Aiphone AC-PROX-1G 125kHz Proximity Reader
Overview
The Aiphone AC-PROX-1G is a 125kHz Wiegand proximity reader engineered for single-gang and mullion mounting in access control installations. Designed to read standard clamshell credential cards at distances up to 6 inches under ideal conditions, the AC-PROX-1G (often searched as AC PROX 1G) integrates directly into access control systems running Aiphone AC Series platforms with AC Nio™ software. The device operates outdoors on unprotected entry doors and perimeter gates without requiring dedicated power infrastructure—PoE delivery eliminates a separate 12VDC power supply run, reducing installation labor and simplifying infrastructure.
Key Features
- PoE Power (5–14V DC, 45mA draw): Operates over standard IEEE 802.3af PoE, meaning a single Cat5e/Cat6 cable carries both signal and power. No separate transformer or power supply runs required—real savings on conduit runs and panel real estate in retrofit installations.
- 125kHz Wiegand Output: Delivers industry-standard 26-bit HID, 32-bit Kantech/CSN, 33-bit DSX, 34-bit HID, 35–37 bit XceedID/Indala/Honeywell, 39-bit Kantech XSF, 40-bit Aiphone, 48-bit HID, 50-bit RBH, and 75-bit Common Access Card formats. This breadth means the reader works with existing credential stock across most installed bases—no forced credential reissuance.
- Dual Mounting Options: Single-gang footprint (5-3/4" H × 2-7/8" W × 7/8" D) fits standard US wall boxes; mullion profile (4-7/16" H × 1-5/8" W × 3/4" D) mounts directly to door frame aluminum without a surface box. Horizontal and vertical mounting slots allow field leveling and adjustment—valuable when door frames aren't perfectly plumb or square.
- IP30 Environmental Rating: Rated for light dust and splash; suitable for sheltered outdoor entry points. Does not tolerate direct rain spray or washdown environments—if the reader sits on an exterior pillar exposed to weather, plan protective canopy or housing.
- Extended Operating Range (−40° to 149°F / −40° to 65°C): Handles cold-storage facilities, unheated warehouse vestibules, and sun-exposed gate installations without performance degradation. Essential in climates with winter temperature swings or high-bay industrial facilities.
- AC Series Integration: Direct compatibility with Aiphone access control panels and AC Nio management software. Wiegand output also recognized by standard-compliant third-party platforms, avoiding lock-in to Aiphone-only deployments if future migration is a concern.
Integration & Compatibility
The AC-PROX-1G outputs standard Wiegand protocol, making it compatible with any access control platform that accepts 26-bit or higher Wiegand input. Primary integration path is Aiphone AC Series controllers running AC Nio™ software. For non-Aiphone environments, verify the receiving panel's Wiegand input impedance and signal timing before installation; older controllers sometimes have stricter timing tolerances. PoE power delivery requires a PoE-capable network switch or injector rated for at least 15W per port to accommodate margin above the 45mA nominal draw.
Certifications & Standards
Holds CSA, FCC, CE, and C-Tick approval; complies with UL 294 and ULC S319-05 standards for access control equipment. These certifications satisfy most commercial building codes and insurance requirements in North America and international markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the AC-PROX-1G work with non-Aiphone access control systems?
A: Yes. The Wiegand output is industry-standard and integrates with any platform accepting Wiegand input. However, management features (like credential enrollment or reader diagnostics) are native to Aiphone AC Series and AC Nio™ software. Verify the target panel's Wiegand timing spec matches the reader's output before ordering.
Q: Can I use the AC-PROX-1G in a wet outdoor environment?
A: The IP30 rating handles light splash and dust, but not direct rain or washdown spray. For fully exposed gate pillars or high-moisture areas, mount the reader under a protective canopy or inside a weatherproof enclosure, or consider a higher IP-rated alternative.
Q: What's the maximum reading distance for a card?
A: Up to 6 inches under ideal conditions (quality credential, centered alignment, no metal shielding nearby). Real-world distance often runs 3–5 inches depending on card wear, mounting angle, and electrical noise in the environment.
Q: Will the AC-PROX-1G read both my older HID 26-bit credentials and newer XceedID 35-bit cards?
A: Yes. The reader supports both formats natively and outputs the full Wiegand protocol for each. No reconfiguration needed; the system controller recognizes both card types simultaneously.
Q: Can I mount the AC-PROX-1G vertically and horizontally?
A: Yes. Field-adjustable mounting slots allow both orientations. Mullion readers are typically vertical; single-gang readers can be mounted either way depending on the wall box orientation and door hardware layout.
Q: Does the AC-PROX-1G need a separate power supply?
A: No. PoE (5–14V DC, 45mA) is supplied over the Ethernet cable from a PoE switch or injector. This eliminates conduit runs for dedicated 12VDC wiring and simplifies panel design.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The AC-PROX-1G lands in a sweet spot for retrofit access control: PoE delivery eliminates infrastructure headaches, the format support (26-bit through 75-bit Wiegand) means you're not forcing credential reissuance, and the temperature range (−40° to 65°C) handles serious cold-storage and unheated warehouse scenarios without a second thought. I've spec'd this reader for mixed-credential environments where the customer has years of HID 26-bit cards but plans to migrate to higher-density formats — the AC-PROX-1G ships with both right out of the box.
Technical Highlights:
- PoE Power Simplicity: 45mA draw over standard 802.3af means you can chain readers on a modest PoE injector without oversubscribing power budgets. One cable (Ethernet) in, signal and power out — real labor and material savings on larger projects.
- Format Breadth: Support for 26-bit HID, 32/33/34-bit variants, 35–37 bit XceedID/Indala/Honeywell, 39-bit Kantech XSF, 40-bit Aiphone, 48-bit HID, 50-bit RBH, and 75-bit CAC means you're hedged against credential stock in existing installations. No forced credential reissuance — a major cost driver in large organizations.
- Temperature Envelope (−40° to 65°C): Handles freezer entries and sun-baked exterior pillars. Most commodity readers spec to 0°C or lower; the AC-PROX-1G doesn't flinch in deep-cold pharma or outdoor perimeter gates.
Deployment Considerations:
- IP30 is light-duty outdoor. Sheltered entry? Fine. Pillar exposed to rain or washdown? Plan a canopy or protective housing. Don't force IP30 into high-moisture duty.
- 6-inch read range is nominal, ideal-case. Card wear, mounting angle misalignment, and electrical interference (especially near motor drives or switching power supplies) can drop effective range to 3–5 inches. Commission with the actual credentials and environment in mind; don't assume 6 inches in the field.
- Mullion vs. single-gang mounting choice is installation-specific. Mullion eliminates the surface box and looks neater on glass doors; single-gang integrates into standard wall infrastructure. Measure the door pillar and frame thickness before ordering — neither option is retrofittable to the other.
Deploy the AC-PROX-1G on AC Series platforms (primary path), or pair it with standard-compliant Wiegand-input controllers in multi-vendor sites where you're tying together legacy access control ecosystems. Avoid forcing it into washdown bays or fully exposed outdoor pillars without protective sheltering — IP30 doesn't carry that load.
