Altronix LPS3 Linear Power Supply 12/24VDC
The Altronix LPS3 is a selectable-output linear power supply engineered for security and access control deployments requiring stable 12VDC or 24VDC regulation. It accepts standard 16/24VAC transformer input and delivers up to 0.5A at either voltage—enough for low-power camera feeds, sensor circuits, and control relays without requiring separate regulation boards for each voltage class.
Key Features
- Selectable 12/24VDC output via board-level configuration: Choose your operating voltage once during installation without swapping hardware. Simplifies inventory management when deploying mixed-voltage security systems—one SKU covers both 12V and 24V applications.
- Linear regulation for stable DC output: Unlike switching supplies, linear design minimizes electromagnetic noise. Critical in analog sensor and legacy alarm circuits where RF interference can trigger false alarms or degrade signal quality.
- 16/24VAC input compatibility: Connects directly to standard transformer tap-downs in existing security panels. No adapter required; wires straight into transformer secondary terminals.
- 0.5A maximum output current per rail: Sufficient for auxiliary camera power-distribution modules, low-current lock circuits, relay coils, and dual-sensor networks. If you need higher current density, consider a higher-amperage supply in the Altronix power-infrastructure family.
- Compact board form factor—12"H × 8"W × 6"D: Mounts vertically or horizontally inside standard security enclosures without consuming excessive DIN-rail space. Allows tighter panel layouts when space is constrained.
- Single output connector: Eliminates terminal-block confusion and reduces wiring error during commissioning. One plug means faster installation and fewer points of failure.
Integration & Compatibility
The LPS3 integrates directly into access-control and alarm architectures where a regulated auxiliary rail is required. It pairs well with low-current sensors, door-lock control circuits, and camera auxiliary power feeds—particularly in legacy installations where 24VAC transformer infrastructure already exists. Its board-level voltage selection makes it portable across multi-site deployments without hardware substitution.
When evaluating power supplies for access control systems, confirm your upstream transformer capacity: the LPS3 draws from the secondary winding, so ensure the 16/24VAC source can sustain 0.5A continuous load without voltage sag. If downstream devices require higher current or higher voltage, consult the broader Altronix power-infrastructure catalog for higher-amperage models.
Deployment Considerations
The LPS3 is a board-level supply, not a standalone wall-mounted unit. It requires mechanical mounting inside an enclosure, AC input wiring from your transformer, and DC output wiring to your loads. For systems requiring galvanic isolation between AC and DC rails, confirm your panel design includes appropriate termination safety features. The 0.5A limit is a firm ceiling—exceeding it will trigger thermal shutdown. Size your auxiliary power distribution accordingly, and use a separate supply if you need multiple isolated rails.
Warranty
The LPS3 ships with a Lifetime Limited Warranty, covering manufacturing defects under normal operating conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the LPS3 as a replacement for my existing 24VDC supply?
A: Only if your existing load draws ≤0.5A and your upstream transformer provides 16/24VAC input. The LPS3 is designed for auxiliary power distribution in low-current circuits—not for main camera feeds or high-current locks. Verify your load before substituting.
Q: Does the LPS3 require external fusing?
A: The LPS3 has built-in thermal protection but no external fuse cutout. Standard practice is to fuse the AC input at the transformer secondary or add a DC-side fuse rated for the expected load. Check your local electrical code and panel design guidelines.
Q: Can I change the voltage output after installation?
A: Yes, voltage selection is board-level configurable, so you can adjust it during setup or maintenance. However, you will need to power down the supply, access the board, and verify the setting before re-energizing.
Q: Is the LPS3 suitable for outdoor enclosures?
A: The supply itself has no environmental rating. Install it only in climate-controlled or sealed indoor enclosures. For outdoor or high-moisture applications, place the LPS3 inside a sealed cabinet and ensure upstream transformer is similarly protected.
Q: What is the typical ripple voltage on the LPS3 output?
A: Linear supplies inherently exhibit lower ripple than switching designs. Consult the product datasheet PDF for exact ripple specifications under full-load conditions.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix LPS3 occupies a specific niche in access-control power distribution: it's a linear, low-current auxiliary supply for environments where noise isolation and voltage stability matter more than compact form factor or high current density. The 0.5A rating is the critical constraint—this is not a primary camera power rail, but rather a supplemental 12/24VDC source for sensor circuits, solenoid drivers, and relay coils in mixed-voltage installations.
Technical Highlights:
- Linear regulation topology: Generates negligible switching noise—a real advantage when powering analog sensors or older alarm circuits that are sensitive to RF interference. Switch-mode supplies can introduce harmonics that trigger false sensor trips in tight threshold applications.
- Selectable output voltage: Eliminates the need to stock two SKUs for 12V and 24V installations. Board-level jumper configuration makes field swaps feasible if requirements change mid-deployment.
- 16/24VAC input range: Direct integration with standard transformer secondary taps eliminates the need for a separate AC-to-DC converter module upstream. Simplifies panel bill-of-materials and reduces single points of failure.
Deployment Considerations:
- The 0.5A ceiling is firm. If you're feeding a camera auxiliary power rail, a door strike with high inrush current, or multiple sensors in parallel, this supply will hit thermal shutdown. Confirm your load envelope during design phase—don't discover this in the field.
- Linear supplies dissipate excess voltage as heat, so the LPS3 will run warm under full load. Ensure adequate panel ventilation and avoid mounting it directly against heat-sensitive devices or in unventilated NEMA enclosures.
- The LPS3 is board-level only—no built-in fusing, no status LED, no alarm output. You'll need to integrate fusing, monitoring, and protection logic at the panel level. This is not a drop-in field replacement for a dedicated power-supply module.
Deploy the LPS3 when you need stable, noise-free auxiliary 12/24VDC power for sensor and control circuits in indoor, climate-controlled access-control environments. It's an excellent fit for multi-voltage alarm systems where you want to avoid separate supplies for each voltage class. Skip it if you need high current, outdoor tolerance, or integrated monitoring—those requirements demand a different supply family.
