Altronix EFLOW6NA8V 8-Output Access Power Controller with Power Supply/Charger
Overview
The Altronix EFLOW6NA8V is a 220VAC-input access power controller that combines a regulated 12VDC or 24VDC power supply, an 8-output access control module (ACM8), and a built-in battery charger in a single BC400 enclosure. If you're powering mag locks, electric strikes, or door holders across eight independently controlled zones — and you need fire alarm integration, battery backup capability, and per-output fail-safe/fail-secure selection — this unit is purpose-built for that role. It's NDAA and TAA compliant, making it suitable for federal facilities and government-funded projects that require Buy American Act adherence.
The EFLOW6NA8V accepts a 220VAC 50/60Hz input at up to 2.1A and delivers a continuous 6A at either 12VDC or 24VDC across eight independently controlled outputs — enough to drive a full door-hardware suite without a secondary power distribution panel. Eight unswitched auxiliary outputs add another 2.5A for powering card readers, keypads, or other low-current accessories, so you're not tapping your primary lock power budget for readers.
Key Features
- Eight Independently Controlled Outputs at 6A Total: Each output is individually triggered, so a single door release event doesn't affect the power state of the other seven zones. At 6A shared across eight outputs, typical mag lock deployments (500mA–800mA per lock) can support six to eight doors without oversubscription — size your per-door draw against that ceiling before adding high-current strikes.
- Selectable 12VDC or 24VDC Output: Lets you match hardware voltage requirements without adding a separate converter. 12VDC suits most electric strikes; 24VDC is common on larger mag locks and some gate controllers. Configure per the downstream hardware spec — don't mix voltages on a shared output run.
- Form C Relay Outputs (5A/24VDC or VAC): Each output can be configured as a dry form C contact instead of a switched power output. This means you can drive third-party controllers, intercoms, or elevator call systems that expect a relay closure rather than powered output — a useful option when integrating mixed-vendor hardware in a single riser.
- Fail-Safe and Fail-Secure Output Modes (Individually Selectable): Each of the eight outputs can be configured independently for fail-safe (lock releases on power loss) or fail-secure (lock remains engaged on power loss). Mixed-mode buildings — where a stairwell door needs to release during fire alarm but a server room door must stay locked — can be handled in a single unit rather than two separate panels.
- FACP Interface with Per-Output Fire Alarm Disconnect: The fire alarm control panel interface supports normally open, normally closed, or polarity-reversal inputs from a signaling circuit, and the disconnect is individually selectable per output. That means you can configure egress doors to release on alarm while keeping secured areas latched — without adding a separate relay board. The alarm output relay (1A/28VDC form C) signals back to the panel when the FACP input is triggered.
- Built-In Battery Charger (1.54A, Up to 2×12VDC/12AH): The integrated charger supports sealed lead acid or gel batteries up to 12AH per bank (two batteries total), with automatic switchover when AC fails. Low-power shutdown kicks in at 71–73% of nominal battery voltage on 12V units (70–75% on 24V), protecting batteries from deep discharge — a common cause of premature battery failure in unmaintained panels.
- AC and Battery Supervision (Form C Contacts): Separate form C supervision contacts report AC fail, battery fail, and battery presence. These outputs feed back to your panel or head-end so you get a supervisory alarm rather than discovering a dead panel during an actual emergency.
- NDAA Section 889, TAA, CE, and BAA Listed: The EFLOW6NA8V carries NDAA compliance (no prohibited Chinese-origin components), TAA compliance for GSA schedule projects, CE marking for international deployments, and BAA designation for domestic manufacturing requirements. Verify your project's compliance scope — if the RFP specifies Section 889 Part B, this unit qualifies.
- Short Circuit and Thermal Overload Protection: Over-voltage, short circuit, and thermal overload protection are built in. A short on one output won't necessarily cascade — but check your enclosure ambient temperature; the operating range tops out at 49°C (120°F), which can be a constraint in non-air-conditioned telecom closets in warm climates.
Integration & Compatibility
The ACM8 trigger inputs accept eight normally open (NO) contacts, eight open collector sink inputs, or any combination — covering virtually every access control panel output format. This means you can wire it directly to most commercial access control systems without an intermediate relay board. The dual power input option (factory-installed single common input, or field-configurable isolated inputs for separate ACM8 and lock power) gives installers flexibility when the access panel and lock circuit require electrical isolation. The FACP interface is compatible with NO/NC dry contact and polarity-reversal inputs, covering the output formats of most commercial fire alarm panels. For projects requiring a broader Altronix power distribution ecosystem, this unit integrates into multi-enclosure architectures via the standard ACM8 module footprint. Pair it with an appropriate access control power supply family for larger door counts or higher per-door current requirements. Review the electric lock and strike specifications in your project to confirm per-output current draw stays within the 6A aggregate budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the EFLOW6NA8V NDAA Section 889 compliant?
A: Yes. The EFLOW6NA8V carries NDAA compliance, along with TAA and BAA listings, making it eligible for federal and government-funded projects with Section 889 Part B requirements.
Q: What input voltage does the EFLOW6NA8V require?
A: The EFLOW6NA8V requires a 220VAC 50/60Hz input at up to 2.1A. It is not a dual-voltage unit — confirm your facility's electrical supply before ordering.
Q: Can the EFLOW6NA8V outputs be configured for both fail-safe and fail-secure on the same unit?
A: Yes. Each of the eight outputs is independently configurable for fail-safe or fail-secure operation, allowing mixed-mode deployments within a single panel.
Q: What battery capacity does the EFLOW6NA8V support?
A: The built-in charger supports up to two 12VDC/12AH sealed lead acid or gel batteries, with a maximum charge current of 1.54A and automatic switchover on AC failure.
Q: Does the EFLOW6NA8V support fire alarm panel integration?
A: Yes. The FACP interface accepts normally open, normally closed, or polarity-reversal inputs and allows per-output fire alarm disconnect selection. An alarm output relay (1A/28VDC form C) signals back when the FACP input is triggered.
Q: What is the operating temperature range for the EFLOW6NA8V?
A: The EFLOW6NA8V is rated for operation from 0°C to 49°C (32°F to 120°F). It is not rated for outdoor or uncontrolled temperature environments without supplemental enclosure conditioning.
The EFLOW6NA8V is one of the cleaner solutions I've seen for 220VAC environments that need a self-contained eight-door power distribution point with battery backup built in. The 1.54A charge current on up to two 12AH batteries gives you meaningful standby time without adding a separate charger to the riser — that matters when you're working in a telecom room that's already crowded with panels.
Technical Highlights:
- 6A Aggregate at 8 Outputs: Each output is independently trigger-controlled, so one door event doesn't disturb the others. At 6A total, you're comfortably supporting six 800mA mag locks with margin — or eight if your locks are on the lighter end. Don't oversubscribe; document your per-door current draw during design.
- Per-Output FACP Disconnect (Latching or Non-Latching): The fire alarm disconnect is individually selectable for each of the eight outputs — latching or non-latching — which means you can define egress vs. secured behavior in a single panel rather than splitting the job across two units. That's a real labor savings on a mid-size building.
- Low-Power Battery Shutdown at 71–73% Threshold: The unit shuts down DC outputs when battery voltage drops below 71–73% on 12V units (70–75% on 24V). This is an underrated spec — deep discharge is the primary cause of early battery replacement in neglected mechanical rooms. The automatic switchover and shutdown together extend battery service life meaningfully.
Deployment Considerations:
- The 220VAC input is non-negotiable — this unit does not accept 120VAC. If your facility runs 120VAC branch circuits to the IDF/MDF, you'll need a step-up transformer or a different Altronix model. Confirm electrical supply early in the design phase.
- Operating temperature ceiling is 49°C. Unconditioned mechanical rooms in summer can exceed this in hot climates. Verify ambient temperature before install — thermal overload protection will shut the unit down, but that's not a substitute for a properly sized enclosure environment.
The EFLOW6NA8V is well suited for mid-size commercial projects on 220VAC infrastructure — office buildings, international deployments, or campus environments where 220VAC is the standard feed — where you need eight independently managed door circuits, fire alarm integration, and battery backup in a code-compliant, NDAA-listed package without cobbling together separate components.
