Introduction: Haydon HAY-PSU12V3ABB — compact, reliable 12V power with battery backup
The Haydon HAY-PSU12V3ABB is a metal-boxed switch-mode power supply designed for CCTV, access control and small security installations. At a glance it delivers a nominal 13.8 V DC output (12 V systems), up to 3 A continuous, and includes an integrated charger and battery standby function for a single 12 V lead‑acid battery (recommended 7 Ah). Housed in a sturdy metal enclosure with tamper contacts and local status LEDs, this unit is intended to provide reliable, installer-friendly power where uninterrupted operation is important.
Key features
- 12 V DC single output— 13.4–14.2 V DC on mains (13.8 V nominal) with battery‑standby capability.
- 3 A continuous output— supports up to 36 W of load suitable for small camera arrays, access-control panels and DVR/NVR accessory circuits.
- Integrated battery standby— charger and space for one 12 V sealed lead‑acid battery (recommended 7 Ah) to maintain operation during mains failure.
- Universal mains input— 90–264 VAC, 50–60 Hz for global compatibility.
- Protection and signalling— overload/short-circuit protection, output and battery fuses, MAINS (green) and FAULT (red) LEDs plus lid and rear tamper contacts (volt‑free N/O).
- Installer-friendly metal enclosure— removable hinged lid sized for a single 7 Ah battery and shrouded high-voltage parts for safer handling.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the HAY-PSU12V3ABB starts with the detailed specifications and how they translate into benefits on real installations:
- Voltage: 90–264 VAC — allows use in a wide range of regions without transformer changes, simplifying inventory for installers who work internationally or across sites with different mains voltages.
- Frequency: 50–60 Hz — compatible with both common mains standards.
- Mains fuse: 3.0 A, 250 V — thermal protection that helps prevent damage from upstream faults.
- No-load power: ≤ 0.5 W — low standby consumption when no load or battery is present.
- Nominal output: 13.4–14.2 V DC on mains (13.8 V nominal) — slightly elevated charging voltage ideal for maintaining and charging sealed lead‑acid batteries while powering devices.
- Battery standby output: 10.0–12.3 V DC — automatic switchover to battery ensures connected security devices continue to operate when mains fails.
- Max load current: 3.0 A (36 W) — sufficient for several small cameras, an access-control panel and low-power peripherals depending on draw.
- Ripple: ≤ 150 mV p–p — acceptable for most CCTV cameras and electronics that require reasonably clean DC.
- Load protection: fused and electronic overload (shutdown under mains) — protects both supply and connected equipment from sustained faults.
- Battery type: 12 V sealed lead‑acid (recommended 7 Ah) — common and inexpensive battery format for short-duration backup needs.
- Battery charge fuse: 1.0 A — limits charging fault currents and simplifies replacement safety.
- Space and mechanical design — enclosure is sized to fit a single 7 Ah battery behind a removable hinged lid for tidy installation and fast servicing.
- MAINS LED (green) and FAULT LED (red) provide clear local status without tools.
- Tamper contacts (lid & rear, volt‑free N/O closed when secured) integrate easily with alarm panels to alert on unauthorized access to the enclosure.
- Terminals include B+, B‑, V+, V‑ and tamper connections, making wiring straightforward for installers.
- Safety and compliance — manufacturer states conformance with relevant directives (LVD, EMC, WEEE, RoHS); installation by a qualified electrician is recommended and batteries must be handled per local disposal guidelines.
Use cases and scenarios where the HAY-PSU12V3ABB excels
This Haydon boxed PSU is designed to shine in small to medium CCTV and access-control projects where compact size, reliable backup and tamper detection are required. Typical scenarios include:
- Residential multi-camera systems — power a cluster of low-to-medium-draw cameras and provide brief backup during a mains outage.
- Small retail and office sites — supply DVRs/NVR accessories, card-reader panels and peripheral sensors with tidy battery backup for short-term continuity.
- Remote or distributed installations — where space and weight matter, the single-battery enclosure keeps installations compact and serviceable.
- Alarm panel integration — tamper inputs let the power enclosure become part of the monitored security system, improving site integrity.
- Temporary or transitional systems — installers building out a larger system can use this PSU to keep critical nodes powered during staged deployments.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating boxed 12 V power supplies with battery backup, you will commonly compare based on output current, battery capacity, build quality, protection features and additional signaling such as tamper contacts or LEDs. Here’s how the HAY-PSU12V3ABB stacks up by category:
At 3 A (36 W) continuous, the Haydon sits in the mid-range: higher than many 1–2 A consumer-style PSUs but below heavier 5–10 A distribution supplies used for larger multi-camera systems. This makes it a good fit for small commercial or residential installations where centralized high-current distribution is unnecessary.
The dedicated space for a single 7 Ah battery is a design choice that balances runtime and size. Some competitors offer larger enclosures for multiple batteries or internal battery trays for 12 Ah+ cells; those provide longer autonomy but at the expense of bulk and cost. The Haydon approach keeps the unit compact and easier to mount in tight cupboards and control rooms.
The inclusion of both electronic overload shutdown and fuses, plus tamper contacts and clear LED indicators, brings the Haydon up to the expectations of professional installers. Lower-cost unprotected transformers or simple switching supplies may lack tamper contacts or effective battery-charging control, making the Haydon preferable for monitored security systems.
With a suggested price around $49.99 and a cost price in distribution of roughly $37.84, the HAY-PSU12V3ABB is positioned as a value-conscious professional product. Alternatives from premium brands may cost significantly more for similar basic functionality, while cheaper alternatives might omit important protections or a proper charger circuit.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
While specific customer reviews may vary by market, typical feedback from installers and small-business users for products like the HAY-PSU12V3ABB tends to highlight several consistent points:
- "Compact and practical" — installers appreciate the small metal box that still houses a 7 Ah battery and leaves room for tidy wiring.
- "Easy to integrate" — tamper contacts and clear terminals simplify connection to alarm panels and monitoring systems.
- "Reliable basic backup" — for short mains outages and graceful shutdown of DVR/NVRs or cameras, the integrated battery standby performs as expected.
- "Good value" — many users cite the combination of features, protection and price as a strong value when compared to either bare-bones supplies or much more expensive branded alternatives.
Note: These are representative installer impressions based on common usage patterns for this class of product. Always check local distributor reviews and case studies for region-specific feedback.
Installation tips and best practices
- Always install the unit in a ventilated, dry location within the manufacturers recommended temperature range (−10 °C to +40 °C) and observe the stated humidity/storage limits.
- Use the recommended sealed lead‑acid battery type and capacity (7 Ah) for predictable charging behavior and fit within the enclosure.
- Wire the tamper contacts into the alarm or monitoring circuit so that opening the enclosure triggers an alert.
- Observe fuse ratings and replace with identical values; isolate mains before servicing and follow battery handling protocols.
Conclusion: why the HAY-PSU12V3ABB is a solid choice
The Haydon HAY-PSU12V3ABB offers a balanced mix of features, protection and compact design aimed squarely at CCTV and access-control installations that need dependable backup power without unnecessary size or cost. With universal mains input, integrated battery charging for a 7 Ah sealed lead‑acid cell, tamper monitoring and local status LEDs, it meets the practical needs of installers who require a professional, serviceable boxed PSU.
For small commercial sites, residential systems or focused control-panel installations, this unit represents a pragmatic choice: more capable and protected than basic supplies, yet more compact and cost-effective than larger distribution cabinets. If you need a straightforward, metal-enclosed 12 V supply with battery standby and tamper features for a monitored security environment, the HAY-PSU12V3ABB is well worth considering.
