Enable and Configure REX Inputs

Learn how to enable and configure REX inputs for access control

Request to Exit, or REX, is a type of sensor commonly used alongside access control systems to automate the opening of doors and expand event sensing capabilities. The REX functions by detecting when there’s continuity across the 2 wires in the REX section of the door cassette. This means that you can use any Normally Open (NO) button, sensor, and so on as a REX.

Most commonly, motion detectors are used on the egress (exiting) side of a door to automatically disengage a lock as someone approaches the door.

Verkada access integration

REX options are available under the door’s settings page. To make use of REX settings, you must first enable REX under the hardware section:

Unlock the door

As noted earlier, you can use REX to disengage the lock. To enable this behavior, toggle on the REX Unlocks Door option. The duration option refers to how long the door will stay unlocked when the REX is engaged.

Release the lock in Command

You can configure the REX to release the lock in Command (most commonly seen in maglocks) or simply show DFO events. You can also configure the REX unlock time. ​ REX motion sensors and REX buttons are often required by regulation to meet building codes for access-controlled entrance doors.

The REX motion sensor should be wired into the REX terminals on the AC41 while the emergency REX button should be wired directly in line with the lock to provide direct interruption of power in an emergency situation.

The Verkada AC41 expects the REX to be NO.

DFO event detection

A REX and DPI are required to detect door forced open (DFO) events, such as a break-in. This is because a REX allows the system to be aware of valid egress and a card reader allows the system to be aware of valid ingress. If the system detects that the door has opened without a valid card read or REX event, a DFO event is thrown.

To detect DFO events, you must enable the Monitor DFO option:

Power the REX device

If necessary, you can utilize the 12V port for the unused reader to power the REX device.

Wet configuration with emergency REX button release

Dry configuration with emergency REX button release