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

Compare

Out of stock
Altronix

SKU: MAXIMAL1R

Altronix MAXIMAL1R 16-Output Rack Mount Controller

16-output rack mount controller with selectable 12/24VDC for access control
- 16 independently fused relay outputs, 4A per channel for multi-door systems
- Selectable 12VDC or 24VDC output from 115VAC input for flexible installation
- Integrated battery charger for backup power on critical access points
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$1,120.69 $633.99 Save $486.70

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Altronix

SKU: MAXIMAL1RHD

Altronix MAXIMAL1RHD Rack Mount Access Power Controller. 4A@

8-relay rackmount controller, 12/24VDC selectable, 4A per output
- Eight independent PTC relay outputs for access control switching
- Selectable 12/24VDC output voltage in compact 2U rackmount form
- Battery backup maintains operation during 115VAC mains power loss
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$932.03 $526.99 Save $405.04

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Altronix

SKU: MAXIMAL33RDV

Altronix MAXIMAL33RDV Rack Mount Access Power Controller, 12A@

16-output 12/24VDC rackmount controller for access control power distribution
- 16 PTC relay outputs with individual overcurrent protection per circuit
- Dual 12VDC and 24VDC rails at 6A each for flexible device compatibility
- 2U rackmount form factor with 220VAC input and battery backup support
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$1,375.04 $777.99 Save $597.05

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Altronix

SKU: MAXIMAL33RV

Altronix MAXIMAL33RV Rack Mount Access Power Controller. 12A

220VAC rack power controller with 16 fused relay outputs for access control
- Dual 12/24VDC regulated supplies, 6A per output for distributed device switching
- 16 independently fused relay channels for modular load control and circuit isolation
- 2U rackmount form factor fits standard security cabinet infrastructure
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$1,375.04 $777.99 Save $597.05

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Altronix

SKU: R1002ULADA

Altronix R1002ULADA 10A 24VDC RackNAC Power Distribution

10A 24VDC rackmount power distribution with dual Class A supervision
- 2 Class A + 4 Class B supervised outputs for mixed-load security circuits
- AC fail, low battery, and battery presence detection for system monitoring
- UL listed 10A @ 24VDC capacity with battery backup support
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$2,062.69 $1,165.99 Save $896.70

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Add to Cart The item has been added
Altronix

SKU: R1224DC16CB

Altronix R1224DC16CB 16-Output 12/24VDC Rack Power Supply

16-output 12/24VDC rack supply with independent circuit protection
- 16 independently supervised outputs with PTC Class 2 protection per channel
- Selectable 12VDC or 24VDC voltage; 18A total capacity for access control
- 2U rack mount form factor; 115VAC input; UL Listed
In stock · Ships same business day

$572.99

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Altronix

SKU: R1224DC16CBV

Altronix R1224DC16CBV 16 PTC protected Rack Mount Power Supply

16-output 12/24VDC rack supply with per-channel PTC protection
- 16 individually protected outputs rated 18A each for distributed DC loads
- Selectable 12VDC or 24VDC per output from single 220VAC input
- 2U form factor fits standard 19-inch racks; UL listed
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$572.99

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Altronix

SKU: R2416300UL

Altronix R2416300UL 16-Output Fused Rack Power Supply

16-output 24/28VAC rack supply with independent fusing per channel
- 16 independently fused outputs isolate circuit faults across devices
- 12.5A maximum per output handles multi-camera and access control loads
- 2U form factor fits standard 19-inch racks; 115VAC input; UL/CE listed
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$713.63 $403.99 Save $309.64

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Altronix

SKU: R2416300ULCB

Altronix R2416300ULCB 16-Output Rack Power Supply

16-channel 24/28VAC rack supply, 12.5A per output, 2U mount
- 16 independent 24/28VAC outputs at 12.5A each for distributed loads
- Selectable voltage supports both legacy and current equipment standards
- 2U rack-mount form factor fits standard 19-inch security infrastructure
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$713.63 $403.99 Save $309.64

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Altronix

SKU: R2416600UL

Altronix R2416600UL 16-Output 24/28VAC Rack Power Supply

16-output 24/28VAC rack supply for security and access control
- 16 independently fused circuits protect connected equipment from fault conditions
- Selectable 24/28VAC output with 25A maximum current in compact 2U form
- 115VAC input, UL Listed and CE marked for North American and European deployment
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$870.54 $491.99 Save $378.55

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Altronix

SKU: R2416UL

Altronix R2416UL 16-Output 24VAC Rack Power Supply

16-output 24VAC rack supply for distributed security power
- 16 independent 7A circuits eliminate single points of failure
- 2U rack mount fits standard 19-inch equipment racks
- UL Listed and CE approved for North American and European use
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$678.01 $383.99 Save $294.02

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Altronix

SKU: R2416ULCB

Altronix R2416ULCB 16-Output Rack Power Supply

16-output Class 2 power supply in compact 2U rack mount
- 16 independently protected outlets for distributed power to security devices
- 2U form factor fits standard 19-inch equipment racks with minimal footprint
- UL Listed and CE certified for North American and European installations
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$678.01 $383.99 Save $294.02

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Add to Cart The item has been added
Altronix

SKU: R2416ULI

Altronix R2416ULI 16-Output 24VAC Rack Mount Power Supply

16-output 24VAC rack supply with isolated circuits for distributed security
- 16 isolated 25A outputs eliminate cascading failures across multi-camera setups
- 2U rack mount converts standard 115VAC building power to regulated 24VAC
- UL Listed and CE Approved for centralized access control and camera distribution
In stock · Ships same business day

$616.99

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Altronix

SKU: R2432300UL

Altronix R2432300UL 32-Output Rack Power Supply

32-output 24/28VAC rack supply for mid-scale security systems
- 32 individually fused outputs with regulated 24/28VAC for distributed loads
- 12.5A maximum current in compact 2U rack-mount form factor
- 115VAC input, UL Listed and CE approved for North American/European use
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$803.08 $453.99 Save $349.09

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Out of stock
Altronix

SKU: R2432300ULCB

Altronix R2432300ULCB 32-Output Rack Power Supply

32-output 24/28VAC rack supply for distributed security power
- 32 independent outputs on 2U chassis for multi-device installations
- 24/28VAC output at 12.5A max from single 115VAC input
- UL Listed and CE certified for North American and international use
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$803.08 $453.99 Save $349.09

Add to Cart
The item has been added
Compare

Add to Cart The item has been added
Altronix

SKU: R2432600UL

Altronix R2432600UL 32-Output Rackmount Power Supply

32-output 24/28VAC rackmount supply for distributed security infrastructure
- 32 individually fused circuits at 25A each isolate faults to single outputs
- 24/28VAC output matches native camera and access control device voltages
- 115VAC input rackmount design consolidates power in standard 19" rack
In stock · Ships same business day

$1,019.74 $576.99 Save $442.75

Add to Cart
The item has been added

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 MAXIMAL1R 16-Output Rack Mount Controller

Altronix MAXIMAL1RHD Rack Mount Access Power Controller. 4A@

Altronix MAXIMAL33RDV Rack Mount Access Power Controller, 12A@

Altronix MAXIMAL33RV Rack Mount Access Power Controller. 12A

Altronix R1002ULADA 10A 24VDC RackNAC Power Distribution

Altronix R1224DC16CB 16-Output 12/24VDC Rack Power Supply

Altronix R1224DC16CBV 16 PTC protected Rack Mount Power Supply

Altronix R2416300UL 16-Output Fused Rack Power Supply

Altronix R2416300ULCB 16-Output Rack Power Supply

Altronix R2416600UL 16-Output 24/28VAC Rack Power Supply

Altronix R2416UL 16-Output 24VAC Rack Power Supply

Altronix R2416ULCB 16-Output Rack Power Supply

Altronix R2416ULI 16-Output 24VAC Rack Mount Power Supply

Altronix R2432300UL 32-Output Rack Power Supply

Altronix R2432300ULCB 32-Output Rack Power Supply

Altronix R2432600UL 32-Output Rackmount Power Supply

Browse by Product Family

What to Look For When Buying

Technology Stack

Typical Deployment Scenarios

Top Brands for Rack Power Supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Categories

Engineering Reading