HES AQD4 4A 12/24VDC Power Supply with Integrated Battery Charger
Overview
The HES AQD4 is a regulated 4-amp power supply purpose-built for access control and security system installations where uninterrupted lock operation is non-negotiable. The dual-voltage design (selectable 12VDC or 24VDC) eliminates the need for separate supplies across mixed-voltage installations — a real procurement and inventory simplification win on retrofit projects where legacy and new equipment coexist. The integrated battery charger enables fail-safe and fail-secure lock backup during power loss, ensuring door locks maintain their energized or de-energized state without external UPS complexity. The AQD4 is rated for indoor secured electrical enclosures and supports DIN rail mounting, making it a space-efficient fit in equipment cabinets and control panel layouts.
Key Features
- Selectable 12VDC or 24VDC output at 4A capacity: Eliminates the need to stock two different supply models. On retrofit projects mixing legacy 12V readers with newer 24V strike locks, one AQD4 handles both voltage requirements without reconfiguration delays.
- Integrated battery charging circuit: Charges and maintains a backup battery without requiring a separate charger module. During mains failure, locks remain energized (fail-safe) or de-energized (fail-secure) long enough for orderly evacuation or security response — typically 12–24 hours depending on battery capacity.
- 4-amp output capacity: Sufficient for badge readers, electromagnetic strikes, electric latch retraction units, and solenoid-controlled gates. Four amps at 24V = 96 watts of available power; at 12V = 48 watts. Verify your load arithmetic upfront — exceeding 4A will trip protection and drop the supply offline.
- Compact form factor: DIN rail mounting or panel-mount bracket installation. Footprint is small enough to fit standard 19" rack spaces alongside control panels without requiring external cabinet expansion.
- Regulated output: Voltage regulation holds steady despite load variations, critical for reliable badge reader operation and solenoid strike response time. Unregulated supplies allow voltage sag under peak load, degrading lock performance and reader range.
- Indoor-rated enclosure: Designed for dry, secured electrical rooms. Not rated for outdoor or wet environments — if you need weatherproof backup power, consider a wall-mounted exterior power supply with integrated charger paired to an outdoor cabinet.
Integration & Compatibility
The AQD4 works with any 12VDC or 24VDC access control component: electric strikes, latch retraction units, card readers, keypads, relay modules, and shunt-trip panels. Pair the output to your door control logic — most systems use the AQD4 as the primary power plane, then route controlled circuits through relay banks or electronic door controllers. The battery charger output remains live whenever mains AC is present, so your backup battery is always topped up. Ensure your site's electrical panel provides adequate circuit protection upstream of the AQD4 input terminals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the AQD4 with both 12V and 24V devices simultaneously?
A: No. The voltage selector is global — when set to 12V, both output terminals deliver 12V. When set to 24V, both deliver 24V. If you need mixed voltages in one system, you'll require two separate AQD4 units or a multi-voltage supply.
Q: What size backup battery should I use?
A: The datasheet specifies the charger output current and voltage regulation, but backup duration depends on your battery capacity (amp-hours) and total load current draw. A typical 12Ah 12V battery with a 1-amp average load provides roughly 12 hours of backup. Consult the AQD4 datasheet for charger specifications and calculate total load draw to size your battery.
Q: Does the AQD4 include a battery?
A: No. The AQD4 is the supply and charger; you must source and wire the backup battery separately. Check the datasheet for recommended battery type and connection gauge.
Q: Is the AQD4 suitable for outdoor access control?
A: No. The AQD4 is rated for indoor secured electrical enclosures only. For outdoor door control, mount the AQD4 indoors and run conduit to an outdoor strike or reader, or use a weatherproof (IP67-rated) outdoor power supply.
Q: Can I parallel two AQD4 units for higher current capacity?
A: Paralleling is not recommended without load-sharing circuitry. Contact the manufacturer or a systems engineer for guidance on 8-amp or higher capacity requirements.
Q: What warranty does the AQD4 carry?
A: Refer to your distributor or manufacturer for warranty terms, typically 1–3 years depending on region and purchase channel.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The HES AQD4 solves a specific problem on access control retrofits: consolidating 12V and 24V power into a single cabinet-mounted unit with battery backup already built in. Most facilities deploying mixed-voltage access control systems waste money buying separate supplies and external chargers. The AQD4 cuts that waste by integrating both functions in a compact footprint.
Technical Highlights:
- 4-amp capacity at selectable 12V or 24V: Verify your load math before commissioning. 4A at 24V gives you 96 watts; at 12V, 48 watts. Overloading will protect the supply but also drop your locks offline — a real site-visit problem if discovered during audit.
- Integrated charger without external module: Battery charging happens inside the AQD4 whenever AC mains is present. You don't need a separate float charger cluttering your cabinet. Size the backup battery based on your total lock current draw and required runtime — typically 1–3 amps draw per strike, so a 4-amp system load runs 3–6 hours on a standard 12Ah battery.
- DIN rail mounting: Fits standard 19" cabinet architecture. Space saved here can be reinvested in future card reader modules or relay expansion boards.
Deployment Considerations:
- The AQD4 is indoor-only, rated for dry secured enclosures. If your power supply must live in a communications closet with HVAC or in a damp basement, verify cabinet climate control — heat and humidity degrade power supply lifespan.
- Battery type and gauge matter. Under-sized wire between the AQD4 and your backup battery causes voltage sag under peak strike load, degrading lock solenoid response. Use at least 10 AWG for runs over 10 feet.
Deploy the AQD4 in office buildings, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions where access control must survive brief power interruptions without cascading lock failures. Pair it with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) protecting the entire access control panel if you need longer backup windows or want to protect door controllers and readers during mains outages.
