Altronix SMP5PMP4CB 4A Dual-Voltage Supervised Power Supply
The Altronix SMP5PMP4CB is a compact supervised power supply engineered for security system deployments requiring redundant, monitored power distribution across multiple circuits. It accepts dual-voltage AC input (115/220VAC), making it suitable for both North American and international installations, and outputs selectable 12/24VDC across four independently protected channels. This topology eliminates the need to stock separate 12V and 24V units—configure the output voltage once during commissioning and deploy.
Key Features
- Four PTC-protected outputs with individual supervision: Each output is individually monitored for faults and short circuits. If one channel fails, the remaining three continue operating uninterrupted. This design prevents a single failed device (e.g., a short-circuited door strike) from taking down an entire access control or alarm system. Real-time supervision also alerts you to open-circuit conditions, which is critical in life safety installations where you need to know immediately if a siren or strobe is disconnected.
- Selectable 12/24VDC output: Choose your output voltage based on the security devices in your deployment. Most modern access control readers, door strikes, and sensors accept both voltages; however, some legacy equipment or international standards may require one or the other. This flexibility means you can mix devices from different manufacturers on the same power backbone without adding separate supplies.
- 4A maximum current capacity across all outputs: The 4A aggregate limit means you can support approximately four medium-draw devices (e.g., door strikes at 1A each) or a larger population of low-draw readers and sensors. Total connected load must not exceed 4A—verify your device datasheet current draw before finalizing your bill of materials. Exceeding this limit will trigger PTC protection and cut that output.
- Dual-voltage AC input (115/220VAC): Accepts both standard North American (115VAC, 60 Hz) and international (220VAC, 50 Hz) line voltages without manual reconfiguration. Simplifies inventory management for integrators serving multiple regions and eliminates the need to carry region-specific models. The unit auto-senses input voltage—no switch or jumper to configure.
- Integrated battery backup functionality: Supports connection to an external sealed lead-acid battery (not included). During AC mains loss, the backup powers the security system, maintaining access control and alarm functions. Battery runtime depends on connected load and battery capacity; plan battery size based on your required hold-up time and device current draw. Typical deployments target 4–8 hours of backup for critical door strikes and readers.
- Real-time output supervision for fault detection: The unit continuously monitors each output for open circuits, shorts, and brownout conditions. Supervision status is reportable via dry relay contacts, allowing integration with alarm panels, building management systems, or SNMP traps. This is essential in fire/life safety installations where you must log and verify the health of backup power in real time.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Altronix backs this unit with their lifetime limited warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship. This reflects confidence in the design and provides long-term cost protection in a deployment with a 5–10+ year lifespan.
Integration and Compatibility
The SMP5PMP4CB integrates into any access control or alarm system that requires multiple supervised 12/24VDC circuits. Typical integrations include alarm panel power distribution (main supply plus backup circuits for sirens and strobes), access control reader power hubs, and auxiliary equipment in fire/life safety systems. The four independent outputs allow you to segregate circuits by function—for example, dedicate one output to door locks, a second to readers, a third to an external siren, and a fourth to system expansion. This segmentation simplifies troubleshooting and protects against cascading failures.
The unit is housed in a compact box form factor suitable for DIN-rail mounting or desktop placement in network or equipment closets. Wiring is via standard terminal blocks—no proprietary connectors or special tools required. Consult the manufacturer datasheet for terminal pitch and wire gauge limits (typically 14–18 AWG).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the SMP5PMP4CB to replace an existing single-output power supply?
A: Yes, if your current deployment uses a non-supervised single-output supply, the SMP5PMP4CB provides more redundancy and circuit segmentation. However, if your existing supply is already sized for your total load and you only need one output, the added complexity of four supervised channels may be unnecessary. Evaluate whether circuit isolation or fault detection justifies the upgrade.
Q: What battery capacity do I need for the SMP5PMP4CB?
A: Battery size depends on your hold-up time requirement and connected load current. For example, if you draw 1A continuously and require 4 hours of backup, a 4Ah battery is a baseline. Consult your system design requirements or your AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) for fire/life safety mandates. The manufacturer datasheet does not specify a maximum battery capacity; ensure your battery charger is compatible with the internal charging circuit.
Q: Is the output voltage selectable per-channel or global?
A: The output voltage is global—all four outputs deliver the same voltage (either 12VDC or 24VDC). You configure this once during initial setup and cannot mix 12V and 24V outputs on the same unit. If your deployment requires both voltages, you will need a second power supply.
Q: Does the SMP5PMP4CB work with my alarm panel?
A: The unit is a general-purpose supervised power supply compatible with any alarm panel, access control system, or auxiliary equipment that accepts 12/24VDC input. Verify your panel's power requirements (voltage and current draw) and confirm that it can interface with the supervision relay contacts if you wish to monitor power supply health. Most modern panels support this.
Q: What happens if I exceed 4A total current?
A: The PTC protection on each output will trip and cut power to that channel. The unit will not ramp back up until the short or overload condition is removed. This is a safety feature; it prevents the supply from overheating and damaging connected equipment. Verify your bill of materials current draw before deployment.
Q: Can I use the SMP5PMP4CB in an outdoor cabinet?
A: The unit itself is designed for indoor mounting (no IP rating specified for outdoor use). If you need to deploy it outdoors, house it in an enclosure with appropriate environmental protection (IP66 or higher). Ensure the enclosure provides ventilation to prevent heat buildup, and use surge suppression on the AC input to protect against lightning transients.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix SMP5PMP4CB solves a real problem in security system design: how to deliver supervised, monitored power to multiple circuits without building a birds-nest of separate supplies and relays. Four independently protected 12/24VDC outputs, each with real-time fault detection, means you can build a modular, segmented power architecture that's easy to troubleshoot and scales with your system.
Technical Highlights:
- 4A aggregate current across four outputs: Enough for a mid-scale access control deployment (4–8 readers, 2–3 door strikes, multiple sensors). Each output independently PTC-protected prevents one fault from collapsing the entire system. If a door strike shorts, only that output cuts; the other three remain live. That's a critical reliability feature in life safety.
- Dual-voltage AC input and selectable DC output: Eliminates regional stockkeeping. One SKU works in 115VAC North America or 220VAC international deployments, and you choose 12V or 24V at commissioning. That flexibility cuts field retrofit risk if a customer's device requirement shifts mid-project.
- Integrated battery backup with real-time supervision: The battery interface is built-in, and supervision contacts let you report power health to your alarm panel or BMS. In a fire/life safety install, that means you know immediately if backup power is compromised. No guessing whether your battery is still there on the second Tuesday of Q3.
Deployment Considerations:
- Current budget is 4A total, not 4A per output. Sum your device draws carefully. A 1.2A door strike + two 0.8A readers + 0.5A of sensors = 3.3A—you're close to limit. Add a solenoid strobe later and you'll trip PTC. Plan for growth or split loads across two supplies.
- Output voltage is global, not per-channel. If you need to serve both 12V and 24V devices, this supply won't do it alone. You'll need a second unit or a more flexible architecture. That's a real constraint in heterogeneous multi-vendor installs.
- Box form factor is rack-mountable and desktop-friendly, but it's indoor-rated. Outdoor cabinets need an external enclosure. Budget for that if your install calls for rooftop or exterior mounted readers.
The SMP5PMP4CB is the right choice for mid-scale access control or multi-zone alarm deployments where you need circuit isolation, fault visibility, and international voltage flexibility. It's not overkill for a single door or two-zone residential panel—a smaller non-supervised supply handles those fine. But if you're designing a school entry system, a warehouse with multiple entry points, or a multi-building campus access control backbone, the supervised architecture and battery integration will save you troubleshooting hours and protect against cascading failures.
