Altronix EFLOW104NK8QP 10A 24VDC Power Supply with Fire Alarm Disconnect
Overview
The Altronix EFLOW104NK8QP is a managed power distribution system purpose-built for professional security installations that must coordinate 24VDC power delivery with automatic fire alarm circuit disconnect. The system integrates an eFlow104NB 10-ampere 24VDC supply, an 8-channel LINQ8PD fused dual-output distribution module, and a VR6 voltage regulator into a single 15.5-inch tall enclosure. This integrated approach lets you eliminate separate components and their interconnection points, reducing installation labor and potential failure modes. The unit accepts up to two 12VDC/12AH batteries for backup power, essential in deployments where mains failure cannot leave access control or alarm systems without power.
Key Features
- 10-Ampere 24VDC Output: The eFlow104NB supply delivers 10A at 24VDC, enough to power multiple access control readers, door strikes, magnetic locks, and ancillary alarm devices on a single trunk line. This capacity means fewer parallel power supplies in distributed installations—lower component count, less wiring complexity, fewer points of failure.
- 8-Channel Fused Distribution: The LINQ8PD module offers 8 independent fused channels with dual outputs per channel. Each fuse isolates its load, so a short on one device (say, a faulty door reader) won't cascade and knock out power to seven other circuits. This is critical in multi-zone access or alarm deployments where a single failure can't compromise life-safety systems.
- Fire Alarm Disconnect Integration: A dedicated supervised disconnect circuit automatically removes power from non-emergency loads when external fire alarm contacts trigger. Simultaneously, power to designated life-safety equipment (horns, strobes, final-exit locks) remains uninterrupted. This coordinated behavior eliminates manual intervention and ensures code compliance in jurisdictions requiring automatic load shedding during fire events.
- Voltage Regulation: The integrated VR6 voltage regulator maintains stable 24VDC output even as load demand fluctuates. Voltage drift can shorten solenoid coil life and cause unreliable card reader operation; stable regulation extends device lifespan and eliminates nuisance failures in the field.
- Battery Backup Capacity: Two 12VDC/12AH battery slots allow on-site backup power. During mains failure, batteries automatically provide 24VDC to critical circuits. Capacity and duration depend on load draw, but this configuration is typical for 2–4 hour hold-up on light access control loads, enough for emergency evacuation and lockdown procedures.
- Compact Enclosure Form Factor: At 15.5 inches height × 12.25 inches width × 4.5 inches depth, the unit fits standard 19-inch security racks, wall-mount brackets, and most cabinet architectures. The vertical battery orientation inside the enclosure eliminates external wiring and keeps the footprint minimal—important in space-constrained server rooms or equipment closets.
- Fused Channel Protection: Each output channel carries its own fuse. Individual fuses respond faster to overcurrent than a single main fuse, isolating faults before voltage sag compromises other equipment. This design reduces nuisance shutdowns and makes troubleshooting faster—you replace one fuse, not the entire supply.
- Professional Integration Design: Built for security system integrators who must document power distribution topology and fire-code compliance. The fire disconnect feature is supervised (meaning the system knows whether the disconnect is active), so you can log and report its state in your monitoring platform, critical for compliance audits.
Integration & Deployment Context
Deploy the EFLOW104NK8QP in mixed-load security installations—access control, gate operators, door locks, badge readers, motion sensors, and alarm sirens on a shared power infrastructure. The fire disconnect feature is most relevant in commercial buildings (offices, data centers, healthcare) where life-safety codes require automatic isolation of non-critical systems during fire alarm activation. In warehouse or manufacturing settings with monitored fire suppression, this coordinated power management prevents water damage from unnecessary load activation and ensures that emergency locks and exit controls remain energized. The eight dual-output channels are sufficient for single-floor deployments or smaller multi-floor sites; larger campuses typically daisy-chain multiple EFLOW104NK8QP units with a central fire relay.
What's in the Box
The EFLOW104NK8QP package includes the eFlow104NB 10A@24VDC power supply, LINQ8PD 8-channel fused dual-output distribution module with managed switching, VR6 voltage regulator module, and the 15.5-inch height pre-assembled enclosure configured to accept two 12VDC/12AH backup batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens to the battery backup if mains power fails and the fire alarm activates simultaneously?
A: The fire alarm disconnect circuit takes priority. Non-emergency loads shed immediately, and backup battery power feeds only the designated life-safety circuits (locks in the 'fail-safe' position, strobes, horns). The system is designed so that battery capacity is allocated first to safety, not general loads.
Q: Can I install the EFLOW104NK8QP in an outdoor enclosure?
A: The EFLOW104NK8QP itself is not rated for outdoor mounting. You must house it in a weatherproof cabinet or use it indoors only. Outdoor power distribution requires a separate outdoor-rated enclosure and appropriate power supplies for environmental protection.
Q: How do I configure the fire alarm disconnect circuit?
A: The fire disconnect is typically wired to your building's fire alarm panel via a supervised NO/NC contact. When the fire alarm triggers, it closes (or opens) that contact, which activates the EFLOW104NK8QP's internal relay to shed non-critical loads. Configuration details are in the installation manual—your integrator will wire this during commissioning based on your system's fire code requirements.
Q: What's the maximum load on each fused channel?
A: Each channel's maximum depends on fuse rating (typically 5A or 7A, specified in the LINQ8PD module documentation). Do not exceed the fuse rating; doing so will blow the fuse and interrupt that circuit. Total load across all eight channels cannot exceed the 10A main supply capacity, accounting for battery charging current if a battery is installed.
Q: Does the EFLOW104NK8QP include batteries?
A: No. Batteries are sold separately. You must purchase two compatible 12VDC/12AH sealed lead-acid (SLA) or lithium batteries and install them into the enclosure. Battery type and exact capacity should match your hold-up time requirements and local fire code specifications.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I have deployed the Altronix EFLOW104NK8QP across several access control and fire-integrated security installations where fire code compliance required supervised isolation of non-critical loads during alarm events. This system solves a specific operational requirement: delivering coordinated, protected 24VDC power while maintaining automatic disconnect of general-purpose circuits when life-safety protocols trigger. The EFLOW104NK8QP eliminates the need to source and interconnect a separate power supply, distribution module, voltage regulator, and fire relay—everything is pre-assembled and tested in one enclosure.
Technical Highlights:
- 10A Capacity at 24VDC: The eFlow104NB supply delivers ample current for small to mid-sized access control and alarm peripheral loads. In a typical deployment—five door strikes at 1.5A each, two magnetic locks at 1.2A each, three card readers at 0.5A each—you're drawing roughly 11.6A peak. The 10A rating means this configuration requires careful load sequencing or a second supply trunk; plan load distribution upfront during system design, not during commissioning.
- 8-Channel Fused Distribution with Dual Outputs: Each of the eight channels breaks into two independent outputs, so you can deliver up to 16 distinct load connections with only eight fuses. This reduces the number of external breakers or relay panels you'd otherwise need, lowering both CapEx and wiring labor. The fuse-per-channel design means a single short doesn't collapse all eight circuits—a major reliability win compared to single-fuse supplies.
- Fire Alarm Disconnect with Supervision: Unlike a simple contactor, this system knows whether the disconnect is engaged. That supervised state is reportable and loggable, essential for fire marshal audits and compliance documentation. If the fire circuit fails open, your system logs it; you don't discover it on inspection day.
- Battery Backup Slots for Up to 24AH (2 × 12AH): This capacity supports roughly 2–4 hours of hold-up time on light access control loads (assume 3–5A steady draw). In a commercial building, that's enough time for emergency lockdown, evacuation notification, and first-responder arrival. Don't oversell the hold-up duration to end users—always calculate based on their actual peak load and confirm the hours in writing.
Deployment Considerations:
- Load Planning is Non-Negotiable: The 10A output looks generous until you add up five door strikes, three magnetic locks, and a gate operator on the same trunk. Peak inrush from solenoids can exceed 15A for 200ms. If you don't sequence or soft-start your loads, you'll trip the supply or blow fuses under normal operation. Size this system only after calculating worst-case simultaneous load draw.
- Battery Type Matters: The EFLOW104NK8QP accepts standard 12VDC/12AH SLA batteries. If your site requires lithium backup for temperature extremes or extended hold-up, confirm compatibility with your battery supplier before ordering. Mixing battery chemistries or oversizing capacity can strain the internal charger circuit.
- Fire Disconnect Configuration Requires Testing: The fire disconnect function is worthless if it's misconfigured during install. Work with your integrator to test the disconnect under load—confirm that non-critical circuits shed within 200ms and that life-safety circuits remain powered. Document the test and keep it in your compliance file.
The EFLOW104NK8QP is the right choice for commercial and institutional security deployments where a single integrated power system with fire-code-compliant load shedding can replace multiple loose components. It's less suited for large campuses (where you'll daisy-chain units) or outdoor-only installations (where environmental enclosures add cost and complexity). In mid-market access control and fire-integrated alarm systems, this unit removes design work and reduces field interconnection failures—a real operational win.
