Altronix OLS120 Offline Switching Power Supply Charger
The Altronix OLS120 is a compact offline switching power supply designed to deliver regulated 12VDC or 24VDC output for backup battery charging, access control systems, and continuous-duty security equipment. It accepts universal input voltage (115/230VAC) with automatic sensing, eliminating the need for regional voltage adaptation across international deployments or multi-facility installations.
Key Features
- Dual Output Voltage Selection (12VDC or 24VDC): Choose the output voltage that matches your installed base — no need to stock multiple SKUs for diverse lock types, power supplies, or control panels. This flexibility reduces inventory complexity in multi-building security environments.
- Universal Input Voltage (115/230VAC): Automatic sensing means the OLS120 works directly on either North American or European mains without manual reconfiguration. Useful for organizations deploying across multiple regions or managing equipment swaps without re-wiring.
- High Output Current (10A @ 24VDC): Supports multiple downstream devices or high-draw battery packs. At 10A, you can charge larger lead-acid backup batteries or power multiple electric strike locks from a single supply — meaningful when consolidating power in a cabinet or equipment room.
- Offline Switching Topology: Switching converters are more efficient than linear designs, generating less heat. This matters in enclosed cabinets or UPS enclosures where thermal buildup can shorten component life or trigger nuisance shutdowns.
- Supervised Operation with Integrated Monitoring: Built-in supervision detects supply faults and abnormal load conditions, enabling alarm reporting to your access control system or security panel — critical for systems where power loss triggers a security event.
- CE Approval: Meets European safety and EMC standards, simplifying compliance documentation for international projects or multi-national organizations subject to CE requirements.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Manufacturer stands behind the device for its operational life, reducing replacement risk during extended deployments.
Integration & Deployment Context
The OLS120 fits naturally into distributed security architectures where you need reliable charging and continuous power away from main electrical infrastructure. Common deployments include remote access control nodes, backup power systems for perimeter gates, and standalone battery charging stations in warehouse or parking lot environments. Because the output is selectable at 12VDC or 24VDC, it adapts to legacy and modern control equipment without requiring separate units.
Its compact form factor and single consolidated output simplify wiring in tight cabinet spaces — important when integrating with older racks that lack modern 48VDC distribution. The universal input handling 115–230VAC automatically eliminates cross-wiring risk, which is a real benefit when technicians are swapping supplies in the field without consulting a wiring diagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the maximum load on the OLS120 at 12VDC output?
A: The OLS120 delivers 4A maximum at 12VDC, providing 48W. This is suitable for small battery packs or single-device loads; for higher power demands at 12VDC, you would need a larger model from the Altronix family.
Q: Does the OLS120 include a battery backup function?
A: No. The OLS120 is a supply and charger, not a UPS. It charges batteries connected to its output, but does not provide ride-through power if input AC is lost. For true backup operation, integrate the OLS120 with a separate battery pack and UPS logic, or select an Altronix integrated power/backup unit.
Q: Can I change the output voltage from 12VDC to 24VDC after installation?
A: Yes. The output voltage is selectable, typically via an internal jumper or switch. Refer to the datasheet for your specific unit's configuration method, and ensure all downstream equipment is rated for the new voltage before switching.
Q: Is the OLS120 suitable for outdoor mounting?
A: The OLS120 is a switching supply designed for indoor cabinet or equipment-room mounting. It is not sealed for direct rain or harsh outdoor exposure. Deploy it in a protected enclosure or indoors, and run wiring to outdoor devices via conduit.
Q: What kind of supervision does the OLS120 provide?
A: The integrated supervision monitors output voltage and load conditions. Fault signals can be wired to a security panel or control system for alarm reporting. Check the datasheet for specific alarm output specifications and wiring.
Q: Does the OLS120 work with access control panels and door locks worldwide?
A: Yes, provided the devices are rated for 12VDC or 24VDC. The selectable output and universal input make it compatible with most industrial access control systems, electric strikes, and mag locks in use globally. Verify your specific devices' power specifications before ordering.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix OLS120 is a workhorse supply for distributed security architectures where you need reliable 24VDC or 12VDC power without adding complexity. The real strength is the offline switching topology paired with supervised monitoring — you get efficiency and fault detection in a single compact unit, which matters when you're deploying across multiple cabinet locations or remote access nodes.
Technical Highlights:
- 10A @ 24VDC Output: Enough to charge a mid-sized lead-acid battery or power multiple electric strikes simultaneously. At 4A @ 12VDC, you're looking at smaller loads or single-device scenarios — understand your peak demand before ordering to avoid undersizing.
- Universal 115/230VAC Input with Automatic Sensing: Eliminates manual voltage selection and cross-wiring risk. Deploy the same SKU across North America and Europe without field reconfiguration — a genuine operational simplification for multi-region operations.
- Offline Switching Efficiency: Less heat generation than linear designs means longer component life in enclosed cabinets and lower thermal strain on backup batteries charging simultaneously in the same enclosure.
- Selectable 12VDC or 24VDC Output: Matches your installed base without requiring multiple part numbers. Useful for organizations managing heterogeneous lock and control types across facilities.
Deployment Considerations:
- The OLS120 is not a UPS or backup power system — it charges batteries but does not provide ride-through if AC fails. Pair it with a separate battery pack if you need continuous operation during mains loss.
- Supervised output monitoring is valuable for alarm reporting, but confirm your access control panel or security system supports the alarm wiring scheme before installation. Refer to the datasheet for signal specifications.
- Indoor mounting only — do not expose to rain, condensation, or temperature extremes. Cabinet ventilation is important if charging large batteries simultaneously, as the battery charging current adds heat.
Best fit: remote gate or perimeter control nodes, warehouse access points, and standalone battery charging stations where you need regulated 24VDC or 12VDC from mains power without UPS complexity. If you require true backup ride-through, consider an integrated Altronix power/battery unit instead of the OLS120.
