Altronix T16100 16VAC 100VA Open Frame Transformer
The Altronix T16100 is a UL-listed open frame transformer engineered for security and access control installations that demand reliable, stable 16VAC secondary power. With 100VA capacity and 120VAC primary input, this unit supplies the regulated voltage and current necessary to operate electromagnetic locks, strike plates, card readers, biometric devices, intercoms, and door communication systems in professional deployments.
Key Features
- 16.5VAC Output at 100VA: Delivers the standard 16VAC nominal voltage that most access control devices expect. The 100VA capacity means you can support approximately 6 amps of secondary current — enough for a single electromagnetic lock (typically 0.5–1.5A) plus auxiliary loads like card readers or door strikes without overload risk.
- 120VAC Primary Input: Accepts standard North American mains voltage with no need for external step-down or conversion equipment. Simplifies installation in existing electrical infrastructure.
- Open Frame Construction: Compact, unenclosed design minimizes footprint and weight, making it ideal for DIN rail mounting inside electrical cabinets, equipment racks, or control panels where space is at a premium. Open frame also facilitates air circulation and simplifies wiring access during commissioning.
- UL Listed: Meets UL safety and performance standards, a hard requirement for code-compliant installations in most U.S. jurisdictions. Eliminates certification risk and accelerates approval by building inspectors and insurance carriers.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product — a signal of confidence in reliability and reduces replacement risk during the operational lifespan of your access control or communication system.
- Standard 16VAC Compatibility: The 16.5VAC nominal output integrates seamlessly with legacy and current-generation access control devices, electromagnetic locks, intercoms, and card reader subsystems that reference the 16VAC standard.
Typical Applications
Install the T16100 as the primary power source for small to mid-scale access control distributions — particularly installations with 1–4 doors, single strike plates, or card reader arrays that do not exceed 100VA aggregate draw. Common use cases include building entrance vestibules, secure document storage rooms, server closets, emergency exits with electronic locks, and intercom stations in multi-tenant office or industrial facilities. The transformer is also suitable as a backup or secondary power supply for critical failsafe locks that must remain energized during primary system power loss.
Installation & Integration Considerations
The T16100 mounts easily on standard DIN rail or via panel-mount brackets inside electrical enclosures. Primary (120VAC) wiring should be protected by a 2–3 amp circuit breaker or fused disconnect rated for the transformer's input draw. Secondary (16VAC) output terminals accept 14 AWG to 10 AWG stranded or solid copper conductors — verify your access control panel's terminal block rating before installation. For installations exceeding 100VA or requiring redundant power feeds, consider paralleling multiple units with isolated secondaries or upgrading to a higher-capacity model in the Altronix power infrastructure line. Ground the transformer frame to building ground per NEC Article 250 to meet code requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the T16100 handle more than one electromagnetic lock?
A: Yes, as long as the combined draw does not exceed 100VA (approximately 6 amps at 16.5VAC). A typical 12V electromagnetic lock draws 0.5–1.5 amps; at 16VAC the draw is proportionally similar. Calculate your total secondary load before installation and verify headroom.
Q: Is the T16100 suitable for 24VAC devices?
A: No. The T16100 is designed exclusively for 16VAC nominal loads. Using it to power 24VAC equipment will result in inadequate voltage and device malfunction. Select a 24VAC transformer if your access control system requires that voltage.
Q: What is the expected lifespan of the T16100?
A: Transformers with no moving parts and minimal thermal stress typically operate for 15–25 years or longer in normal conditions. The Lifetime Limited Warranty provides manufacturer support for defects; regular environmental monitoring (temperature, humidity) in the enclosure extends service life.
Q: Is the open frame design suitable for outdoor or high-humidity environments?
A: No. The open frame construction is designed for indoor, climate-controlled electrical enclosures. Outdoor or damp installations require a fully enclosed transformer rated for those conditions. Exposure to moisture or condensation will compromise the transformer and create electrical hazards.
Q: Does the T16100 include thermal overload protection?
A: The transformer itself does not include automatic reset protection. Install an external circuit breaker or fused disconnect on the primary input to protect against sustained overload or short-circuit conditions on the secondary.
Q: Can I run the T16100 continuously at full 100VA load?
A: Yes, transformers are designed for continuous operation at rated capacity. However, ensure adequate ventilation in the enclosure to dissipate heat. Monitor secondary load and provide margin below 100VA to extend service life and reduce thermal stress.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix T16100 is a straightforward, proven workhorse for small access control deployments. The 100VA capacity at 16.5VAC output is correctly sized for single-door electromagnetic lock circuits plus modest auxiliary loads — a common scenario in building retrofits and multi-tenant properties. The open frame form factor keeps costs low and simplifies DIN rail mounting inside existing electrical panels. UL listing removes certification friction and ensures code compliance in jurisdictions that require it.
Technical Highlights:
- 16.5VAC at 100VA nominal: Supplies roughly 6 amps secondary current — sufficient for one 12VDC-equivalent electromagnetic lock (0.5–1.5A) plus a card reader or intercom module (0.1–0.5A each) without overload. Verify your specific device draw before installation to confirm headroom.
- 120VAC primary input: Eliminates the need for step-down equipment in North American commercial facilities. Direct connection to a dedicated 15–20 amp branch circuit keeps installation simple and reduces point-of-failure risk in the power chain.
- Open frame — DIN rail mountable: Occupies minimal cabinet depth (open frame transformers are typically 2–3 inches deep), a real advantage when space is constrained in retrofit installations. Cooling is passive — ensure 2–3 inches of air gap around the unit if load approaches 100VA continuously.
Deployment Considerations:
- 100VA is a ceiling, not a margin: Do not treat 100VA as continuous working capacity. If your lock and readers draw 80VA combined, thermal stress and voltage sag will reduce lock holding power and cause reader timeouts under sustained operation. Plan installations at 60–75VA nominal draw.
- No built-in overload protection: Add a 2–3 amp circuit breaker on the primary side and a fused disconnect on the secondary if the application is critical. Transformer failure due to short-circuit secondary load can be catastrophic if unprotected.
- Outdoor installations: not suitable: Open frame design is vulnerable to humidity, condensation, and temperature swings outside climate-controlled enclosures. Use an enclosed transformer for any exterior cabinet or unheated utility space.
Best fit: small single-door access control circuits, building entry vestibules, and intercom power feeds in office and light commercial environments where redundancy is not critical and load headroom can be verified and monitored during commissioning.
