Altronix TP2440 24VAC 40VA Plugin Transformer
The Altronix TP2440 is a UL Listed step-down transformer delivering regulated 24VAC at 40VA capacity from standard 230VAC input. This compact plugin unit bridges the gap between line-voltage power infrastructure and low-voltage PoE-powered security devices deployed at extended distances — a common requirement when access control readers, electric strikes, or networked sensors must operate beyond typical PoE transmission limits (standard PoE covers ~100m of cable run, but voltage drop over distance can degrade performance for high-current auxiliary loads).
Key Features
- 24VAC 40VA Output: Delivers sufficient auxiliary power for remote PoE devices such as electric door strikes, magnetic locks, and access control peripherals without additional field power supplies — reduces installation complexity in distributed deployments.
- 230VAC Input Compatibility: Accepts standard European and international mains voltage, eliminating the need for step-down infrastructure in facilities already wired for line voltage. Ideal for retrofitting existing security systems or adding auxiliary power to new camera or access-control networks.
- Plugin Form Factor: Connects directly to wall outlets — no DIN rail mounting or enclosure integration required. Fast field deployment with minimal wiring labor; particularly useful for temporary installations or sites with limited electrical infrastructure planning.
- 100m Maximum Transmission Range: Supports transmission of 24VAC output over up to 100 meters of standard cable, enabling remote auxiliary power injection for access-control readers, door sensors, and other low-voltage peripherals positioned far from the main power panel.
- UL Listed and CE Approved: Meets North American (UL) and European (CE) electrical safety standards, ensuring compliance in regulated environments such as data centers, government facilities, and enterprise security installations where third-party certification is mandatory for warranty and insurance purposes.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Factory-backed protection against component failure, supporting long-term cost predictability in mission-critical access-control and surveillance deployments.
Integration & Compatibility
The TP2440 pairs naturally with Altronix power distribution modules, networked access-control systems, and distributed IP security infrastructure that rely on auxiliary 24VAC rails. Common integration points include powering door strikes and magnetic locks in conjunction with PoE-powered door controllers, supplying regulated voltage to remote card readers connected to network-based access panels, and providing auxiliary power to signaling devices (bells, strobes) in multi-site deployments where centralized power distribution is impractical.
Because the TP2440 operates independently of the PoE injector or network switch powering primary devices, it does not consume PoE budget and can be deployed in parallel with existing PoE infrastructure without load-balancing concerns. This independence is critical in warehouse automation and enterprise campuses where PoE-powered cameras and networked devices must coexist with hardwired 24VAC auxiliary systems.
When to Choose a Different Approach
If your auxiliary load exceeds 40VA, consider a higher-capacity transformer in the Altronix power infrastructure family or a purpose-built PoE+ splitter that delivers 24VAC at greater amperage. If input voltage is 110VAC rather than 230VAC, verify regional availability or consult your distributor for alternate models. If the auxiliary devices require isolation or filtering beyond basic step-down conversion, evaluate Altronix managed power supplies or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) variants designed for critical access-control systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the maximum cable run distance for the 24VAC output?
A: Up to 100 meters, depending on cable gauge and load current. Heavier loads (closer to 40VA) over longer distances may experience voltage sag; use 16 or 14 AWG copper wire to minimize losses.
Q: Can the TP2440 be installed outdoors?
A: No. The plugin transformer is designed for indoor wall-outlet installation only. For outdoor auxiliary power, use an appropriate weatherproof enclosure or select a different Altronix power product rated for exterior deployment.
Q: Is the TP2440 compatible with 120VAC input?
A: No. The TP2440 is rated for 230VAC input only. Check your regional mains voltage before ordering; if you require 110–120VAC input, contact your supplier for alternative models.
Q: Do I need to add fusing or circuit protection?
A: Standard best practice is to include a fused disconnect or circuit breaker on the primary (230VAC) side. Consult your electrical contractor or local building codes for specific protection requirements in your jurisdiction.
Q: What is the typical power draw from the 230VAC input?
A: Input current depends on output load and transformer efficiency. At full 40VA output, expect approximately 0.2 A at 230VAC input (assuming ~87% efficiency typical for small plugin transformers). Verify with your site electrician when calculating branch-circuit load.
Q: Can the TP2440 power a PoE injector or network switch?
A: No. The TP2440 delivers 24VAC auxiliary power for low-voltage devices such as door strikes and access readers. It cannot power 12VDC or 48VDC devices, and it is not designed as a primary power source for network equipment. Use appropriate AC/DC power supplies rated for PoE switches and injectors.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix TP2440 is a straightforward auxiliary power bridge — not a primary system component, but a critical enabler when your PoE infrastructure must extend to high-current 24VAC loads. At 40VA capacity over 100 meters, it handles the mid-range auxiliary power problem that catches a lot of integrators off guard: a door strike or magnetic lock drawing 2–3 amps at 24VAC can't reliably run on a standard PoE splitter output, and running separate power lines defeats the purpose of network simplification.
Technical Highlights:
- 40VA Output Rating: Sufficient for most individual door strikes, mag locks, or remote card reader installations. A single electric strike typically draws 1.5–2.5A at 24VAC (36–60VA peak); the TP2440 covers the continuous auxiliary demand in typical access control deployments without requiring oversized field wiring.
- 230VAC Input with UL Certification: Eliminates sourcing ambiguity in regulated environments. UL listing means third-party verification of safety and isolation, which matters for warranty and compliance documentation in government and healthcare sites that require certified BOM components.
- 100m Transmission Range: Wire losses over distance are real — voltage drop at 2A over 100m of 18 AWG copper is roughly 1.5V, dropping 24VAC to ~22.5VAC at the load end. Acceptable for most door hardware, but use 14 or 16 AWG to stay above 23VAC if your lock controller specifies tight voltage tolerance.
Deployment Considerations:
- The TP2440 is not a managed power supply — there is no monitoring, metering, or remote shutdown capability. If you need circuit-level control (supervised outputs for fire alarm integration, for example), you will need to add a separate relay module or managed auxiliary power supply downstream.
- Watch output load stacking: if you connect multiple door strikes or readers in parallel and they all draw peak current simultaneously (e.g., during a fire drill unlock), you risk brief voltage sag or nuisance breaker trips. Size your primary circuit breaker at 2–3× the transformer's 0.2A input draw to handle inrush, and keep auxiliary device connections independent where possible.
- Input voltage stability matters — if your facility has poor mains regulation or frequent brownouts, consider pairing the TP2440 with a small UPS or regulated power distribution unit upstream to protect door hardware from nuisance resets.
Position the TP2440 in distributed access control designs where PoE-powered controllers must coexist with hardwired 24VAC peripheral power in campus or warehouse environments. It solves the "last-meter" power problem without adding a separate electrician job, which is where its real value sits — not in the transformer itself, but in network infrastructure simplification.
