Altronix MAXIMAL55FD Access Control Power Supply & Charger
Overview
The Altronix MAXIMAL55FD is a full-featured access control power controller engineered for professional security installations requiring redundant power distribution and relay switching capability. Housed in a BC800 enclosure, this unit combines dual regulated 12VDC power supplies at 9.5A each with 16 Class 2 PTC relay outputs, delivering the power density and control flexibility demanded by modern access control systems. The MAXIMAL55FD supports 115VAC input and includes FAI (Fire Alarm Interface) compatibility, making it suitable for integrated security deployments where access control and alarm signaling must coexist on shared infrastructure.
Key Features
- Dual 12VDC Power Supplies: Two independent 9.5A regulated outputs provide redundancy and load distribution across separate circuit branches
- 16 PTC Class 2 Relay Outputs: Programmable relay switching for door strikes, magnetic locks, gate operators, and ancillary control devices
- 115VAC Input: Standard North American mains voltage compatibility with built-in line conditioning
- FAI Ready: Fire Alarm Interface capability allows integration with addressable fire alarm panels for coordinated access/egress control during alarm events
- LinQ2 Ready: Prepared for future migration to LinQ2 communication protocol, extending controller lifecycle without hardware replacement
- BC800 Enclosure: Compact metal housing suitable for surface or flush-mount installation in control rooms, electrical closets, or secure equipment spaces
- Power Supply and Charger Functions: Operates as a regulated DC power supply while simultaneously charging battery backup modules when connected
- Class 2 Rated: All relay outputs meet Class 2 safety ratings, eliminating need for conduit in low-voltage control circuits
Integration & Compatibility
The MAXIMAL55FD integrates seamlessly into access control systems from Altronix and compatible third-party controllers. The dual 12VDC outputs enable segregation of power domains—for example, one supply can power door strike circuits while the second powers magnetic locks or reader interfaces. The 16 relay outputs provide flexible control logic for time-based access rules, emergency egress signals, and auxiliary device triggering. FAI compatibility ensures that when a fire alarm event is triggered, the MAXIMAL55FD can receive control signals to unlock doors or activate fail-safe relays in compliance with life safety codes. The LinQ2-ready architecture indicates that future firmware or module updates will support enhanced communication without requiring controller replacement.
Typical Applications
Deploy the MAXIMAL55FD in mid-to-large access control systems, multi-tenant office buildings, healthcare facilities, and secure data centers where distributed power and granular relay control are essential. The dual supply configuration accommodates growth: as facility access points expand, load can be balanced across both 12VDC rails to prevent overload conditions on a single supply.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix MAXIMAL55FD has been a reliable workhorse in access control deployments I've planned across retail, corporate, and institutional campuses. The dual 9.5A supply architecture is a smart design choice—it eliminates the single point of failure that plagues single-supply controllers and allows logical separation of strike and lock circuits to prevent nuisance brownout conditions when high-current devices energize simultaneously.
Technical Highlights:
- Redundant Power Delivery: Two independent 12VDC 9.5A supplies mean if one supply fails, critical access points on the second rail remain powered—invaluable in facilities where continuous access control is a life safety requirement
- 16 Relay Outputs at Class 2: No conduit needed; relay circuits can run in standard communications-grade cabling, reducing installation cost and complexity versus high-voltage strikes
- FAI Integration: The MAXIMAL55FD's fire alarm interface capability ensures that in an emergency, the controller can receive alarm signals and execute failsafe unlock sequences without manual intervention—critical for ADA compliance and egress safety
Deployment Considerations:
- Size the relay outputs for your strike and lock loads carefully; while 16 outputs provide flexibility, typical high-current door strikes (1–1.5A) will consume one or two relays each, so a facility with 10+ strikes may benefit from additional expansion modules
- Plan UPS or battery backup integration early; the MAXIMAL55FD is charger-ready, but you'll need external batteries to achieve continuous operation during mains loss
- Leverage the dual supply design for load balancing—assign half your strike devices to one supply, half to the second, to maximize system headroom and resilience
If you're spec'ing a mid-size or growth-track installation where power redundancy and relay control density matter, the MAXIMAL55FD delivers solid engineering and proven field performance. The FAI-ready and LinQ2-ready designations also protect your investment against future protocol shifts in the Altronix ecosystem.
