Rack Power Supplies for Security Systems

Q: What size (amp output) rack power supply do I need?

Calculate total continuous current: sum camera PoE draw (typical 5–15W each, or 0.2–0.6A at 24V), plus access control (locks 0.5–1A each, readers 0.2A each), plus any IR or lighting. Add 30–40% safety margin for startup surge and future expansion. A 8-camera + 4-lock system typically needs 30–50W (1.25–2A at 24V); verify your specific equipment datasheets before ordering.

Q: Do I need a supervised output if my cameras are on PoE switches?

Yes. Supervised outputs detect wiring faults, power-distribution failures, and battery discharge—issues that PoE monitoring alone cannot catch. Your PoE switch may report that connected cameras are alive, but a failed internal supply relay or severed output cable will drop power before the NVR ever detects it. Supervision bridges that gap with independent volt-free contacts wired to your access control panel or NVR alarm input.

Q: Can I connect multiple supplies in parallel for redundancy?

Typical rack supplies are not designed for safe parallel operation without additional diode isolation or load-sharing modules. Risk of backfeeding, unequal current distribution, and battery conflicts is high. Instead, use two independent supplies powering separate output banks (e.g., cameras on Supply A, locks on Supply B) or install a dual-supply UPS unit from the vendor. Consult Altronix or your distributor for redundancy guidance specific to your model.

Q: How long will a 5Ah battery back up my system?

Hold-up time = (Battery Ah × Voltage) ÷ Load Current. A 5Ah 24V battery = 120 Wh ÷ 40W load = 3 hours theoretical; however, batteries cannot safely discharge below 50%, so practical hold-up is ~1.5 hours. For incident recovery, expect 3–5 minutes at full load (lock strike + cameras), sufficient for graceful NVR shutdown and emergency egress. Verify your specific battery and load before deployment.

Q: What is the difference between 'supervised' and 'monitored' outputs?

Supervised outputs include a volt-free relay contact (hardwired) that reports presence/absence of DC voltage. Monitored outputs add remote SNMP or IP reporting (network-based) of voltage level, current draw, temperature, and battery status. Supervised is essential and always required; monitoring is optional but highly recommended for large installations where manual checking is impractical. Altronix managed supplies include both capabilities.

Q: Should I use 12V or 24V supplies for my system?

24V is industry standard for access control (locks, readers) and most surveillance head-ends, offering better voltage regulation over long cable runs (less voltage drop). 12V is older, cheaper, and still used for older equipment and small single-camera installs. Choose based on your camera and lock equipment specifications—do not mix 12V and 24V supplies in the same system unless you have independent output banks and external regulators. Standardize across all sites for maintenance simplicity.

Plan Your Deployment

Output voltage (12/24 VDC) and total amperage at continuous load
Rack units (1U, 2U, 3U) and depth for the cabinet
Battery backup sizing (amp-hours) for target hold-up time
Output count and individually fused/supervised channels
Fire alarm interface for controlled lock release on alarm

What to Look For

Size the supply for 125% of the calculated continuous load and confirm the battery bank meets the hold-up time required by local code (commonly 4 or 24 hours). Supervised outputs report shorted or open circuits back to the panel, which is required for UL 1076 and UL 294 installations. Rack integration keeps service access at the central gear location.

Showing Results for Rack Power Supplies

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Altronix

SKU: R2432600ULCB

Altronix R2432600ULCB 32-Output 24/28VAC Rack Mount Power Supply

32-output 24/28VAC rack supply for distributed access control and security
- 32 PTC-supervised circuits with individual circuit protection per output
- 2U rack mount form factor fits standard 19-inch equipment racks
- 115VAC input, 25A maximum current, UL Listed and CE certified
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Altronix

SKU: R248600CB

Altronix R248600CB 8-Output 24/28VAC Rack Power Supply

8-output 24/28VAC rack supply for distributed security power
- Eight independent circuits with 28A total capacity for simultaneous loads
- 2U rack-mount form factor fits standard 19-inch equipment racks
- Class 2 certified for safe low-voltage door locks and access control
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Altronix

SKU: R248UL

Altronix R248UL 8-Output Rack Mount Power Supply

8-output 24/28VAC rack supply for distributed security power
- Eight individually fused outputs for independent circuit protection
- Selectable 24VAC or 28VAC output with 3.5A capacity @ 24VAC
- 2U rack-mount form factor fits standard 19-inch equipment racks
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$517.99

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Altronix

SKU: R248ULCB

Altronix R248ULCB CCTV AC Rack Mount 8 Output Power Supply

8-output 24/28VAC rack supply for multi-camera CCTV systems
- 8 independent terminals with selectable 24VAC or 28VAC output
- 3.5A max current at 24VAC supports multiple synchronized cameras
- 2U rack mount with 115VAC input, UL Listed and CE certified
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Altronix

SKU: R248ULCBI

Altronix R248ULCBI 24VAC 8-Output Rack Power Supply

8-output 24VAC rack supply for distributed security power
- Eight isolated 24VAC circuits at 12.5A each for independent loads
- 2U rack mount with 115VAC input for standard infrastructure integration
- UL Listed and CE certified for North American and European compliance
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Altronix

SKU: R615DC1016

Altronix R615DC1016 16-Output Rack Power Supply

16-channel 10A DC rack supply, 6–15V selectable for access control
- 16 independently fused outputs isolate each circuit for distributed power
- 10A per channel supports multiple card readers, PoE injectors, or aux loads
- 2U 19-inch rack mount with 115VAC input for centralized installations
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Altronix

SKU: R615DC1016220

Altronix R615DC1016220 DC Rack Mount CCTV Power Supply

16-channel 220VAC rack mount supply for distributed CCTV power
- 16 independent DC outputs at 6-15VDC adjustable, 10A per channel
- 2U rack-mount form factor fits standard 19-inch security equipment racks
- UL Listed for safety compliance in commercial surveillance installations
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Altronix

SKU: R615DC1016CB

Altronix R615DC1016CB 16-Output Rack Mount Power Supply

16-output 2U rack supply with adjustable 6-15VDC for security systems
- 16 independent DC outputs at 10A per channel from single 115VAC input
- Adjustable voltage range 6-15VDC accommodates diverse equipment requirements
- 2U form factor fits standard 19-inch racks in control rooms and installations
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Altronix

SKU: R615DC416ULCB

Altronix R615DC416ULCB 16-Output Rack Power Supply

16-output 2U rack supply, 6–15VDC adjustable, 4A per channel
- 16 independent isolated outputs with 4A capacity each for distributed power
- Adjustable 6–15VDC output matches cameras and accessories across voltage ranges
- 115VAC input with PTC Class 2 supervision for circuit-level protection
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$627.21 $354.99 Save $272.22

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Altronix

SKU: R615DC616UL

Altronix R615DC616UL 16-Channel 6-15VDC Rackmount Power Supply

16-channel 6-15VDC rackmount supply for distributed security power
- 16 independent outputs at 6A each, voltage adjustable per channel
- 2U rackmount form factor fits standard 19-inch security racks
- UL Listed and CE certified for CCTV and access control systems
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Altronix

SKU: R615DC616ULCB

Altronix R615DC616ULCB 16-Output Rack Power Supply

16-output 6-15VDC rack supply with individual PTC protection
- 16 independently supervised outputs with 6A capacity per channel
- Adjustable 6-15VDC output to match camera and accessory requirements
- 2U rack-mount form factor fits standard 19" security infrastructure racks
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Altronix

SKU: R615DC8CB220

Altronix R615DC8CB220 8-Output 220V Rack Power Supply

8-output 220VAC rack supply with selectable 6–15VDC for CCTV systems
- 8 individually protected channels with Class 2 PTC isolation per output
- 4 amps continuous per output supports multiple cameras or access devices
- 2U rack-mount form factor fits standard installations with 220VAC input
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$602.35 $340.99 Save $261.36

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Altronix

SKU: R615DC8ULCB

Altronix R615DC8ULCB 8-Output 6-15VDC Rack Power Supply

8-channel 6–15VDC rack supply with PTC protection for mixed-voltage systems
- 8 independent outputs with self-resetting PTC fuses prevent cascading failures
- Adjustable 6–15VDC range supports legacy cameras, IP cams, and access control
- 4A per channel in compact 2U rack mount for scalable power distribution
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$598.52 $338.99 Save $259.53

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Altronix

SKU: T1RAL3L8

Altronix T1RAL3L8 8-Output Dual Voltage Rack Power System

8-output rack power system with dual voltage for security infrastructure
- 8 independent outputs in 19-inch rack form factor for distributed power
- Dual voltage operation with regulated protection across all outputs
- AC fail supervision and battery backup for mission-critical endpoints
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Altronix

SKU: T1RHW3F4D

Altronix T1RHW3F4D 4-Output Rack Mount Power Distribution

4-output rack mount power distribution with integrated UPS backup
- 4 independent circuits with real-time output supervision and fault monitoring
- Integrated battery backup maintains power to critical loads during mains failure
- 19-inch rack mount form factor for centralized placement in security/telecom systems
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Altronix

SKU: T1RM34

Altronix T1RM34 4-Door Fused Power Rack 115V

4-door fused power rack for 115V access control and security systems
- Four independent fused compartments isolate circuit protection for each door section
- 19-inch rack-mount chassis fits standard equipment racks in confined spaces
- 115V AC input integrates with North American electrical infrastructure
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$1,137.99

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What to Look For When Buying

The decisions that matter most before you spec.

System Reliability During Incidents

Rack power supplies are the critical fail-point in surveillance and access control. Surveillance systems fail during incidents when power distribution lacks redundancy, battery backup, or output supervision—especially during the emergency lockdown or evacuation window. Choose supplies with confirmed UPS hold-up times and verified battery amp-hour ratings for your camera and lock count.

Output Supervision & Per-Channel Monitoring

Every output pair should report status independently. Supervised outputs catch wiring faults, load shorts, or battery depletion before cameras or locks fail silently. Managed supplies from Altronix provide relay alerts and remote SNMP status; confirm your NVR or access controller can ingest these signals to trigger alerts or failover.

Total Power Budget vs. Peak Demand Surge

Rated amp output masks real-world peak draw. PoE budget planning reveals the trap: cameras draw 2–3× nominal power at startup, locks consume 500mA+ per strike, and infrared illuminators spike demand unpredictably. Size supplies 30–40% above calculated load to avoid brown-out resets and dropped frames during multi-door unlocks or IR activation.

Battery Hold-Up Time & Chargeback

A 5Ah backup battery holds 60W for ~4 minutes—adequate for graceful NVR shutdown but insufficient for sustained camera operation during extended power loss. Verify battery amp-hour rating against your load, and confirm the charger can recharge the battery within 24 hours in typical climates. High-humidity or outdoor installations degrade battery life faster; plan for 3-year replacement cycles.

Multi-Floor & Multi-Zone Deployment Scaling

Surveillance standards collapse after the third location when power distribution is inconsistent across zones. Standardize on a single supply family and voltage (e.g., all 24V Altronix) across your entire campus or chain to simplify maintenance, spare parts, and training. Decentralized supplies at each floor or building reduce single-point failure risk.

Environmental & Mounting Constraints

Confirm rack depth, weight limits, and thermal clearance. Shallow-mount supplies fit cramped server closets; full-depth supplies handle higher current density and better airflow. Wall-mount metal chassis are common in older facilities without 19-inch racks. Verify operating temperature range if supplies sit in attics, basements, or outdoor cabinets—thermal derating above 40°C reduces available output by 10–20% per 10°C.

Technology Stack

The specs and acronyms that actually affect rack power supplies performance.

Output Supervision (Volt-Free Relay)

Each supply output pair includes a normally-open relay contact that closes when voltage is present and correct. Relay status is hardwired to a control panel input (door controller, NVR relay input, or bell output) to trigger alarms if output fails. Essential for detecting wiring cuts, load shorts, or power loss that would otherwise go unnoticed until cameras or locks fail mid-incident.

Class 2 / SELV (Safety Extra-Low Voltage)

Output circuits are isolated from mains power and limited to 24V or 48V at <5A per output, meeting electrical code for camera and lock wiring. Allows use of lower-cost twisted-pair cabling (versus mains-rated conduit) and eliminates shock hazard to field technicians. Always confirm your jurisdiction requires Class 2 wiring; some industrial applications accept higher voltages.

Intelligent Charging & Temperature Compensation

Supplies monitor battery voltage and ambient temperature to adjust charge rate, preventing overcharge in warm climates and slow-charge in cold. Warm batteries charge faster and degrade sooner; cold batteries may not accept charge at all. Modern Altronix supplies include automatic float-charge mode after battery is topped up, extending service life to 5–7 years versus 2–3 years with dumb chargers.

SNMP / IP Monitoring & Alerts

Network-connected supplies report mains status, battery voltage, output current, and temperature to a central NMS (Network Management System) or cloud dashboard. Enables predictive maintenance (detect weak batteries weeks before failure) and real-time alerts for over-current or thermal shutdown. Requires compatible NVR or third-party monitoring software.

Transfer Time & Hold-Up Window

Supplies with integrated UPS relays automatically switch load to battery within 10–50ms if mains power drops. Hold-up time (time battery can sustain load) depends on battery capacity and current draw; a 5Ah 24V battery backing 40W cameras holds power for ~3 minutes. Always verify hold-up specs match your NVR graceful-shutdown delay and any sustained access-control requirements.

Amp-Hour Rating & Chargeback Duty Cycle

Batteries are rated in Ah (e.g., 5Ah = 5 amps × 1 hour, or 2.5A × 2 hours). Chargeback duty cycle specifies how many mains-power hours are required to fully recharge the battery after a discharge cycle. A 24/7 supply with 24-hour chargeback can sustain one full discharge per day; supplies in 8/5 facilities may never fully discharge and achieve longer battery life.

Typical Deployment Scenarios

Multi-Camera Surveillance Head-End (8–12 Cameras)

Central closet with one 48V / 40–60W Altronix rack supply backing an 8-camera NVR, plus two 12V / 5A outputs for IR illuminators and pan-tilt motors. Integrated 5Ah battery provides 3–4 minutes hold-up for NVR graceful shutdown and incident recording. Supervised outputs alert the access control panel if mains fails, triggering emergency door unlock sequence.

Distributed Multi-Building Campus (4 Separate Closets)

Each building closet houses one 24V / 20–30W shallow-mount supply with 2–3Ah battery, powering 2–4 door locks and credential readers. Central NMS polls all supplies via SNMP for battery voltage and mains status. Decentralized architecture means one supply failure isolates only that building's access; campus-wide mains loss is handled via each site's local UPS and scheduled unlock sequence.

High-Current Multi-Door Access Control (6–8 Electronic Locks)

Single 24V / 60–80W rack supply with dual 5Ah batteries in series (effective 10Ah capacity) backing six door strikes at 500mA each plus readers. Output supervision detects any lock strike coil failure or tamper event. Battery provides 6–8 minute hold-up at full multi-door unlock load, allowing coordinated emergency egress and access control event logging.

Remote or Secondary Installation (Single Camera + Small Panel)

Compact 1U wall-mount or chassis supply rated 12V / 10A, with 2Ah battery backup. Powers one camera, one access reader, and one contact relay. Ideal for satellite offices, loading docks, or entrance vestibules where a dedicated rack is not available. Altronix compact models fit standard electrical boxes or DIN-rail rails for flexible mounting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size (amp output) rack power supply do I need?

Calculate total continuous current: sum camera PoE draw (typical 5–15W each, or 0.2–0.6A at 24V), plus access control (locks 0.5–1A each, readers 0.2A each), plus any IR or lighting. Add 30–40% safety margin for startup surge and future expansion. A 8-camera + 4-lock system typically needs 30–50W (1.25–2A at 24V); verify your specific equipment datasheets before ordering.

Do I need a supervised output if my cameras are on PoE switches?

Yes. Supervised outputs detect wiring faults, power-distribution failures, and battery discharge—issues that PoE monitoring alone cannot catch. Your PoE switch may report that connected cameras are alive, but a failed internal supply relay or severed output cable will drop power before the NVR ever detects it. Supervision bridges that gap with independent volt-free contacts wired to your access control panel or NVR alarm input.

Can I connect multiple supplies in parallel for redundancy?

Typical rack supplies are not designed for safe parallel operation without additional diode isolation or load-sharing modules. Risk of backfeeding, unequal current distribution, and battery conflicts is high. Instead, use two independent supplies powering separate output banks (e.g., cameras on Supply A, locks on Supply B) or install a dual-supply UPS unit from the vendor. Consult Altronix or your distributor for redundancy guidance specific to your model.

How long will a 5Ah battery back up my system?

Hold-up time = (Battery Ah × Voltage) ÷ Load Current. A 5Ah 24V battery = 120 Wh ÷ 40W load = 3 hours theoretical; however, batteries cannot safely discharge below 50%, so practical hold-up is ~1.5 hours. For incident recovery, expect 3–5 minutes at full load (lock strike + cameras), sufficient for graceful NVR shutdown and emergency egress. Verify your specific battery and load before deployment.

What is the difference between 'supervised' and 'monitored' outputs?

Supervised outputs include a volt-free relay contact (hardwired) that reports presence/absence of DC voltage. Monitored outputs add remote SNMP or IP reporting (network-based) of voltage level, current draw, temperature, and battery status. Supervised is essential and always required; monitoring is optional but highly recommended for large installations where manual checking is impractical. Altronix managed supplies include both capabilities.

Should I use 12V or 24V supplies for my system?

24V is industry standard for access control (locks, readers) and most surveillance head-ends, offering better voltage regulation over long cable runs (less voltage drop). 12V is older, cheaper, and still used for older equipment and small single-camera installs. Choose based on your camera and lock equipment specifications—do not mix 12V and 24V supplies in the same system unless you have independent output banks and external regulators. Standardize across all sites for maintenance simplicity.

Rack Power Supplies

Plan Your Deployment

What to Look For

Common Deployment Scenarios

Showing Results for Rack Power Supplies

Altronix R2432600ULCB 32-Output 24/28VAC Rack Mount Power Supply

Altronix R248600CB 8-Output 24/28VAC Rack Power Supply

Altronix R248UL 8-Output Rack Mount Power Supply

Altronix R248ULCB CCTV AC Rack Mount 8 Output Power Supply

Altronix R248ULCBI 24VAC 8-Output Rack Power Supply

Altronix R615DC1016 16-Output Rack Power Supply

Altronix R615DC1016220 DC Rack Mount CCTV Power Supply

Altronix R615DC1016CB 16-Output Rack Mount Power Supply

Altronix R615DC416ULCB 16-Output Rack Power Supply

Altronix R615DC616UL 16-Channel 6-15VDC Rackmount Power Supply

Altronix R615DC616ULCB 16-Output Rack Power Supply

Altronix R615DC8CB220 8-Output 220V Rack Power Supply

Altronix R615DC8ULCB 8-Output 6-15VDC Rack Power Supply

Altronix T1RAL3L8 8-Output Dual Voltage Rack Power System

Altronix T1RHW3F4D 4-Output Rack Mount Power Distribution

Altronix T1RM34 4-Door Fused Power Rack 115V

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