Altronix SAV4D 4-Output 12VDC CCTV Power Supply
The Altronix SAV4D is a four-output regulated power distribution unit engineered for multi-camera CCTV installations that require independent 12VDC power channels. It accepts standard 115VAC input and delivers four isolated 12VDC outputs, each capable of supplying up to 6A — enough headroom to run a mix of typical surveillance cameras, pan-tilt-zoom motors, heaters, or other security peripherals without external boosters or load balancing.
Key Features
- Four independent 12VDC outputs: Each output is isolated from the others, so a short or overload on one channel won't cascade to the remaining three. That means you can distribute power to physically separated camera runs or sensor groups without risk of a single fault taking down your entire installation.
- 6A maximum per output: At 12VDC, 6A delivers 72W per channel — sufficient for a standard dome camera (typically 3–5W), a pan-tilt head (10–20W), or IR illuminator (15–30W) on the same circuit without undersizing the supply.
- PTC Class 2 supervision on each channel: Each output is protected by a thermal device that automatically disconnects the circuit if current exceeds the channel's rating, then resets when the fault clears. No manual fuse replacement; the supply recovers on its own once the overload is removed.
- Regulated 12VDC output: Voltage stabilization protects connected cameras and accessories from brownout sag or AC ripple — a real advantage in installations where power quality is inconsistent or distant from the main panel.
- 115VAC input only: The SAV4D expects standard single-phase 115VAC mains. If your facility runs 208V three-phase or 240V, you'll need a step-down transformer or a different supply model from the Altronix line.
- Compact, wall-mounted form factor: Mounts directly to a DIN rail or wall bracket behind a cabinet or in a utility closet — a practical choice for distributed camera networks in warehouses, retail, or small-to-medium office deployments where a central equipment rack isn't feasible.
Integration & Deployment Context
The SAV4D is purpose-built for wired CCTV systems that predate or operate independently of IP camera networks. It pairs well with analog dome cameras, bullet cameras, and turrets that draw 12VDC, as well as auxiliary loads like heaters, blowers, or IR arrays. It does not supply power directly to IP cameras — those typically use PoE injectors or PoE switches. However, in hybrid installations where you're running both analog and IP surveillance, the SAV4D can handle the analog side while a separate PoE infrastructure covers the IP side. For larger deployments (more than 16 outputs), parallel SAV4D units or a higher-capacity Altronix supply may be required; check the load calculation against the total system amperage.
Because the SAV4D includes PTC protection per channel, you can omit individual fuses in the camera runs — a simplification that reduces wiring complexity and failure points. The automatic reset behavior also means fewer on-site service calls to replace blown fuses during troubleshooting or temporary overloads.
Warranty & Support
Covered by Altronix's Lifetime Limited Warranty, which protects against manufacturing defects and component failure under normal use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the SAV4D power IP cameras directly?
A: No. The SAV4D is designed for 12VDC analog cameras and auxiliary equipment. IP cameras require either PoE (Power over Ethernet) via a PoE injector or PoE switch, or a separate 12VDC supply rated for the camera's wattage. If you need to supply both types, use the SAV4D for analog loads and a PoE infrastructure for IP cameras.
Q: What happens if one output exceeds 6A?
A: The PTC thermal device on that channel will automatically disconnect the circuit, preventing damage to the supply and connected equipment. Once the overload is removed and the circuit cools, the PTC resets and power returns — no manual intervention required.
Q: Is the SAV4D suitable for outdoor installations?
A: The SAV4D itself is designed for indoor mounting (behind a cabinet, in a utility closet, or on a DIN rail). It is not weatherproofed for direct outdoor exposure. For outdoor camera installations, mount the supply indoors and run the 12VDC power lines to outdoor cameras via shielded cable with weatherproof connectors.
Q: Does the SAV4D include a battery backup or UPS capability?
A: No. The SAV4D is a passive AC-to-DC converter with no internal battery, supercapacitor, or UPS function. If you need backup power for critical cameras, add a separate battery backup system or UPS downstream.
Q: Can I run the SAV4D on 208V or 240V power?
A: No. The SAV4D input is rated for 115VAC only. If your installation has 208V or 240V service, use a step-down transformer to convert to 115VAC before connecting the supply, or consult an Altronix engineer for an alternative supply model.
Q: What is the warranty on the SAV4D?
A: The SAV4D is backed by Altronix's Lifetime Limited Warranty, covering manufacturing defects and component failure under normal operating conditions.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix SAV4D is a straightforward, reliable choice for analog CCTV infrastructure — the kind of supply you install once and don't think about again. The four independent 12VDC channels with per-channel PTC protection mean you can distribute power to separate camera runs without worrying about a single overload taking down the rest of the system. That isolation is worth the price of admission on retail, warehouse, or multi-building campus deployments where you're spreading cameras across different zones.
Technical Highlights:
- 6A per output at 12VDC: Delivers 72W per channel — sufficient for a standard dome camera (3–5W) plus a pan-tilt head (10–20W) and IR illuminator (15–30W) on the same circuit without undersizing.
- PTC Class 2 automatic protection: No manual fuse swaps. If a camera or load shorts or draws excessive current, the channel disconnects and resets automatically once the fault is cleared. That saves on-site troubleshooting time.
- Regulated output: Voltage stabilization protects cameras from brownout or ripple noise on aging electrical infrastructure — particularly valuable in industrial or retrofit installations where mains quality is variable.
Deployment Considerations:
- 115VAC input only — if your facility runs 208V three-phase or 240V, you'll need a step-down transformer or a different Altronix supply. Check your site power before ordering.
- The SAV4D does not include battery backup or UPS capability. If your surveillance system requires uninterruptible power (for recording or alarm relay activation), provision a separate battery backup downstream or in parallel.
The SAV4D is strongest in purpose-built analog surveillance networks — retail, warehousing, smaller commercial facilities with distributed camera runs. If you're building a hybrid system with both analog and IP cameras, the SAV4D handles the analog side cleanly, leaving your PoE switch to manage the IP side without power contention.
