Altronix EFLOW4N Regulated Power Supply with Battery Backup & Fire Alarm Disconnect
Overview
The Altronix EFLOW4N is a regulated power supply and charger engineered for centralized power distribution in professional security and access control installations. Rated for 120VAC 60Hz input with selectable 12/24VDC output at 4A maximum current, the EFLOW4N delivers a single primary output plus an auxiliary output in a compact BC300 enclosure footprint. This UL Listed unit integrates battery backup supervision, fire alarm disconnect functionality, and LinQ2-ready architecture, making it a practical hub for mid-scale security integrations where power management, life safety compliance, and remote fault reporting are non-negotiable.
Key Features
- Selectable 12/24VDC output at 4A maximum: Choose your output voltage in the field—no separate units needed. At 4A, you can simultaneously power multiple devices (a control panel drawing 2A, door locks at 1.5A, and auxiliary supervision circuits at 0.5A, for example), reducing the number of power supplies and cabinet real estate.
- Single primary output with dedicated auxiliary circuit: The primary output handles your main load; the auxiliary supports low-current monitoring devices or secondary circuits. This separation means you don't overload a single supply or introduce ground loops.
- Battery backup integration with supervision: The EFLOW4N charges and monitors connected rechargeable battery modules. Integrated charging circuitry means you don't need a separate charger; supervision detects low battery voltage and battery disconnection, reporting faults to networked systems so you know when a backup module fails.
- Fire Alarm Interface (FAI) compliance: Accepts a fire alarm signal and automatically disconnects loads to de-energize non-critical circuits during a fire event—mandatory in many jurisdictions and essential for life safety code adherence. The EFLOW4N handles this internally without external relays.
- AC Fail and Low Battery supervision: Monitors AC input status and battery voltage continuously. When AC drops, the unit switches to battery; when battery voltage falls below operational threshold, fault reporting alerts your system. No more silent failures.
- Battery presence supervision: Detects whether a battery module is installed and healthy. Missing or faulty batteries are reported immediately, preventing surprise power loss during an outage.
- LinQ2-ready architecture: Integrates with Altronix LinQ2 networked supervision platform for centralized remote monitoring and fault reporting. Supervision signals (AC Fail, Low Battery, Battery Presence) can be aggregated across multiple EFLOW4N units into a single management dashboard.
- 120VAC 60Hz input: Standard North American mains voltage; no 230V variant required for most U.S. deployments.
- BC300 enclosure footprint: Compact form factor mounts on DIN rail or flat surfaces in electrical cabinets and equipment racks. Fits alongside other Altronix modules without requiring a large dedicated chassis.
- UL Listed: Full UL certification ensures code acceptance in commercial, institutional, and industrial security deployments. Insurance carriers and local authorities recognize UL certification as proof of safety and quality.
Integration & Deployment Context
Deploy the EFLOW4N in access control systems (powering panels and door locks with battery backup), intrusion detection networks (centralized power for sensors and control boards), and CCTV power distribution where redundancy is critical. FAI compliance makes it essential in mixed-use buildings, hospitals, and other facilities where fire alarm systems must trigger emergency load shedding. The LinQ2-ready design allows you to supervise AC, battery, and fault status across distributed installations—one management interface reporting faults from dozens of EFLOW4N units across multiple floors or facilities. Compatible with standard rechargeable battery modules (not included), making battery upgrades and replacements straightforward.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your load exceeds 4A, consider a higher-current power supply in the Altronix power supply family. If you don't need battery backup or FAI compliance, a simpler non-supervised power supply will reduce cost. If you require 48VDC output (for certain PoE applications), the EFLOW4N is not suitable—consult the broader Altronix catalog for alternative options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I retrofit the EFLOW4N into an existing cabinet with an older power supply?
A: Yes. The BC300 footprint is standard; DIN rail or surface mounting are both supported. Confirm that your existing battery modules are compatible with Altronix charging circuitry (most rechargeable modules work, but verify with your existing hardware documentation).
Q: Does the EFLOW4N require a separate battery charger?
A: No. The EFLOW4N includes integrated charging circuitry. Connect a compatible rechargeable battery module, and it charges automatically when AC power is present. No external charger needed.
Q: What happens if both AC power and the battery fail?
A: All outputs de-energize. The EFLOW4N cannot generate power on its own; it depends on either AC input or a charged backup battery. Once battery voltage falls below operational threshold, the unit stops supplying power and reports a Low Battery fault if connected to a LinQ2 supervisor.
Q: Is the EFLOW4N compatible with LinQ2 monitoring without additional hardware?
A: The EFLOW4N is LinQ2-ready, meaning it is designed to integrate with the LinQ2 platform. You will need a LinQ2 controller or networked supervision system to receive and log fault reports; the EFLOW4N is the reporting node.
Q: Can I use the EFLOW4N in a 230VAC 50Hz facility (outside North America)?
A: No. The EFLOW4N is rated for 120VAC 60Hz input only. International deployments require a different model or a step-down transformer, which is not recommended for critical power applications.
Q: What is the maximum load on the auxiliary circuit?
A: The total output current across primary and auxiliary combined is 4A maximum. If your primary load draws 3A, the auxiliary can draw up to 1A. Distribute the load carefully to avoid exceeding the 4A limit and triggering thermal protection.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix EFLOW4N has proved itself in field deployments where centralized power distribution must include battery backup supervision and life safety code compliance. I've specified this unit in access control retrofits and new security system installations where the combination of single primary output, auxiliary support, and fire alarm disconnect capability eliminates the need for multiple separate power supplies and relay modules. The 4A capacity is tight for high-draw applications, but it's sufficient for most access control and intrusion detection systems when loads are distributed across multiple EFLOW4N units.
Technical Highlights:
- Integrated battery supervision: AC Fail, Low Battery, and Battery Presence detection report faults to LinQ2 networked systems in real time. You know immediately if a backup module fails—no silent power loss surprises.
- FAI compliance built-in: Fire alarm disconnect logic is internal to the EFLOW4N. You don't need external relays or additional wiring to meet fire code requirements; the unit handles load shedding on fire alarm signal.
- Dual voltage flexibility: Field-selectable 12/24VDC output means one SKU works for both 12V sensor circuits and 24V control panels. Inventory simplification and deployment flexibility.
- 4A output supports mixed loads: Primary and auxiliary circuits allow you to isolate critical loads (control panel) from monitoring circuits (low-power sensors), reducing ground loops and improving system reliability.
Deployment Considerations:
- The 4A maximum is a hard ceiling. Calculate your total load before specifying the EFLOW4N. Door locks, solenoids, and control boards can draw heavily under fault or activation conditions; don't overlook inrush current.
- Battery backup is not included. You must specify and budget for a compatible rechargeable module separately. Charging is automatic once a battery is connected.
- LinQ2 supervision requires a LinQ2 controller or networked monitoring system. The EFLOW4N is a reporting node; it doesn't supervise itself. If remote fault reporting is your goal, budget for a LinQ2 platform.
The EFLOW4N is ideal for mid-scale access control and intrusion detection retrofits where you need regulated power, battery backup, fire code compliance, and centralized remote supervision in one compact unit. It's not a power-distribution workhorse for high-current or large-scale installations, but it's a solid, code-compliant hub for security system power management in commercial buildings, offices, and institutional facilities where reliability and fault reporting are standard expectations.
