Introduction: Meet the Haydon HAY-PSUINLINE3A24
The Haydon HAY-PSUINLINE3A24 (marketed as Haydon 24VAC 3A Inline PSU) is a compact switch‑mode inline power supply designed specifically for CCTV and security installations that require a 24 VAC feed. Delivering 3 A (approximately 72 VA) from a small, weather‑resistant housing with bare leads on both ends, this unit aims to make inline power distribution simple, lightweight and reliable. Key selling points include switch‑mode regulation for improved efficiency, built‑in thermal and overload protection, and a compact sealed enclosure suitable for outdoor or exposed wiring runs (verify the exact IP rating with your supplier).
Key features at a glance
- Output:24 VAC at 3 A (≈ 72 VA)
- Design:Switch‑mode regulated for better efficiency and lower weight than comparable linear transformers
- Protections:Thermal and overload protection to reduce risk of damage from faults or prolonged overload
- Enclosure:Compact inline housing with bare leads on both ends for direct inline wiring (IP rating reported as IP66 or IP68 by different suppliers—confirm with manufacturer)
- Operating range:-10 °C to +40 °C (storage -20 °C to +70 °C)
- Target application:CCTV and security devices that require 24 VAC feed
Detailed specifications and the benefits they deliver
The HAY-PSUINLINE3A24 accepts a 230 VAC, 50 Hz mains input and produces a regulated 24 VAC output capable of up to 3 A (3000 mA), giving roughly 72 VA of apparent power. The switch‑mode regulation is significant: compared with traditional linear transformers of similar rating, a switch‑mode PSU typically offers higher efficiency, less heat generation, and a much smaller physical size and weight. For installers working in confined spaces or needing to mount an inline unit on poles, inside junction boxes or behind fixtures, the reduced footprint is a clear advantage.
Built‑in thermal and overload protection helps protect the power supply and connected equipment from common fault conditions. Thermal protection reduces the risk of heat‑related failure when the unit operates near its limits or in hot ambient conditions, while overload protection helps prevent a short or downstream fault from damaging the PSU or the wider security system. These protections make the device more robust on real sites where wiring mistakes, moisture ingress or unexpected loads can occur.
The inline housing is intended to be used in places where the PSU may be exposed to weather, splashes or dusty environments. Different suppliers report IP66 or IP68 ratings—both indicate strong protection, but IP68 implies immersion capability beyond IP66’s high‑pressure water resistance. Because the exact rating varies between listings, confirm the official IP rating with your supplier before committing to installations where immersion is possible. Physical dimensions are approximately 124 × 78 × 68 mm and weight about 1.9 kg, with bare leads on both ends to allow direct inline wiring to existing cable runs.
The temperature and humidity ranges (operating: -10 °C to +40 °C; storage: -20 °C to +70 °C; relative humidity 10–90%) suit typical outdoor and indoor CCTV installations in temperate climates. If your site routinely sees extremes outside these ranges you should consider alternative power solutions or locations for mounting to ensure reliable operation.
Use cases and scenarios where the unit excels
The HAY-PSUINLINE3A24 is tailored for installers and systems where a small, sealed 24 VAC feed is needed close to the camera or device. Practical scenarios include:
- Supplying older PTZ cameras or infrared illuminators that expect 24 VAC rather than 12 V DC or PoE.
- Inline replacements or upgrades where an existing mains run is present but a discrete transformer box would be impractical.
- Pole or mast mounting where a compact sealed unit reduces vulnerability compared with a larger outdoor transformer enclosure.
- Retrofit jobs where minimal cable changes are desirable — the bare‑lead in/out makes splicing into existing cable runs straightforward for experienced installers.
- Small installations or single‑camera sites where a single output 24 VAC unit is more cost‑effective and space‑efficient than a multi‑output power supply board.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating the HAY-PSUINLINE3A24 you’ll most commonly compare it with three classes of alternatives: traditional linear transformers, multi‑output CCTV power boxes, and PoE/PoE+ power solutions.
Linear transformers are robust and familiar, but they tend to be heavier, bulkier and less efficient. They also typically run hotter and can require larger enclosures. The switch‑mode Haydon unit is lighter, cooler running and more compact—advantages where space and weight matter. However, in extremely electrically noisy environments or where very high inrush currents are expected, some installers still prefer a heavy‑duty linear transformer for its simplicity and tolerance of abuse.
Multi‑output power boxes are useful for rack installations or multi‑camera sites, offering centralized distribution with fuse protection per channel. The Haydon inline unit is not a like‑for‑like replacement: it’s best for single runs or localized feeds. If you need to power multiple cameras from one point, a multi‑output PSU with per‑out fusing offers easier centralized management and fault isolation. Conversely, the Haydon unit is better for remote single‑camera feeds or when a small, self‑contained unit is preferred.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is increasingly common for IP cameras, offering power and data over a single cable. PoE simplifies cabling and remote power management, but not all cameras or attached devices accept PoE—many legacy PTZs, heaters, blowers or IR arrays require 24 VAC. The Haydon PSU remains relevant for such devices and for hybrid systems that mix analog/legacy gear with IP devices.
Pricing, value and purchasing considerations
At a suggested retail price of £24.99 (cost price £19.20) the HAY-PSUINLINE3A24 is positioned as an affordable single‑feed solution. It is competitively priced against small inline transformers and many low‑power switch‑mode units. When assessing value, consider the protection features, compactness and the work saved by using an inline unit rather than routing to a central PSU. Also verify supplier support, official datasheet, CE/UKCA markings and warranty—this product listing shows a warranty value of 0, so confirm warranty and returns policy with your supplier before buying for commercial or critical installs.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
No formal customer testimonials are included with the product data provided here. Typical feedback patterns for inline switch‑mode PSUs in this class (based on general installer experience) include praise for compactness and reliability and occasional concern over IP rating ambiguity or warranty terms. Example installer impressions typically sound like:
- "Great compact solution for a pole‑mounted PTZ — saved space and runs cooler than an old iron transformer."
- "Easy to splice into existing cables and the overload protection gave us confidence during testing."
- "Check the datasheet and confirm the IP rating — some suppliers list different ratings which affects where I mount it."
These are representative impressions rather than verbatim customer testimonials; always request supplier references or product datasheets for real project validation.
Installation and safety notes
Because the unit connects to mains, installation should be performed by a qualified electrician or competent installer. Key safety steps include isolating the mains supply before splicing or connecting, protecting exposed splices in an appropriate junction box if required by local codes, and verifying the product has the necessary safety markings (CE/UKCA) and the correct IP rating for the intended mounting location. If in doubt, consult the official HAY-PSUINLINE3A24 datasheet or technical support from the supplier.
Conclusion: Why the Haydon HAY-PSUINLINE3A24 is a strong choice
The Haydon HAY-PSUINLINE3A24 fills a practical niche for installers and integrators who need a compact, efficient, protected 24 VAC feed for CCTV and security devices. Its switch‑mode design offers a modern alternative to older, heavier transformers with obvious advantages in size, weight and thermal performance. The inline sealed housing and built‑in protections make it well suited to single‑camera runs, pole installations and retrofit jobs where convenience, reliability and compactness matter.
Before purchasing, confirm the official IP rating, ensure CE/UKCA compliance and verify warranty and return conditions with your supplier. For systems that require multiple outputs, PoE or centralized power management, consider the broader system architecture; but for fast, tidy and protected inline 24 VAC power, the HAY-PSUINLINE3A24 is a practical, cost‑effective option.
