Altronix EFLOW4NX8 Eight-Output Power Supply with Fire Alarm Disconnect
The Altronix EFLOW4NX8 is a UL-listed power distribution unit designed for access control and life safety systems that require both reliable multi-output power delivery and emergency fire alarm integration. This eight-channel unit accepts standard 120VAC 60Hz line input and outputs regulated 12/24VDC across independent channels, making it suitable for deployments where power needs to be segmented by function—door locks on one channel, readers on another, and so forth. The integrated fire alarm disconnect module is the key differentiator here: when triggered, it can cut power to controlled circuits, a requirement in some jurisdictions for life safety compliance during alarm events.
Key Features
- Eight independent regulated outputs: Deliver 12 or 24VDC per channel, each isolated. Isolation means a fault or short on one output won't drag down the others—critical when different devices have different risk profiles (a reader short shouldn't kill your lock power).
- 4A total maximum current capacity: That's roughly 500mA average per channel if you load all eight evenly, or you can concentrate draw on fewer channels. Useful for small-to-medium access control installations; larger sites would want higher-capacity sibling units or dedicated supplies per subsystem.
- Integrated fire alarm disconnect module: When a fire alarm signal arrives (typically via a dedicated input), the module can de-energize specified outputs. This satisfies code requirements in many jurisdictions where life safety systems must automatically shed non-essential power during emergencies.
- Battery backup support: The EFLOW4NX8 can be paired with an external battery (commonly a sealed lead-acid 12V or 24V unit). During AC failure, the supply switches to battery and maintains output, keeping access control and emergency functions alive. Backup duration depends entirely on battery capacity and total load.
- AC Fail, Low Battery, and Battery Presence supervision: Three monitoring signals tell your control panel when mains power drops, when backup reserve is running low, and whether a battery is physically connected. This prevents silent failures—you know the instant something goes wrong.
- UL Listed construction: Means it meets North American safety standards for electrical equipment. Important if your facility or integrator requires certified components for insurance, code compliance, or warranty purposes.
Integration and Deployment Context
The EFLOW4NX8 fits well in small-to-medium access control systems—think a 4–8 door facility with separate circuits for locks, readers, exit devices, and auxiliary loads. The fire alarm disconnect makes it a natural fit for buildings subject to code requiring automatic power shedding during emergencies. Install it in a cabinet near your access control panel or in a central equipment room, wire AC mains in, run low-voltage pairs to each controlled device, and connect supervision outputs back to your control panel or management system. Battery terminals are accessible for external backup integration. Multi-output design means you can dedicate channels: one for all maglock circuits, another for readers, a third for wireless bridge power, etc. This segmentation simplifies troubleshooting and allows you to protect critical paths while non-essential loads share less-critical channels.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your site needs more than 4A total current, or if you need more than eight outputs, look for a higher-capacity variant in the Altronix power supply line. If fire alarm integration isn't required by code, a simpler multi-output supply without the disconnect module may reduce cost. If you're designing a distributed system where each device gets its own 24VDC injector or PoE midspan, centralized power distribution becomes less critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the difference between 12VDC and 24VDC outputs on the EFLOW4NX8?
A: The EFLOW4NX8 can be set to deliver either 12VDC or 24VDC across all eight channels simultaneously (not a mix). Device voltage requirements determine which you select. 24VDC supplies typically have longer wire runs without significant voltage drop; 12VDC devices are less common in modern access control but still exist. Check your devices' voltage rating before purchase.
Q: Can the EFLOW4NX8 be configured to output different voltages on different channels?
A: No. The unit outputs a single voltage—either 12VDC or 24VDC—across all eight channels. If you need mixed voltages, you would require separate supplies or a modular platform.
Q: How does the fire alarm disconnect actually work?
A: The integrated fire alarm disconnect module monitors a dedicated input line from your fire alarm system. When a fire alarm signal is received (typically a volt-free contact closure or a 24VDC pulse, depending on the fire system), the module removes power from one or more configurable outputs. This isolates non-essential circuits while potentially maintaining power to emergency egress lighting or backup communication systems.
Q: Do I need to buy a battery separately?
A: Yes. The EFLOW4NX8 has the charging circuitry and terminals to support an external battery, but the battery itself is not included. Most integrators use a 12V or 24V sealed lead-acid unit mounted in the cabinet next to the supply. Capacity (Ah) determines backup runtime.
Q: Is the EFLOW4NX8 suitable for outdoor installations?
A: No. This is an indoor cabinet-mount unit. It requires protection from weather and is designed for controlled environments (equipment rooms, closets, cable trays inside buildings). For outdoor power, use weather-rated enclosures or IP-rated outdoor power supplies.
Q: What warranty does the EFLOW4NX8 carry?
A: The unit includes a Lifetime Limited Warranty from Altronix, covering defects in material and workmanship under normal use. Review the warranty terms with your supplier for coverage specifics and claims procedures.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The EFLOW4NX8 is a solid workhorse for access control layouts where you need segmented power distribution plus life safety integration. The eight independent 12/24VDC outputs, each isolated from the others, and the integrated fire alarm disconnect module make this a natural fit for buildings subject to code-driven emergency power shedding. That 4A total budget is the limiting factor—you're looking at roughly 500mA per channel if fully loaded, so it works for door readers, maglock pairs, wireless hubs, and auxiliary sensors, but not for high-draw powered egress devices or large arrays of devices on a single channel.
Technical Highlights:
- Eight isolated outputs, 4A total: Segmentation protects critical circuits—a shorted reader on channel 3 won't starve your locks on channel 1. At ~500mA per channel average, you're comfortable with a mix of low-draw readers, wireless modules, exit buttons, and relay drivers.
- Integrated fire alarm disconnect: When the fire system triggers, the EFLOW4NX8 can automatically de-energize non-essential outputs. This satisfies code in jurisdictions requiring automatic load shedding during alarms and eliminates the need for a separate relay or contactor.
- AC Fail, Low Battery, Battery Presence supervision: Three discrete supervision signals report power state back to your access control panel or monitoring system. You know the instant mains power drops, when battery reserve is getting low, and whether a backup battery is plugged in. Silent failures don't happen.
Deployment Considerations:
- The 4A total current ceiling means you can't wire every high-draw device to this unit. If you have multiple powered egress devices (push-to-exit bars, motion sensors with 24VDC solenoids), you'll need either a higher-capacity supply or parallel units.
- Battery backup is not automatic—you must source and install an external 12V or 24V sealed lead-acid unit and wire it to the terminals. Verify backup runtime upfront by calculating total load (door locks + readers + aux) and battery capacity (Ah). A 7Ah battery backing a 2A load gives you about 3 hours of operation; a 1A load stretches it to 7 hours.
- Fire alarm disconnect only works if your fire alarm system has a monitored relay output or contact closure capable of signaling the EFLOW4NX8. Some legacy fire panels require a dedicated relay module. Confirm integration path with your fire alarm contractor before purchase.
Deploy the EFLOW4NX8 in small-to-medium facilities (4–8 doors, distributed devices) where code requires automatic fire alarm integration and you need reliable power segmentation without adding extra relays or contactors. It's not the answer for high-draw or multi-voltage mixed systems, but for segmented 24VDC access control with life safety backup, it's a clean, UL-listed choice that simplifies wiring and compliance.
