Altronix RB1224 12/24VDC DPDT Relay Module
The Altronix RB1224 is a single-relay switching module engineered for access control systems, security installations, and low-voltage automation where reliable voltage isolation and load switching is non-negotiable. This enclosure-mounted unit accepts 12VDC or 24VDC input and delivers a DPDT (double-pole, double-throw) relay contact rated for 5A, handling output loads up to 220VAC or 28VDC. It's a purpose-built component for integrators who need predictable, fail-safe relay switching without the complexity of larger multichannel panels.
Key Features
- Dual-voltage input (12VDC or 24VDC): Eliminates the need for separate modules if your system runs mixed power supplies — one unit covers both standard security voltage rails. Simplifies inventory and reduces component count in distributed access control layouts.
- DPDT relay contact with 5A rating: A double-throw contact gives you two independent load paths from a single relay coil. The 5A maximum current handles typical solenoid locks, magnetic latches, and indicator loads without derating. Anything heavier requires an external contactor.
- 220VAC and 28VDC output capability: Switch mains-voltage AC circuits or DC auxiliary supplies from the same module. Useful for controlling exit devices, door holders, or auxiliary 28VDC circuits that share a single relay.
- Enclosure form factor: Designed to mount inside standard electrical cabinets or custom panel enclosures. Compact footprint keeps door-mounted or wall-mounted control boxes physically manageable.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Backed by Altronix's standard warranty, covering manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. No time limit — parts failure is rare on passive relay modules, but coverage is included for the life of the device.
Integration & Compatibility
The RB1224 integrates directly into any access control system or security circuit that requires relay-based load switching. It pairs with control modules, keypads, or programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that output a 12VDC or 24VDC control signal. The DPDT contact is contact-closure agnostic — it doesn't care whether the load is AC or DC, as long as it stays within the 5A maximum. For larger loads, use the RB1224 as a pilot relay driving a contactor or motor starter coil.
Install the module inside an access control panel, power-supply enclosure, or door-mounted relay cabinet. Wire the input to your control signal source (access panel output, sensor circuit, or timer module). Connect the DPDT contact poles to your load circuit. The relay is normally open; energizing the coil closes the contact pair.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your system needs multiple relays, multiple independent contacts per relay, or integrated status feedback (dry-contact closure sense), consult a higher-channel relay expansion module or a dedicated relay panel in the Altronix power infrastructure line. For remotely monitored or addressable relay control, step up to an IP-networked relay module with Ethernet or serial interface.
Typical Applications
- Access control door-lock relay switching (solenoid or electric strike)
- Security system auxiliary output control (sirens, strobes, door-holder circuits)
- Voltage isolation and load switching in 12/24VDC automation circuits
- Pilot relay for larger AC or DC loads controlled by low-voltage security equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the RB1224 handle a 24VDC solenoid lock directly?
A: Yes, as long as the solenoid coil draws 5A or less. The DPDT contact is rated for 5A at up to 28VDC, so 24VDC solenoids well within that limit are no problem. If the lock draws more than 5A, use the RB1224 as a pilot relay to drive a contactor or external 24VDC relay rated for the higher current.
Q: What's the difference between 12VDC and 24VDC input on the RB1224?
A: The RB1224 accepts either voltage as input to energize the relay coil. The output contacts themselves don't care about the input voltage — they simply open or close based on coil energization. Select input voltage based on what your control signal source provides (typically 12VDC or 24VDC from an access panel or PLC).
Q: Can I switch 120VAC with the RB1224?
A: The contact is rated for 220VAC maximum, so 120VAC is well within spec. The 5A current limit still applies — most 120VAC loads (lights, solenoids) at 5A draw roughly 600 watts. If you're switching higher-wattage AC loads, verify the current draw and use an external contactor if needed.
Q: Is the RB1224 suitable for outdoor or harsh-environment mounting?
A: The RB1224 is designed for enclosure-mounted use, not direct outdoor exposure. Install it inside a weatherproof electrical cabinet or panel. If you need outdoor relay switching, use a weather-sealed enclosure or choose a dedicated outdoor relay control module.
Q: What warranty does the RB1224 carry?
A: The RB1224 includes Altronix's Lifetime Limited Warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the device. Contact the manufacturer or an specialty distributor with warranty claims.
Jerry TildsenPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix RB1224 is a workhorse relay module that solves a specific, common problem: you need a single-relay switching interface that handles both 12VDC and 24VDC control inputs without adding SKU bloat to your spares cabinet. The DPDT contact and 5A rating make it suitable for most standard access control loads — door strikes, magnetic latches, and auxiliary circuit switching. It's not fancy, but it's reliable and it fits neatly into distributed panel layouts where space and component count matter.
Technical Highlights:
- 5A contact rating at 220VAC/28VDC: Covers the majority of solenoid locks and magnetic door-holder coils used in commercial access control. A typical electric strike draws 1–3A at 24VDC; the RB1224 handles this with margin and no derating.
- Dual-voltage input (12VDC or 24VDC): One module supports both control voltages common in mixed legacy and modern security systems. You don't need to stock separate units for 12V and 24V installs.
- DPDT contact configuration: Gives you two independent NO/NC paths from one relay. Useful for simultaneous control of a lock and a door-position indicator, or for switching between two independent load circuits from a single control signal.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify coil current draw on your control source before wiring. Most access control panels output 50–100 mA per relay port, which is well within limits, but always confirm specs if you're driving the RB1224 from a custom circuit or PLC.
- The 5A maximum is a hard stop. If your load exceeds 5A, you must use the RB1224 as a pilot relay (low-power circuit) driving an external contactor or motor starter. Undersizing the relay does not degrade performance — it simply fails catastrophically if overloaded.
- Mounting: Ensure the module sits inside a ventilated enclosure. Although relay current dissipation is minimal, a sealed box in a sunlit cabinet can cause thermal creep. Use standard electrical-box mounting with appropriate strain relief on coil and contact wiring.
Best suited to integrators building distributed access control systems where each door or zone needs independent relay switching and you want to minimize panel complexity. Not a candidate for networked or remotely monitored deployments — if you need to log relay closures or control relays over a network, step up to an IP-based relay module or a full access control panel with built-in relay expansion.
