Altronix EFLOW3NB Single-Output 12/24VDC 2A Power Supply with Battery Backup

Altronix EFLOW3NB Single-Output 12/24VDC 2A Power Supply

The Altronix EFLOW3NB is a UL-listed power supply and charger designed for mission-critical security and access control systems that cannot tolerate downtime. This single-output unit delivers 12 or 24VDC at 2A from a standard 120VAC 60Hz wall outlet, with integrated battery backup that automatically engages if AC power fails. The combination of selectable output voltage, built-in charger, and continuous supervision makes the EFLOW3NB a practical choice for access control readers, door strikes, security cameras, and fire alarm integration points where uninterrupted power is non-negotiable.

Key Features

• Selectable 12/24VDC Output: Field-selectable voltage eliminates the need to stock two SKUs; simply configure the unit to match your system requirement during installation.
• Integrated Battery Backup: On AC power loss, the EFLOW3NB automatically switches to battery power with no operator intervention — critical for maintaining access control and alarm system function during outages.
• AC Fail Supervision: The unit monitors the incoming 120VAC feed and signals AC loss instantly, allowing your security panel or NMS to log the event and trigger alerts or failover procedures if configured.
• Low Battery Monitoring: Battery voltage is continuously supervised; when battery capacity drops below operational threshold, the system reports the condition so you can plan replacement before critical discharge.
• Battery Presence Detection: The supply confirms that a battery is physically connected and healthy, preventing silent failures that could leave systems unpowered during a real outage.
• Fire Alarm Disconnect Capability: Integrates with fire alarm panels using monitored disconnect functions — meets code requirements for safety system power management in commercial buildings.
• Dual Outputs (Main + Auxiliary): One primary output plus one auxiliary output provides flexibility in wiring configurations; useful when powering multiple devices or segregating critical circuits from secondary loads.
• UL Listed Construction: Third-party tested and certified for commercial security installations — required for insurance and compliance purposes in most enterprise and institutional deployments.
• 6A Input Capacity: The supply draws up to 6A from the 120VAC outlet, leaving ample margin on standard 15A circuits without creating nuisance breaker trips.
• Lifetime Limited Warranty: Manufacturer-backed coverage provides long-term peace of mind for a device that's often hidden behind walls or in equipment rooms.

Typical Integration Points

The EFLOW3NB excels in mixed-technology installations where security and life-safety systems share infrastructure. Access control systems benefit from battery backup to sustain door readers and electric locks through brief outages. Security cameras drawing 12 or 24VDC can be powered through the main output while auxiliary circuits feed alarm sensors or intercom stations. Fire alarm panels integrate supervision signals into event logs. In warehouse automation and industrial settings, the Altronix supply provides reliable DC power to gate controls, badge readers, and low-voltage auxiliary equipment where AC mains are available but outages are a real concern.

Why Battery Backup Matters

A power supply without battery backup leaves your facility vulnerable during the exact moment when security is most critical — when AC power fails. Intruders or system faults often coincide with electrical issues. The EFLOW3NB ensures that access control locks remain powered, cameras stay online if connected to a UPS-backed network switch, and alarm sensors continue reporting. The supervision alarms (AC fail, low battery) integrate with your security panel or monitoring center, creating an auditable record and triggering human response before systems fully exhaust backup power.

Installation & Commissioning

The EFLOW3NB mounts in a standard electrical enclosure or cabinet. Input power connects to 120VAC through the integral terminal block. Output voltage is field-selectable via a jumper — confirm the correct voltage before connecting loads. Supervision signals connect to your security panel's input terminals. A compatible 12V or 24V lead-acid battery (sold separately) connects to the integral charging circuit. Once configured, the supply requires no further attention until battery replacement is due — typically every 3–5 years depending on ambient temperature and duty cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What capacity battery does the EFLOW3NB support?

A: The Altronix EFLOW3NB is designed to work with standard 12V or 24V lead-acid batteries. Battery selection depends on how long you need to sustain critical loads during an outage. Consult the datasheet and your system designer to calculate battery Ah (amp-hour) capacity based on load current and required backup duration.

Q: Can I use the EFLOW3NB to power IP cameras?

A: Yes, if your IP cameras accept 12 or 24VDC input (non-PoE models). Many fixed-lens and turret cameras draw 2A or less. However, PoE cameras must be powered via an 802.3af/at PoE injector or switch — the EFLOW3NB cannot provide PoE power. Verify your camera's power specification before connecting.

Q: Is the EFLOW3NB suitable for outdoor installations?

A: The EFLOW3NB itself is designed for indoor enclosure mounting. If you need to power outdoor cameras or readers, mount the supply indoors and run conduit or outdoor-rated cable to the field device. The battery and charger must stay in a climate-controlled space to avoid temperature damage.

Q: How do I know if the battery is failing?

A: The EFLOW3NB sends a low battery supervision signal to your security panel when battery voltage drops. Additionally, periodic load testing — briefly disconnecting AC power to confirm the supply switches to battery and sustains output — reveals degraded batteries before a real outage occurs. Replace the battery if it fails to hold voltage under load.

Q: Does the EFLOW3NB work with fire alarm systems?

A: Yes. The fire alarm disconnect feature allows the supply to integrate with fire alarm panels that require supervised battery backup and AC fail reporting. Consult your fire alarm panel's wiring diagram and the EFLOW3NB datasheet to confirm compatible signal types.

Q: What's the warranty period?

A: The EFLOW3NB carries a lifetime limited warranty from the manufacturer, covering defects in materials and workmanship for as long as you own the unit.

Ted Perry

Perspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.

The Altronix EFLOW3NB is a workhorse power supply in access control and security system designs where AC mains are present but unreliable. I've deployed dozens of these units in mixed-use facilities, and the combination of field-selectable 12/24VDC output and integrated battery charging justifies the cost in situations where you'd otherwise need separate power supplies and chargers. The key advantage is that the EFLOW3NB handles both primary power delivery and battery maintenance in a single package, reducing component count and panel real estate.

Technical Highlights:

• 2A output capacity with dual outputs: Main and auxiliary circuits allow you to segregate critical loads (door strike, badge reader) from secondary circuits (status light, buzzer), preventing a single failed load from disrupting the primary function. This architecture is particularly useful when power budgets are tight.
• AC fail, low battery, and battery presence supervision: Three distinct monitoring signals integrate with your panel, creating an auditable event log. AC fail reporting allows your NMS to initiate graceful shutdown or alert staff before a critical outage consumes backup power entirely.
• Fire alarm disconnect capability: This feature ensures the supply integrates cleanly with fire safety systems that require monitored backup power. It's a code requirement in many jurisdictions, and the EFLOW3NB handles it natively rather than requiring external relays.
• 6A AC input capacity: Draws less than one-third of a standard 20A circuit, eliminating any risk of nuisance breaker trips or conflicts with other equipment on the same electrical service.

Deployment Considerations:

• The EFLOW3NB is a trickle charger, not a fast charger. Battery recharge after discharge takes time — plan for multi-hour recharge cycles. If you need rapid battery turnaround in high-cycle environments, consider a separate intelligent charger or UPS.
• Lead-acid battery lifespan in continuous float-charge mode is typically 3–5 years. Budget for battery replacement and include it in your preventive maintenance schedule. Some integrators set calendar reminders to test backup function annually and replace batteries proactively every 4 years, regardless of apparent condition.
• Ambient temperature around the battery affects charge curve and lifespan. Install the supply in a climate-controlled enclosure, not in unheated mechanical closets or rooftop cabinets where temperature swings degrade battery life.

The EFLOW3NB is ideal for enterprise facilities where access control and fire safety systems coexist and both require battery-backed 12 or 24VDC power. If your load exceeds 2A or you need multiple independent DC rails at different voltages, evaluate Altronix's higher-capacity models. For facilities with PoE IP cameras or mixed voltage requirements (12V + 24V simultaneously), a hybrid approach — EFLOW3NB for legacy DC systems plus separate PoE switches for cameras — is often the cleanest design.