Altronix RB7 Ultra-Sensitive Relay Module
The Altronix RB7 is a single-output relay module engineered for low-voltage DC control switching in security and access control systems. Operating from a selectable 7–12VDC or 24VDC input, the RB7 delivers switchable 120VAC or 28VDC output at up to 1A, making it the workhorse for triggering solenoid locks, alarm sirens, and auxiliary loads in compact control panels. The ultra-sensitive design minimizes input current draw, reducing strain on source circuits and simplifying integration with logic controllers and sensor outputs.
Key Features
- Ultra-Sensitive Design: Minimal input current requirement ensures compatibility with low-power logic outputs and sensor circuits without need for intermediate buffers.
- Dual Input Voltage Selection: 7–12VDC or 24VDC switchable configuration. Choose the voltage rail that matches your existing power architecture — no need for separate modules.
- Dual Output Voltage: 120VAC or 28VDC switchable output. Handle both AC line devices (sirens, strobes) and DC electromagnetic loads (solenoids, relays) from a single module.
- 1A Maximum Output Current: Sufficient for standard solenoid locks, alarm solenoids, and relay coils without external amplification for typical access control deployments.
- Single Relay Output: Straightforward control logic — direct wiring to alarm inputs, access control boards, or sensor-triggered switching logic with no conditional complexity.
- Compact Panel-Mount Form Factor: Horizontal DIN-rail mounting fits standard 19" equipment racks and wall-mounted control enclosures. Minimal footprint preserves panel real estate.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Altronix backing on a proven component design reduces procurement risk in long-term access control and alarm deployments.
The RB7 bridges the gap between low-voltage sensor and logic circuits (7–12V or 24V DC) and the higher-power line-voltage or secondary 28VDC devices that security systems demand. In door access control, the RB7 accepts a 24VDC signal from an access controller and switches power to a magnetic lock solenoid or door strike. In alarm systems, it accepts sensor input from a motion detector or door contact and energizes a siren or strobe relay without needing a dedicated relay bank. The selectable input voltage means you can standardize on a single module across 12V battery-backup installations and 24V hardwired power supplies — a logistics win for integrators managing mixed deployments.
Output switching between 120VAC and 28VDC is field-selectable via terminal connection, not a jumper or firmware setting. This design choice avoids installation errors that occur when integrators forget to reprogram settings before deployment. A technician can verify the correct output mode visually at the terminal block during final inspection. The 1A maximum output current is sufficient for industry-standard solenoid locks (typically 0.4–0.7A) and alarm solenoids, but exceeding this limit will trip the internal protection — know your load profile before specification.
Compatibility is straightforward: ONVIF-compliant access control systems, hardwired motion sensors, and legacy 24VDC alarm panels all present voltage outputs that drive the RB7. The module does not require network connectivity or firmware updates — it is purely analog switching hardware. This makes it immune to software obsolescence and simplifies compliance in high-security environments where air-gapped control logic is mandated. Pair the RB7 with a 24VDC power supply (Altronix AL1012 or similar) in a control enclosure, and you have a drop-in relay function for any legacy system that needs DC-to-AC or DC-to-DC switching without software overhead.
The Altronix RB7 is designed for environments where simplicity and reliability trump feature density. If your system needs a straightforward one-shot relay function, input voltage flexibility, and output voltage selection without edge analytics or cloud connectivity, this module delivers. It pairs naturally with Altronix power supplies, timers, and access control modules in integrated security enclosures. For access control integrators maintaining multi-site installations across mixed voltage architectures, the dual-input voltage support reduces spare-parts inventory and accelerates technician familiarity. The lifetime warranty reflects Altronix confidence in the design — a relay module should not fail in normal operation, and Altronix stands behind that expectation.
Marty AllisonPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
We've installed the Altronix RB7 in access control enclosures, alarm systems, and camera-triggered lighting circuits across parking lots, office buildings, and warehouse facilities. What sets the RB7 apart in a crowded relay module market is the combination of ultra-sensitive input and dual voltage flexibility. Most integrators think of relay modules as commodity items — pick the input voltage, pick the output voltage, plug it in. But in real-world deployments, we encounter mixed-voltage sites where legacy 12VDC backup systems coexist with new 24VDC hardwired infrastructure, and the RB7's input selection eliminates the need to stock two different module SKUs. The ultra-sensitive design also matters more than the spec sheet suggests. We've worked on access control sites where the door controller output doesn't drive a standard relay directly — it's weak enough that you'd normally add a buffer circuit. The RB7's minimal input current pull keeps that weak signal intact without extra conditioning logic. That translates to one fewer component in the control enclosure, less wiring complexity, and fewer failure points.
Technical Highlights:
- Ultra-Sensitive Input Design: Minimal current draw ensures operation with logic-level outputs (5V–24V) from motion sensors, door contacts, and access controllers without needing intermediate relay or optoislator buffering. Reduces bill-of-materials and enclosure wiring density.
- Selectable Input Voltage (7–12VDC or 24VDC): Single module covers both battery-backup systems running on 12V sealed-lead-acid and hardwired 24VDC power rails. Simplifies spare-parts inventory across multi-site deployments and eliminates misinstallation risk when integrators mix voltage standards.
- Switchable Output (120VAC or 28VDC): Field-selectable via terminal connection, not firmware. Accommodates both line-voltage alarm devices (sirens, strobes, relay coils rated 120VAC) and low-voltage solenoid loads (magnetic locks, door strikes, 28VDC auxiliary relays). Reduces the number of relay module variants you need to stock.
- 1A Maximum Output Current: Sufficient for standard electromagnetic solenoid locks (0.4–0.7A typical draw), alarm solenoids, and relay coils. Exceeding 1A will cause the internal protection to open — verify your load before installation; there's no soft current-limit behavior, it's a hard trip.
- Single Output, No Complexity: One relay output means straightforward logic — input voltage present, relay energizes; input voltage removed, relay de-energizes. No timing logic, no conditional switching. Perfect for door strike activation, siren energizing, or camera-triggered lighting without software dependencies.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify your solenoid or relay coil current draw before installation. Typical door strikes run 0.4–0.6A; magnetic locks can exceed 1A under stall conditions. If your load pulls more than 1A, you'll need an external power relay or a higher-capacity module. Have the device datasheet in hand at the site.
- The output voltage selection is hard-wired at the terminal block — there's no jumper or dip switch. Changing from 120VAC to 28VDC output requires re-terminating the output connections. Document this in your system handover notes so future techs don't accidentally mis-wire the module.
- The RB7 itself draws minimal quiescent current, but your source circuit (access controller, sensor output) must be able to supply current to the relay coil when energized. Most modern 24VDC security controllers can handle this; legacy or extremely low-power designs may need verification. Check the source device output rating before installation.
- Place the RB7 physically close to the load (solenoid, strobe, relay) to minimize wire runs and reduce voltage drop across longer conductor runs. Long 28VDC control wires can see 3–5V drop on a weak source, potentially preventing relay pickup. Keep runs under 50 feet if possible; if longer, upgrade to 16 AWG or lower.
- Pair the RB7 with a proper 24VDC power supply (Altronix AL1012 or similar) in the control enclosure. Do not try to power it from a doorlock supply or alarm panel output unless you've verified the source can sustain the relay coil current. Underpowered relays chatter and fail prematurely.
The RB7 is purpose-built for access control integrators and alarm technicians who need a single, bulletproof relay function without software overhead. It shines in retrofits where you're adding door control to a building without rewiring the entire power infrastructure, or in alarm systems where a sensor output needs to switch a siren or strobe without involving a PLC. If you're designing a new system from scratch and want maximum integration flexibility, this module's voltage selection and output options make it a sensible standard component. For more Altronix power supplies, relays, and access control modules, explore the Altronix catalog.
