Access Control Power Supplies & Exit Buttons

Access Control Power Supplies and Exit Buttons

Every maglock, electric gate lock and electric strike needs a regulated 12 or 24VDC power supply, and most need a way to release the lock from the secure side. GateHouse Supplies carries Altronix access power supplies and controller boards plus Alarm Controls and Camden request-to-exit buttons, the parts that complete a gate lock installation.

Altronix Power Supplies and Controllers

Model Input Output Lock outputs Best for
Altronix AL600ULACM 115VAC 12/24VDC, 6A 8 fused, fail safe/secure Several maglocks or gate locks on one supply
Altronix AL600ULACMCB 115VAC 12/24VDC, 6A 8 PTC, Class 2 Same as AL600ULACM where Class 2 wiring is required
Altronix AL400ULACM 115VAC 12/24VDC, 4A 8 fused, fail safe/secure Multi-lock jobs with lighter current draw
Altronix AL175UL 115VAC 12/24VDC, 1.75A 1 lock + 1 aux One gate or door: lock plus keypad or reader
Altronix AL125UL 115VAC 12/24VDC, 1A 2 Class 2 One small maglock or strike
Altronix ACM8 12-24V AC/DC Uses existing supply 8 fused Add lock control to a supply you already have
Altronix ACM8CB 12-24V AC/DC Uses existing supply 8 PTC, Class 2 Class 2 version of the ACM8
Altronix ACM4 12-24V AC/DC Uses existing supply 4 fused Smaller jobs, 2 to 4 locks

Request-to-Exit Buttons

Model Button Timer Best for
Alarm Controls TS-2 2 in. green square push button None Standard single gang exit button
Alarm Controls TS-2T 2 in. green square, illuminated Electronic, 2-45 s Holds the lock open long enough to walk through
Alarm Controls TS-14 1-1/2 in. green mushroom Pneumatic, 2 s-1 min Heavy duty, code-required egress
Alarm Controls TS-9 Narrow plate, illuminated None Gate posts, mullions, narrow frames
Camden CM-221/46 Touchless wave sensor, IP65 0.5-20 s Touch-free exit, indoor or outdoor
Camden CM-221M/46 Touchless + manual override, IP65 0.5-20 s Touch-free with a backup push button

How to Size a Lock Power Supply

  • Match the voltage. Most gate locks and maglocks run on 12 or 24VDC. 24VDC halves the current and handles longer wire runs better.
  • Add up the current. Add every lock, keypad and reader on the supply, then leave about 20% headroom. A 1,200 lb maglock typically draws 250 to 500 mA.
  • One lock or many? The AL175UL or AL125UL handles a single gate. The AL400ULACM or AL600ULACM controls up to eight locks, each with its own trigger and fail safe / fail secure setting.
  • Fire alarm release. The ACM-series controllers release selected locks when the fire alarm panel trips. Check your local code for egress gates.
  • Backup batteries. Altronix supplies charge batteries but do not include them. Use 12V 7Ah sealed lead acid batteries (two in series for 24VDC).

FAQ

Can I power a maglock from my gate operator? Some operator boards have an accessory output, but it is usually limited in current and may not be battery backed. A dedicated lock power supply with battery backup is the reliable choice, triggered by the operator, keypad or access control panel.

Do I need a timer on the exit button? Without a timer, the lock relocks as soon as the button is released. A timed button (TS-2T, TS-14) or a power supply with an adjustable relay keeps the lock released long enough to walk through.

Which exit button for an outdoor gate? The Camden CM-221/46 and CM-221M/46 are IP65 rated for outdoor use. The narrow TS-9 fits a gate post or mullion.

!