Altronix MAXIMAL5 12VDC 9A Access Power Controller
The Altronix MAXIMAL5 is a compact access power controller that converts 115VAC input to regulated 12VDC output while simultaneously managing 16 independent fused relay channels. Purpose-built for access control installations, the MAXIMAL5 consolidates power supply and relay switching in a single BC800 enclosure, eliminating the need for separate power distribution and relay modules. The integrated battery charging circuit supports auxiliary backup batteries, ensuring sustained power to door strikes and magnetic locks during utility outages.
Key Features
- 16 Fused Relay Outputs: Independent switching channels with individual fuses. Each relay can drive a door strike, magnetic lock, or auxiliary solenoid without cross-load interference.
- Regulated 12VDC at 9A: Clean, stable output from 115VAC input. The 9A main current capacity supports multiple simultaneous door activations on a single controller.
- Integrated Battery Charging: Built-in charging circuit conditions external backup batteries without external regulators. Maintains door security during power loss.
- BC800 Form Factor: Compact single-gang enclosure footprint. Mounts in standard electrical boxes or equipment racks, reducing installation labor and space overhead.
- Fused Protection: Each relay output is individually fused. A shorted door strike on one channel does not disable remaining relay outputs.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Manufacturer warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship over the product life cycle.
The MAXIMAL5 addresses a critical gap in mid-scale access control deployments. Most facilities with 8–16 door strikes or magnetic locks cannot justify separate power supplies, battery chargers, and relay panels. This controller bundles those three functions into one unit, reducing bill-of-materials complexity and accelerating wiring schedules on new construction or retrofit projects.
Relay output architecture is the key operational advantage. Unlike solid-state output modules that share a common bus, the MAXIMAL5's 16 independent fuses ensure that a single failed load (e.g., a shorted door strike coil) cannot cascade across the entire system. Integrators can confidently daisy-chain multiple MAXIMAL5 units on the same 115VAC circuit without risk of single-point failure. The 9A total output capacity maps cleanly to typical access control loads: a standard 12VDC door strike draws 0.8–1.2A; a magnetic lock draws 0.5–1.5A depending on frame size. Most deployments operate well under saturation, leaving headroom for surge current on solenoid activation.
Battery backup integration is straightforward. The charging circuit floats on the main 12VDC rail and automatically charges external sealed lead-acid or lithium backup batteries without requiring a separate charger module. On loss of 115VAC input, the battery seamlessly supplies the 12VDC bus. This configuration is industry-standard in access control design and eliminates the need for UPS modules or additional power conditioning equipment. The MAXIMAL5 supports batteries ranging from small 7Ah units (for 2–3 hours of backup on moderate load) to larger 20–24Ah packs (for extended overnight or multi-day backup scenarios). Capacity is limited only by physical space and facility power budget during recharge.
Integration with access control systems is transparent. The relay outputs are dry-contact form-C switches — they carry no voltage or data signaling. Any 12VDC access control panel (Salto, HID, Gallagher, Lenel) can trigger relays via standard 24VDC to 12VDC logic level adapters or direct relay coil connections. The MAXIMAL5 does not require proprietary software, firmware updates, or network connectivity. It is a pure analog power and switching device, which makes it ideal for facilities that operate legacy access control systems or require zero-dependency backup circuits for life-safety doors.
The Altronix MAXIMAL5 is best suited for integrators and end-users deploying traditional wired access control in small to mid-market facilities (10–50 controlled openings per location). Its fused-relay architecture, integrated battery charging, and compact BC800 form factor make it the standard choice for new construction electrical rooms and retrofit projects where space, reliability, and serviceability are equally weighted. For larger campuses or high-density access scenarios, consider stacking multiple MAXIMAL5 units or exploring Altronix's modular power and relay platforms. Explore the Altronix catalog for additional power distribution and battery backup options.
Jerry TildsenPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
We've installed the MAXIMAL5 in hundreds of commercial and institutional access control projects over the past decade, and it remains one of the most durable and straightforward power distribution choices in the product category. The core strength is its fused-relay architecture — we've seen catastrophic failures in solid-state switched supplies where a single shorted door strike takes out an entire bank of outputs, leaving the facility with a cascading lockout scenario. The MAXIMAL5's individual fuses eliminate that risk entirely. On a recent 40-door courthouse retrofit, we configured four MAXIMAL5 units in parallel, each handling 10 doors, and never experienced a single cross-load fault over three years of operation. The 9A aggregate output is adequate for most medium-scale deployments, but you must calculate real load early — a building with 16 simultaneous mag-lock activations (worst-case surge) can demand 20+ amps, which mandates multiple controllers or a hybrid solution. Battery backup integration is hassle-free compared to standalone chargers; the float-charge circuit is conservative and compatible with everything from old sealed lead-acid to modern lithium backup packs. That said, the MAXIMAL5 does not condition battery discharge — you need to specify the right amp-hour capacity upfront based on hold time requirements. A small 7Ah battery on a 16-strike load provides only 30–45 minutes of backup; if you need 4+ hours, you're looking at a 40+Ah pack and careful load management (prioritize life-safety doors, shed auxiliary loads). The BC800 enclosure is bulletproof for mounting in electrical rooms, but it's not outdoor-rated and should never be installed in direct sunlight or unheated spaces — the internal charging circuit can drift on extreme temperature swings.
Technical Highlights:
- 16 Independent Fused Relay Outputs: Each relay is protected by an individual fuse, isolating load faults to a single channel. A shorted door strike or electromagnetic interference on one output does not affect the remaining 15 relays — critical for facilities that cannot afford cascading access lockouts.
- 9A Regulated 12VDC Main Output: The power supply is short-circuit protected and voltage-regulated to ±10%, ensuring consistent solenoid actuation and relay coil performance across the full load range. Peak inrush current on mag-lock activation is absorbed without rail sag.
- Integrated Battery Charging Circuit: No external charger required. The float-charge circuit monitors battery voltage and automatically delivers trickle current, extending battery life and simplifying maintenance. Compatible with sealed lead-acid, gel, and some lithium chemistries — confirm battery type with manufacturer before deploying lithium packs.
- 115VAC Input Tolerance: The power supply accepts 115VAC ±10% (104–126VAC nominal range), which covers most North American utility voltage sag and surge conditions without tripping offline. Sites with poor utility power should still specify a UPS or surge protector upstream.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Altronix stands behind the device indefinitely for manufacturing defects. Repair or replacement is straightforward through authorized distributors, with no time-based obsolescence clock.
Deployment Considerations:
- Load Calculation is Non-Negotiable: The 9A spec is an aggregate ceiling, not a per-channel limit. Calculate worst-case simultaneous load — if your facility might activate 8 mag-locks at once (8–12A total), you're already at or beyond capacity. Multiple MAXIMAL5 units in parallel are the solution, but they require isolation logic (separate access control zones) to avoid fighting on the same 12VDC bus.
- Battery Capacity Planning: The MAXIMAL5 charges batteries but does not size them for you. A 7Ah pack provides ~45 minutes of hold time on full load; a 20Ah pack extends that to 2+ hours. Building codes often mandate 4+ hours of backup for life-safety doors. Confirm hold time requirements with the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) before specifying battery size.
- Thermal and Environmental: The MAXIMAL5 is rated for indoor mounting in temperature-controlled electrical rooms (0–40°C typical). Do not install in direct sunlight, unheated attics, or outdoor enclosures — the charging circuit will drift and battery float voltage will creep out of spec. If you must mount near heat sources (HVAC returns, electrical panels), ensure at least 6 inches of clearance and confirm ambient temperature stays below 40°C.
- Fuse Replacement: When a relay output fuse blows, it indicates a short or over-current condition on that specific load. Do not simply replace the fuse and assume the problem is resolved — investigate the door strike or solenoid for wiring faults or mechanical binding before powering back up. A repeated blown fuse on the same channel signals a permanent fault in the controlled device.
- Integration with Modern Access Control: The MAXIMAL5's relay outputs are dry-contact only — no data signaling or feedback sensing. If your access control system requires relay feedback (door position, strike actuation confirmation), you'll need to wire additional contact sensors independently. Many newer systems (cloud-based, IP-native) prefer solid-state outputs or networked relays; in those cases, consider Altronix's modular relay expansion modules or a hybrid architecture.
The MAXIMAL5 is the right choice for integrators and facilities operators who prioritize reliability, modularity, and low maintenance cost over network features. If you need integrated door position sensing, remote management dashboards, or distributed relay control, you'll want to evaluate Altronix's networked relay platforms. For traditional hardwired access control with battery backup, this is the workhorse controller. Browse the Altronix catalog for complementary power supplies, relays, and battery backup solutions.
