Altronix TANGO8AP 8-Output PoE Power Controller

Altronix TANGO8AP PoE Driven Multi-Output Power Supply and Access Controller

Overview

The Altronix TANGO8AP is a PoE-driven multi-output power supply and charger housed in a BC400 steel enclosure. This unit integrates power distribution, battery backup, and access power control into a single platform, serving as a central hub for security and access systems requiring reliable 24VDC power delivery across multiple outputs. The TANGO8AP consolidates infrastructure by sourcing power directly from PoE, eliminating the need for dedicated AC mains in locations where network connectivity already exists.

Key Features

• PoE-Powered Design: Draws operational power directly from PoE input, reducing installation complexity and AC dependency
• Multi-Output Configuration: Delivers 24VDC across multiple supervised outputs for powering access control readers, electric strikes, mag locks, and peripheral security devices
• Integrated Battery Backup: Maintains critical access and security functions during power loss with onboard battery charger and backup capacity
• Access Power Controller: Built-in controller manages power distribution and provides supervision of connected loads
• BC400 Enclosure: Heavy-duty steel housing provides secure, tamper-resistant mounting and protection for board and battery components
• Supervised Outputs: Load supervision capability detects disconnection or failure of connected devices
• Compact Integration: Consolidates power supply, charger, and controller functions in a single unit, reducing panel space and wiring complexity
• Professional-Grade Construction: Industrial-rated components rated for continuous duty in security system environments

Integration and Compatibility

The TANGO8AP is designed for seamless integration into Altronix access control and security system architectures. The unit outputs 24VDC power across multiple terminals, making it compatible with standard access control devices including electric locks, magnetic locks, request-to-exit buttons, card readers, and intercom systems. The onboard charger supports auxiliary battery backup, allowing critical systems to remain operational during power interruptions. Integrators can supervise all connected loads through the built-in access power controller, providing real-time monitoring of system health and device connectivity. The PoE input eliminates the need for separate AC conditioning at remote locations, simplifying deployment in network-distributed installations.

Physical Specifications

The TANGO8AP is housed in the BC400 steel enclosure, delivering a compact yet robust form factor suitable for wall-mounted or rack installation in security equipment rooms, telecom closets, and access control hub locations. The unit's dimensions and weight are optimized for professional installation while maintaining sufficient internal volume for power components and battery integration.

Ted Perry

Perspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.

I've evaluated the Altronix TANGO8AP during site surveys for distributed access control deployments, and the PoE-powered architecture offers real advantages in modern network-centric security infrastructure. The unit eliminates the need to source 24VDC power from AC mains at every access point, which is particularly valuable in retrofit installations and multi-tenant facilities where AC conditioning is not readily available or economically justified.

Technical Highlights:

• PoE Integration: The TANGO8AP draws its operational power directly from PoE, enabling centralized power distribution over standard network cabling to remote access control nodes.
• Multi-Output Supervision: Each output provides supervised 24VDC delivery, with integrated controller detecting load disconnection or device failure in real time.
• Battery Backup Charging: Built-in charger maintains auxiliary battery capacity, ensuring access and security functions survive AC or PoE supply interruptions.

Deployment Considerations:

• Verify that upstream PoE switch infrastructure meets the TANGO8AP input power requirements; budget accordingly for PoE budget allocation across multiple units if deployed in multi-node configurations.
• Plan battery capacity based on expected backup runtime for all connected loads; the charger topology supports standard auxiliary batteries for extended hold-up.
• Leverage the onboard supervision capability to integrate the TANGO8AP into your central monitoring or access management platform, enabling real-time alerting on load faults or connectivity loss.

The TANGO8AP is a well-engineered choice for integrators deploying network-distributed access control systems. The PoE-powered design reduces installation cost and AC dependency, while the integrated charger and supervisor functions keep the bill of materials lean and the wiring compact. For projects where network infrastructure already exists and reliability is non-negotiable, this unit delivers straightforward, cost-effective power distribution.