Altronix LPS3C24X 24VDC Linear Power Supply
The Altronix LPS3C24X is a compact regulated 24VDC power supply purpose-built for distributed security system applications—access control, alarm monitoring, CCTV backup, and intercom installations. It accepts either 16VAC or 24VAC input and delivers a clean, stable 24VDC output at 2.5A maximum, making it suitable for small to mid-size installations where multiple readers, strike mechanisms, cameras, or door phones draw power from a single source. The linear regulation design eliminates switching noise, which matters when you're powering analog or low-noise RF sensors alongside digital loads. AC fail supervision output lets the system controller detect mains power loss and trigger alerts or failover procedures—critical in monitored facilities where power interruption requires immediate notification.
Key Features
- Single regulated 24VDC output at 2.5A maximum: Delivers 60 watts total, enough to power a combination of access control readers, solenoid strike mechanisms, and auxiliary security devices without stacking multiple supplies. Voltage regulation maintains steady 24VDC regardless of input variation or load swings.
- Dual input voltage (16VAC or 24VAC selectable): Adapts to whatever secondary power you have on site—common in retrofits where legacy infrastructure uses 16VAC, or new builds standardized on 24VAC. No transformer swaps required; selection is typically made at installation via jumper or selector switch.
- AC fail supervision output: A dedicated output contact signals when input power drops. Allows access control panels and alarm monitoring stations to log the event, trigger a siren, or notify the central station without waiting for the main circuit to fail.
- Linear regulation for clean DC: Eliminates the high-frequency switching noise inherent in switch-mode supplies. Matters when powering sensitive analog sensors, magnetic locks with RF shielding requirements, or legacy audio intercom circuits prone to hum.
- Compact enclosure (12″H × 8″W × 6″D): Fits standard wall-mount or din-rail installation in small electrical enclosures. Smaller footprint than larger industrial supplies, so it integrates into retrofit panels without major rewiring of the cabinet layout.
- Lifetime limited warranty: Altronix backs the unit against manufacturing defects for the product lifetime, reducing replacement risk during critical security deployments.
Integration & Compatibility
The LPS3C24X is a standalone supply; it does not include integrated battery backup or UPS features. For installations requiring uninterruptible power during mains loss, integrate a separate 24VDC UPS or add a supervised backup power module (battery backup supplies are available as separate units in the Altronix power infrastructure family). The AC fail relay output is typically wired to a power loss input on an access control panel or alarm receiver—consult your system documentation for the specific wiring scheme. The 2.5A capacity is sufficient for typical access control installations with 2–4 readers and one strike, or a small CCTV backup circuit; confirm load summation at design time if powering higher-current devices like heavy-duty solenoids or multiple PoE injectors.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your installation requires more than 2.5A total current, consider a higher-amperage supply in the Altronix power family. If the site demands battery backup for power loss conditions, evaluate Altronix supervised power supplies with integrated backup (battery backup supplies or UPS-integrated models offer 2–5 hours of runtime depending on configuration). For installations needing multiple isolated outputs or load-sharing capability, look to larger modular power distribution units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the LPS3C24X power a PoE camera?
A: Not directly. PoE cameras require a PoE injector or PoE-enabled network switch. The LPS3C24X supplies raw 24VDC at 2.5A; it does not inject power and data on the same Ethernet cable. However, it can power a separate PoE injector, provided the injector draws less than 2.5A at 24V. Check the injector's power consumption first.
Q: What input voltage should I choose—16VAC or 24VAC?
A: Match the secondary output of your transformer or power source on site. If your existing security system uses 16VAC, select that. If you have a dedicated 24VAC transformer, use 24VAC. The setting is typically made via a jumper on the circuit board during installation; check the datasheet for exact jumper location.
Q: Does the AC fail output require a separate 24VDC supply to signal?
A: The AC fail relay pulls power from the same 24VDC output as the main supply. If AC input fails completely, the 24VDC output collapses, and the relay de-energizes—signaling the alarm panel or controller. The relay is supervised, meaning its state change communicates the loss event to the connected control device.
Q: Is the LPS3C24X suitable for outdoor or wet environments?
A: No. The unit is designed for indoor enclosure mounting only. Install it inside a weatherproof electrical cabinet or conduit junction box if the installation is outdoors or in high-moisture areas. The enclosure itself is not sealed against rain or dust.
Q: What's the typical lifespan of the LPS3C24X?
A: Linear power supplies with no moving parts and conservative component selection typically last 10–15 years in normal operation. The Altronix LPS3C24X uses standard industrial-grade components; failure modes are rare if input voltage stays within spec and the load does not exceed 2.5A continuously.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix LPS3C24X is a straightforward choice for access control and alarm installations that need supervised, noise-free 24VDC distribution without complexity. The AC fail supervision output is its most valuable feature—it transforms a simple power supply into part of your system's health-monitoring infrastructure, which means the central station or local controller always knows when mains power drops, not just when devices stop responding.
Technical Highlights:
- Linear regulation design: Zero switching noise means clean output voltage for analog sensors and RF-critical circuits. When you're powering a mix of access control readers (digital) and older intercom audio (analog), this matters. Switching supplies can inject noise into the audio bus.
- 2.5A at 24VDC (60W total): Sufficient for 2–4 access control reader loops, a single heavy-duty solenoid strike (typically 1.5–2A draw), or a backup power circuit for 1–2 cameras. Right-size your load during design; don't assume you can always upgrade later without changing the supply.
- Dual voltage input (16VAC or 24VAC): Eliminates the need to stock multiple part numbers or transformers. Retrofit jobs where legacy 16VAC systems exist are common; this single model handles both legacy and modern installs.
- AC fail relay: The supervision output is a dry contact that de-energizes on mains loss. Wired correctly, it tells your alarm panel or access controller that utility power went down, triggering notifications or backup procedures without any guesswork.
Deployment Considerations:
- The LPS3C24X has no integrated battery backup. If the site requires UPS behavior (power loss triggers automatic failover or 30+ minutes of runtime), you'll need to add a separate 24VDC battery backup supply or UPS module. Plan for that in larger installations.
- 2.5A maximum is real—don't load-creep. A typical strike solenoid pulls 1.5–2A inrush; add two readers at 0.5A each and you're near the ceiling. Confirm actual device datasheets and add headroom (don't run at 100% capacity continuously).
- Indoor enclosure mounting only. Weatherproof it if installed outdoors (cabinet + conduit), or the humidity and temperature swings will accelerate capacitor aging.
Position the LPS3C24X in small to mid-size access control or alarm monitoring installations where supervised power notification is required and total load stays under 2.5A. It's not a universal power supply for high-load environments—if you're powering a door controller with integrated readers plus heating or lighting circuits, step up to a higher-amperage model. For standard two-door or four-reader deployments with a single strike, it's the right fit.
