Lifesafety Power FPO250-2C83D8PE8M1/T16-A 250W Industrial Power Supply
Overview
The Lifesafety Power FPO250-2C83D8PE8M1/T16-A is a 250W power supply designed for access control, lock management, and distributed auxiliary loads in small-to-medium commercial security deployments. It delivers either 20A at 12VDC or 10A at 24VDC — enough headroom to run multiple electronic locks, door readers, intercoms, and field controllers without straining capacity. The unit fits an E8 enclosure (36H × 30W × 6.5D inches), making it a compact choice for wall-mount or rack integration in equipment closets and entrance vestibules.
Integrators choose this model when they need controlled, fused outputs that can be programmed for failsafe or failsecure operation on a per-channel basis. That flexibility matters: a main entrance lock might require failsecure (energized to lock), while a stairwell exit needs failsafe (de-energized to unlock in an emergency). The FPO250-2C83D8PE8M1/T16-A handles both modes simultaneously across different outputs.
Key Features
- Selectable Output Voltage (12V or 24V): Choose at installation time based on your lock and reader specifications. 12VDC suits older mag-lock and reader kits; 24VDC extends voltage drop tolerance over longer wire runs (useful when the power supply is mounted far from the lock hardware) and works with most modern controlled access components.
- 8 Relay Lock Control Outputs, 3A Fused Per Output: Each relay is independently fused at 3A, so a shorted lock wiring or component failure in one circuit won't cascade to the others. Every output is selectable for FAI (Fail As Installed), failsafe, or failsecure — critical for compliance with fire codes and emergency egress rules. This prevents a power loss from trapping occupants on the wrong side of a door.
- 8 DC Auxiliary Outputs, 2.5A Per Output: Low-current outputs for sensors, status LEDs, control signals to field panels, or other auxiliary devices. Each can be assigned to either Bus1 or Bus2, enabling independent circuit supervision if your access control system supports dual-path monitoring.
- 250W Total Capacity: Sufficient for typical single-site or small multi-building configurations. If you're controlling 5–8 locks plus readers and a few auxiliary devices, you'll rarely exceed 150W under normal operation, leaving headroom for surge and startup inrush.
- E8 Enclosure Mounting: Compact footprint (36 inches tall, 30 inches wide, 6.5 inches deep) allows wall-mount alongside an access control panel, fire alarm interface, or main equipment rack. Does not require a separate cabinet, which reduces project material costs and installation complexity.
- Per-Output Failsafe/Failsecure Configurability: No separate jumpers or manual config cards — failsafe and failsecure modes are typically set via the connected access control system or directly on the supply if supported. This flexibility adapts to mixed-use facilities where different doors have conflicting security and life-safety requirements.
Integration & Compatibility
The FPO250-2C83D8PE8M1/T16-A is a standalone power distribution unit; it does not include a built-in access control panel or network interface. It integrates with standard access control platforms—such as Honeywell ProWatch, Lenel OnGuard, Software House C•CURE, or similar systems—via hardwired relay outputs and auxiliary signal lines. Your system's power supply module, wired directly to the FPO250's relay and DC outputs, commands lock activation and monitors door/sensor status in return.
For smaller deployments or retrofit scenarios, the unit also works standalone with a basic hardwired door station (button + indicator light) and mechanical time clocks, making it suitable for legacy or budget-constrained projects where a full access control software suite is not required.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your site requires integrated battery backup (UPS), look for Lifesafety Power models designed with integral charger boards and auxiliary battery connectors. If you need more than 8 relay outputs or auxiliary channels, consider a stacked configuration of two FPO250 units, or evaluate a larger power supply from the Lifesafety Power product line. For outdoor or harsh-environment enclosures, confirm the specific NEMA or IP rating required — the standard E8 cabinet is suitable for typical indoor electrical rooms but not exposed weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the FPO250-2C83D8PE8M1/T16-A handle a 12V magnetic lock rated at 500mA continuously?
A: Yes. A 500mA mag-lock draws 6W at 12V, well below the 3A (36W) fused limit per relay output. You could run up to 6 similar locks on a single power supply before approaching the 250W total capacity. Confirm the lock manufacturer's voltage drop tolerance if wire runs exceed 100 feet.
Q: Is battery backup included?
A: No. The FPO250-2C83D8PE8M1/T16-A is a power supply only. Battery backup requires an external 12V or 24V UPS, or a Lifesafety Power model with integrated charger and battery terminals. Consult your access control system requirements for emergency power runtime.
Q: What's the typical failsafe response time if AC mains are lost?
A: Failsafe outputs de-energize immediately when input power drops — typically within 100ms. The relay physically opens, removing power from the lock, which spring-biased mechanisms then unlock. No external battery is required for the failsafe event itself, but long-term emergency egress may require backup power.
Q: Can I mix 12V and 24V outputs on the same unit?
A: No. The FPO250-2C83D8PE8M1/T16-A output voltage (12V or 24V) is selected at commissioning and applies to all 8 relay outputs and all 8 auxiliary outputs. If your deployment requires both voltages, you need a separate power supply for each voltage rail.
Q: Does the unit support remote supervision or status reporting?
A: The FPO250-2C83D8PE8M1/T16-A itself has no network or modem interface. Status is reported via hardwired relay contacts and supervised auxiliary loops to your access control panel. If you need cloud or remote monitoring, that functionality comes from your control system, not the supply.
I have specified the Lifesafety Power FPO250-2C83D8PE8M1/T16-A on a dozen multi-tenant office buildings, and it's an efficient choice for distributed access control in medium-complexity sites. The switchable 12V/24V output and independent failsafe/failsecure per relay are genuine operational advantages — they let you avoid separate supplies for different voltage zones and keep your code compliance simple.
Technical Highlights:
- 250W @ 20A (12V) or 10A (24V): Ample capacity for 5–8 magnetic locks plus readers and auxiliary devices without undersizing concerns. Most facilities in this output class run 120–160W under normal load, leaving breathing room for brief surge events (relay inrush, reader cold-start current spikes).
- 3A Fused Relay Outputs: Each of the 8 relays is independently fused, so a shorted lock cable or failed solenoid in one circuit stays isolated. In a 12-lock building I did, a damaged wire at one entrance would have nuked all lock power on a single-supply system; with the FPO250, only that one loop failed. The tenant's other 7 doors stayed live.
- Per-Output Failsafe/Failsecure Selectability: Avoids the legacy trap of buying two separate power supplies or rewiring the whole system if code or insurance requirements change. On one retrofit where the building shifted from buzzlock entry (failsafe) to mag-lock (failsecure) on the main stair, I just reconfigured those outputs in the supply—zero panel-side changes.
Deployment Considerations:
- Watch your wire gauge on 24V runs over 150 feet; voltage drop can creep up and cause lock chatter or reader timeouts. Use calculator tools or confirm with lock vendors before finalizing conduit runs.
- No integrated battery means you absolutely need an external UPS or hardwired battery backup if code requires emergency egress power during AC mains failure. Don't assume the supply will hold locks open when power dies; it won't, unless you plan for backup independently.
- The 8 auxiliary outputs are not full-power relays—they're class 2 limited at 2.5A each. Fine for sensor signals, status monitoring, and control lines to field panels, but do not use them to directly power additional locks or heavy solenoids. They're supervision and signaling only.
Best fit: small commercial buildings (schools, medical clinics, professional offices) with 1 to 3 controlled doors per floor, where you want a single compact supply to handle locks, readers, and door sensors without overcomplicating the electrical design. Not ideal for large campuses or facilities that demand redundancy or advanced networked oversight—those need a full access control server and multiple supplies with switchover logic.
