Altronix VB1 DC Voltage Booster
Overview
The Altronix VB1 is a regulated DC-to-DC converter that standardizes variable or marginal 12–24VDC sources into a stable 24VDC output. This matters because many access control, door strike, and legacy security devices expect consistent 24VDC — if your power source fluctuates or drops below spec, equipment fails or behaves unpredictably. The VB1 delivers up to 0.75A continuous current at 30W maximum power, handling the typical draw of door locks, electromagnetic strikes, and low-power control modules. UL Listed and CE approved, it integrates into existing power infrastructure without requiring new cabling or major reconfiguration.
Key Features
- 12–24VDC Input: Accepts unstable or lower-voltage DC sources and regulates them to a clean 24VDC output — eliminates the guesswork of whether your power supply is actually delivering spec voltage at the device end.
- 0.75A Continuous Current Rating: Sufficient for a standard electromagnetic door strike (typically 500–600mA) or multiple lower-draw devices on a single converter — do not use for devices exceeding 750mA or you'll trigger current limiting and voltage sag.
- 30W Maximum Power Capacity: Translates to 30 watts total system power at 24VDC (P = V × I = 24V × 1.25A peak). Plan accordingly if you're powering multiple devices; a single VB1 won't supply two heavy solenoid locks in parallel.
- Compact Form Factor: Small enough to mount inside an electrical enclosure or cabinet alongside your main power distribution — no separate shelf space or rack real estate required.
- UL Listed & CE Certified: Meets North American and European safety standards, reducing approval friction if this equipment sits in a monitored or regulated facility.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Covers defects in materials and workmanship — typical terms exclude misuse, overcurrent, or environmental damage, so verify the full warranty document before relying on it as a replacement guarantee.
When to Deploy the VB1
Vehicle-Powered or Backup Systems: If you're running security equipment from a vehicle battery or a UPS that outputs 12–18VDC, the VB1 steps it up to 24VDC to match your fixed-site infrastructure — avoids buying dual-voltage door strikes or control modules.
Legacy 12VDC Upgrades: When migrating older systems to 24VDC standard, the VB1 lets you replace aging 12VDC power supplies without rewiring devices or installing new power runs — a genuine labor saver on retrofit projects.
Voltage Standardization in Mixed Environments: Data centers or warehouses with multiple power feeds sometimes see different voltages at different circuit locations. A VB1 on each marginal feed ensures every downstream access control reader or strike sees 24VDC, not 18VDC on one branch and 22VDC on another.
Key Limitations
The VB1 is a step-up converter only — it cannot step down 24VDC to 12VDC. If your input is already 24VDC and stable, you don't need it. It also cannot handle surge current or short-circuit protection natively, so pair it with appropriate upstream fusing and downstream load protection. Current is limited to 0.75A continuous; higher-draw applications (multi-strike systems, powerful solenoids, or multiple readers) require a larger power supply or multiple VB1 units.
Integration with Access Control
The VB1 is typically deployed in the power distribution layer of an access control system — between the main PSU/UPS and individual door controllers, readers, or strike solenoids. It assumes a 24VDC ecosystem downstream and is most useful when your input is unreliable or lower than 24VDC. If you're building a new site, specify a properly-rated 24VDC power supply from the start and skip this converter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the VB1 protect against power surges or overcurrent?
A: The VB1 is a voltage regulator, not a surge suppressor or breaker. It regulates voltage and limits current to approximately 0.75A, but you should add upstream fusing or a dedicated surge suppressor if your installation is exposed to lightning or utility switching transients.
Q: Can I parallel two VB1 units to double the current capacity?
A: No. Paralleling unregulated or lightly-regulated converters causes one unit to shoulder most of the current and overheat. Always use a single, properly-rated power supply or a dedicated higher-capacity converter.
Q: What happens if I connect a 24VDC input to the VB1?
A: The VB1 passes through a regulated 24VDC output. It won't harm the downstream equipment, but the converter is doing no useful work — save the device for a lower-voltage input scenario.
Q: Is the VB1 suitable for continuous 24/7 operation?
A: Yes, the 0.75A rating is continuous (not duty-cycled), and the unit is designed for permanent installation. Ensure adequate ventilation in the enclosure to prevent thermal stress.
Q: What certifications does the VB1 carry?
A: UL Listed and CE approved for safety compliance in North American and European markets.
Q: Can the VB1 handle inputs below 12VDC?
A: No. The specified input range is 12–24VDC. Below 12VDC, the converter cannot reliably regulate 24VDC output; if your source is lower, you need a different topology or a dedicated buck-boost converter.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I spec the VB1 when I'm retrofit-upgrading a facility from 12VDC legacy infrastructure to 24VDC standard without a complete power redesign. The VB1 solves a real problem — you can't force a 18VDC or 20VDC supply to deliver a clean 24VDC without burning up the load or introducing noise. This converter does that job reliably, and the 0.75A continuous rating gives you room for a door strike plus a reader without worrying about thermal shutdown.
Technical Highlights:
- 12–24VDC Input Acceptance: Covers the messy middle ground of vehicle batteries, aging power supplies, and partially-discharged UPS units — anything below 24VDC gets stepped up and regulated to exactly 24VDC output. This eliminates voltage-drop complaints at the remote door lock.
- 0.75A Continuous Current: Enough for one standard solenoid strike (500–600mA) plus a reader or control module draw. Don't exceed this ceiling or you'll see voltage sag under load and potential current-limit behavior that starves your downstream devices.
- 30W Maximum Power: That's the thermal ceiling — at maximum current draw, all 30 watts dissipates as heat inside the unit. In a poorly-ventilated cabinet, this can become a bottleneck. Ensure airflow or de-rate the continuous current in hot environments.
Deployment Considerations:
- The VB1 is a pass-through regulator for 24VDC input — if your source is already stable at 24VDC, this device adds no value and wastes a slot in your enclosure. Size your primary PSU correctly from the start.
- Watch for thermal stress if you're running continuous high current (above 0.6A) in a sealed cabinet. The compact form factor is convenient but not thermally massive — add ventilation or heatsinking if needed.
- Pair with upstream circuit protection (fuses or breakers) on the input side and proper load sequencing on the output side. The VB1 alone cannot isolate faults or manage system-level power events.
The VB1 is best used as a retrofit standardizer or a localized voltage-conditioning tool on a single branch of a multi-feed system — not as a replacement for proper power design. On vehicle platforms and mobile surveillance rigs where 12VDC or marginal DC sources are unavoidable, it's a straightforward, compact solution that works.
