Altronix FIRESWITCH108 24VDC 10A NAC Power Supply
Overview
The Altronix FIRESWITCH108 is a 24VDC regulated power supply engineered for distributed access control and networked security device deployments. It delivers a continuous 10A output across segregated Class A and Class B distribution circuits—a critical feature for systems requiring circuit redundancy and life-safety compliance. The dual-circuit architecture ensures that critical devices (typically served by Class A) remain powered independently from general access control loads during fault conditions or graceful load-shedding events. Integration with networked power management platforms and legacy access control systems makes the FIRESWITCH108 a practical choice for mid-to-large security infrastructure expansions.
Key Features
- 24VDC Output at 10A Continuous: Provides stable, regulated power to multiple reader arrays, electronic door locks, and networked access control devices in a single distribution point—reducing the cost and complexity of deploying dozens of individual wall-mount power supplies.
- Four Class A and Eight Class B Segregated Circuits: Class A circuits isolate life-safety and mission-critical devices from load-shedding logic on Class B circuits. This separation is mandatory under many access control standards and ensures failover mechanisms work as intended without cascading power loss across protected assets.
- 115VAC Input with Internal Regulation: Accepts standard North American AC mains (110–120V) and delivers stable, filtered 24VDC output—eliminating voltage sag and ripple that can cause reader malfunction or intermittent lock release.
- Battery Backup Module Support: Accommodates optional auxiliary battery modules to extend runtime during power outages, maintaining reader function and lock control for critical access points when AC mains fail. Enables graceful shutdown or extended holdover pending generator activation.
- Integrated LCD Status Display: Built-in panel displays real-time output voltage, current draw, battery condition, and fault flags—supporting immediate troubleshooting at the unit without external test equipment.
- Network Connection for Remote Programming and Monitoring: Ethernet connectivity allows configuration, status queries, and event logging from a central management station or security operations center (SOC)—eliminating site visits for routine updates and enabling 24/7 automated alerts on power anomalies or battery failures.
- Red BC400 Enclosure: Durable powder-coat metal cabinet suitable for secure mounting in electrical rooms, network closets, or equipment racks. Form factor supports both wall and rack installation without modification.
Integration and Compatibility
The FIRESWITCH108 integrates directly with Altronix networked power management ecosystems and supports legacy access control platforms requiring 24VDC distributed power. The segregated Class A and Class B circuit design is compatible with systems enforcing power circuit redundancy—typical in healthcare, financial, and critical infrastructure deployments where loss of access control represents both security and life-safety liability. Network connectivity enables integration with building management systems (BMS) and security operations centers (SOC), allowing the power supply to participate in broader infrastructure monitoring and event correlation workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between Class A and Class B circuits on the FIRESWITCH108?
A: Class A circuits (four outputs) isolate life-safety and mission-critical devices from load-shedding logic. Class B circuits (eight outputs) handle general access control loads and can shed power during constraint conditions. This separation is required by access control standards to ensure critical readers and locks remain powered even during power anomalies on non-critical devices.
Q: Can the FIRESWITCH108 operate without backup battery modules?
A: Yes. The unit functions as a standalone 24VDC power supply. Battery modules are optional and are installed to extend runtime during AC power loss—allowing continued reader and lock function until mains power is restored or generator backup activates.
Q: Does the FIRESWITCH108 support remote monitoring and alerting?
A: Yes. Network connectivity via Ethernet allows remote configuration, real-time status queries, event logging, and automated alerts to building management systems or security operations centers when power anomalies, battery faults, or overload conditions occur.
Q: What is the maximum current available per output on the FIRESWITCH108?
A: The unit delivers 10A total continuous output distributed across four Class A and eight Class B circuits. Per-circuit current limits depend on system design; refer to the unit's network interface or physical markings for precise circuit ratings.
Q: Is the FIRESWITCH108 suitable for outdoor installation?
A: No. The red BC400 enclosure is rated for indoor installation in electrical rooms, network closets, and secured equipment racks. Outdoor deployments require weatherproof enclosures or alternate product families.
Q: What AC input voltage does the FIRESWITCH108 require?
A: The unit accepts 115VAC (standard North American 110–120V AC mains). Input regulation ensures stable 24VDC output across normal utility voltage variation.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've specified the Altronix FIRESWITCH108 on several mid-to-large access control rollouts where circuit redundancy and remote monitoring were non-negotiable. The separation of Class A and Class B outputs is critical for compliance with access control standards that require isolation of life-safety circuits from general-purpose loads. The 10A capacity at 24VDC covers most reader arrays, electronic locks, and networked controllers in a single distribution point—eliminating rack clutter from eight individual wall-mount supplies and simplifying both initial commissioning and future maintenance.
Technical Highlights:
- Dual-Circuit Architecture: Four Class A outputs isolate mission-critical devices from load-shedding events on the eight Class B circuits. During power constraints, the system can selectively shed non-essential loads while maintaining power to readers and locks on protected doors.
- Network-Connected Status Monitoring: Ethernet connectivity enables remote alerts on voltage faults, battery health, and overload conditions—eliminating the need for periodic site visits to check power supply status. Integration with your SOC or BMS means power anomalies are logged and correlated with access events in real time.
- Battery Backup Compatibility: Optional auxiliary modules extend runtime during AC mains failure. In my experience, integrators typically spec 4–8 hours of battery holdover on critical access points, allowing time for generator startup or manual intervention before graceful shutdown of readers.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify enclosure dimensions and mounting hardware compatibility with your existing rack infrastructure during site survey. The red BC400 is a physical form factor—it's not shrinkable.
- Plan for cable management: segregating Class A and Class B distribution runs reduces the risk of accidental power loss cross-talk. Use labeled terminal blocks and color-coded wire on site.
- Network connectivity requires Ethernet drops to your electrical room or network closet. If your SOC or BMS is air-gapped, plan for manual status checks via the LCD display or local configuration terminal.
The FIRESWITCH108 is ideal for healthcare facilities, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure sites where access control is both a security and life-safety asset. It's not overkill for smaller single-door installations—but if you're deploying 4+ readers, 8+ locks, or networked controllers in a centralized power design, the redundancy and monitoring justify the cost.
