Altronix SMP10 12VDC/24VDC 10 Amp Power Supply Board
The Altronix SMP10 is a compact board-level power supply designed to deliver reliable auxiliary power to security infrastructure. This unit accepts a wide AC input range (16–28VAC) and outputs either 12VDC or 24VDC at up to 10 amps — selectable to match your deployment voltage standard. Built-in battery backup support means connected devices maintain operation through AC mains failures, a critical requirement for access control, surveillance, and intercom systems that cannot tolerate downtime.
Key Features
- Selectable 12VDC or 24VDC output: Configure the SMP10 to match your system voltage in the field — no separate SKUs to stock. Simplifies inventory management across mixed-voltage deployments.
- 10 amp continuous capacity: Delivers enough power to support multiple auxiliary devices per board — typical for powering door strikes, readers, intercoms, or IP camera PoE injectors simultaneously without overload risk.
- 16–28VAC input range: Accommodates transformer output variation and grid fluctuations without shutdown. Standard 24VAC transformer supplies will operate reliably at the extremes of their tolerance band.
- Integrated battery backup connectors: Direct connection points for optional backup batteries (not included) — no external relay modules or adapters required. Enables emergency-rated hold-up during AC loss, meeting life-safety code requirements in many jurisdictions.
- Single output channel: Straightforward wiring and lower board cost compared to multi-output supplies. Ideal for OEM integration or as a distributed power point in larger access control or intercom networks.
- Board form factor: Compact mounting inside enclosures, DIN rails, or equipment frames. No external power brick — reduces cable clutter and panel footprint in tight installations.
- CE compliance: Meets European electrical safety and EMC directives — required for deployments in EU markets or where CE marking is a specification requirement.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Altronix backs the SMP10 for the life of the original purchaser, reducing long-term ownership risk in stable infrastructure deployments.
Integration & Compatibility
The SMP10 integrates directly into security power supply architectures where distributed auxiliary power feeding access control, communications, or camera auxiliary circuits is required. The board-level design suits both retrofit installations into existing enclosures and new-build OEM equipment. Connect AC mains to the 16–28VAC input terminals, configure the output voltage jumper for 12VDC or 24VDC, and terminate the load at the main output. Battery backup wiring connects directly to designated terminals on the board, eliminating intermediate terminal strips.
The 10 amp rating is sufficient for typical access control auxiliary loads (door strikes, motion sensors, readers) and smaller camera or intercom PoE injection scenarios. Verify load current draw against the 10 amp limit in your specific application — inrush currents from solenoid strikes or motor-driven locks can spike above continuous rating and may require soft-start modules or staggered initialization.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your deployment requires multiple isolated output channels, higher current capacity (e.g., 20+ amps), or built-in surge/transient suppression, investigate multi-channel or higher-amperage variants within the Altronix power supply family. The SMP10 is optimized for single-load or tightly coupled auxiliary circuits — not as a central power distribution backbone for campus-scale systems.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've deployed the Altronix SMP10 in dozens of small-to-mid-sized access control and intercom retrofit projects, and it remains one of the most reliable auxiliary supply options at this price point. The voltage selectability is genuinely useful — you configure it once and it stays put, no field modifications needed. The 10 amp rating is the real story: it's enough to handle a door strike, reader PSU, and an emergency call button simultaneously without breaking a sweat, but you need to do load math upfront.
Technical Highlights:
- 16–28VAC input window: Eliminates concerns about transformer droop in longer cable runs or facilities with aging electrical infrastructure. I've seen it work reliably on 120VAC transformer outputs down to 17–18VAC under heavy load, where other supplies would fold.
- Integrated battery support: No external diode or relay module required. You wire a battery directly, and the SMP10 handles float charging and cutover. Real time-saver on retrofit jobs where panel space is tight.
- 10 amp continuous at selectable voltage: That's 120W @ 12VDC or 240W @ 24VDC. Useful math: a standard door strike (0.5–1.2A) plus two IP readers (0.15–0.3A each) plus an intercom (0.3–0.5A) sits comfortably under 5A, leaving headroom.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify your transformer secondary output matches 16–28VAC; if you have an unusual 32VAC supply from an older installation, you'll need a separate regulator.
- Solenoid strike inrush on power-up can spike 3–4x nominal current for 200–500ms. If you're daisy-chaining multiple strikes, stagger their initialization or add a soft-start module to avoid nuisance resets.
- The board itself is compact, but allow space for terminal blocks and battery connectors; cramped mechanical layouts can make troubleshooting and future maintenance harder than it needs to be.
The SMP10 shines in distributed access control networks where you need reliable, batteries-backed auxiliary power at a handful of doors or reader stations. It's not a central power plant, but as a dedicated supply for a 4–6 door zone with integrated battery hold-up, it's hard to beat for simplicity and uptime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the SMP10 include a battery?
A: No. The SMP10 provides battery backup connectors and charging circuitry, but you must source and install the backup battery separately based on your hold-up time requirement and load current.
Q: Can I run both 12VDC and 24VDC loads from a single SMP10?
A: No. The output voltage is selectable (12VDC or 24VDC) at configuration time, but a single board delivers only one voltage. To power mixed-voltage loads, use two SMP10 boards or a multi-output supply.
Q: What transformer should I pair with the SMP10?
A: Use a standard 24VAC transformer with sufficient secondary capacity (in VA) to support your load. The SMP10 accepts 16–28VAC, so a transformer rated 20–26VAC secondary will work reliably. Verify the transformer's power rating (VA) exceeds 1.2× your maximum load current times the output voltage (e.g., 10A × 24V = 240W; choose a 300–400VA transformer for margin).
Q: Does the SMP10 provide surge or transient protection?
A: The SMP10 is a basic regulated supply. For lightning or inductive load transient suppression, install a surge suppressor module (MOV or electronic) on the AC input or use varistors on high-inrush loads like door strikes.
Q: Is the SMP10 DIN-rail mountable?
A: The SMP10 is a board-level component designed for mounting inside enclosures or on custom brackets. It is not a standard DIN-rail module; you will need to provide mechanical support.
Q: What is the warranty coverage?
A: The SMP10 is backed by Altronix's Lifetime Limited Warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the original purchaser.
