SDC EP17624 Explosion-Proof Electromagnetic Lock

Overview

The SDC EP17624 is a 600-pound holding-force electromagnetic lock designed for access control in hazardous or explosion-classified environments. This wired strike assembly operates on 24VDC and communicates via OSDP and TCP/IP protocols, making it compatible with modern access control platforms and legacy system integrations. The EP17624 supports multiple credential technologies—DESFire, MIFARE, NFC at 13.56 MHz, and 125 kHz proximity readers—allowing you to integrate with mixed-reader ecosystems without replacing existing infrastructure. Rated for up to 63-door systems with a 250,000-user capacity, this lock serves mid-to-large industrial deployments across regulated facilities where compliance and redundancy matter.

Key Features

• 600 LB Holding Force: Sufficient for standard single and some double-door installations; verify your door weight and frame condition during site assessment to confirm adequate safety margin.
• Explosion-Proof Certification: Meets hazardous-location requirements for classified environments; reduces liability and inspection friction in petrochemical, mining, and manufacturing sites where arc risk is regulated.
• OSDP and TCP/IP Support: OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) enables encrypted two-way communication with control panels, improving security posture over legacy Wiegand; TCP/IP connectivity allows direct integration with cloud or on-premises access control systems without a dedicated reader interface.
• Multi-Credential Technology: Accepts DESFire, MIFARE, NFC (13.56 MHz), and 125 kHz Prox cards in the same reader—critical when migrating from older proximity-only deployments to modern card stacks without wholesale reader replacement.
• 24VDC Powered: Standard industrial voltage; requires a hardwired, regulated power supply—no PoE available. Ensure your power backbone includes UPS or battery backup if fail-safe operation is required during outage scenarios.
• 63-Door Capacity with 250K User Limit: Supports mid-to-large facilities; check your actual deployment size and future growth; hit those limits and you'll need a second control panel or system segmentation.

Integration and Compatibility

The EP17624 integrates with access control platforms supporting OSDP or TCP/IP readers. Pair this lock with an access control panel capable of driving 24VDC solenoid locks and processing multi-protocol reader input. Wiring is straightforward—24VDC in, reader data lines, and relay/strike control output from your panel. No special PoE switching or network infrastructure upgrades needed, but do plan for dedicated, regulated 24VDC supply with sufficient amperage headroom (confirm exact draw with your panel manufacturer). In mixed-credential environments, confirm your readers support all four technologies your facility plans to deploy; single-tech readers won't unlock the full benefit of the EP17624's versatility.

When to Choose a Different Model

If your facility does not operate in a classified or explosion-hazard zone, standard electromagnetic locks cost less and offer the same 600 LB holding force without the certification overhead. If you require wireless communication (WiFi or cellular backup), the EP17624's wired-only design won't suit you—consider a networked access control system with wireless bridge readers. If door access is infrequent and power-failure safety is critical, evaluate electromechanical or delayed-egress strikes paired with battery backup instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the EP17624 fail-safe or fail-secure?

A: This lock is fail-secure—loss of power de-energizes the solenoid and locks the door. If you need fail-safe behavior (doors unlock on power loss for emergency egress), specify a fail-safe variant or pair with a different strike assembly.

Q: Does the EP17624 work with my existing proximity readers?

A: Yes—it supports 125 kHz Prox readers. However, to benefit from OSDP encrypted communication, your access control panel must also support OSDP; legacy Wiegand-only panels will still work but won't gain the security advantage.

Q: What's the maximum cable run from the panel to the EP17624?

A: Standard 24VDC wiring guidelines apply—typically 100–200 feet depending on gauge and ambient environment. For longer runs in industrial settings with noise and EMI, use shielded cable and verify voltage drop at the lock; consult your panel manufacturer for exact limits.

Q: Can I retrofit the EP17624 to my existing door frame?

A: Most standard aluminum and steel frames accept electromagnetic strikes. Have a qualified locksmith or door hardware technician assess your specific opening and frame condition before purchase; improper installation compromises holding force and door security.

Q: Do I need a separate power supply or UPS for this lock?

A: Yes—you'll need a regulated 24VDC power supply capable of delivering sufficient amperage for the lock and any readers on the same circuit. If fail-safe behavior or extended operation during mains loss is required, add a UPS or battery backup module rated for 24VDC loads.

James Everett

Perspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.

The EP17624 is purpose-built for classified environments where standard locks won't pass inspection. If you're deploying access control in a hazardous zone—petrochemical plant, natural-gas facility, explosive-powder warehouse—explosion-proof certification isn't a luxury, it's a legal requirement. This 600 LB electromagnetic lock handles that compliance headache while remaining compatible with modern OSDP control panels and legacy 125 kHz readers.

Technical Highlights:

• Explosion-Proof Certification: Eliminates arc-risk liability in classified spaces; reduces inspection friction and speeds facility approval cycles in regulated industries.
• OSDP + TCP/IP Dual Communication: OSDP provides encrypted two-way reader communication (superior to Wiegand), while TCP/IP allows direct system integration without a separate reader controller—future-proofs your access architecture.
• Multi-Tech Credential Support (DESFire, MIFARE, NFC 13.56 MHz, 125 kHz Prox): Lets you migrate card populations without ripping out readers; a facility running legacy Prox cards can add NFC and DESFire readers on the same lock without hardware replacement.
• 24VDC Wired Architecture: Straightforward power and control; no PoE, no wireless complexity—reliability and auditability in industrial environments where network unpredictability is a real risk.

Deployment Considerations:

• Fail-secure design means loss of power locks the door—appropriate for restricted-access zones, but verify egress code compliance for your jurisdiction.
• 600 LB holding force is standard single-door capacity; double-door or high-traffic openings may require a second strike or impact-rated variant—have the door hardware engineer validate frame and hinge rating during site survey.
• Wired-only means no wireless failover; if your facility requires redundant egress paths during network outage, plan dual locks or battery-backed fail-safe hardware on critical exits.

Deploy the EP17624 in classified hazardous-location facilities where compliance drives equipment selection. The combination of explosion-proof certification, OSDP support, and multi-credential flexibility makes it the right choice for petrochemical plants, mining operations, and explosive-manufacturing sites that can't afford reader replacement every few years.