Altronix RBSNTTL Ultra-Sensitive DPDT Relay Module
The Altronix RBSNTTL is a compact DPDT (double-pole, double-throw) relay module engineered for low-power control circuits in security system infrastructure. It bridges detection loops, alarm outputs, and door control circuits — anywhere you need clean, reliable contact switching without a dedicated control relay occupying panel real estate.
Key Features
- DPDT Configuration: Two independent poles let you switch two separate circuits from one trigger signal, or wire both poles in parallel for higher current capacity on a single load — flexibility that saves you relay count and panel space when integrating access control with alarm loops.
- Ultra-Sensitive Input Stage: Designed to trigger reliably from low-current signals (typical for detection loops and panel aux outputs), so you don't need to oversize upstream logic circuits or add signal conditioning.
- 12/24VDC Operation: Accepts either 12VDC or 24VDC input voltage — no jumper reconfiguration needed. Pick the supply voltage that matches your existing infrastructure.
- 1A @ 120VAC Switching Capacity: Handles AC loads up to 120V at 1A (roughly 120W), sufficient for class 2 solenoid locks, relay coils, and incandescent lamp loads without thermal stress.
- 2A @ 28VDC Switching Capacity: DC switching is rated higher — 2A at 28VDC — useful for powering door strike controllers, auxiliary relay coils, and low-voltage DC signaling circuits without needing an intermediate buffer relay.
- Compact Panel Form Factor: Mounts into standard DIN rail or panel-mount footprints, minimizing wiring complexity in crowded access control and alarm panels where real estate is limited.
Typical Integration Scenarios
The RBSNTTL fits naturally into power infrastructure and access control designs where a panel's limited output capacity needs to be amplified for multiple loads. Use it to switch door strike and electromechanical lock circuits, isolate auxiliary alarm outputs, or route CCTV lighting control from a separate 24VDC supply without loading down your main panel output. Its ultra-sensitive coil makes it practical for tying into low-current detection loops — fire loops, glass-break circuits, or motion sensor strings — without adding inline amplification.
Reliability & Warranty
The RBSNTTL carries an Altronix Lifetime Limited Warranty, reflecting the straightforward design and proven relay contact geometry. Electromagnetic relays have no moving software or firmware — contact wear is the only real failure mode, and DPDT contacts in security-grade applications typically survive millions of cycles under normal switching loads.
When to Choose a Different Approach
If you need solid-state switching (zero contact wear, silent operation), consider Altronix's SSR (Solid State Relay) variants in the same power infrastructure family — they eliminate mechanical contact bounce at the cost of slightly higher standby power consumption. If your trigger signal is AC rather than DC, or if you need isolation between control and load circuits, a relay with built-in isolation transformer may be necessary. For loads exceeding 2A DC or 1A AC, the RBSNTTL's contacts will throttle — step up to a higher-rated relay or use the DPDT in parallel configuration with manual load balancing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the RBSNTTL with both coil voltages in the same installation?
A: The module is factory-configured for either 12VDC or 24VDC coil voltage. You cannot jumper it mid-deployment; order the correct voltage version upfront or contact an integrator to swap modules if your supply changes.
Q: What's the maximum switching frequency for the RBSNTTL?
A: The datasheet does not specify a maximum switching frequency. For general relay guidance, mechanical DPDT relays in security applications are typically rated for 1–10 Hz without derating. If your application requires faster switching (e.g., PWM dimming), verify compatibility with Altronix technical support.
Q: Can I parallel the two poles to double the current rating?
A: Yes. Wiring both poles in series across a single load effectively provides 2A @ 120VAC or 4A @ 28VDC contact capacity. This is common practice when a single high-current DC load (e.g., a robust strike controller) requires more than one pole's capacity.
Q: Does the RBSNTTL need a snubber diode or suppression circuit?
A: If you're switching inductive loads (solenoids, relay coils, motor windings), a freewheeling diode across the load is strongly recommended to suppress contact arcing and extend relay life. The RBSNTTL itself does not include on-board suppression — plan for external transient protection in your panel layout.
Q: Is the RBSNTTL NDAA Section 889 compliant or certified?
A: The datasheet does not reference NDAA certification. As a passive relay component manufactured by Altronix (a U.S. company), compliance is likely, but verify formally with your procurement officer if you have federal security requirements.
Q: What's the contact resistance of the RBSNTTL relay?
A: Contact resistance is not specified in the available datasheet. For audio or video signaling circuits where contact resistance matters, contact Altronix directly or use a low-contact-resistance variant if available.
Jerry TildsenPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix RBSNTTL is a workhorse for anyone building a control infrastructure that needs to route low-level signals to multiple loads without cramming the panel full of separate relay modules. Its ultra-sensitive coil and 2A @ 28VDC contact rating make it practical for tying detection loops and alarm aux outputs directly to door strike controllers and solenoid circuits without intermediate amplification.
Technical Highlights:
- 2A @ 28VDC Switching: DC loads up to 2A are the primary win here. A single strike controller or auxiliary relay coil drawing 1.5–2A can be driven cleanly without overloading the relay contacts — higher than the 1A AC rating because DC arcing is less aggressive than AC.
- DPDT Dual-Pole Architecture: Two independent switching paths from one coil let you control two separate circuits (e.g., strike + monitoring relay) or parallel them for 4A capacity on a single load. This flexibility eliminates the need to spec and mount two separate relays.
- 12/24VDC Coil Flexibility: Factory-set for your supply voltage, but not field-jumperable. Confirm your coil voltage matches your panel's control supply — a common gotcha during commissioning is ordering the wrong voltage variant and discovering it during final wiring.
Deployment Considerations:
- Mechanical relays require contact suppression when driving inductive loads (solenoids, relay coils). Plan for a freewheeling diode across the load to prevent contact arcing and premature failure. This is not negotiable for long-term reliability.
- No frequency specification means this relay is not suited to high-speed switching applications like PWM dimming or RF modulation. Stick to on/off or slow-cycling loads (under 10 Hz nominal).
Deploy the RBSNTTL in mid-sized access control and alarm panels where you're switching 24VDC solenoid circuits and need simple, proven relay logic. It's not flashy, but it handles the load cleanly and outlasts trendy solid-state alternatives in applications with moderate switching frequency and no need for silent operation.
