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.

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Altronix

SKU: T1RSH1F4

Altronix T1RSH1F4 4-Door Rack Power Controller

4-door rack mount controller with dual 12/24VDC power and fail-safe relays
- Four independently configurable relay outputs for fail-safe or fail-secure door strikes
- 24VDC at 4A output with 115V input for flexible multi-door access control setups
- Single iStar Edge processor support with built-in cabinet tamper switch monitoring
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Altronix

SKU: TM3B

Altronix TM3B TROVE3 Mounting Bracket Enclosure

DIN-rail mounting bracket enclosure for TROVE3 ALTX and MERC systems
- Compact steel enclosure with dust and moisture protection for distributed installations
- DIN-rail compatible design integrates with standard industrial control mounting patterns
- Supports both ALTX and MERC module configurations in single SKU
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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE16

Altronix VERTILINE16 16-Output Rack-Mount Power Supply

16-channel 24/28VAC rack-mount supply for security & access control
- 16 independent outputs at 10A per channel for simultaneous device power
- 115VAC input, 19" rack-mount form factor fits standard server closets
- UL Listed for code compliance in security camera & access control systems
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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE166

Altronix VERTILINE166 16-Output Rack Mount CCTV Power Supply

16-output 1U rack supply for mid-to-large CCTV systems, 24/28VAC
- 16 independently protected channels, each rated 14A maximum current
- Selectable 24VAC or 28VAC output for camera and security device flexibility
- 1U rack-mount form factor fits standard equipment racks, 115VAC input
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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE166C

Altronix VERTILINE166C 16-Output Rack Mount Power Supply

16-output 24/28VAC rack mount supply for distributed camera and access control
- 16 individually fused channels at 14A per circuit for independent load protection
- Dual 24/28VAC output supports legacy and modern security equipment simultaneously
- 19-inch rack mount form factor fits standard equipment racks, UL Listed
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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE166CD

Altronix VERTILINE166CD 16-Output Rack Mount Power Supply

16-channel 24VDC rack mount supply for multi-device security systems
- 16 independent 24VDC outputs in 19-inch rack form factor
- 115VAC input with UL Listed safety certification
- Centralized power distribution for CCTV cameras and access control
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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE166D

Altronix VERTILINE166D 16 Output Rack Mount CCTV Power Supply

16-output rack mount CCTV power supply for centralized camera systems
- 16 independent outputs support simultaneous operation of cameras and accessories
- 19-inch rack mount form factor integrates into standard equipment enclosures
- 115VAC input with UL Listed safety certification for commercial installations
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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE16C

Altronix VERTILINE16C 16-Output Rack-Mount CCTV PSU

16-channel rack PSU for CCTV systems with selectable 24/28VAC output
- 16 independent outputs at 10A per channel for distributed camera arrays
- Selectable 24VAC or 28VAC output voltage across all channels
- 19-inch rack-mount form factor for standard cabinet integration
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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE16CD

Altronix VERTILINE16CD 16 Output Rack Mount CCTV Power Supply

16-output rack mount power supply for centralized CCTV distribution
- 16 individually fused 24/28VAC channels isolate each camera circuit
- 115VAC input with regulated output supports up to 10A total current
- Compact rack mount form factor consolidates power in server rooms
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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE16DI

Altronix VERTILINE16DI Rack Mount Power Supply 16 PTCprotected

16-output 24VAC rack mount supply with individual PTC protection
- 16A per channel across all 16 outputs for distributed device power
- Individual PTC protection on each channel stops shorts and overloads
- 115VAC input converts to regulated 24/28VAC for security infrastructure
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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE33D

Altronix VERTILINE33D 16-Output 12VDC Rack Supply

16-output 12VDC rack supply for centralized security system power
- 16 independent 12VDC terminals with 8A per output for multi-device circuits
- Rack-mount enclosure accepts 115VAC input for standard facility power integration
- Supports surveillance, access control, and redundant power distribution setups
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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE33TD

Altronix VERTILINE33TD 16-Output 12VDC Rackmount Supply

16-channel 12VDC rackmount supply, 16A per output, 1U form factor
- 16 independent 12VDC outputs at 16A each (192W max per channel)
- Individual overcurrent protection per channel prevents fault cascades
- 1U rackmount consolidates power for access control, locks, and sensors
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$576.99

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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE33TDV

Altronix VERTILINE33TDV 8-Output 12VDC Rack Power Supply

8-output 12VDC rack supply for distributed security power
- 8 independent 12VDC outputs at 8A each for multi-device setups
- 19-inch rack mount with 115VAC input and regulated output
- CE certified for security and access control infrastructure
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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE3D

Altronix VERTILINE3D 8-Output Rack Mount Power Supply

8-output rack mount supply with selectable 12/24VDC for distributed systems
- 8 independent regulated outputs at 8A each, selectable 12VDC or 24VDC
- Compact rack mount form factor fits standard 19" equipment racks
- 115VAC input with CE approval for access control and surveillance deployments
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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE48M

Altronix VERTILINE48M 56VDC 6.5A 8-Output Rack Supply

56VDC rack supply with 8 fused outputs for access control and security systems
- 8 independently fused outputs isolate load faults and prevent cascade failures
- 6.5A continuous current from 115VAC input across 2U rack-mount form factor
- UL Listed for commercial deployments in access control and emergency lighting
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Altronix

SKU: VERTILINE48MDV

Altronix VERTILINE48MDV 16-Output 56VDC Rack Power Supply

16-output 56VDC rack supply with individual circuit protection for distributed systems
- 16 PTC-protected outputs prevent short-circuit cascades across connected devices
- 6.5A total capacity in 2U rack footprint for centralized power management
- 220VAC input with regulated 56VDC output for security and telecom infrastructure
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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 T1RSH1F4 4-Door Rack Power Controller

Altronix TM3B TROVE3 Mounting Bracket Enclosure

Altronix VERTILINE16 16-Output Rack-Mount Power Supply

Altronix VERTILINE166 16-Output Rack Mount CCTV Power Supply

Altronix VERTILINE166C 16-Output Rack Mount Power Supply

Altronix VERTILINE166CD 16-Output Rack Mount Power Supply

Altronix VERTILINE166D 16 Output Rack Mount CCTV Power Supply

Altronix VERTILINE16C 16-Output Rack-Mount CCTV PSU

Altronix VERTILINE16CD 16 Output Rack Mount CCTV Power Supply

Altronix VERTILINE16DI Rack Mount Power Supply 16 PTCprotected

Altronix VERTILINE33D 16-Output 12VDC Rack Supply

Altronix VERTILINE33TD 16-Output 12VDC Rackmount Supply

Altronix VERTILINE33TDV 8-Output 12VDC Rack Power Supply

Altronix VERTILINE3D 8-Output Rack Mount Power Supply

Altronix VERTILINE48M 56VDC 6.5A 8-Output Rack Supply

Altronix VERTILINE48MDV 16-Output 56VDC Rack Power Supply

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