SDC 926 Outdoor Digital Keypad Lock Control
The SDC 926 is a standalone outdoor digital keypad designed to control access across single or multiple doors via PIN entry and credential card/proximity readers. It accepts 4–6 digit codes from up to 500 registered users and triggers dual-output relays to unlock doors, gates, or auxiliary equipment. Heavy-gauge steel housing with integral weather protection makes it suitable for exterior walls, loading docks, gatehouse installations, and multi-tenant facilities where local credential validation and independent door control are required without centralized network infrastructure. The 926 bridges traditional keypad-only access and modern card-based systems, accommodating legacy PIN workflows and modern contactless credential formats in a single outdoor-rated enclosure.
Key Features
- Multi-credential Support: Accepts DESFire, MIFARE, NFC (13.56 MHz), 125 kHz proximity, and 4–6 digit PIN codes. Single keypad unified credential entry eliminates need for separate readers per format.
- Up to 500 User Credentials: Supports 500 credential enrollments locally on-device, sufficient for small-to-mid-size facilities without real-time backend polling.
- Multi-door Relay Control: SPDT Relay 1 (5A @ 28VDC) triggers electrified locks or magnetic locks up to 140W; SPDT Relay 2 (2A @ 28VDC) controls auxiliary equipment (request-to-exit, status signaling, secondary strikes). Handles up to 63 doors in relay-triggered architectures.
- OSDP & TCP/IP Integration: Native OSDP and TCP/IP support enables integration with standard access control systems (Genetec, Milestone, Hirsch, Salto) without proprietary adapters or serial-to-Ethernet converters.
- 28VDC Powered, Outdoor-Rated: 28VDC input, 30mA typical draw (150mA peak during relay activation), accepts 12/24 VAC or 12/24 VDC supplies. IP66/IK10 equivalent weather sealing—withstands rain, dust, hose-down, and impact.
- Integral Tamper & Key Override: Built-in tamper switch and emergency key lock allow local breach detection and manual access restoration without power dependency.
- Compact Surface or Pedestal Mount: 4¾″W × 6¾″H × 4½″D footprint fits standard wall boxes or standalone gate posts; 3 lbs weight simplifies retrofit into existing door frames.
- Lifetime Warranty: Factory-backed lifetime warranty on hardware and relay contacts.
The SDC 926 operates as a standalone access controller or integrates into larger access control systems via dry-contact relay outputs. Each credential entry—whether PIN, card tap, or proximity read—triggers relay closure for the duration programmed locally or via backend command (typical: 1–5 seconds for door strike energization). Two additional 100mA @ 24VDC sinking outputs (Outputs 3 & 4) support LED status indicators, door sensors, or low-current signaling devices. No network dependency: the 926 stores credentials and access rules locally, making it resilient to VPN/cloud outages on secondary entrances or service areas.
Installation follows standard door-control practices: surface-mount to exterior walls or pedestals using supplied hardware; run 18 AWG minimum for power and relay circuits over 50 feet to avoid voltage drop; protect input/output terminal blocks with conduit in wet environments. Credential enrollment happens via keypad menu or backend system API (if OSDP/TCP/IP connected); no on-site programming tool required beyond a standard 9V battery backup power input if main supply is interrupted. The integral key lock provides emergency access; tamper switch wiring to a central panel enables intrusion logging.
Deployments range from small multi-tenant office parks (one 926 per suite, five credentials per door) to warehouse docks with gated lot access (single 926 controlling three roll-up doors via relay expansion). Common configurations pair the 926 with an external request-to-exit button and door-position sensor wired to Relay 2, eliminating need for a secondary wall-mounted access point. The 500-credential ceiling means enterprise-scale deployments (200+ users, 40+ doors) require either multiple 926 units or integration into a centralized access control system that pushes credential updates to the device over OSDP/TCP/IP.
The 926 carries no NDAA or Section 889 restrictions; SDC is US-based and does not source components from prohibited entities. It integrates with Genetec Security Center, Milestone XProtect, Hirsch Velocity, Salto KNX, and ASSA ABLOY systems supporting OSDP Profile 2.1 or higher. For organizations already running a VMS platform with integrated access control (Genetec Control Center, Milestone Access Manager), the 926 offers a cost-effective outdoor keypad option without licensing per-door overhead — a meaningful advantage over per-device software subscriptions on larger projects.
Jerry TildsenPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
In our experience, the SDC 926 occupies a pragmatic middle ground between feature-starved standalone keypads and full-featured networked access control readers. We've deployed it across 50+ sites—everything from small office parks to loading-dock operations—and the credential flexibility (DESFire, MIFARE, proximity, PIN) is the key differentiator. Most integrators inherit mixed credential ecosystems: legacy proximity card access on the main lobby, newer DESFire on high-security areas. The 926's multi-format reader means one device can handle both instead of buying separate readers and a relay logic module. The 500-credential local storage is genuinely useful for locations with weak/intermittent network connectivity—a rural warehouse or remote gatehouse won't go dark if the VPN link drops. OSDP and TCP/IP integration ensure enterprise compatibility; we rarely encounter an access control system that doesn't speak one of those protocols. The relay capacity (5A on Relay 1) covers 99% of electrified-strike and magnetic-lock applications; we've only had to spec external contactors twice in three years. On cost-per-door, the 926 is competitive with modular reader + relay boards, and the unified housing eliminates wiring complexity. Trade-off: the 500-credential ceiling and local-only rule engine mean large deployments need backend integration. Single-purpose PIN-only keypads are cheaper; but the moment you need card reading, the 926's multi-format support justifies the premium. We've also seen organizations spec it as a fallback device on critical exits—if the access control system is down, PIN codes remain valid locally, which satisfies compliance requirements for emergency egress.
Technical Highlights:
- Dual-Relay Output Architecture: Relay 1 (5A @ 28VDC) and Relay 2 (2A @ 28VDC) provide independent switching for primary door strike and auxiliary functions (RTE button, door sensor, secondary lock). Eliminates external relay modules for typical multi-device deployments.
- OSDP Profile 2.1 Compliance: Native OSDP support ensures deterministic credential validation and rule updates from backend access control systems without requiring custom middleware or gateway devices. TCP/IP fallback supports systems (e.g., older Hirsch installs) that don't yet support OSDP over serial.
- DESFire & MIFARE Multi-Format Reader: Single 13.56 MHz antenna reads both modern DESFire EV2 cards (128-bit AES encryption, suitable for high-security healthcare/government) and legacy MIFARE Classic (still in circulation on many campuses). No reader swaps needed during credential migration.
- Local Credential Storage & Offline Operation: 500 credentials stored on-device; access decisions made locally without network round-trip. Useful for remote locations (parking structures, rooftop equipment areas) where latency/outage tolerance is critical.
- Compact Outdoor Form Factor: 4¾″ × 6¾″ × 4½″ footprint with integral tamper switch and emergency key lock. Fits existing 4×4 wall-mounted boxes or standalone pedestal posts without major structural modification.
Deployment Considerations:
- 500-Credential Ceiling & Multi-Site Scaling: If your facility has more than 500 active users or spans 10+ buildings, the 926 must integrate with a backend system (Genetec, Milestone) that pushes credential updates via OSDP/TCP/IP. Standalone operation does not scale beyond ~500 codes. Plan your architecture: centralized system with OSDP integration, or multiple 926 units on different network subnets.
- 28VDC Power Supply Requirement: The 926 accepts 12/24 VAC or 12/24 VDC input, but relay outputs are rated 28VDC. You'll need a 28VDC supply for door-strike power anyway; route the 926's input from that same supply to avoid separate low-voltage infrastructure. 18 AWG minimum for runs over 50 feet prevents brown-out and relay chatter.
- Request-to-Exit (RTE) Integration: If egress is occupant-initiated (e.g., loading dock), wire a momentary button to the 926's pin or Relay 2, and program the 926 to trigger door-strike closure on button press. Without explicit RTE logic, you risk tailgating or misuse of the exit path.
- Outdoor Weatherproofing Detail: IP66-equivalent sealing is robust, but terminal blocks are exposed. Use a NEMA 4X (stainless) conduit box if you're mounting in salt-spray environments (coastal parking structures, marine facilities). Outdoor location + condensation = corrosion risk on bare copper terminals over 5+ years.
- Tamper Switch Wiring: Built-in tamper switch triggers on housing intrusion. Wire it to your access control system's alarm input or a dedicated relay panel. Don't ignore it: we've seen integrators forget to wire tamper switches, then field complaints about break-ins being unreported.
The SDC 926 is the right spec for small-to-mid-size facilities that need outdoor credential-based access on multiple doors without a centralized system, or as a secondary/fallback reader in larger deployments where local redundancy matters. Organizations with 200+ users or 20+ doors should evaluate full access control platforms (Genetec, Milestone) that integrate the 926 as one reader among many. For site-specific use cases—gatehouse, loading dock, parking structure entry, remote building access—the 926's multi-credential support and relay architecture make it a strong choice. See the SDC catalog for additional keypads, strikes, and controllers that pair well with the 926.
