Battery Backup, AC OK and Battery Low Alarm Functions
The MEAN WELL DRC-40 Series integrates DC power supply, battery charging and backup control in a compact DIN rail design. It is intended for security, access control, alarm, emergency lighting and monitoring systems that require continued DC power when AC mains power is interrupted.
When AC mains is available, the DRC-40 supplies power to the connected load while charging the external battery. If AC input fails, the battery automatically supplies the load through the backup control circuit, allowing critical equipment to continue operating without a separate external DC UPS module.
Both DRC-40A and DRC-40B also provide AC OK and Battery Low alarm outputs for integration with controllers, alarm panels and monitoring systems. Standard models use TTL open collector outputs, while relay contact outputs are available as an optional configuration.
Battery Backup Operation
The DRC-40 Series is designed for direct integration with an external battery. During normal AC operation, the power supply provides energy to the load and charges the battery at the same time.
When AC mains power is interrupted, the battery begins supplying power to the connected load automatically. This allows the DRC-40 Series to function as a compact DIN rail power supply with battery backup for systems that must remain operational during temporary AC power failure.
The DRC-40A is intended for 12V battery architectures, while the DRC-40B is intended for 24V battery architectures.
AC OK Alarm Signal
The AC OK signal allows an external monitoring circuit to detect whether the power supply is operating from AC mains.
According to the DRC-40 alarm logic, the AC OK output is Low when the power supply is ON and changes to High or open when the power supply turns OFF or AC mains is lost.
This signal can be connected to an alarm panel, PLC input, controller or monitoring circuit to provide AC power status feedback.
Battery Low Alarm Signal
The Battery Low signal provides early warning when the connected battery voltage falls below the specified threshold.
For DRC-40A, the Battery Low signal is activated when battery voltage falls below 11V. For DRC-40B, the threshold is below 22V.
The alarm output changes state according to the battery condition, allowing security systems, monitoring controllers or alarm equipment to detect low battery voltage before battery cut-off occurs.
Battery Low Cut-Off Protection
To help prevent excessive battery discharge during extended backup operation, the DRC-40 Series includes battery low cut-off protection.
The specified battery cut-off voltage is 10 ±0.5V for DRC-40A and 20 ±1V for DRC-40B.
This function works together with the Battery Low alarm signal to provide both early warning and low-voltage battery protection during backup operation.
Open Collector Alarm Output
Standard DRC-40 models provide AC OK and Battery Low signals through TTL open collector outputs.
An external voltage source is required for the alarm circuit. The datasheet specifies a maximum applied voltage of 50V and a maximum sink current of 30mA.
Relay contact output is available as an optional configuration for applications that require isolated relay-based signaling rather than open collector monitoring.
Terminal Assignment and System Connection
The DRC-40 Series provides dedicated terminals for AC input, DC output, battery connection and alarm signaling.
The output-side terminal block includes connections for:
- +V / -V for the main DC load output
- Bat. + / Bat. – for the external backup battery
- AC OK for AC power status monitoring
- Bat. Low for low battery status monitoring
For correct installation, battery wiring and alarm circuit design, engineers should follow the terminal assignment and suggested application diagram provided in the DRC-40 datasheet.
DIN Rail Installation
The DRC-40 Series is designed for installation on TS35/7.5 or TS35/15 DIN rail. Its compact 40 × 90 × 100 mm enclosure allows integration into security panels, control cabinets, access control enclosures and other space-constrained electrical installations.
The datasheet recommends installation clearances of 40mm above, 20mm below and 5mm on the left and right sides when operating continuously at full power. When an adjacent device is a heat source, a 15mm side clearance is recommended.
Need wiring and installation details for the DRC-40 Series? Review the connection diagram, terminal assignment and mechanical drawing below, or refer to the official DRC-40 datasheet for complete battery wiring, alarm output and DIN rail installation information.