Altronix OLS250 24VDC 10A Power Supply
The Altronix OLS250 is a board-form regulated 24VDC power supply rated for 10A continuous output. Accepts standard 115VAC input and delivers regulated 24VDC through a single output terminal. This unit is built for integration into enclosures, racks, and system architectures where reliable backup power and battery charging are non-negotiable — access control systems, IP camera arrays, and networked video recorders all depend on stable 24VDC rails during normal operation and extended runtime scenarios.
Key Features
- 24VDC regulated output at 10A continuous. Delivers 240W total capacity — sufficient to power multiple cameras, locks, or readers simultaneously without voltage sag. In a typical three-camera surveillance build, 10A handles sustained draw with headroom for battery charging cycles.
- Board form factor. Mounts directly into control boxes, DIN-rail enclosures, or custom frames without consuming panel real estate. No external housing needed if you're building a managed power distribution architecture.
- 115VAC single-phase input. Standard North American utility voltage — no three-phase infrastructure or special outlet requirements. Plugs into any circuit-protected AC source.
- Single output terminal configuration. Straightforward wiring reduces installation time and diagnostic complexity. One regulated rail simplifies load-sharing logic and reduces integration overhead compared to multi-output designs.
- Regulated output under load variation. Maintains stable 24VDC even as connected devices draw varying currents. Analog IP cameras and access control readers require tight voltage tolerance to avoid image artifacts or solenoid chatter — regulation prevents these field headaches.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty. Covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the unit. Standard Altronix coverage — no annual renewal, no surprise gaps.
Integration and Deployment
The OLS250 fits naturally into redundant power architectures where a secondary 24VDC source backs up primary supplies or charges standby battery systems. Board form integrates into uninterruptible power supply (UPS) frames and custom control enclosures — no external cabling clutter on the front panel. Install it alongside a battery backup module to extend runtime during mains failure, or use it as a dedicated 24VDC charger for access control battery packs in facilities where multiple backup circuits are required.
When selecting a 24VDC supply for your deployment, confirm the aggregate load of all downstream devices (cameras, readers, locks, sensors, relays) does not exceed 10A at 24VDC. Most IP cameras draw 2–4W (0.1–0.17A), so a 10A supply can handle 25–50 moderate-load devices. For single heavy-load scenarios (large electromagnetic locks pulling 3–5A continuously), the OLS250 remains the single regulated source; for fan-out distributions, pair it with a fused terminal block to protect individual branch circuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the OLS250 power a 24VDC battery backup system?
A: Yes. The OLS250 delivers regulated 24VDC suitable for charging sealed lead-acid (SLA) or lithium backup batteries. Pair it with an appropriate battery charger module or integrated UPS enclosure that manages float charging and trickle cycles.
Q: What is the maximum cable run from the OLS250 to a remote load?
A: Cable length depends on wire gauge and total current draw. For example, 50 feet at 5A (125W) using 12 AWG copper wire results in approximately 0.5V drop — acceptable for most access control devices. Check voltage at the remote load to confirm compliance with device specifications (typically 23–28VDC for ±5% tolerance).
Q: Does the OLS250 include a UPS or battery?
A: No. The OLS250 is a standalone AC-to-DC converter. It converts 115VAC utility power into regulated 24VDC. Battery backup and UPS functionality require a separate battery module and charger, typically housed in the same enclosure.
Q: What happens if the load exceeds 10A?
A: Exceeding 10A will trigger internal current limiting or thermal shutdown to protect the supply. Voltage will sag, and downstream devices may lose power. Size the OLS250 for sustained loads 20–30% below the 10A rating to avoid nuisance shutdowns.
Q: Is the OLS250 covered by a warranty?
A: Yes, the OLS250 includes Altronix Lifetime Limited Warranty coverage against defects in materials and workmanship. Proof of purchase required for warranty claims.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix OLS250 is a workhorse 24VDC supply — not fancy, but honest. At 10A continuous (240W total), it's sized right for mid-scale access control and camera distributions where you need regulated backup power without over-engineering the enclosure. The board form factor is the real win here: you mount it inside the cabinet and forget about it, no external bulk, and a single output terminal keeps wiring dead simple.
Technical Highlights:
- 10A continuous output. 240W total capacity handles 20–30 small IP cameras, a dozen readers, or mixed loads. At 5A (50% utilization), you've got room for growth and thermal margin — the unit won't be running hot on typical shifts.
- Regulated 24VDC delivery. Voltage stability matters. Analog surveillance gear and solenoid locks chatter and flicker when DC sags below 22V. The OLS250 holds regulation under dynamic load swings — when a camera power-on spike hits, downstream devices don't brown out.
- 115VAC input only. No universal voltage input here — this is North America. If your facility runs 208V or 277V three-phase, you'll need to step down or choose a different supply. Standard outlet voltage, so installation is straightforward in any existing control cabinet.
Deployment Considerations:
- This supply alone does not provide backup power. You must wire it into a battery charger or UPS module to extend runtime during AC loss. Pair the OLS250 with a compatible Altronix battery enclosure if uninterruptible operation is a requirement.
- Board form means no fuses or individual circuit breaks on the supply itself. Protect the 10A output with downstream fused distribution blocks or circuit breakers rated for 24VDC to isolate faults and prevent cascading load loss.
- At sustained full load (10A), account for heat dissipation. The unit does dissipate power in the board — avoid stacking supplies or burying it in a tight corner without airflow.
The OLS250 shines in retrofit access control systems and multi-camera deployments where you're adding a second redundant power rail or upgrading from a failing supply. It's not the answer if you need universal voltage input, integrated UPS, or a compact wall-mounted charger — but if you're integrating into a cabinet-based architecture with standard 115VAC and need rock-solid 24VDC, the OLS250 is the right choice.
