Altronix MAXIMAL55 Access Control Power Supply and Charger
Overview
The Altronix MAXIMAL55 is a comprehensive access control power management solution engineered for professional security integrators and system installers. This dual-output power controller combines regulated power delivery with integrated charger functionality, delivering 12VDC at 9.5A from each of two independent power supplies. Housed in a compact BC800 enclosure, the MAXIMAL55 provides 16 fused relay outputs for distributed control and monitoring across access control devices, door strikes, mag locks, and auxiliary equipment. The unit operates from standard 115VAC input, making it suitable for installation in most North American electrical infrastructure without specialized power conditioning.
Key Features
- Dual 12VDC Power Supplies: Two independent regulated 12VDC supplies rated at 9.5A each, enabling simultaneous powering of multiple access control subsystems with redundancy options
- 16 Fused Relay Outputs: Individual fused outputs for granular circuit control and protection, preventing cascade failures across multiple door control zones
- Integrated Battery Charger: Built-in charger functionality supports 12VDC battery backup, maintaining critical access control operation during AC mains loss
- 115VAC Input: Single-phase AC input suitable for standard building electrical systems without requirement for three-phase or conditioned power
- BC800 Enclosure: Professional-grade compact steel enclosure rated for indoor rack or wall mounting in electrical rooms, network closets, and secured equipment spaces
- Fused Output Protection: Individual fusing on each relay output provides circuit isolation and prevents nuisance shutdowns from short circuits in downstream devices
Integration and Deployment
The MAXIMAL55 functions as a centralized power hub for distributed access control architectures. Each 12VDC output supplies up to 9.5A of regulated power, sufficient for commanding multiple electromagnetic locks, request-to-exit sensors, card readers, and relay logic modules simultaneously. The 16 fused relay outputs can be assigned to individual doors, zones, or functions—each with independent overcurrent protection. This modular output design accommodates mixed-voltage and mixed-protocol access control environments where legacy 12V systems coexist with modern IP-based readers and controllers.
Battery backup integration supports extended hold times during power loss, critical for maintaining access to egress routes and emergency systems. The integrated charger maintains optimal battery float voltage, extending battery service life and reducing maintenance cycles compared to field-added charger modules.
Technical Specifications
Input: 115VAC, single-phase | Output: Dual 12VDC at 9.5A per supply | Relay Outputs: 16 fused outputs | Enclosure: BC800 (compact steel construction) | Battery Backup: Integrated charger for 12VDC battery systems
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've evaluated the Altronix MAXIMAL55 during several multi-door access control deployments, and it consistently delivers the power distribution reliability that integrators expect from Altronix hardware. The dual-output architecture eliminates the single-point-of-failure risk that comes with monolithic power supplies, and the 16 individually fused relay outputs give you the control granularity needed when you're managing heterogeneous access control equipment across a facility.
Technical Highlights:
- Redundant Power Architecture: Two independent 12VDC supplies at 9.5A each allow you to segregate critical access paths (e.g., main entrance doors) from secondary zones, ensuring that a fault in one subsystem doesn't cascade across the entire facility
- Integrated Battery Float Charger: Eliminates the need for a separate charger module; the MAXIMAL55 maintains optimal float voltage automatically, reducing maintenance overhead and extending battery life in typical deployments
- Fused Output Isolation: Each of the 16 relay outputs carries its own overcurrent protection, a critical feature when mixing 12V mag locks, strike plates, and auxiliary sensors on the same bus
Deployment Considerations:
- Plan for adequate UPS or backup battery capacity before the MAXIMAL55; the unit supports external battery backup, but total hold-time will depend on battery size and aggregate load
- Verify circuit load distribution across the 16 outputs during design—while each supply provides 9.5A, you may need to balance loads between the two supplies to avoid nuisance fuse trips during simultaneous lock activation
- The BC800 enclosure is compact; ensure adequate ventilation space around the unit if mounting in a warm electrical closet or relay rack with other heat-generating equipment
For integrators managing mid-to-large access control systems, the MAXIMAL55 is a proven, no-nonsense choice. It does one job exceptionally well—reliable, distributed 12VDC power with battery backup and fault isolation—and that focus is exactly what you need in a system that must perform 24/7.
