Introduction to the Haydon Access Control Power Supply
The Haydon HAY-ACCESS12/24V8/4A-8W is a boxed access-control power supply engineered for commercial and institutional security installations. It offers a user-selectable DC output of 12 V or 24 V, delivering full continuous output capacity (8 A at 12 V or 4 A at 24 V), integrated battery-backup charging, and an 8-way fused/fire-interface board with independently switchable outputs. Designed to sit in a metal enclosure that can house standby batteries and multiple access-control modules, this unit aims to provide a compact, robust and service-friendly power solution for locks, controllers, readers and associated peripherals.
Key features at a glance
- Dual voltage selectable— switch between 12 VDC and 24 VDC to suit different devices and site standards.
- High continuous output— full-rated 8 A @ 12 V or 4 A @ 24 V for sustained operation of connected equipment.
- Battery backup and charger— designed to accept common standby battery sizes and maintain float charging for resilience during mains failure.
- Eight fused outputs— independent, switchable fused outputs for neat load segmentation and safer fault isolation.
- Trigger relay and ancillary outputs— relay-triggered control of outputs and a mains-fail/ancillary relay for integration with alarm or building management systems.
- Site-ready enclosure— boxed metal enclosure sized to accept standby batteries and several access modules, simplifying on-site installation.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The following breakdown explains the key specifications in practical terms and highlights why they matter when planning a security installation.
Input: 100–264 VAC, 50/60 Hz — this wide mains input range makes the unit suitable for international sites and for installations where supply quality may vary.
Selectable output voltage: 12 VDC or 24 VDC (user selectable). This flexibility reduces the need to stock multiple PSU types on a service van and allows the same unit to power a variety of locks, controllers and peripheral devices.
Output current (continuous): 8 A at 12 V or 4 A at 24 V. Because these ratings are continuous (not just peak), the Haydon PSU can support sustained loads such as multiple locks, door controllers and readers without thermal or current cutback in normal operation.
Battery compatibility: vendor reports indicate it can accept common standby battery layouts (for example, one 18 Ah or two 7 Ah sealed lead-acid batteries). The built-in charger provides float charging, with reported nominal float voltages around 13.2–13.8 V in 12 V mode and ~27.6 V in 24 V mode. Charge current is typically modest (reported ~0.5–0.8 A), suitable for maintaining standby batteries without heavy cycling.
Benefits: integrated battery backup reduces the need for a separate external charger or additional wiring, keeps the system operational during mains outages, and supports compliance with many security site requirements that mandate fail-safe operation for controlled doors and alarm interfaces.
Eight fused outputs on a fire/interface board means you can isolate faults to a single circuit without bringing down the entire system. Each output is independently switchable, which simplifies commissioning and selective power control during maintenance.
Trigger relay (configurable NO/NC or +/− input) allows outputs to be switched by external control signals (5–24 VDC reported), enabling integration with access control panels or building automation logic. A mains-fail/ancillary relay provides a dry contact to signal power-fail events to an alarm panel or monitoring system.
Protections include short-circuit and overload protection as well as battery reverse-polarity protection and charging safeguards as reported by vendors. These protections increase the longevity of both the PSU and connected devices and reduce risk during installation and fault conditions.
LED indicators for mains, battery and fault status provide quick visual diagnostics on-site. The steel enclosure is sized to accept standby batteries and multiple access modules (typically holds several Paxton/ACT modules in distributor scenarios), which keeps the installation tidy and secure behind a lockable cover.
Reported dimensions (W 365 × H 330 × D 85 mm) and a weight around 7 kg make the unit substantial but still wall-mountable in plant rooms, risers, or cupboard housings commonly used for access control equipment.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The Haydon boxed PSU is aimed at professional security installers and electrical contractors and performs particularly well in these scenarios:
- Multi-door commercial buildings:When multiple door controllers, maglocks or electric strikes need individually fused feeds, the 8-way board simplifies distribution and fault isolation.
- Institutions with battery backup requirements:Schools, hospitals and care facilities often require fail-safe operation during power loss; the integrated charger and onboard battery space make compliance straightforward.
- Retrofit projects:Selectable 12/24 V output reduces the complexity of upgrading existing systems; the same box can replace various single-voltage PSUs during phased upgrades.
- Remote or multi-service cabinets:The wide mains input plus ancillary relay output and compact enclosure suit locations where space is limited and remote monitoring or alarm integration is needed.
- Installations requiring neat, secure wiring:The boxed format protects wiring and batteries from tampering and environmental dust while keeping cabling organised behind a single cover.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When compared to alternative power solutions for access control, several distinguishing points emerge:
- Boxed vs open-frame PSUs:Open-frame or DIN-rail PSUs are smaller and sometimes cheaper, but they lack integrated battery space and the tidy, secure enclosure that the Haydon boxed PSU provides. For sites requiring battery backup and tamper protection, boxed units are typically preferred.
- Single-voltage PSUs:Dedicated 12 V or 24 V units remove the decision of selecting voltage but increase logistical complexity for installers who must stock multiple SKUs. The Haydon selectable unit reduces stock and increases flexibility on mixed-site jobs.
- High-capacity central PSUs:Larger centralised power systems can offer more amperage but often require separate distribution to each door and external battery enclosures. The Haydon offers a balanced approach with per-output fusing and a compact integrated battery compartment, making it more practical for medium-sized installations.
- Competitor fused multi-outputs:Some competitors provide multi-output fused boards but at different output counts or fixed voltages. The combination of eight fused outputs, continuous-rated current, selectable voltage and an integrated charger places the Haydon in a versatile mid-to-high tier for on-site installers seeking a single-box solution.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
While individual reviews vary by reseller, common themes emerge from installer and distributor feedback:
- Installers appreciate the selectable 12/24 V option for its flexibility on mixed fleets of devices and the convenience of an integrated battery compartment.
- The eight fused outputs and independent switching are frequently cited as time-savers during commissioning and fault diagnosis, reducing site call-backs.
- Some listings note slight variations in reported charger current and nominal float voltages; experienced installers advise confirming final charger settings from the official Haydon datasheet before commissioning batteries.
- Overall sentiment positions the unit as a reliable, mid-range boxed PSU that balances cost and features well for many commercial installations. At a suggested retail price around 199 (vendor MSRP reported), it is seen as cost-effective for the functionality offered.
Conclusion: why choose the Haydon HAY-ACCESS12/24V8/4A-8W?
The Haydon HAY-ACCESS12/24V8/4A-8W boxed power supply is a practical, installer-friendly solution for access control projects that need selectable voltage, reliable continuous output, battery backup and well-organised fused distribution. Its strengths are the combination of full-rated continuous output at both voltages, an integrated charger and battery compartment, and an 8-way fused board with independent switching and relay control. These features reduce on-site complexity, minimise stock requirements and make maintenance and fault isolation simpler.
For medium-sized commercial and institutional sites that demand dependable power for locks, controllers and readers — and where battery backup and tidy enclosure presentation are priorities — the Haydon access PSU represents a balanced choice between capability and cost. As with any installation, consult the official datasheet and ensure a qualified electrician or security engineer performs the installation to meet local regulations and optimal battery settings.
Always verify final charger and float voltages from the manufacturer datasheet and ensure battery selection and wiring conform to local codes and the specific project requirements before commissioning.
