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: Z7250E5Q

SDC Z7250E5Q 12/24V Electronic Cylindrical Lock

Multi-door cylindrical lock with 250K credentials and 63-door capacity
- Supports DESFire, MIFARE, NFC, and 125kHz Prox for mixed-credential sites
- OSDP and TCP/IP connectivity integrates with modern access control systems
- Operates at 12/24VDC for flexible power routing in distributed installations
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SDC

SKU: Z7250E5QIC7PKA

SDC Z7250E5QIC7PKA 12/24V Electronic Cylindrical Lock

12/24V electronic cylindrical lock with multi-credential support for networked access control
- Supports DESFire, MIFARE, NFC, and 125 kHz Prox credentials across up to 63 doors
- OSDP and TCP/IP protocols integrate with enterprise access control platforms
- Manages up to 250,000 user profiles for high-density commercial installations
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SDC

SKU: Z7250EQ

SDC Z7250EQ Failsafe Lock Strike with REX Output

Failsafe electric strike with OSDP and REX output for access control
- 24VDC wired strike with REX output for two-way system communication
- OSDP protocol support integrates with modern access control systems
- Works with proximity readers, keypads, and NFC/13.56MHz credentials
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SDC

SKU: Z7250EQR6PKA

SDC Z7250EQR6PKA 12/24VDC Electronic Strike

12/24VDC electronic strike for multi-door access control up to 63 doors
- Supports DESFire, MIFARE, NFC 13.56MHz, and 125kHz Prox credentials
- OSDP and TCP/IP communication for networked access control integration
- Handles 250,000 user credentials in single system for large deployments
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SDC

SKU: Z7250G5QIC7PKA

SDC Z7250G5QIC7PKA 7250 12/24VDC Electric Strike

12/24VDC electric strike for 63-door enterprise access control
- Supports 250,000 credentials across DESFire, MIFARE, NFC, 125kHz Prox
- OSDP and TCP/IP communication for modern access control integration
- Dual voltage operation (24VDC primary, 12VDC fallback) for reliability
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SDC

SKU: Z7250GQ

SDC Z7250GQ Electronic Cylinder Lockset with REX

24VDC electronic cylinder lock with integrated REX for enterprise access control
- Supports DESFire, MIFARE, NFC, and 125kHz proximity credentials across 63-door systems
- Manages up to 250,000 user records with OSDP and TCP/IP network connectivity
- Request-to-exit function built in; 24VDC powered for centralized deployment
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SDC

SKU: Z7252

SDC Z7252 Failsecure Strike with REX Output

24VDC failsecure strike with OSDP and integrated REX output
- OSDP protocol integration for third-party access control systems
- Supports proximity card and keypad credentials in single setup
- Built-in request-to-exit signaling for emergency egress compliance
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SDC

SKU: Z7252E5QIC7PKA

SDC Z7252E5QIC7PKA Failsecure Electronic Strike Lock

24VDC failsecure strike for multi-credential enterprise access control
- Supports DESFire, MIFARE, NFC, and 125kHz proximity in one system
- Scales to 63 doors and 250,000 user profiles via OSDP and TCP/IP
- Latch-type failsecure design with 24VDC wired operation
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SDC

SKU: Z7252E5QR

SDC Z7252E5QR 12/24V Electronic Cylindrical Lock

12/24V electronic cylindrical lock for multi-door access control
- Supports 63 doors and 250,000 users across DESFire, MIFARE, NFC, and 125 kHz
- OSDP and TCP/IP integration with wired connectivity for enterprise systems
- Single hardware solution accepts multiple credential types without replacement
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SDC

SKU: Z7252EH6PKA

SDC Z7252EH6PKA 7252 12/24VDC Electronic Strike Lock

12/24VDC electronic strike for multi-door access control up to 63 doors
- Supports 250,000 user credentials across DESFire, MIFARE, NFC, and 125kHz proximity
- OSDP and TCP/IP communication for integration with modern access control systems
- Wired installation rated for medium to large facility deployments
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SDC

SKU: Z7252EQ

SDC Z7252EQ Failsecure Strike with REX Output

Failsecure electric strike for networked access control up to 63 doors
- 24VDC wired strike with OSDP and TCP/IP integration for multi-door systems
- Supports DESFire, MIFARE, NFC/13.56MHz, and 125kHz proximity credentials
- REX output for push-button or motion sensor exit requests; 250,000 user capacity
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SDC

SKU: Z7252EQ6PKA

SDC Z7252EQ6PKA 7252 12/24VDC REX Lock Strike

12/24VDC REX strike for multi-door access control up to 63 doors
- Supports 250,000 user credentials across DESFire, MIFARE, NFC, and 125 kHz proximity
- Networked control via OSDP and TCP/IP for integrated access systems
- Wired 12/24VDC operation suitable for commercial and institutional deployments
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SDC

SKU: Z7252EQ6PKD

SDC Z7252EQ6PKD 7252 Electric Strike Lock 12/24VDC

Networked electric strike for 63-door deployments, 12/24VDC
- Supports 250,000 users across 63 doors with OSDP and TCP/IP
- Multi-protocol reader accepts DESFire, MIFARE, NFC, and 125kHz proximity
- Dual-voltage 12/24VDC operation for flexible installation wiring
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SDC

SKU: Z7252EQR

SDC Z7252EQR 12/24VDC ECLIPSE Lock Strike

Networked lock strike for 63-door enterprise deployments with dual voltage
- Reads DESFire, MIFARE, NFC 13.56 MHz, and 125 kHz proximity credentials
- OSDP and TCP/IP wired connectivity for third-party access control integration
- Supports up to 250,000 user credentials across medium to large installations
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SDC

SKU: Z7252EQR6PKD

SDC Z7252EQR6PKD 7252 Electronic Strike Lock

24VDC electronic strike for 63-door systems with multi-credential support
- Supports DESFire, MIFARE, NFC/13.56MHz, and 125kHz Prox credentials
- OSDP and TCP/IP protocols for direct integration with access control systems
- Accommodates up to 250,000 user credentials across 63 doors
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SDC

SKU: Z7252GQ

SDC Z7252GQ Failsecure Electric Strike with REX Output

Failsecure electric strike, 24VDC, supports 250K users across 63 doors
- Locks on power loss for life-safety compliance; REX output integrates with existing control systems
- OSDP and TCP/IP protocols connect to standard access control platforms
- Reads DESFire, MIFARE, NFC/13.56MHz, and 125kHz proximity credentials
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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 Z7250E5Q 12/24V Electronic Cylindrical Lock

SDC Z7250E5QIC7PKA 12/24V Electronic Cylindrical Lock

SDC Z7250EQ Failsafe Lock Strike with REX Output

SDC Z7250EQR6PKA 12/24VDC Electronic Strike

SDC Z7250G5QIC7PKA 7250 12/24VDC Electric Strike

SDC Z7250GQ Electronic Cylinder Lockset with REX

SDC Z7252 Failsecure Strike with REX Output

SDC Z7252E5QIC7PKA Failsecure Electronic Strike Lock

SDC Z7252E5QR 12/24V Electronic Cylindrical Lock

SDC Z7252EH6PKA 7252 12/24VDC Electronic Strike Lock

SDC Z7252EQ Failsecure Strike with REX Output

SDC Z7252EQ6PKA 7252 12/24VDC REX Lock Strike

SDC Z7252EQ6PKD 7252 Electric Strike Lock 12/24VDC

SDC Z7252EQR 12/24VDC ECLIPSE Lock Strike

SDC Z7252EQR6PKD 7252 Electronic Strike Lock

SDC Z7252GQ Failsecure Electric Strike with REX Output

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