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: VERTILINE563

Altronix VERTILINE563 Dual 56VDC 6A Rack Power Supply

Dual 56VDC 6A rack supply with integrated battery backup
- Two independent 56VDC outputs at 6A each for redundant power
- 115VAC input with automatic failover to battery during outages
- 19" rack-mount form factor, UL Listed and CE marked
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$817.42 $461.99 Save $355.43

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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE63D

Altronix VERTILINE63D 24VDC 16-Output Rackmount Supply

16-output 24VDC rackmount supply for distributed security power
- 16 independent 24VDC outputs in compact 1U rackmount form factor
- Selectable 8A or 16A per output to match varied load requirements
- 115VAC input with regulated 24VDC for consistent device operation
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$813.05 $459.99 Save $353.06

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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE63TD

Altronix VERTILINE63TD 16 Output Rack Mount Power Supply - 24VD

16-channel 24VDC rack supply with isolated outputs for distributed power
- 16 isolated 24VDC outputs at 16A per channel for independent device feeds
- 1U rackmount form factor fits standard 19-inch enclosures in tight spaces
- 115VAC input with 24VDC output for security, access control, surveillance systems
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$1,020.20 $576.99 Save $443.21

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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE6D

Altronix VERTILINE6D 8-Output Rack Mount Power Supply

8-channel 24VDC rack mount supply for distributed security infrastructure
- Eight isolated 24VDC outputs at 8A per channel for multi-zone power
- 115VAC single-phase input in compact 19-inch rack-mount form factor
- Consolidated power distribution reduces field wiring for access control systems
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$737.29 $416.99 Save $320.30

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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE6DV

Altronix VERTILINE6DV 24VDC 8A Rack-Mount Power Supply

Eight independent 24VDC outputs at 8A each in compact rack mount
- 8 PTC-protected circuits prevent short-circuit damage across channels
- 24VDC regulated output from 115VAC single-phase input for security systems
- 19-inch rack-mount form factor fits standard equipment enclosures
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$737.29 $416.99 Save $320.30

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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE8

Altronix VERTILINE8 CCTV AC Rack Mount Power Supp.115/230VAC

Eight 24/28VAC outputs in 19-inch rack mount for CCTV systems
- Eight independently fused outputs at 5A each for multi-camera deployments
- 115VAC input with 24/28VAC output in standard rack-mount form factor
- UL Listed safety certification for secure installation in security racks
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$795.12 $449.99 Save $345.13

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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE83C

Altronix VERTILINE83C 8-Output Rack Mount CCTV Power Supply

8-output 24/28VAC rack supply for centralized CCTV camera power
- Eight independently fused outputs at 10A each for isolated distribution
- Selectable 24/28VAC output voltage to match camera system requirements
- 1U rack-mount form factor integrates into standard security enclosures
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$916.09 $517.99 Save $398.10

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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE83CD

Altronix VERTILINE83CD 8-Output Rack Mount

8-output rack mount power supply for centralized CCTV distribution
- 8 independent regulated outputs with device protection in 19-inch form factor
- 115VAC input compatible with standard North American electrical infrastructure
- UL Listed certification for code compliance in security installations
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$916.09 $517.99 Save $398.10

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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE83D

Altronix VERTILINE83D 8-Output Rack Mount Power Supply

8-output rack mount power supply for centralized security infrastructure
- 8 independent regulated outputs for simultaneous multi-device powering
- 19-inch rack mount form factor fits standard equipment installations
- 115VAC input with UL listing for commercial security deployments
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$916.09 $517.99 Save $398.10

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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE8C

Altronix VERTILINE8C 8-Output Rack Mount Power Supply

8-output 24/28VAC rack mount supply for security and access control
- Eight independent 24/28VAC outputs at 5A each for distributed loads
- 115VAC input with rack mount form factor fits standard 19-inch infrastructure
- UL Listed for code-compliant installation in surveillance and access systems
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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE8CD

Altronix VERTILINE8CD 8-Output Rack-Mount Power Supply

8-output 24/28VAC rack-mount supply for distributed security power
- 8 independent 5A channels selectable 24 or 28VAC from single 115VAC input
- 19-inch rack-mount form factor fits standard equipment enclosures
- UL Listed for commercial security applications including CCTV and access control
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$795.12 $449.99 Save $345.13

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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE8D

Altronix VERTILINE8D 8 PTC Protected AC CCTV Rack Mount Power

8-outlet rack mount AC power distribution with PTC protection
- Eight individually PTC-protected outlets prevent overload damage
- 115VAC input in compact 1U rack-mount form factor
- UL Listed for CCTV and security infrastructure installations
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$795.12 $449.99 Save $345.13

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Hanwha

SKU: SBP-C14

Hanwha SBP-C14 Rack Mount Card Cage & Power Supply

14-slot rack cage with integrated power and hot-swap modules
- Supports 14 surveillance modules in 1-inch rack slots with electronic current limiting
- Hot-swappable modules and power supply for maintenance without downtime
- Voltage transient protection on all I/O lines safeguards connected components
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$1,025.00 $767.99 Save $257.01

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Hanwha

SKU: SBP-C14PS1

Hanwha SBP-C14PS1 Rack Mount Card Cage & Power Supply

Rack mount card cage with centralized power for IP surveillance systems
- Automatic electronic current limiting protects connected devices from overload
- Modular design allows tool-free component replacement without system downtime
- Supports multi-device power distribution in high-density surveillance deployments
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$580.00 $434.99 Save $145.01

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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 VERTILINE563 Dual 56VDC 6A Rack Power Supply

Altronix VERTILINE63D 24VDC 16-Output Rackmount Supply

Altronix VERTILINE63TD 16 Output Rack Mount Power Supply - 24VD

Altronix VERTILINE6D 8-Output Rack Mount Power Supply

Altronix VERTILINE6DV 24VDC 8A Rack-Mount Power Supply

Altronix VERTILINE8 CCTV AC Rack Mount Power Supp.115/230VAC

Altronix VERTILINE83C 8-Output Rack Mount CCTV Power Supply

Altronix VERTILINE83CD 8-Output Rack Mount

Altronix VERTILINE83D 8-Output Rack Mount Power Supply

Altronix VERTILINE8C 8-Output Rack Mount Power Supply

Altronix VERTILINE8CD 8-Output Rack-Mount Power Supply

Altronix VERTILINE8D 8 PTC Protected AC CCTV Rack Mount Power

Hanwha SBP-C14 Rack Mount Card Cage & Power Supply

Hanwha SBP-C14PS1 Rack Mount Card Cage & Power Supply

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