Altronix MAXIMAL33RD Dual 12/24VDC Power Controller 16 Outputs
The Altronix MAXIMAL33RD is a 2U rackmount power distribution unit engineered for IP security infrastructure that requires independent voltage control across multiple circuits. Its dual isolated power supplies deliver 12VDC and 24VDC on separate rails, each rated at 6A maximum. The 16 individually supervised PTC relay outputs provide circuit-level control and protection, making this unit suitable for surveillance systems, access control deployments, and mixed-voltage device environments where granular power management and remote circuit monitoring are essential.
Key Features
- Dual isolated 12/24VDC supplies: Independent voltage rails mean you can power both 12V and 24V devices from a single enclosure without cross-rail interference or voltage conflicts — eliminates the need for separate power supplies in mixed-voltage installations.
- 16 PTC relay-supervised outputs: Each output is individually supervised through a Positive Temperature Coefficient relay, which detects overload or short-circuit conditions and isolates the affected circuit without tripping the entire unit — other outputs remain live.
- 6A per supply maximum current: Each voltage rail supports up to 6A, providing 144W of combined capacity per rail — sufficient for distributed loads such as multiple low-power cameras, access control readers, or auxiliary devices across separate branches.
- 2U rackmount form factor: Fits standard 19-inch security infrastructure racks alongside NVRs, switches, and network equipment, simplifying cable routing and physical organization in control rooms or equipment closets.
- 115VAC input (North American standard): Single AC mains connection feeds both isolated supplies, reducing power infrastructure complexity and eliminating dual AC drops.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Manufacturer-backed lifetime warranty provides long-term cost protection and underscores unit reliability in mission-critical deployments.
Deployment Scenarios
The MAXIMAL33RD excels in multi-circuit surveillance and access control environments where individual circuit isolation and remote management are required. Integrators deploy this unit to power separate camera groups, door readers, and auxiliary sensors across a facility without cascading power loss if a single branch experiences a short or overload. The PTC relay technology means no manual breaker reset trips — the faulted output self-isolates while healthy circuits continue operating.
In warehouse automation and enterprise security installations, the dual-voltage design accommodates legacy 12V devices alongside newer 24V equipment in the same rack, reducing the footprint and simplifying procurement compared to running two separate supplies. The 6A per rail capacity supports typical low-power device clusters; for higher-demand branches (e.g., larger camera arrays), parallel supplies or power distribution architecture consolidation should be evaluated.
Integration & Compatibility
The MAXIMAL33RD integrates with any security platform that accepts 12VDC or 24VDC auxiliary power inputs. Typical customers include integrators specifying network video recorders with powered accessory circuits, access control panels requiring isolated 24V circuits, and IP camera systems that include PoE-injected devices and supplemental 12V lighting or sensor branches. The 16 relay outputs pair naturally with remote power management systems that monitor and report circuit status over IP networks.
Why Choose the MAXIMAL33RD Over Single-Voltage Alternatives
Single-supply power controllers force all devices onto one voltage; if you need both 12V and 24V, you either accept voltage conversion loss (and heat dissipation) or buy two separate units. The MAXIMAL33RD's isolated dual supplies eliminate that tradeoff. The PTC relay supervision also outperforms simple fuse-based distribution — a fuse blows and someone must physically replace it; a PTC relay self-recovers once the fault clears, reducing service callbacks in remote or distributed installations.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The MAXIMAL33RD solves a real problem in mixed-voltage security deployments: independent 12V and 24V rails eliminate the need to parallel supplies or compromise on voltage accuracy. Many installers I've worked with initially chose cheaper single-supply units, then later had to retrofit an additional power controller when they added 24V access control or 12V auxiliary devices. This unit sidesteps that pain.
Technical Highlights:
- 6A per isolated supply: Translates to 72W per rail. For a typical multi-camera branch (say, three 12-15W cameras), one 6A rail handles the group without sharing capacity with unrelated circuits on the second rail.
- 16 individually supervised PTC outputs: Unlike a traditional fused panel where one overload can trip a shared breaker, each PTC relay isolates its fault independently. The unit will not cascade failure across circuits.
- 2U rackmount footprint: In a cramped server closet, this eliminates the need for a separate wall-mounted supply enclosure and associated cable runs. Clean rack integration reduces installation labor and improves troubleshooting visibility.
Deployment Considerations:
- 6A per supply is the ceiling — if your largest branch draws more than 6A on a single voltage, this unit is not the right fit. Add up branch loads beforehand; PTC relays don't prevent undersizing.
- 115VAC input means this is North American only. If you're specifying for international facilities, confirm AC input compatibility before procurement.
- The MAXIMAL33RD is a power controller, not a UPS. It has no battery backup. For mission-critical circuits, pair this with a separate UPS module or integrate it downstream of an existing facility UPS.
Best suited to mid-tier enterprise and integrator deployments where you need clean circuit isolation and dual-voltage support without over-engineering: small multi-site surveillance rollouts, warehouse entry-point access control with camera backup, and enterprise security closets where both legacy and current-generation powered devices coexist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I mix 12V and 24V devices on the same output of the MAXIMAL33RD?
A: No. Each of the 16 outputs is wired to either the 12V or 24V rail — you cannot split a single output between voltages. Plan your circuit layout ahead of time and assign outputs accordingly.
Q: What happens if a circuit draws more than 6A on one voltage rail?
A: The PTC relay on that output will trip and isolate the overloaded circuit. Other outputs on the same rail remain active. However, repeated nuisance trips indicate undersizing — evaluate your branch loads and consider splitting the load across multiple outputs or upgrading to a higher-capacity unit.
Q: Is the MAXIMAL33RD suitable for outdoor or harsh-environment deployment?
A: No. This is a rackmount unit designed for indoor equipment closets, control rooms, or enclosed racks. For outdoor power distribution, you will need an environmental enclosure rated for the temperature and humidity range in your deployment area.
Q: Can I remotely monitor or control the power outputs of the MAXIMAL33RD?
A: The MAXIMAL33RD itself does not include built-in IP network connectivity. However, its relay outputs are accessible via integration with external smart relay modules or power management systems that can be networked separately — check with your system integrator on third-party relay interfaces.
Q: Does the MAXIMAL33RD include a backup battery?
A: No. This is a power distribution controller only — it has no internal battery or UPS capability. If you require battery backup for critical circuits, install a separate UPS upstream or add a battery module alongside the MAXIMAL33RD.
Q: What is covered under the lifetime limited warranty?
A: The lifetime limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the unit when owned by the original purchaser. Review the full warranty terms in the product datasheet for exclusions related to misuse, environmental damage, or improper installation.
