Altronix SMP3PMP8 8-Output Supervised Power Supply
The Altronix SMP3PMP8 is an 8-output regulated 12VDC power supply and battery charger built for distributed access control, card readers, magnetic locks, and door strikes across multi-reader security installations. It accepts standard 16–28VAC transformer input and delivers independent 12VDC on each of eight outputs with integrated automatic battery backup and real-time supervision. This is a workhorse PSU for integrators who need redundancy without custom engineering.
Key Features
- Eight Independent 12VDC Outputs: Each output configurable to 0.5A, 4A, or 6A — lets you mix load ratings on a single board instead of installing multiple smaller PSUs. Saves panel space and simplifies wiring.
- Integrated Battery Backup and Charger: Automatically charges an external backup battery (not included) and switches to battery power the moment AC input fails. Critical for door strikes and mag locks that must release on power loss — no manual intervention needed.
- Supervised Outputs with AC Fail Detection: Built-in relay contacts signal AC loss, low battery, and battery presence to your access control panel or alarm system. Eliminates guesswork about whether the backup is actually charged and ready.
- 16–28VAC Input Voltage Range: Accepts output from standard 40VA–100VA transformers commonly stocked by integrators. No special transformer sourcing required.
- Compact Form Factor: 7 inches long × 4 inches wide × 1 inch tall fits into standard DIN rail enclosures or wall-mount boxes without consuming much real estate.
- CE Approved for European Deployment: Meets EU electrical safety and EMC standards — ready to deploy in EU member states without additional certification work.
Integration & Compatibility
The SMP3PMP8 is a standalone power distribution module — it does not require software, drivers, or network configuration. Connect 16–28VAC input from a transformer, wire your 12VDC loads to the output terminals, attach an optional backup battery to the charging terminals, and connect the supervision relay contacts to your access control panel's input module or dedicated alarm relay card. Works with any access control system (Salto, Dormakaba, HID, etc.) that accepts 12VDC powered readers and 24V door strikes via external relay or 12V strike coils.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your installation requires fewer than eight outputs, consider a smaller Altronix PSU in the same family with 4 or 6 outputs — they use the same supervision and charging logic but occupy less panel space. If you need 24VDC instead of 12VDC, Altronix offers equivalent models with 24V output. If backup power duration is critical (e.g., you must hold a mag lock open for more than 15–20 minutes on battery), calculate your total amp-hour requirement and confirm the battery size supported by the charger circuit — the SMP3PMP8 will charge a battery rated up to approximately 7 amp-hours, though integration with larger batteries should be verified with the manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the SMP3PMP8 include a backup battery?
A: No. The unit includes an integrated charger circuit and terminal block for external battery connection. You must source and install a 12VDC sealed lead-acid or equivalent battery separately. Typical installations use 4–7 amp-hour batteries depending on load and hold-open time.
Q: What happens if the AC input fails?
A: The PSU automatically switches all outputs to battery power, and the supervision relay closes to signal AC Fail to your panel. Door strikes and mag locks remain energized from the battery until it depletes or AC is restored.
Q: Can I configure different current ratings on different outputs?
A: Yes. Each of the eight outputs is independently selectable to 0.5A, 4A, or 6A via DIP switch on the board. This lets you run a low-draw card reader on one output and a high-draw mag lock on another without oversizing the entire unit.
Q: Is the SMP3PMP8 suitable for outdoor enclosures?
A: The PSU itself is not rated for weather exposure. Install it inside an NEMA 4X or equivalent weatherproof cabinet if the enclosure will be mounted outdoors. The PSU operates within industrial temperature ranges (-40°C to 60°C) — verify the backup battery is also rated for the ambient extremes.
Q: What certification does the SMP3PMP8 carry?
A: CE approval for European markets. UL/FCC listings should be confirmed with the manufacturer if required for your jurisdiction.
Q: How do I verify the battery is charged and ready?
A: The Low Battery and Battery Presence supervision relays provide normally-open contact closure when the battery is present and charged above threshold. Wire these to your access control panel's input module to get panel-side alerts. Some integrators also install a status LED in the enclosure door wired to the Low Battery relay.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The SMP3PMP8 hits a real sweet spot for mid-scale access control builds where you need battery-backed power, distributed outputs, and real supervision without overcomplicating the panel. The eight independent outputs with selectable current ratings (0.5A, 4A, 6A per terminal) mean you can run a mix of readers, mag locks, and ancillary devices off a single PSU without juggling multiple smaller supplies or burning through panel space.
Technical Highlights:
- Configurable Output Ratings: DIP-selectable 0.5A, 4A, or 6A per output lets you right-size each load independently. Avoids the false economy of buying eight identical 6A outputs when half your readers only draw 0.5A. Saves power budget and eliminates unnecessary heat generation.
- Integrated Battery Charger with Supervision: AC Fail, Low Battery, and Battery Presence relays give you panel-side visibility into power status without adding external monitoring circuits. The charger automatically tops up your backup battery on standby, so you don't have to remember to manually recharge after a blackout.
- 16–28VAC Input Range: Accepts any standard 40VA–100VA transformer output. You're not locked into a specific transformer part number — most integrators already stock transformers in that range for other systems.
Deployment Considerations:
- Battery is not included — you're responsible for sourcing a suitable 12VDC sealed lead-acid or equivalent and confirming it fits the charger circuit specifications. Don't assume the integrator's inventory will have the right capacity without asking first.
- The compact 1-inch form factor is a double-edged sword: great for tight spaces, but cramped wiring terminals if you're mixing multiple wire gauges. Plan your termination order before you start stripping leads.
- Supervision relays are normally open and pull closed on AC Fail or Battery Presence. If your access control system expects normally-closed (which is rare but happens), you'll need to wire through an external relay — flag this during design phase.
The SMP3PMP8 is the right pick for warehouse, office, or campus access control rollouts where you're deploying 4–16 readers and a handful of mag locks, all needing UPS-level resilience. It keeps your BOM simple and your wiring harness manageable. If you're doing single-door deployments with minimal load, a smaller four-output unit will do. If you're building a 50+ door installation with complex zoning, you'll likely need multiple PSUs anyway — this isn't a scaling limitation, just how distributed power architecture works.
