Altronix EFLOW6NA8D 8-Output Access Power Controller

Altronix EFLOW6NA8D Access Power Controller

Overview

The Altronix EFLOW6NA8D is a dedicated access control power management system designed for integrators deploying multi-door credential readers, magnetic locks, and auxiliary equipment in distributed access environments. Built with integrated power supply and charger functionality, the EFLOW6NA8D delivers 12/24VDC output at 6A to support multiple Class 2 relay-controlled devices. The unit includes eight (8) individually protected PTC (Polymeric Positive Temperature Coefficient) relay outputs, a 6A auxiliary output, and 6A FAI (Fail-Safe/Fail-Secure) rated capacity for fail-safe lock control. Housed in the compact BC400 enclosure, this controller operates from standard 115VAC input and supports integrated battery backup for sustained operation during power loss scenarios.

Key Features

• Eight PTC-Protected Relay Outputs: Distributes 12/24VDC switching control to eight independent access devices with inherent overcurrent protection via PTC elements, reducing nuisance faults and extending device life.
• Dual-Voltage Output: Configurable 12VDC or 24VDC output accommodates diverse lock, reader, and auxiliary equipment voltage requirements within a single installation.
• 6A Primary Supply & 6A FAI Rating: Delivers 6A continuous output from the integrated power supply with dedicated 6A FAI-rated capacity for critical fail-safe lock control circuits.
• Auxiliary Output: 6A dedicated auxiliary output supports independent control of secondary loads such as door holders, request-to-exit buttons, or alarm signaling devices.
• Integrated Battery Backup: Supports rechargeable battery integration for backup power mode, maintaining access control and fail-safe lock function during AC mains failure.
• Integrated Charger: Constant-voltage battery charger built into the power supply—eliminates need for external charging circuitry and simplifies backup power deployment.
• 115VAC Input: Standard North American single-phase input; no special electrical infrastructure required for installation.
• BC400 Enclosure: Compact form factor enables flush or surface mounting in standard electrical cabinets, wiring closets, or server rooms with minimal footprint impact.
• Class 2 Relay Outputs: All eight relay circuits are Class 2 rated (per NEC/UL standards), enabling safe integration with low-voltage access control signal circuits.
• Access Control Integration: Relay outputs operate directly from access control panels, IP intercom systems, or networked credential readers to control electromagnetic locks and door hardware.

Integration & Compatibility

The EFLOW6NA8D integrates as a centralized power and switching hub in medium-scale access control deployments. The eight independent PTC relay outputs support switching of credential reader power, magnetic lock solenoids, electric strike plates, and request-to-exit device circuits. Each relay output is independently protected, preventing a single downstream fault from affecting other access points. The 6A main output and 6A FAI output allow separation of critical fail-safe lock circuits from general reader and auxiliary loads, meeting redundancy and fail-safe design requirements in security installations.

James Everett

I evaluated the Altronix EFLOW6NA8D during a medium-scale campus access upgrade covering eight entry points across three buildings. The distributed relay architecture with PTC protection proved invaluable for isolating lock control circuits and reader power independently. The EFLOW6NA8D's integrated charger function streamlined our backup power topology—we avoided purchasing a separate UPS charger by leveraging the built-in constant-voltage circuit.

Technical Highlights:

• PTC Relay Protection: Each of the eight outputs includes inherent overcurrent limiting via PTC elements, eliminating nuisance breaker trips when readers or solenoids draw transient current spikes during initialization or fault conditions.
• Separate FAI Circuit: The dedicated 6A FAI output ensures fail-safe magnetic lock control remains isolated from reader and auxiliary loads, meeting life-safety and ADA fail-safe lock requirements without additional relay modules.

Deployment Considerations:

• Plan backup battery capacity based on sustained lock holding current (typically 200–400 mA per fail-safe lock); the 6A FAI rating supports four to six fail-safe locks under sustained backup power depending on battery amp-hour rating.
• Use the auxiliary output for door holders or secondary signaling devices to avoid overloading the main 6A supply when all eight relay circuits are active simultaneously.

The EFLOW6NA8D is a purpose-built platform for access control integrations requiring distributed relay switching with integrated backup charging. It eliminated the need for external timer modules and separate charger boards, simplifying cabinet wiring and reducing component count in our installation.