Altronix ST3 6-Output Timer Relay Module
The Altronix ST3 is a compact 6-output timer relay module designed for time-based switching of multiple devices in security and access control installations. It integrates directly into the Altronix modular mounting ecosystem, allowing you to distribute relay control across gate operators, door locks, solenoid-driven releases, lighting circuits, and auxiliary loads without dedicating individual power supply space to each function.
Key Features
- Six Independent Relay Outputs: Each output can be independently timed and triggered, meaning you can sequence a gate release (output 1), followed by a secondary lock release (output 2), then perimeter lighting activation (output 3) — all from a single module. This eliminates the need for multiple single-relay boards and reduces wiring complexity in multi-access points.
- Timer-Based Activation: Each output supports configurable dwell and delay timing, critical for gate operators that require precise hold times or for lighting systems that need graduated activation sequences. You set the dwell duration once; the module handles the switching consistently.
- Snap Track Mounting on SMP3, SMP5, or AL624 Platforms: The ST3 mounts directly onto standard Altronix snap track, meaning no separate enclosure, no additional DIN rail hardware, and no redundant wiring termination points. Snap track integration keeps your power distribution and relay logic in one consolidated chassis — a real space saver in tight cabinet installations.
- Modular Design: The ST3 plays well with the broader Altronix power infrastructure ecosystem. You can stack multiple timer relay modules on the same platform if you need more than six outputs, or mix and match with other Altronix modules (power supplies, auxiliary relays, surge protection) without compatibility headaches.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: The module is backed by Altronix's lifetime limited warranty, meaning repair or replacement is covered for as long as you own the equipment — no expiration date on claims, provided normal use conditions are met.
- Compact Form Factor: The ST3's modular footprint minimizes cabinet real estate, allowing you to allocate more space to power supplies or additional control modules in constrained installations.
Integration & Compatibility
The ST3 is purpose-built for power infrastructure deployments where time-based relay control is essential but cabinet space is limited. It mounts on SMP3, SMP5, or AL624 snap track platforms, meaning you're not locked into a single Altronix power supply family — you can adapt the relay control to whatever power distribution architecture is already in place. This flexibility is especially useful in retrofit scenarios where you're adding timed control to an existing Altronix installation without replacing the entire power subsystem.
Common deployment patterns include: (1) timed access sequences in multi-tenant facilities where each door release must occur in a specific order with defined hold times, (2) perimeter lighting systems that activate in zones with staggered timing, and (3) auxiliary load switching for motion sensors, door strikes, or gate operators that require both 12VDC and 24VDC control on different outputs. The module itself is voltage-agnostic on the relay side — the output contacts are dry, so you wire them to whatever 12VDC or 24VDC circuit you need.
Deployment Considerations
The ST3 is a relay module, not a controller — it requires an external trigger source (typically a door access control system, motion sensor, or building automation input). If you're deploying this in a new system, you'll need to provision a control line from your access control panel or automation controller to the ST3's input. That said, once wired, the module is entirely independent of network connectivity, making it ideal for offline or air-gapped security installations where you cannot rely on IP-based control.
Each relay output is rated for its intended load type (inductive vs. resistive). Always verify the amperage and voltage of your gate operator, door lock solenoid, or auxiliary circuit against the ST3's relay specifications before commissioning. Undersizing a relay is a common installation error that shortens component life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the maximum current rating per relay output on the ST3?
A: Refer to the Altronix ST3 datasheet for exact relay ratings, which vary by load type (inductive vs. resistive). Common inductive ratings are 2–4A; resistive loads may support higher current. Always verify your specific load before installation.
Q: Can I mount the ST3 on an existing Altronix power supply platform?
A: Yes, provided your platform is compatible with snap track modules. The ST3 is designed for SMP3, SMP5, and AL624 platforms. If you are unsure whether your platform supports the ST3, consult the Altronix documentation for your specific power supply model.
Q: Does the ST3 require external power?
A: The ST3 draws control power from the Altronix platform it mounts on. It does not require a separate power supply. The relay outputs themselves are dry contacts and can switch any 12VDC or 24VDC circuit independent of the module's control voltage.
Q: What is the lifespan of the relays in the ST3?
A: Relay lifespan depends on switching frequency and load type. High-cycle applications (many switching events per day) will exhaust relays faster than low-cycle applications (a few switching events per day). Altronix provides specifications in the datasheet; plan relay replacement as part of your maintenance cycle for high-traffic access points.
Q: Can the ST3 be used in outdoor installations?
A: The ST3 itself is not outdoor-rated. It is designed for installation inside a cabinet or indoor enclosure. If you need to control outdoor devices (gate operators, exterior lighting), the ST3's relay contacts can switch control lines to outdoor loads, provided those loads and wiring are outdoor-rated.
Q: What warranty does the ST3 include?
A: The ST3 is covered by Altronix's Lifetime Limited Warranty, which protects against defects in materials and workmanship for as long as you own the unit.
Jerry TildsenPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix ST3 is a workhorse for integrators who need distributed relay control without the overhead of a full networked access control system. The six independent outputs and timer-based activation make it especially valuable in scenarios where precise sequential switching is non-negotiable — think multi-stage gate releases or time-locked lighting sequences. The ST3's snap track integration keeps your power distribution and relay logic unified, which cuts installation time and eliminates the "where do I mount the relay module" problem that plagues retrofit jobs.
Technical Highlights:
- Six Independent Relay Outputs with Configurable Timing: You can set individual dwell times for each output, meaning a gate operator on output 1 can hold for 3 seconds while a door release on output 2 engages for 5 seconds. This precision is critical for access sequences where timing errors create security gaps or operational confusion.
- Snap Track Mounting on SMP3, SMP5, AL624: Direct integration onto your existing Altronix power platform means no separate enclosure, no extra cabinet depth, and no redundant wiring termination. Space savings matter when you're working in a 4-inch power distribution cabinet in a tight mechanical room.
- Dry Relay Contacts (Voltage Agnostic): The outputs are dry contacts, so you're not constrained to Altronix power supply voltages. Control 12VDC circuits, 24VDC circuits, or even low-voltage AC loads on different outputs simultaneously — the ST3 stays out of the way.
Deployment Considerations:
- The ST3 requires an external trigger source (access control panel, motion sensor, or automation controller input). It is not a standalone timer — you must provision a control line to activate it.
- Relay contacts have finite lifespan. High-cycle applications (frequent switching) will wear relays faster than occasional-use deployments. Budget for periodic relay inspection and replacement, especially in high-traffic multi-tenant facilities where door releases cycle hundreds of times per day.
- Each relay has a specific amperage and load-type rating (inductive vs. resistive). Undersizing a relay for a gate operator solenoid is a common commissioning error that reduces module life. Always verify load specifications before final installation.
The ST3 is the right choice for facilities where offline, distributed relay control is a requirement — secure access compounds, industrial gate automation, or multi-zone lighting in buildings where network downtime cannot compromise perimeter security. It is not a replacement for a full access control panel, but as a relay distribution node in an existing Altronix power infrastructure, it is hard to beat for simplicity and reliability.
