About this item
The Altronix PT724AE is a single-channel 365-day annual event timer designed for access control, building automation, security, and lighting control applications that require precise, programmable scheduling across the full calendar year. It runs on 12 to 24 volts AC or DC, ships with an enclosure measuring 8.5" H x 7.5" W x 3.5" D, and includes a built-in battery charger for 12VDC sealed lead acid or gel-type batteries. An alphanumeric LCD display simplifies programming on-site without a PC or external tool.
What the PT724AE controls and how it works
The PT724AE operates through a Form C relay contact that runs independently from the timer logic itself. That relay is rated at 10 amps at 120VAC and 28VDC, which is enough to directly switch most commercial electric strikes, magnetic locks, and lighting loads without an intermediate relay. Events can be programmed as momentary or latching operations, giving you both pulse-and-release control (for electric strikes that need a brief release signal) and sustained open/close control (for magnetic locks that need to remain powered off during business hours).
Daily and weekly schedule capacity supports up to 50 programmable events. Block programming expands that to 350 events per week for more complex automation needs. Ten programmable holiday dates allow exceptions to the regular weekly schedule, so a facility can set Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, or any ten custom dates where the standard schedule should not apply. The "first man in" option holds a locked state until the first valid access event occurs, then switches the door to passage mode for the rest of the scheduled open window.
Programming features and power failure protection
The PT724AE uses a crystal-controlled clock for accurate timekeeping, and it handles Daylight Saving Time and automatic leap-year compensation without manual reprogramming. EE Prom memory retains all programmed settings through a power failure, so a brief outage won't erase a schedule that took time to configure. Standby current draw is 10mA with the relay off and 50mA with the relay on, keeping power consumption low across continuous operation.
The built-in battery charger accepts 12VDC sealed lead acid or gel-type batteries with a maximum charge current of 100mA. An optional lithium battery backup (Altronix part LB2032, sold separately) maintains clock function through extended outages. Operating temperature range is -4°F to 120°F (-20°C to 49°C), which covers most indoor utility and equipment room environments where timers are typically installed.
What to pair with the PT724AE in an access control system
The PT724AE fits naturally into any access control setup where a door or building zone needs to automatically unlock and relock on a calendar-based schedule. The relay output connects directly to the power input of magnetic locks to control timed lock and unlock cycles, or to the trigger input of electric strikes for scheduled door release without a credentials event. It can also drive lighting relays, HVAC contactors, or any load within its 10-amp relay rating.
Why the PT724AE over a basic 7-day timer
A standard 7-day timer repeats the same weekly pattern indefinitely. The PT724AE adds a full 365-day annual calendar, holiday exception programming, and EE Prom memory, which together eliminate the most common failure points in long-running door schedules: holidays that unlock when they should stay locked, and schedules that reset after a power event. For facilities that run different schedules across the calendar year, the annual event architecture is the correct spec. The full range of Altronix products available on this site includes compatible power supplies, distribution modules, and access control accessories.
Confirm your input voltage (12V or 24V AC or DC) and relay load requirements before ordering, as the PT724AE is the enclosed board version of the PT724A series.