MEAN WELL DRC-180 Series 180W DIN Rail Power Supply with Battery Charger | DRC-180A / DRC-180B

Overview of MEAN WELL DRC-180 Series

The MEAN WELL DRC-180 Series is a 180W AC/DC DIN rail power supply with integrated battery charger and UPS backup function, developed for security systems, access control, alarm systems, emergency lighting, central monitoring systems and other applications that require continuous DC power during AC mains interruption.

Unlike a conventional DIN rail power supply, the DRC-180 Series combines a primary DC output with a dedicated battery charging output and built-in backup control. When AC mains power is available, the unit supplies the connected load while charging the battery. If AC input fails, the battery supplies power to the load, providing a practical DIN rail UPS power supply architecture for security, monitoring, alarm and access control equipment.

The series accepts a universal 90–264VAC input and also supports 127–370VDC input, with built-in active PFC for improved power factor performance. Two models are available: DRC-180A provides 13.8VDC main output with 9A rated current for 12V battery systems, while DRC-180B provides 27.6VDC main output with 4.5A rated current for 24V battery systems. Both models provide 179.4W rated power and support TS35 DIN rail installation.

For battery charging, the DRC-180A provides a dedicated 13.8V battery charger output rated at 4A, while the DRC-180B provides a 27.6V battery charger output rated at 2A. This integrated power supply and battery charger design makes the DRC-180 Series suitable for 12V and 24V battery backup systems where continuous DC power is required.

For system supervision, the DRC-180 Series includes AC OK and Battery Low alarm signals through relay contact outputs. The relay contacts are rated up to 30V / 1A, allowing connected controllers, alarm panels and central monitoring systems to detect AC power failure or low battery conditions.

Built-in protection functions include short circuit, overload, overvoltage, over-temperature protection, battery low cut-off and battery reverse polarity protection by fuse. The series operates by free-air convection over a wide -20°C to +70°C operating temperature range and can be mounted on TS35/7.5 or TS35/15 DIN rail for installation inside control cabinets, security system enclosures and other industrial equipment.

For OEM, system integration and industrial procurement, the DRC-180 Series provides two main configuration options: MEAN WELL DRC-180A for 12V battery backup systems and MEAN WELL DRC-180B for 24V battery backup systems. The series is particularly suitable where a 180W DIN rail power supply, battery charger and DC UPS backup function are required in a single compact unit.

Features

• 180W DIN rail AC/DC power supply with integrated battery charger and UPS function for applications requiring continuous DC power during AC mains interruption
• 179.4W rated power with universal 90–264VAC input and 127–370VDC input capability
• Built-in active PFC with power factor up to ≥0.98 at 115VAC and ≥0.95 at 230VAC under full load
• Available in DRC-180A and DRC-180B models for 12V and 24V battery backup systems
• DRC-180A provides 13.8VDC main output with 9A rated current and 4A battery charger output
• DRC-180B provides 27.6VDC main output with 4.5A rated current and 2A battery charger output
• Adjustable main output voltage: 12–15VDC for DRC-180A and 24–29VDC for DRC-180B
• Battery backup operation allows the connected battery to supply the load when AC mains power fails
• AC OK alarm signal for monitoring AC input status through relay contact output
• Battery Low alarm signal for monitoring low battery conditions through relay contact output
• AC OK and Battery Low relay contact outputs support a maximum rating of 30V / 1A
• Battery low cut-off at 10 ±0.5V for DRC-180A and 20 ±1V for DRC-180B
• Battery Low alarm threshold below 11V for DRC-180A and below 22V for DRC-180B
• Built-in protection against short circuit, overload, overvoltage and over-temperature conditions
• Battery reverse polarity protection by fuse for safer battery connection
• Overload protection operates in hiccup mode and automatically recovers after the fault condition is removed
• Overvoltage and over-temperature protection shut down the output and require input power cycling to recover
• Fanless design with free-air convection cooling for low-maintenance operation
• Wide operating temperature range from -20°C to +70°C, subject to the datasheet derating curve
• 63 × 125.2 × 115 mm enclosure for DIN rail installation inside control cabinets and equipment enclosures
• Compatible with TS35/7.5 and TS35/15 DIN rail installation
• Efficiency up to 90%, with 88% typical efficiency for DRC-180A and 90% for DRC-180B
• LED indicator for power-on status
• Operating altitude up to 5000 meters, subject to applicable temperature derating requirements
• Safety approvals include UL62368-1, BS EN/EN62368-1, EAC TP TC 004 and AS/NZS 62368.1
• Suitable for security systems, access control systems, alarm systems, emergency lighting, DC UPS systems and central monitoring systems
• 3-year manufacturer warranty

Need help choosing between 12V and 24V battery systems? Compare DRC-180A and DRC-180B below.

Model Selection Guide for DRC-180 Series

The MEAN WELL DRC-180 Series includes two 180W DIN rail power supply models with integrated battery charger and UPS backup function. Engineers, OEM buyers and system integrators can select between DRC-180A and DRC-180B primarily according to the required battery system voltage, load current, battery charging current and backup power architecture.

Both models share the same universal 90–264VAC input, 127–370VDC input capability, built-in active PFC, TS35 DIN rail mounting, free-air convection cooling, AC OK and Battery Low relay signals, battery low cut-off, battery reverse polarity protection and core output protection functions. The main differences are the DC output voltage, rated current, battery charger current and supported battery system voltage.

DRC-180A for 12V Battery Backup Systems

The MEAN WELL DRC-180A is designed for 12V battery architectures and provides a 13.8VDC main output with 9A rated current. Its dedicated battery charger output provides up to 4A, making it suitable for security, access control, alarm, emergency power and monitoring systems requiring a 12V battery backup power supply.

The main output voltage is adjustable from 12–15VDC. Battery Low signaling is activated when battery voltage falls below 11V, while battery cut-off is specified at 10 ±0.5V to protect the battery from excessive discharge during extended backup operation.

DRC-180A is generally selected when the system uses a 12V battery architecture and the connected load is within its 9A main output capability.

DRC-180B for 24V Battery Backup Systems

The MEAN WELL DRC-180B is designed for 24V battery architectures and provides a 27.6VDC main output with 4.5A rated current. Its dedicated battery charger output provides up to 2A, supporting 24V security, monitoring, alarm and DC backup systems.

The main output voltage can be adjusted from 24–29VDC. Battery Low signaling is activated when battery voltage falls below 22V, while battery cut-off is specified at 20 ±1V.

DRC-180B is generally selected when the equipment or battery architecture is based on 24VDC and the required load current is within its 4.5A main output capability.

How to Choose Between DRC-180A and DRC-180B

For most applications, model selection starts with the battery system voltage. Choose DRC-180A for 12V battery systems and DRC-180B for 24V battery systems. Then verify the connected load current, battery charging requirement, adjustable output voltage range and required backup operating time.

Both models provide 179.4W rated power, but their output current and charger current differ because of the different output voltage architectures. DRC-180A provides 9A main output current and 4A battery charging current for 12V systems, while DRC-180B provides 4.5A main output current and 2A battery charging current for 24V systems.

The DRC-180 Series is particularly suitable for applications where a single DIN rail power supply with battery charger must provide regulated DC power, battery charging and battery backup during AC mains interruption.

Alarm Monitoring and Backup System Integration

Both DRC-180 models provide AC OK and Battery Low signals through relay contact outputs, allowing alarm panels, controllers or monitoring equipment to detect AC failure and low battery conditions. The relay contacts support a maximum rating of 30V / 1A.

When AC mains power is available, the DRC-180 Series supplies the connected load while charging the battery. If AC mains power fails, the battery supplies power to the load through the built-in backup control architecture.

These monitoring and backup functions make the DRC-180 Series suitable for security systems, access control systems, alarm equipment, emergency lighting, central monitoring systems and other installations where power status and battery condition need to be supervised.

Need help choosing the correct DRC-180 model? Select DRC-180A for 12V battery systems or DRC-180B for 24V battery systems, then confirm the required load current, battery charging current, output adjustment range and backup power requirements for your application.

Related MEAN WELL DRC Series Power Supplies

For battery backup system design and DIN rail power selection, the following MEAN WELL DRC Series power supplies are closely related to the DRC-180 Series and can be compared according to required power level, battery system voltage, charging requirement, load current and installation needs:

• DRC-40 Series – Compact lower-power DIN rail AC/DC power supply with integrated battery charger and UPS function for security, access control, alarm and DC backup applications.
• DRC-60 Series – Mid-range DRC Series power supply for security, access control, monitoring and battery backup systems requiring higher output capability than DRC-40.
• DRC-100 Series – Higher-power DIN rail power supply with battery charger and UPS function for 12V and 24V battery backup systems requiring more output capacity than DRC-60.

Need help selecting the right MEAN WELL DRC Series power supply?
Compare DRC-40, DRC-60, DRC-100 and DRC-180 based on required output power, battery system voltage, load current, battery charging requirement, alarm and monitoring needs, installation space and backup system design.

Battery Backup, AC OK and Battery Low Alarm Functions

The MEAN WELL DRC-180 Series integrates DC power supply, battery charging and backup control in a DIN rail design. It is intended for security systems, access control, alarm systems, emergency lighting, central monitoring systems and other applications that require continued DC power when AC mains power is interrupted.

When AC mains is available, the DRC-180 Series supplies power to the connected load while charging the external battery. If AC input fails, the battery supplies power to the load through the built-in backup control circuit, allowing critical equipment to continue operating without a separate external DC UPS module.

Both DRC-180A and DRC-180B also provide AC OK and Battery Low alarm outputs for integration with controllers, alarm panels and monitoring systems. These alarm functions are provided through relay contact outputs with a maximum rating of 30V / 1A.

Battery Backup Operation

The DRC-180 Series is designed for direct integration with an external battery. During normal AC operation, the power supply provides energy to the connected load while charging the battery at the same time.

When AC mains power is interrupted, the battery begins supplying power to the connected load. This allows the DRC-180 Series to function as a DIN rail power supply with battery backup for systems that must remain operational during temporary AC power failure.

The DRC-180A is intended for 12V battery architectures and provides a 13.8V battery charger output with up to 4A charging current, while the DRC-180B is intended for 24V battery architectures and provides a 27.6V battery charger output with up to 2A charging current.

AC OK Alarm Signal

The AC OK signal allows an external monitoring circuit to detect whether the power supply is operating normally from AC mains.

According to the DRC-180 alarm logic, the AC OK relay contact is closed when AC power is OK and open when AC power fails.

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-180A, the Battery Low condition is specified below 11V. For DRC-180B, the threshold is below 22V.

The Battery Low relay contact changes state according to 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-180 Series includes battery low cut-off protection.

The specified battery cut-off voltage is 10 ±0.5V for DRC-180A and 20 ±1V for DRC-180B.

This function works together with the Battery Low alarm signal to provide both early warning and low-voltage battery protection during backup operation.

Relay Contact Alarm Output

The DRC-180 Series provides AC OK and Battery Low signals through relay contact outputs.

An external voltage source is required for the alarm circuit. The datasheet specifies a maximum applied voltage of 30V and a maximum sink current of 1A.

This relay-based signaling allows the DRC-180 Series to interface with alarm panels, controllers, PLCs and monitoring equipment that require external AC power status and battery condition feedback.

Terminal Assignment and System Connection

The DRC-180 Series provides dedicated terminals for AC input, main DC output, battery connection and alarm signaling.

The system connection includes:

• +V / -V for the main DC load output
• Bat. + / Bat. – for the external backup battery
• AC OK relay contacts for AC power status monitoring
• Bat. Low relay contacts 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-180 datasheet. The mechanical specification also states that -V and Bat. – must not be shorted together.

DIN Rail Installation

The DRC-180 Series is designed for installation on TS35/7.5 or TS35/15 DIN rail. Its 63 × 125.2 × 115 mm enclosure is suitable for integration into security panels, control cabinets, access control enclosures and other industrial electrical installations.

The unit uses free-air convection cooling and should be installed according to the orientation, derating requirements and installation instructions specified by MEAN WELL.

Need wiring and installation details for the DRC-180 Series? Review the connection diagram, terminal assignment and mechanical drawing below, or refer to the official DRC-180 datasheet for complete battery wiring, alarm output and DIN rail installation information.

Mechanical Dimensions and Installation

The MEAN WELL DRC-180 Series uses a DIN rail enclosure measuring 63 × 125.2 × 115 mm (W × H × D), designed for installation inside security panels, access control cabinets, alarm enclosures, central monitoring systems and other battery backup applications.

The series is designed for TS35/7.5 or TS35/15 DIN rail mounting and uses free-air convection cooling without a built-in fan. Its mechanical design integrates AC input, main DC output, external battery connection and alarm relay terminals within a single 180W DIN rail power supply with battery charger and UPS function.

Dimensions

The overall dimensions of the DRC-180 Series are 63 mm wide, 125.2 mm high and 115 mm deep, with a specified dimensional tolerance of ±1 mm.

Both DRC-180A and DRC-180B use the same Case No. 979G mechanical enclosure, making it easier to standardize cabinet and panel layouts when selecting between 12V and 24V battery backup architectures.

The 63 mm wide enclosure integrates the main power supply, battery charging circuit, backup control, AC OK relay and Battery Low relay interfaces in a single DIN rail unit.

Terminal Assignment

The DRC-180 Series uses separate terminal blocks for AC input, DC output and battery connections, and alarm relay signaling.

TB1 input terminals:

• Pin 1: FG
• Pin 2: AC/N
• Pin 3: AC/L

TB2 output and battery terminals:

• Pin 1: +V main DC output
• Pin 2: -V main DC output
• Pin 3: Bat. +
• Pin 4: Bat. –

TB3 alarm terminals:

• Pins 1–2: AC OK relay contact
• Pins 3–4: Battery Low relay contact

These terminals provide the required connections for AC input, main DC load output, external backup battery and AC power or battery condition monitoring.

Important wiring note: The DRC-180 mechanical specification states that -V and Bat. – must not be shorted together. Engineers should follow the official terminal assignment and suggested application diagram when wiring the load and external battery.

DIN Rail Installation

The DRC-180 Series is designed to fit TS35/7.5 or TS35/15 DIN rail. The DIN rail itself is not included with the power supply.

The unit should be installed according to the mounting orientation and installation instructions shown in the official datasheet. Correct mounting and adequate cabinet ventilation help maintain free-air convection cooling and proper thermal performance.

The DIN rail format makes the DRC-180 Series suitable for control cabinets, security system enclosures, access control panels, alarm equipment and central monitoring systems where integrated battery charging and DC backup power are required.

Cooling and Operating Environment

The DRC-180 Series uses free-air convection cooling and does not require a fan. The specified operating temperature range is -20°C to +70°C, subject to the output derating curve in the datasheet.

The series supports operating altitudes up to 5000 meters. For operating altitudes above 2000 m, the datasheet specifies an additional ambient temperature derating of 3.5°C per 1000 m for fanless models.

System designers should consider load level, ambient temperature, surrounding heat sources and cabinet ventilation when integrating the DRC-180 Series into enclosed equipment.

Mechanical Drawing and Installation Reference

The mechanical drawing shows the 63 × 125.2 × 115 mm enclosure dimensions, TB1, TB2 and TB3 terminal locations, AC OK and Battery Low relay terminals, front-panel output voltage adjustment area and the rear DIN rail mounting structure.

For final panel design and wiring, engineers should refer to the official DRC-180 mechanical drawing and installation instructions to confirm terminal assignment, mounting orientation, wiring arrangement, battery connection and system integration details.

Need application and compliance information for the DRC-180 Series? Continue below to review recommended applications, safety approvals, EMC compliance and battery backup system guidance.

Applications

The MEAN WELL DRC-180 Series is designed for security, access control and backup power applications that require a 180W DIN rail AC/DC power supply with integrated battery charger and UPS function.

With universal 90–264VAC input, 13.8V or 27.6V output options, battery backup operation during AC mains interruption, AC OK and Battery Low relay signals, battery low cut-off and DIN rail installation, the DRC-180 Series provides a practical DC backup solution for systems that must remain operational when AC mains power is temporarily unavailable.

• Security systems requiring regulated DC power, battery charging and backup power during AC mains interruption
• Access control systems including controllers, door access panels and related security equipment requiring 12V or 24V battery backup
• Alarm systems requiring continuous DC power, battery backup and AC OK / Battery Low status monitoring
• Emergency lighting systems requiring battery-supported DC power during AC mains failure
• DC UPS systems using an external battery to supply the connected load when AC input is interrupted
• Central monitoring systems requiring AC power status and low-battery signaling for system supervision

Need certification and compliance details for your project? Continue below to review safety approvals, EMC compliance, protection functions and operating environment specifications for the DRC-180 Series.

Certifications and Safety

The MEAN WELL DRC-180 Series is designed for security, access control, alarm, emergency lighting, central monitoring and DC backup applications requiring reliable AC/DC conversion, battery charging and recognized safety and EMC compliance.

According to the official DRC-180 datasheet, the series carries the following safety approvals:

• UL62368-1 for applicable audio/video, information and communication technology equipment safety requirements
• DEKRA BS EN/EN62368-1 for applicable European safety requirements
• EAC TP TC 004 for Eurasian safety requirements
• AS/NZS 62368.1 for applicable Australia and New Zealand safety requirements

The DRC-180 Series is designed as a component power supply for integration into final equipment. System designers should confirm that the completed equipment continues to meet the applicable safety and EMC requirements after installation.

EMC Emission Compliance

For electromagnetic emission requirements, the DRC-180 Series is specified to meet:

• BS EN/EN55032 (CISPR32) Class B for conducted emissions
• BS EN/EN55032 (CISPR32) Class B for radiated emissions

These Class B emission limits support integration into security, monitoring, access control and other equipment where conducted and radiated electromagnetic emissions must be controlled.

EMC Immunity Compliance

The DRC-180 Series is specified for EMC immunity testing including:

• BS EN/EN61000-4-2 electrostatic discharge immunity
• BS EN/EN61000-4-3 radiated RF immunity
• BS EN/EN61000-4-4 electrical fast transient / burst immunity
• BS EN/EN61000-4-5 surge immunity
• BS EN/EN61000-4-6 conducted RF immunity
• BS EN/EN61000-4-8 power-frequency magnetic field immunity
• BS EN/EN61000-4-11 voltage dips and interruption immunity

The datasheet specifies criteria and test levels for each immunity test, including ESD, radiated RF, EFT / burst, surge, conducted RF, magnetic field and voltage dips or interruptions.

Isolation and Electrical Safety

The DRC-180 Series specifies the following withstand voltage levels:

• Input to output: 3KVAC
• Input to FG: 2KVAC
• Output to FG: 0.5KVAC

Isolation resistance is specified at 100MΩ between input-output, input-FG and output-FG under the datasheet test conditions of 500VDC, 25°C and 70% RH.

Protection Functions

Built-in protection functions include short circuit, overload, overvoltage and over-temperature protection, together with battery low cut-off and battery reverse polarity protection by fuse.

For overload conditions, the DRC-180 Series uses hiccup-mode protection and automatically recovers after the fault condition is removed. Overvoltage and over-temperature protection shut down the output and require the power supply to be re-powered to recover.

The battery cut-off level is 10 ±0.5V for DRC-180A and 20 ±1V for DRC-180B, helping protect the connected battery from excessive discharge during extended backup operation.

Operating Altitude and Installation Safety

The DRC-180 Series supports operating altitudes up to 5000 meters. For installations above 2000 meters, the datasheet specifies additional ambient temperature derating for fanless models.

The series is designed for Overvoltage Category II (OVC II) according to DEKRA BS EN/EN62368-1. System designers should consider grounding, wiring, ambient temperature, cabinet ventilation and applicable derating requirements when integrating the power supply into final equipment.

Final Equipment Compliance

The DRC-180 Series is supplied as a component power supply intended for installation inside final equipment. The official datasheet states that the completed equipment must be re-confirmed to ensure that it continues to meet applicable EMC directives after system integration.

System designers should therefore verify grounding, enclosure design, wiring layout, thermal conditions and electromagnetic compatibility in the final security, access control, alarm, emergency lighting, monitoring or battery backup system.

Need more product details before sending an inquiry? Continue below to review model comparison, battery backup operation, alarm signaling, mechanical dimensions, installation guidance and application information for the DRC-180 Series.