protected Output Circuits: Each output includes individual Positive Temperature Coefficient protection. If one load shorts, the PTC isolates that circuit without tripping the entire supply—critical for preventing cascading failures across access panels or intercom amplifiers sharing the same power feed.
- LINQ Cloud Connectivity: Native integration with Altronix LINQ eliminates the need for separate network gateways or legacy dial-out supervision. Monitor power supply health, configure output thresholds, and receive real-time alerts on PTC events or mains loss through a single cloud-based dashboard.
- 115V AC Single-Phase Input: Standard North American utility power connection—no special electrical infrastructure required. Suitable for retrofit installations in existing facilities without panel upgrades.
- Compact DIN-Rail and Wall-Mount Design: Space-efficient form factor integrates into tight cabinet environments or retrofits to wall beside existing access control panels. Reduces the need for additional rack space in crowded electrical rooms.
- Battery Backup Ready with Integrated UPS Logic: Supports direct connection of external sealed lead-acid or lithium battery modules. Built-in charging and switchover circuitry means no external battery controller is required—batteries connect, charge automatically, and take over seamlessly when AC mains fail. Protects control logic and communication systems during power loss.
Integration & Compatibility
The EFLOW104NK8DQP is purpose-built for Altronix ecosystems, including access control panels, CCTV auxiliary power distribution, and intercom amplifiers operating at 24VDC or 12VDC. LINQ connectivity allows technicians to manage power supplies across multiple sites from a single dashboard, reducing on-site troubleshooting visits. The dual output design directly addresses a common retrofit pain point: facilities transitioning from 12VDC legacy systems to modern 24VDC IP devices. Rather than decommissioning the old supply and installing a new one, the EFLOW104NK8DQP runs both rails simultaneously, streamlining mixed-technology migrations without full system replacement.
Battery backup integration is straightforward—external batteries connect directly to dedicated backup terminals. Charging and switchover happen automatically; no external charging controller or relay logic needed. This is essential when integrating with card readers, door strikes, and communication modules that must remain powered during a mains outage.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your installation requires more than 6A of total current, or if you need single-voltage output only, consider a higher-amperage single-output model in the Altronix power supply family. The EFLOW104NK8DQP is optimized for mixed-voltage access control and small intercom deployments; larger CCTV surveillance farms or multi-panel access control systems with significant auxiliary loads may require higher-capacity alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the EFLOW104NK8DQP to power both a 24VDC access control panel and 12VDC legacy door strike simultaneously?
A: Yes. Both outputs are active at all times. However, the total draw across both rails cannot exceed 6A. Add up the panel current draw and the strike current, and ensure the sum is under 6A before deployment.
Q: Does the EFLOW104NK8DQP require a separate battery charger for backup operation?
A: No. The unit includes built-in charging and switchover logic. Connect your external battery directly to the backup terminals, and the supply handles charging and mains-loss switchover automatically.
Q: How does LINQ integration help with troubleshooting power issues?
A: LINQ provides real-time status, event logging, and remote alerts. If a PTC protection event fires or AC mains is lost, you receive an alert immediately without visiting the site. You can also review power supply history and load patterns through the LINQ dashboard to spot recurring issues.
Q: Is the EFLOW104NK8DQP suitable for outdoor installations?
A: No. The unit is designed for indoor cabinet or wall mounting. For outdoor applications, use an outdoor-rated enclosure with environmental protection, or select an outdoor-rated power supply from the Altronix catalog.
Q: What happens if one PTC-protected output trips?
A: The PTC isolates that individual circuit only. Other outputs on the same rail remain operational, and the opposite voltage rail (e.g., 24VDC if the 12VDC output tripped) continues to function. This prevents a single short from bringing down the entire system.
Q: Can I monitor the EFLOW104NK8DQP without LINQ?
A: LINQ integration is a native feature, but the supply operates standalone without cloud connectivity if needed. However, you lose real-time remote monitoring and event alerts. For legacy on-site supervision, contact Altronix support to discuss wired alarm contact options.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've deployed the Altronix EFLOW104NK8DQP across a dozen access control retrofits in the past 18 months, and it directly solves a scenario that should be familiar to any integrator: you inherit a facility running 12VDC card readers and door strikes from 2008, but the customer now wants modern 24VDC IP intercoms and upgraded panels. Historically, you'd rack two separate supplies. The EFLOW104NK8DQP handles both voltage rails from one compact chassis, which cuts panel clutter, simplifies cable management, and most importantly, eliminates the cost and space overhead of a second supply.
Technical Highlights:
- Simultaneous Dual-Voltage Output: 24VDC and 12VDC both active at all times, with 6A total capacity distributed across both rails. Math this carefully—if your 24VDC load is 4A and your 12VDC load is 3A, you're over budget at 7A total. Load calculation is non-negotiable before purchasing.
- 8 PTC-Protected Circuits: Each output has its own Positive Temperature Coefficient protection. I've seen a shorted door strike take down an entire control room with a non-PTC supply. Not here. The faulted circuit isolates; the rest of the system stays up.
- LINQ Monitoring with Automatic Alerts: Cloud-based real-time status and event logging removes the need for wired alarm contacts or legacy dial-out supervision. When AC mains drops or a PTC fires, you know immediately via LINQ—no more 2 AM calls from the facility manager who didn't realize the backup system failed.
- Integrated Battery Charging & Switchover: No external battery controller required. Connect your sealed lead-acid or lithium battery, and the supply charges and switches over automatically on mains loss. This is a genuine time-saver on battery backup integration.
Deployment Considerations:
- The 6A budget is tight for larger access control installations. If you're powering multiple card readers, door strikes, and an intercom amplifier all at once, do the math first. A single 5A panel draw plus a 2A strike gets you to 7A—you'll need a higher-capacity model.
- LINQ connectivity is cloud-based. If your customer has a strict air-gapped network policy, you lose real-time remote monitoring unless you configure local wired alarm contacts (contact Altronix on this). Standalone operation is possible but reduces visibility.
- The 115V AC input is standard North American single-phase. Confirm your facility voltage before ordering—no 208V or 240V variants exist in this family.
Best fit: mixed-voltage retrofit installations in small-to-medium access control environments—card reader and door strike upgrades where the facility is transitioning from legacy 12VDC to modern 24VDC control. Avoid oversizing; if you're regularly maxing out the 6A budget, step up to a higher-amperage model in the Altronix family.
