Camden CX-247-24 7-Day Programmable Timer Lock Strike
The Camden CX-247-24 is a microprocessor-controlled programmable timer strike designed for access control systems, automated door hardware, and facility scheduling applications. Operating at 24V AC/DC with 20-amp relay contacts rated for 30VDC, the device handles electrified locks, magnetic strikes, automatic door operators, and energy management loads without requiring continuous network connectivity or upstream controller intervention. Battery-backed memory preserves all programmed schedules through power outages, ensuring reliable restart and adherence to unlock sequences even after extended downtime.
Key Features
- 7-Day Programmable Timer: 15 independent schedules with up to 16 on/off events per schedule. Supports rotating shift patterns, holiday lockdowns, and facility closures without manual intervention or server dependency.
- 20A Relay Contacts at 30VDC: Heavy-duty relay switching rated for sustained loads—adequate for dual magnetic locks, high-inrush door operators, or multiple solenoids on a single circuit.
- 24V AC/DC Input: Accepts both alternating and direct current at 24V. Works with transformer-isolated supplies and UPS-backed power architectures common in commercial buildings.
- Battery-Backed Memory: Programmed schedules persist during power loss or brownouts. Device restarts to correct schedule automatically without technician re-programming.
- Dust and Moisture Resistant Enclosure: Suitable for equipment closets, electrical rooms, and panel cabinets. Reduces maintenance overhead in institutional and commercial facilities.
- Standalone or Networked Integration: Operates independently as a timer or as a secondary scheduling relay downstream of an access control panel. No native IP required—compatible with any control system offering relay outputs.
The CX-247-24 eliminates the operational burden of manual lock cycles or dependency on continuous server uptime. Facilities with rotating staff, variable hours, or holiday schedules benefit from deterministic, clock-driven unlock sequences that reduce access-denial incidents and administrative overhead. Integration is straightforward: connect 24V power, wire the strike or solenoid load to the relay contacts, and program the weekly schedule via the on-device interface.
Relay-based architecture means the device requires no network configuration, firmware updates, or API keys. It operates correctly in air-gapped facilities, backup power scenarios, or legacy systems where IP-based integration is not feasible. This also simplifies troubleshooting: a multi-meter and a datasheet are sufficient to diagnose wiring or load issues on-site.
Verify that your 24V power supply is rated to sustain 20A continuous draw at 30VDC under full-load conditions; undersized supplies will trip or degrade relay contact performance. In high-inrush applications (such as large magnetic locks), add a capacitor or soft-start relay at the load terminals to prevent nuisance breaker trips. The device is compatible with any networked access control panel that provides low-voltage relay outputs; confirm your panel's relay rating (dry contact or powered) before integration.
The CX-247-24 carries a 3-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. For facilities requiring network-based scheduling or real-time remote override, pair this timer with an IP-enabled access control panel or a networked relay module that reports status and accepts commands from a central management platform. For standalone or legacy installations, this device is a cost-effective, deterministic solution that removes single points of failure tied to server availability.
Jerry TildsenPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
We've installed the CX-247-24 in over 100 institutional and commercial deployments, from multi-building campuses to single-facility retrofits. The real strength here is deterministic, clock-driven scheduling with zero server dependency. On a university campus with 40+ access points across buildings, we eliminated an entire class of support tickets by moving door unlock sequences from a centralized access control server (which had periodic downtime) to distributed timer relays. Each building's CX-247-24 operates independently; if the main ACS goes down for maintenance, the doors still unlock and lock on schedule. That resilience is worth the cost of the hardware alone—it prevents after-hours lockouts and reduces emergency service calls. The trade-off is obvious: you give up real-time remote override and live-status reporting. This is not a smart lock; it's a time-based relay. If you need instant unlock from a mobile app or cloud-based scheduling, this isn't your solution. But if your unlock sequences are predictable (business hours, shift patterns, holiday closures), the CX-247-24 outperforms a networked lock on reliability and total cost of ownership.
Technical Highlights:
- 20A Relay Contacts at 30VDC: We've used this relay bank to control dual 12VDC magnetic locks (each drawing 5-7A), high-inrush door operators, and even a 24VDC solenoid valve for emergency egress. The relay's current rating is honest — we've never seen nuisance trips or contact degradation on properly sized loads. On undersized power supplies, however, contact bounce becomes visible and lock cycling fails. Size your 24V supply for 1.3× the expected load current.
- 15 Independent Schedules, 16 Events Per Schedule: We've run everything from simple 9-to-5 unlock/lock pairs to complex rotating-shift patterns (three staggered unlock times, two staff-change windows, holiday blackouts). The interface is menu-driven and cumbersome if you're programming 15 schedules from scratch, but once set, it never changes. Consider pre-programming at the warehouse or using a configuration cable if available — field programming under time pressure is error-prone.
- Battery-Backed Memory: The internal backup battery preserves schedules through short brownouts and planned power cycling. We've seen this device survive overnight power cuts without losing time or schedule data. However, the battery is non-user-replaceable; if it fails after 5-10 years, you'll need to return the unit for service or accept loss of power-failure resilience.
- 24V AC/DC Flexibility: This dual-input rating is genuinely useful. In one retrofit, we powered the CX-247-24 from an existing 24VAC transformer and simultaneously backed it with a 24VDC UPS output. The device accepted both without modification, giving us scheduled unlock on any power source. That flexibility saved us from running a dedicated UPS or dual supplies.
Deployment Considerations:
- Inrush current from solenoid strikes and magnetic locks can spike 2–3× nominal current for 10-50ms on relay closure. If you see chattering or relay contact arcing on a new installation, add a diode or RC snubber circuit across the load terminals to suppress back-EMF. This is not a design flaw — it's standard practice in solenoid control.
- Menu-driven programming via front-panel buttons is functional but slow for complex schedules. If you're deploying more than five units across a site, consider a programming cable or request a pre-programmed version from the factory. Field programming under schedule pressure introduces error and reduces adoption.
- The device has no network interface and no remote status reporting. If you need to confirm that a door locked at 6 p.m. or retrieve audit logs of unlock events, you'll need a separate networked access control panel or IP relay module downstream of the CX-247-24. Plan for that in your integration architecture.
- Mount the CX-247-24 in a conditioned, accessible location (electrical room or panel cabinet, not an exterior pedestal). Dust ingress into the relay contacts can reduce contact life. In high-humidity environments (parking structures, outdoor equipment rooms), specify an IP54 or better enclosure around the device itself.
- Verify the upstream access control panel's relay output is truly dry contact (voltage-free) before wiring. If the panel provides a powered relay output, isolation or buffering may be required to avoid feedback into the CX-247-24's control input. Confirm ratings in both devices' datasheets before installation.
The CX-247-24 is the right choice for facilities with predictable, recurring unlock schedules and either no continuous network availability or a deliberate strategy to reduce server dependency for critical access points. If your unlock sequences are ad-hoc, frequently changing, or require real-time mobile override, you need a networked access control solution instead. For campuses, shift-based facilities, and hybrid deployments where schedule-driven access coexists with networked locks, the CX-247-24 is a proven, low-maintenance building block. Explore the full Camden catalog for complementary relay modules, networked strikes, and integrated access hardware.
