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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2N

SKU: 01976-001

2N IP Force High-Security Door Unit Bundle - 01976-001

Wired IP bundle adds tamper detection and electromagnetic lock control to 2N IP Force
- Tamper switch alerts on unauthorized access attempts in real-time
- Security relay manages electromagnetic locking through integrated access protocols
- I/O module integrates with third-party alarm and access control systems
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$144.26 $139.99 Save $4.27

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Axis

SKU: 02653-001

Axis A1610 Network Door Controller 1-2 Doors - 02653-001

Single-cable controller for 1–2 doors with PoE power and 6 I/O ports
- Manages 1–2 wired doors with up to 4× OSDP Secure Channel readers
- Six configurable auxiliary ports integrate sensors and buttons without expansion
- Powers via single Ethernet (PoE Class 4) or 10.5–28V DC input
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$816.99

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Axis

SKU: 03079-001

Axis A1810-B Network Door Controller - 03079-001

Compact 8-door controller with encrypted OSDP readers, PoE powered
- Manages up to 8 doors with 16 OSDP readers and 16 locks from one unit
- OSDP Verified encryption protects reader-to-controller communication
- Single Ethernet connection with secure boot and Edge Vault protection
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$2,705.99

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HID

SKU: 1346-LNSMN

HID 1346 ProxKey III Contactless Proximity Keyfob

Pocket keyfob with no battery, reads up to 12 inches with MaxiProx
- Passive proximity technology—no battery maintenance or replacement needed
- Works with all HID proximity readers (ProxPoint Plus, MiniProx, ProxPro, MaxiProx)
- Durable ABS shell with TPE insert, ultrasonically welded for outdoor use
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$653.99 $631.99

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Hikvision

SKU: DS-K182HP

Hikvision DS-K182HP Cascade Proximity Reader

125 kHz proximity reader with cascade wiring for multi-door outdoor sites
- Daisy-chain multiple readers to reduce cabling runs and installation labor
- IP67-sealed potted electronics survive outdoor weather and dust exposure
- 5-inch read range prevents unauthorized scanning while allowing normal card use
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$159.00 $113.99 Save $45.01

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Hikvision

SKU: DS-K4H250D

Hikvision DS-K4H250D Double-Door Magnetic Lock

Dual-door magnetic lock with 272 kg holding force per door
- 272 kg (599.8 lbs) holding force per door handles wood, glass, metal, or fireproof doors
- Fail-safe design auto-unlocks on power loss; dry contact output for system integration
- Operates on 12 VDC/500 mA or 24 VDC/250 mA; LED indicators show lock status
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$267.00 $230.99 Save $36.01

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Hikvision

SKU: DS-K7M153-P

Hikvision DS-K7M153-P RFID Proximity Key Fob

Passive 125 kHz RFID key fob with 3.5" read range for access control
- No battery required—passive RFID operates across temperature extremes –35° to 122° F
- Wiegand 26-bit and ABA Track II magnetic stripe formats work with Hikvision and third-party systems
- Compact clamshell design with reinforced brass eyelet; 25 fobs per box for bulk deployment
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$246.00 $174.99 Save $71.01

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2N

SKU: 01254-001

2N IP Verso Black Modular Numeric Keypad - 01254-001

Backlit numeric keypad with PoE for modular access control
- Backlit keys for low-light PIN entry in any lighting condition
- Power over Ethernet eliminates separate power runs and wiring
- Integrates with 2N IP Verso ecosystem for multi-factor authentication
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$310.31 $301.99 Save $8.32

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Axis

SKU: 02368-001

Axis 02368-001 Network Door Access Controller

Single-door network controller powered by PoE, ONVIF-native
- PoE 802.3af (~13W) eliminates separate power supply per door
- AES encryption + HTTPS secure credential traffic across network
- ONVIF Profile A and open API integrate with third-party VMS
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$499.99

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Axis

SKU: 03072-001

Axis A4612 Network Bluetooth Reader - 03072-001

Dual Bluetooth + RFID reader for mullion mount, PoE powered
- Accepts both mobile credentials and RFID cards on one reader
- PoE 802.3af power eliminates separate electrical runs to door frame
- Weather-resistant design rated for indoor and outdoor deployments
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$509.99

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Axis

SKU: 02687-001

Axis TA1601 Mounting Plate for Door Controller - 02687-001

Cabinet mounting plate for Axis 4-door controller kits
- Mounts Axis 4-door controllers in standard IT and electrical cabinets
- Organized cable routing support for clean, professional installations
- Simplifies access control system setup and ongoing maintenance access
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$69.06 $66.99 Save $2.07

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Hikvision

SKU: DS-K170HPK

Hikvision DS-K170HPK Mullion-Mount Keypad Reader

Dual-auth mullion-mount reader for door-frame installation without modifications
- PIN keypad + MIFARE/EM proximity card—two factors in one compact unit
- Backlit keys for low-light PIN entry; IP67-rated for wet environments
- DC 12V or 24V power with encrypted Wiegand output to access panel
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$424.00 $360.99 Save $63.01

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Hikvision

SKU: DS-K4H250-LZ

Hikvision DS-K4H250-LZ Magnetic Lock Bracket

Aldural bracket for DS-K4H250S/D magnetic locks on in-swinging doors
- L-bracket (250×47×28.5mm) and Z-bracket (180×50×50mm) configurations
- Aldural construction with sandblast finish resists corrosion and wear
- 0.75kg weight supports secure mounting in high-traffic entry applications
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$65.99

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Hikvision

SKU: DS-KD-M

Hikvision DS-KD-M Proximity Card Reader Module

Compact proximity card reader for indoor/outdoor access control
- IP65-rated with -40°C to +55°C operating range for harsh environments
- RS-485 connectivity and dual flush/surface mounting for flexible integration
- Ultra-low 0.8 W power consumption for energy-efficient deployments
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$183.00 $127.99 Save $55.01

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2N

SKU: 02142-001

2N Access Unit 13.56MHz NFC Reader - 02142-001

13.56MHz NFC access unit for Axis control systems
- Reads proximity cards and NFC mobile devices for flexible credential authentication
- Network-connected with encrypted data transmission and PoE (802.3af) power
- Wall-mounted form factor integrates directly with Axis access control platforms
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$581.99

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2N

SKU: 02146-001

2N Access Unit Dual-Frequency RFID Reader - 02146-001

Dual-frequency RFID module reads 125kHz + 13.56MHz NFC credentials
- Support both legacy proximity cards and modern NFC badges from one compact reader
- Integrates directly with Axis door stations and intercom systems via IP network
- Handles HID, Indala, ISO14443 Type A/B credentials with centralized management
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$639.00 $628.99 Save $10.01

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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

Sub categories

Showing Results for Access Control

2N IP Force High-Security Door Unit Bundle - 01976-001

Axis A1610 Network Door Controller 1-2 Doors - 02653-001

Axis A1810-B Network Door Controller - 03079-001

HID 1346 ProxKey III Contactless Proximity Keyfob

Hikvision DS-K182HP Cascade Proximity Reader

Hikvision DS-K4H250D Double-Door Magnetic Lock

Hikvision DS-K7M153-P RFID Proximity Key Fob

2N IP Verso Black Modular Numeric Keypad - 01254-001

Axis 02368-001 Network Door Access Controller

Axis A4612 Network Bluetooth Reader - 03072-001

Axis TA1601 Mounting Plate for Door Controller - 02687-001

Hikvision DS-K170HPK Mullion-Mount Keypad Reader

Hikvision DS-K4H250-LZ Magnetic Lock Bracket

Hikvision DS-KD-M Proximity Card Reader Module

2N Access Unit 13.56MHz NFC Reader - 02142-001

2N Access Unit Dual-Frequency RFID Reader - 02146-001

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