Ubiquiti EAH-8 Enterprise-grade access hub with entry

Ubiquiti EAH-8 Enterprise Access Hub

Overview

The Ubiquiti EAH-8 is a purpose-built enterprise access hub designed for multi-door security installations requiring centralized control, PoE+ powered readers, and redundant power support. This controller manages entry and exit logic for up to 8 doors simultaneously, supporting a maximum user count of 10,000 across all enrolled credentials. The EAH-8 delivers the architectural backbone for medium-to-large access control deployments where scalability, reliability, and NDAA compliance are non-negotiable.

Key Features

• 8-Door Control Capacity: Manages lock terminals for 8 independent doors with individual request-to-exit inputs and door position monitoring
• 8 PoE+ Ports (50V DC): Dedicated powered outputs deliver up to 30W per port (60W aggregated maximum) to support PoE+ access readers, card readers, and biometric devices without external power supplies
• Redundant Input Terminals: (8) digital inputs for door exit request devices and (8) inputs for door position sensors enable real-time status monitoring and audit trails
• Battery Backup Support: Emergency Power input accepts 32–48V DC lead acid batteries at up to 7.5A @32V, ensuring door control continuity during power loss
• Auxiliary Relay Outputs: (4) AUX dry relay terminals support integration of chimes, sirens, door openers, and other access-adjacent devices
• Lock Terminal Flexibility: (8) configurable lock terminals support both 12V DC (1A rated) and dry relay configurations for electromagnetic and mechanical locks
• 10 Gigabit Ethernet Ports: (10) 10/100/1000 Base-T ports provide redundant network connectivity and future-proof bandwidth for access reader traffic and management traffic
• NDAA Compliant: Meets U.S. Department of Defense supply chain security requirements for government and critical infrastructure deployments
• UL 294 Certified: Level I ratings across destructive attack, line security, endurance, and standby power performance
• Industrial Enclosure: SGCC steel housing with polycarbonate cover rated for 0–40°C operating temperature and 5–95% non-condensing humidity; mounting hardware included
• Extended Cable Runs: Supports up to 100m (328 ft) cable lengths for door lock relay circuits using standard 18 AWG conductors, reducing wiring complexity in large facilities
• AC/DC Power Supply: Universal input accepts 100–240V AC (50/60 Hz, max 4.4A) with integrated DC conversion for worldwide deployment

Integration & Compatibility

The EAH-8 integrates with Ubiquiti UniFi Access ecosystem components including UA-Lock-Electric and UA-Lock-Magnetic locks, door position sensors, and PoE+ powered readers. The hub operates within UniFi Cloud environments or on-premises UniFi Dream Machine deployments, enabling centralized policy management, user enrollment, and audit logging. Digital inputs support third-party dry contact sensors and request-to-exit devices without vendor lock-in. Auxiliary relay outputs allow integration of site-specific alerting and door actuation mechanisms.

Specifications Summary

Dimensions: 379 × 355 × 105 mm (15 × 14 × 4.1 inches); Device weight 9.1 kg (20 lb) plus 624 g (1.4 lb) mounting bracket. Power Consumption: Maximum 240W under full load. Environmental: Indoor use only. Operating Range: 0–40°C ambient temperature, 5–95% non-condensing humidity.

James Everett

I evaluated the EAH-8 during a 16-door campus security refresh and found it well-suited for mixed lock environments where PoE-powered readers eliminate downstream power infrastructure. The hub's architecture separates reader power (PoE+ at 30W per port) from lock control (dry or 12V outputs), reducing cable and power supply complexity on multi-building sites. The 10,000-user capacity and NDAA compliance made it straightforward to justify in our RFP process.

Technical Highlights:

• PoE+ Efficiency: 8 × 30W ports (60W aggregated) supply modern card and biometric readers without additional PoE injectors; 10 × 1Gbps Ethernet ports handle reader traffic plus network redundancy
• Battery Continuity: 32–48V DC input with up to 7.5A support enables extended holdover time; critical for facilities where UPS backup is limited to management systems
• Cable Distance Advantage: 100m maximum run support for door lock relay circuits means fewer intermediate relay boxes and consolidation points in sprawling campuses

Deployment Considerations:

• Door position inputs require normally-open dry sensors; verify site sensors are compatible before procurement
• The 60W PoE aggregate budget requires load balancing across 8 ports if using high-draw readers (e.g., dual-factor biometric + RFID units); plan reader selection accordingly
• Battery backup sizing must account for lock solenoid current draw; a 400mA lock at 48V will consume ~19W per door under extended failure scenarios
• UL 294 Level I rating addresses common threats but does not provide tamper-evident housing; pair with environmental enclosure or cabinet for high-security sites

The EAH-8 performs best in unified UniFi Access deployments where cloud or local Dream Machine orchestration is already deployed. It simplifies planning for medium-scale integrators and reduces bill-of-materials costs compared to modular relay-based solutions. For government and defense applications, the NDAA compliance eliminates months of certification review.