Altronix TANGO8A PoE-Powered Access Control and Surveillance Power Distribution Enclosure
Overview
The Altronix TANGO8A combines the TANGO1B power module with the ACMS8 multi-output power supply inside a single wall-mount enclosure, delivering centralized 12VDC and/or 24VDC power distribution for access control panels, door hardware, and surveillance devices. Drawing up to 90W over standard PoE network infrastructure, the TANGO8A eliminates the need for a dedicated AC circuit at each door location — a meaningful simplification on retrofit jobs where pulling new mains wiring is expensive. For integrators working through the Altronix power distribution catalog, this unit fits squarely into distributed PoE-powered architectures where a central switch feeds edge power nodes.
Key Features
- 90W PoE Input: Accepts up to 90W from a PoE source, which is enough headroom to simultaneously power door controllers, mag-locks, and credential readers on a typical 4- to 8-door node without a local outlet. Reduces conduit runs on tenant buildouts.
- Dual-Voltage Output (12VDC and/or 24VDC): Supports both 12VDC and 24VDC field devices from a single enclosure — useful when your door hardware mix includes 12V electric strikes alongside 24V mag-locks or PIR sensors, avoiding the cost of a second supply.
- 65W Max Output / 55W Charging Output: The 65W load ceiling is sufficient for multi-device branch circuits; the separate 55W charging path keeps a backup battery maintained without robbing headroom from field device loads.
- 100/1G Ethernet: Gigabit-capable Ethernet pass-through means the TANGO8A won't become a bandwidth bottleneck if downstream IP devices — cameras, intercoms, or readers with video — demand real throughput. No need to derate your network design around this unit.
- Form C Relay Output (2.5A, 28VDC): The onboard Form C relay rated at 2.5A/28VDC can drive door strike release signals directly, cutting the need for a separate relay module on single-door nodes and simplifying wiring labor.
- Input PTC (9A) and Output PTC (2A) Protection: Resettable PTC devices on both input and output paths mean a wiring fault or overloaded branch resets automatically after the fault clears — no blown fuse to track down on a service call at 2 a.m.
- Input Fuse 15A/32V, Output Fuse 3A/32V, Battery Fuse 10A/32V: Discrete fusing on every power path (input, output, battery) gives you fault isolation and a clear diagnostic trail when something does go wrong.
- Compact Wall-Mount Enclosure (15.5" x 12.25" x 4.5"): The 394mm x 311mm x 114mm enclosure fits in a standard IDF closet or mechanical room without consuming rack space. Useful on projects where rack real estate is already constrained by switches and patch panels.
- Operating Range 0°C to 49°C, 20–85% RH: Covers conditioned indoor environments — wiring closets, server rooms, and lobby utility spaces — without requiring environmental conditioning beyond standard HVAC.
Integration and Compatibility
The TANGO8A is designed to work within Altronix's TANGO ecosystem and is compatible with access control panels and door hardware requiring 12VDC or 24VDC supply voltages. The access control power distribution category includes complementary controllers and enclosures for larger door-count deployments. For multi-enclosure deployments, pair with a managed PoE switch capable of delivering 90W+ per port (802.3bt Class 6 or higher) to fully utilize the TANGO8A's input capacity. Review your switch's per-port and total power budgets before deploying multiple units from a single switch. See our access control buying guide for help sizing power distribution across multi-door projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What PoE standard does the TANGO8A require at the switch port?
A: The TANGO8A accepts up to 90W of PoE input. Standard 802.3at (PoE+) delivers only 30W, so you will need a switch port supporting 802.3bt (PoE++) — Class 6 (60W) or Class 8 (90W) — to reach the unit's full input capacity. Verify your switch's per-port wattage before deployment.
Q: Can the TANGO8A supply both 12VDC and 24VDC simultaneously?
A: Yes. The TANGO8A supports 12VDC and/or 24VDC output, allowing mixed-voltage field device installations from a single unit. Total combined output must remain within the 65W max output rating.
Q: Does the TANGO8A support battery backup?
A: Yes. The unit includes a dedicated battery charging path rated at 55W max and a 10A/32V battery fuse, supporting a backup battery for continued door operation during a power interruption.
Q: What happens if an output branch is overloaded or shorted?
A: Output branches are protected by a 2A resettable PTC device. The PTC trips on overcurrent and resets automatically once the fault is cleared — no fuse replacement needed for most transient fault events. Hard faults on the output path are also covered by the 3A/32V output fuse.
Q: What are the enclosure dimensions for planning wall-mount installation?
A: The TANGO8A enclosure measures 15.5" x 12.25" x 4.5" (394mm x 311mm x 114mm). Plan for adequate wall clearance on all sides for conduit entry and field wiring access.
Q: What is the operating temperature range for the TANGO8A?
A: The TANGO8A is rated for 0°C to 49°C ambient with 20–85% non-condensing humidity. It is designed for conditioned indoor spaces and is not rated for uncontrolled outdoor or extreme-temperature environments.
The TANGO8A is the unit I reach for on mid-size retrofit access control projects where pulling new 120VAC circuits to each door node is either cost-prohibitive or logistically painful. The 90W PoE input ceiling is the defining spec here — it gives you enough headroom to power a door controller, a credential reader, and an electric strike or mag-lock from a single Cat6 run back to the IDF closet, which is the whole point of a PoE-powered power node architecture.
Technical Highlights:
- Dual-voltage output (12/24VDC): Most real-world door hardware mixes 12V strikes with 24V mag-locks. Having both voltages available from a single TANGO8A enclosure avoids the expense and wiring complexity of a second supply at each node.
- Resettable PTC protection (9A input / 2A output): Self-resetting PTCs on both input and output paths mean a short on a branch circuit clears itself after the fault is removed — no service truck dispatched to swap a fuse at 3 a.m.
- Form C relay at 2.5A/28VDC: The onboard relay can drive a door strike release signal directly, removing the need for an external relay module on single-door deployments and cleaning up the wiring bill.
Deployment Considerations:
- Your switch port must deliver 90W to fully load this unit — standard 802.3at PoE+ ports cap at 30W. Confirm 802.3bt (Class 6 or Class 8) capability on every port feeding a TANGO8A before you finalize your switch spec.
- Total output is capped at 65W; the battery charging path draws from the same supply but is managed at 55W max. If you intend to run a battery and heavy field device loads simultaneously, calculate your combined draw carefully before commissioning.
The TANGO8A fits best on commercial tenant improvement and retrofit projects — office suites, healthcare clinics, education facilities — where the structured cabling plant is already in place and adding AC circuits per door is off the table.
