Access Control Systems | Commercial Door Access & Credentials

Q: What's the difference between fail-safe and fail-secure locks?

Fail-safe locks (also called "power-to-lock") unlock on power loss — required for egress routes by most fire and life-safety codes. Fail-secure locks ("power-to-unlock") stay locked on power loss — typically used on office, storage, and supply doors where security trumps egress. Always confirm lock selection with the local AHJ; see our fail-safe vs fail-secure guide.

Q: Is OSDP required for new access control installations?

Not legally required in most jurisdictions — but strongly recommended and effectively mandatory for federal deployments. OSDP with Secure Channel provides AES-128 encryption between reader and controller, bidirectional supervision, and future-proof support for mobile credentials. Legacy Wiegand is unencrypted and easily cloned. New deployments should be OSDP-capable from day one; legacy systems should plan a migration path.

Q: Are HID card readers NDAA compliant?

Yes. HID Global is headquartered in Austin, TX, manufactures in multiple allied countries, and is fully NDAA Section 889 compliant. HID Signo, multiCLASS SE, iCLASS SE, and pivCLASS reader families are all eligible for federal, state government, and critical-infrastructure procurement. Credential cards are manufactured to the same compliance standard.

Q: How do I size an access control power supply?

Add up holding current for all locks + reader standby current + controller standby current, then add 25% headroom for inrush and aging. Battery backup should provide code-required standby runtime (typically 4 hours for fire-alarm tie-ins; 15 min for access-only). Altronix UL 294 power supplies post clear spec sheets for total and per-output current — match to your actual load, don't guess.

Q: Can mobile credentials replace physical access cards?

In most modern deployments, yes — but the reader has to support it. Readers need NFC and/or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) plus a partnership with the mobile credential platform (HID Mobile Access, Openpath, Kastle, etc.). Older proximity-only readers cannot read mobile credentials. Mobile adoption is usually mixed with physical cards during a multi-year transition — plan for both.

Q: What's the difference between iCLASS SE and Seos credentials?

iCLASS SE was HID's previous-generation secure credential (AES-128, 2013-era). Seos is the current generation (2016+) — same AES-128 security, but multi-application, mobile-wallet capable, and future-proof. Seos credentials work on Seos-capable readers and on older iCLASS SE readers. iCLASS SE credentials do not work on legacy (pre-SE) iCLASS readers. See our HID Global catalog for current Seos SKUs.

Plan Your Deployment

Door count and expansion requirements
Reader type (card, keypad, biometric) and credential format
Fail-safe vs fail-secure hardware design
Power, cabling, and network connectivity planning
Multi-site governance and consistent standards

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SDC

SKU: 1581V

SDC 1581V 650LB Electromagnetic Lock 12/24VDC

650lb electromagnetic lock strike with dual voltage and OSDP
- 650-pound holding force secures high-traffic doors without frame reinforcement
- 12VDC or 24VDC operation matches existing power infrastructure
- OSDP protocol with DESFire, MIFARE, NFC, and 125kHz credential support
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$340.99

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SDC

SKU: 1581VD

SDC 1581VD Single Electromagnetic Lock 10-Door Controller

10-door electromagnetic lock controller with OSDP for multi-vendor integration
- Controls up to 10 doors from one unit; supports 250,000 user credentials
- OSDP protocol works with third-party access control platforms without proprietary gateways
- Accepts DESFire, MIFARE, NFC (13.56MHz), and 125kHz proximity cards plus keypads
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$317.99 $303.99 Save $14.00

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SDC

SKU: 1582V

SDC 1582V 650LB Double Electromagnetic Lock 12/24VDC

650lb electromagnetic lock with dual 12/24VDC for multi-credential access
- 650lb holding force rated for medium to high-traffic door installations
- Dual voltage (12/24VDC) works with standard and alternate power architectures
- Supports DESFire, MIFARE, NFC, and 125kHz proximity credentials via OSDP
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$556.99 $531.99 Save $25.00

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SDC

SKU: 1582VD

SDC 1582VD Electromagnetic Lock 12/24VDC

12/24VDC electromagnetic strike with OSDP encryption for multi-door access
- OSDP-encrypted credential traffic prevents man-in-the-middle attacks on cards
- Supports DESFire, MIFARE, NFC (13.56 MHz), and 125 kHz proximity formats
- Manages up to 10 doors and 250,000 user accounts in single deployment
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$601.99 $542.99 Save $59.00

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SDC

SKU: 25-4U

SDC 25-4U 4-Door Electric Strike Controller

4-door electric strike controller with OSDP and TCP/IP for networked access
- Controls 4 independent strike circuits from single 24VDC unit; HID and OSDP-compliant readers
- Supports up to 250,000 user credentials for multi-tenant and enterprise deployments
- Wired rack-mount design with screw terminals; voltage and current spike protection
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$111.99

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SDC

SKU: 290

SDC 290 Micro Cabinet Lock

Wired micro cabinet lock for 250K users across 63 networked doors
- Supports DESFire, MIFARE, NFC, and 125 kHz proximity cards for mixed credentials
- Integrated keypad reader eliminates external hardware in space-constrained cabinets
- OSDP and TCP/IP connectivity for centralized access control integration
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$81.99 $4.99 Save $77.00

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SDC

SKU: 350V

SDC 350V Electromagnetic Strike Lock 24VDC

24VDC electromagnetic strike with OSDP protocol for multi-reader access
- Supports up to 10 doors with 250,000 user credentials across one system
- Compatible with proximity, NFC, DESFire, MIFARE cards and numeric keypads
- Narrow form factor fits standard door frames without custom fabrication
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$292.99 $264.99 Save $28.00

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SDC

SKU: 352V

SDC 352V Double Narrow Electromagnetic Lock

24VDC networked electromagnetic lock for narrow door frame mounting
- TCP/IP remote control with real-time lock status monitoring across access systems
- Double narrow coil design fits tight door frames without structural modification
- 24VDC operation integrates directly with standard commercial control panels
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$604.99 $525.99 Save $79.00

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SDC

SKU: 432CUR

SDC 432CUR Red Mushroom Switch Controller

OSDP wired controller for NFC card access on NC 630-rated strikes
- NFC/13.56MHz credential support with keypad input for flexible authentication
- OSDP protocol integration at 30VDC for modern security system compatibility
- Normally closed 630-rated strike configuration for fail-secure door control
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SDC

SKU: 432KLDUR

SDC 432KLDUR Hardwired Lockdown Mushroom Button Controller

Hardwired controller for up to 63 doors with 250K credential capacity
- Manages 63 doors simultaneously from one hardwired lockdown point
- Stores 250,000 user credentials; supports DESFire, MIFARE, NFC, 125 kHz
- 30VDC hardwired design eliminates wireless failures and battery maintenance
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$183.99 $165.99 Save $18.00

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SDC

SKU: 432KLDURL2

SDC 432KLDURL2 432K Lock Down 630 Controller

63-door controller with 250K credentials for enterprise access control
- Supports DESFire, MIFARE, NFC, and 125kHz Prox readers in one system
- OSDP and TCP/IP communication for networked security integration
- Manages up to 250,000 user credentials across medium to large facilities
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SDC

SKU: 432KUR

SDC 432KUR Mushroom Exit Switch Controller

1-1/2" mushroom exit switch with NFC + keypad over OSDP protocol
- NFC/13.56MHz reader accepts proximity cards, Mifare keyfobs, and NFC phones
- Keypad input combines contactless credential with PIN for dual authentication
- OSDP communication to access panels isolates reader traffic from IP broadcast
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$270.00 $154.99 Save $115.01

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SDC

SKU: 446UG

SDC 446UG DPST Green Mushroom Switch Controller

DPST controller with NFC/proximity/keypad for 24VDC access systems
- OSDP protocol for encrypted credential transmission across multi-reader setups
- Accepts NFC, proximity cards, and keypad input in single 24VDC unit
- Green mushroom switch with heavy-duty steel bezel for manual override/egress
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SDC

SKU: 45-4RV

SDC 45-4RV Electric Strike 12/24VDC

Networked electric strike for HID access control at 12/24VDC
- Electromagnetic strike with TCP/IP integration for wired access control systems
- Compatible with HID credential readers in commercial and institutional facilities
- Operates at dual voltage 12/24VDC for flexible installation configurations
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SDC

SKU: 45-4RVRMB

SDC 45-4RVRMB Electric Strike 12/24 VDC

Electric strike for HID reader systems, 12/24 VDC wired TCP/IP
- 12/24 VDC dual voltage operation for flexible installation across facilities
- TCP/IP networked connectivity integrates with HID credential reader systems
- Standard electric strike mounting with interchangeable faceplate design
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SDC

SKU: 45-4SU

SDC 45-4SU Electric Strike 24VDC Networked Access Control

24VDC electric strike with TCP/IP networking for HID access control
- Direct Ethernet connectivity eliminates intermediate control modules
- Native HID card and mobile credential support for seamless integration
- 24VDC operation with dual-voltage options (12/24VDC, AC available)
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$137.99

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What to Look For When Buying

The six decisions that matter most before you spec.

Fail-Safe vs Fail-Secure

Fail-safe locks (power-to-lock) unlock on power loss — required for egress routes by most fire codes. Fail-secure (power-to-unlock) stays locked on power loss — used on office and storage doors where security trumps egress. Life-safety code interpretation varies by jurisdiction; consult your AHJ before specifying. See our fail-safe vs fail-secure guide.

OSDP vs Wiegand

Wiegand is the legacy reader-to-controller protocol (unencrypted, one-way, limited to 26-bit formats). OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) is the modern replacement — bidirectional, encrypted, supervised, and future-proof for Seos/mobile credentials. New deployments should be OSDP; plan a Wiegand-to-OSDP migration path in legacy systems before adding mobile credential support.

Credential Technology

125 kHz proximity (HID Prox, EM) is the legacy standard — cheap, cloneable, no security. 13.56 MHz smart cards (iCLASS SE, MIFARE DESFire EV3, Seos) use AES encryption and are the commercial standard. Mobile credentials via NFC/BLE increasingly replace physical cards — but only on OSDP-capable readers. Specify multi-technology readers for migration flexibility.

Cloud vs On-Prem Management

Traditional server-based access platforms (Lenel, Genetec, C-Cure) require IT infrastructure and maintenance contracts. Cloud-native platforms (Brivo, Openpath/Avigilon Alta, Genea) eliminate servers but add per-door monthly fees. Mid-size deployments increasingly choose cloud; enterprise + critical infrastructure still favor on-prem. Hardware choice determines which platforms you can run.

Power Supply Sizing

Every lock + reader + controller has an inrush current and a holding current — and they differ. Maglocks hold at 300-500 mA but pull 800 mA on release. UL 294 power supplies rated for total simultaneous holding + 25% headroom, with battery backup sized to code-required runtime. Undersized power supplies are the #1 cause of access-control nuisance failures.

Code Compliance (Egress)

IBC, NFPA 101, and ADA all mandate unimpeded egress. A magnetically-locked door requires a fire-alarm tie-in, a bond-sensor, and a request-to-exit device — omit any and the door is a code violation. Delayed-egress maglocks require 15-second delay + sounder per NFPA. Always confirm lock spec with the AHJ before ordering.

Technology Stack

The specs and acronyms that actually affect outdoor performance.

OSDP v2 + Secure Channel

Open Supervised Device Protocol v2 with Secure Channel Protocol (SCP) delivers AES-128 encryption between reader and controller over RS-485. Replaces unencrypted Wiegand. Required for new federal deployments and FIPS 140-2 applications. All modern HID, ASSA ABLOY, and STid readers support OSDP + SCP.

Seos + iCLASS SE Credentials

HID Seos is the current-generation credential platform: AES-128 encrypted, multi-application, supports mobile wallets, backward-compatible with iCLASS SE. Seos credentials work on Seos readers + older iCLASS SE readers — iCLASS SE credentials do not work on legacy iCLASS (non-SE) readers. Plan migrations carefully.

FIPS 201 / PIV + PIV-I

Federal Identity Verification standard — the credential format used for federal employee and contractor badges. PIV-I (Interoperable) is the commercial variant for hospitals, utilities, and critical-infrastructure contractors. Specify PIV/PIV-I-capable readers (HID pivCLASS, multiCLASS SE) for any facility that hosts government visitors.

UL 294 Listing

Underwriters Laboratories listing for access control system units — power supplies, controllers, and locks. UL 294 6th edition covers security, durability, and overcurrent/overvoltage protection. Insurance and code requirements increasingly specify UL 294 listing. Altronix access-control power supplies are UL 294 listed across the catalog.

Wiegand Protocol

Legacy reader-to-controller protocol — one-way, unencrypted, variable bit-length format. Easily cloned with <$50 hardware. Still widespread because of low cost and universal compatibility. Acceptable for low-security interior doors; should be replaced with OSDP on any external or sensitive-area door.

Request-to-Exit (REX)

Motion- or push-button-activated device that signals the access controller to unlock the door from the secure side without generating an alarm. Required for maglock-equipped egress doors per code. PIR REX sensors must be properly aimed — nuisance alarms and held-door violations trace back to bad REX placement more than any other cause.

Typical Deployment Scenarios

Multi-Tenant Office Building

Lobby turnstiles with multi-tech readers, tenant suite doors with HID Signo + Seos, parking garage with long-range readers, elevator control for floor-by-floor access. Cloud platform (Brivo, Openpath) with mobile credentials replaces physical card issuance. Integration with SIP video intercoms for visitor management.

K-12 School Secure Vestibule

Front entry vestibule with fail-secure electric strike, interior Aiphone video intercom for visitor buzz-in, badge readers for staff, lockdown button integrated with mass notification. Back-of-house doors fail-safe per code. Full VMS integration for event overlay.

Hospital & Healthcare

Unit doors with HID multiCLASS SE + PIV-I compatibility, medication rooms with dual-authentication (card + biometric), ER ambulance bays with ruggedized readers, delayed-egress on behavioral health wards. Lenel or Genetec server-based platform with HIPAA-compliant audit logging. High-cycle-count electric strikes required.

Data Center & Critical Infrastructure

Biometric readers at server-room entries, mantrap doors with anti-tailgating sensors, cage-level access with OSDP + SCP, 7x24 audit logging. FIPS 201 / PIV-I credentials. Integration with IP cameras for tailgating review and infrastructure monitoring for physical-layer security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between fail-safe and fail-secure locks?

Fail-safe locks (also called "power-to-lock") unlock on power loss — required for egress routes by most fire and life-safety codes. Fail-secure locks ("power-to-unlock") stay locked on power loss — typically used on office, storage, and supply doors where security trumps egress. Always confirm lock selection with the local AHJ; see our fail-safe vs fail-secure guide.

Is OSDP required for new access control installations?

Not legally required in most jurisdictions — but strongly recommended and effectively mandatory for federal deployments. OSDP with Secure Channel provides AES-128 encryption between reader and controller, bidirectional supervision, and future-proof support for mobile credentials. Legacy Wiegand is unencrypted and easily cloned. New deployments should be OSDP-capable from day one; legacy systems should plan a migration path.

Are HID card readers NDAA compliant?

Yes. HID Global is headquartered in Austin, TX, manufactures in multiple allied countries, and is fully NDAA Section 889 compliant. HID Signo, multiCLASS SE, iCLASS SE, and pivCLASS reader families are all eligible for federal, state government, and critical-infrastructure procurement. Credential cards are manufactured to the same compliance standard.

How do I size an access control power supply?

Add up holding current for all locks + reader standby current + controller standby current, then add 25% headroom for inrush and aging. Battery backup should provide code-required standby runtime (typically 4 hours for fire-alarm tie-ins; 15 min for access-only). Altronix UL 294 power supplies post clear spec sheets for total and per-output current — match to your actual load, don't guess.

Can mobile credentials replace physical access cards?

In most modern deployments, yes — but the reader has to support it. Readers need NFC and/or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) plus a partnership with the mobile credential platform (HID Mobile Access, Openpath, Kastle, etc.). Older proximity-only readers cannot read mobile credentials. Mobile adoption is usually mixed with physical cards during a multi-year transition — plan for both.

What's the difference between iCLASS SE and Seos credentials?

iCLASS SE was HID's previous-generation secure credential (AES-128, 2013-era). Seos is the current generation (2016+) — same AES-128 security, but multi-application, mobile-wallet capable, and future-proof. Seos credentials work on Seos-capable readers and on older iCLASS SE readers. iCLASS SE credentials do not work on legacy (pre-SE) iCLASS readers. See our HID Global catalog for current Seos SKUs.

Access Control

Plan Your Deployment

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Showing Results for Access Control

SDC 1581V 650LB Electromagnetic Lock 12/24VDC

SDC 1581VD Single Electromagnetic Lock 10-Door Controller

SDC 1582V 650LB Double Electromagnetic Lock 12/24VDC

SDC 1582VD Electromagnetic Lock 12/24VDC

SDC 25-4U 4-Door Electric Strike Controller

SDC 290 Micro Cabinet Lock

SDC 350V Electromagnetic Strike Lock 24VDC

SDC 352V Double Narrow Electromagnetic Lock

SDC 432CUR Red Mushroom Switch Controller

SDC 432KLDUR Hardwired Lockdown Mushroom Button Controller

SDC 432KLDURL2 432K Lock Down 630 Controller

SDC 432KUR Mushroom Exit Switch Controller

SDC 446UG DPST Green Mushroom Switch Controller

SDC 45-4RV Electric Strike 12/24VDC

SDC 45-4RVRMB Electric Strike 12/24 VDC

SDC 45-4SU Electric Strike 24VDC Networked Access Control

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