Altronix R1224DC16CB 16-Output 12/24VDC Rack Power Supply
The Altronix R1224DC16CB is a 2U rack-mount power distribution unit designed to centralize 12/24VDC power for security and access control infrastructure. It accepts standard 115VAC input and delivers up to 18A of total current across 16 independently supervised outputs—meaning each circuit is protected individually rather than relying on a single master breaker. This architecture isolates faults: if one output overloads or shorts, only that channel shuts down; the remaining 15 continue feeding your door locks, badge readers, alarm sensors, and auxiliary camera equipment.
Key Features
- 16 Independently Supervised Outputs: Each output includes its own PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) Class 2 thermal protection, cutting the risk of cascading system failures. If a single door strike draws too much current, it won't starve power from other readers or sensors on the same rack.
- Selectable 12/24VDC Voltage: Configure the entire unit for either voltage rail—no jumpers or software required. Flexibility to support legacy 12V equipment and newer 24V access control readers from the same power source.
- 18A Total Capacity: Sufficient headroom for small-to-medium security deployments. Calculate your draw: a typical magnetic lock runs 0.6–1.2A at 24V, an electric strike 0.8–1.5A, and a badge reader 0.3–0.5A. Eighteen amps allows roughly 12–15 simultaneous devices before saturation—adequate for a single building entrance or a distributed sensor network across a smaller facility.
- 2U Rack Form Factor: Mounts horizontally in a standard 19-inch equipment rack alongside your NVR, network switch, or UPS. Saves floor space and simplifies cable management in a central security cabinet.
- UL Listed Construction: Certified to UL standards; meets insurance and building code requirements for commercial installations. Provides liability assurance and simplifies permitting for integrators.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product, provided it's not abused. Standard for Altronix power infrastructure; check the full warranty terms with the distributor for any exclusions.
Integration & Compatibility
The R1224DC16CB integrates into any access control, alarm, or video surveillance system that requires distributed 12/24VDC power. Common pairings include:
- Access control panels (HID, Honeywell, Salto, etc.) powering multiple door strikes, magnetic locks, and badge readers.
- Video surveillance systems—particularly for powering auxiliary devices like IR illuminators, thermostats, relay outputs on network IP cameras, or pan-tilt-zoom motors when a camera's on-board power is insufficient.
- Alarm sensor networks, including wired door/window contacts, motion detectors, and siren modules that draw modest DC current.
- Building automation and IoT endpoints requiring centralized, supervised 12/24VDC feeds in a larger security infrastructure deployment.
Verify device current ratings and voltage compatibility before connecting; the R1224DC16CB supervises at the output level but does not adjust voltage or current on a per-device basis. Each supervised output is independent, so you can daisy-chain or parallelize low-current loads on a single output to stay within the 18A total envelope.
Physical & Environmental Considerations
This is a rack-mount unit designed for indoor security cabinets, server rooms, or wiring closets with stable temperature and humidity. It requires 115VAC input from a standard building circuit (typically a dedicated 15A breaker). Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit—PTC thermal protection on each output relies on ambient air circulation to prevent nuisance trips during peak load periods.
Deployment Scenarios
The R1224DC16CB is well-suited for:
- Multi-door access control sites where a single power supply feeds badge readers, strike mechanisms, and door-position sensors across 4–6 entrances.
- Warehouse or industrial surveillance systems that combine video recording with auxiliary 24VDC equipment (motion sensors, IR strobes, relay modules).
- Distributed alarm networks in office buildings or retail chains using hardwired sensors and centralized monitoring.
- Redundancy strategies where two R1224DC16CB units are paralleled through load-balancing relays to provide failover power for critical access points or emergency lighting circuits.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your site requires more than 18A of continuous current, or needs to power 24+ independent circuits, evaluate a higher-capacity power supply from the Altronix lineup—such as models offering 32A, 40A, or modular expansion capabilities. If you need integrated battery backup (uninterruptible power supply), consider combined UPS/power distribution units. If your input power is 220/240VAC or three-phase, verify input compatibility or consult the Altronix product family for alternative models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Altronix R1224DC16CB work with both 12V and 24V devices simultaneously?
A: No. The unit is configured to output either 12VDC or 24VDC to all 16 outputs—you select one voltage for the entire supply. If your system requires both voltages, you'll need two separate power supplies, one per voltage rail.
Q: What does "PTC Class 2 supervision" mean for me?
A: Each output is monitored by a thermal fuse (PTC device) that automatically disconnects power if current exceeds the rated limit for that channel—typically 1.5A per output at 24V. This prevents a short circuit on one door strike or reader from knocking out all 16 circuits. If one output trips, the remaining 15 stay live.
Q: How many door locks can I power with the R1224DC16CB?
A: Depends on lock current draw. A typical 24V electric strike pulls 1–1.5A; a magnetic lock pulls 0.6–1.2A. At 18A total, you can safely run roughly 12–15 locks of this type simultaneously. During peak access (lunch hour, shift change), actual simultaneous draw is often lower; size the supply based on your maximum concurrent unlock events, not the total count of locks.
Q: Can I use the R1224DC16CB in a humid or outdoor environment?
A: No. This is an indoor, rack-mount unit. It's designed for stable climate environments like equipment rooms or security cabinets. For outdoor power distribution, use a weatherproof enclosure rated IP66 or better and mount the supply inside.
Q: Is the Altronix R1224DC16CB NDAA-compliant or made in the USA?
A: This product information page does not include NDAA or country-of-origin certifications. Contact the manufacturer or your distributor for compliance details if this is a requirement for your procurement.
Q: What is the expected lifespan, and is replacement available if the unit fails?
A: The Altronix R1224DC16CB carries a lifetime limited warranty against manufacturing defects. Typical field life for rack power supplies is 5–10+ years with proper ventilation and input power stability. The unit is still in production and widely stocked, making replacement straightforward.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix R1224DC16CB solves a real pain point in distributed security infrastructure: the single point of failure. If you're wiring a mid-scale access control or surveillance deployment and you've only got one power supply feeding your door strikes, badge readers, and sensors, one short circuit takes down the whole system. The R1224DC16CB's per-output PTC thermal protection means that design mistake doesn't cascade across all 16 circuits. Each output is its own protection domain.
Technical Highlights:
- PTC Class 2 per-output protection: Isolates faults to individual outputs at roughly 1.5A per channel. A reader drawing 0.4A or a door strike at 1.2A won't bring down your alarm sensors or motion detectors on other channels.
- 18A total capacity at 24VDC: Right-sized for small-to-medium access control and surveillance sites. That's roughly 12–15 simultaneous devices; adequate for a single building entrance or a warehouse zone. If you need 25A or 32A, step up to a larger unit in the same family.
- Selectable 12/24VDC voltage: No jumpers, no field reconfiguration—you set the rail voltage once during deployment. Supports legacy 12V equipment (older readers, LED status lights) and modern 24V access panels from one supply.
Deployment Considerations:
- The 18A total cap is a hard ceiling. Daisy-chain multiple low-draw devices on a single output (e.g., three door-position contacts @ 0.1A each per output) to stay within envelope. Don't assume you can run 16 simultaneous 1.5A loads—you'll trip the main input breaker.
- PTC thermal protection is self-resetting once the short clears and the device cools. If a lock sticks and draws sustained overload current, that output will cycle on/off repeatedly until the mechanical fault is resolved—an annoying gotcha if you're relying on predictable availability. Size your circuits conservatively and monitor load draw during commissioning.
Deploy the R1224DC16CB in a central security cabinet serving a single building entrance with 4–8 doors, or as a zone power supply in larger distributed access systems. Pair it with a network switch and NVR in a standard 42U rack; budget 3U of rack space (the unit is 2U, plus clearance for cable egress). It's not a replacement for a full UPS, but it's a solid, robust foundation for medium-complexity access and sensor power distribution where fault isolation and per-circuit supervision matter.
