Recommended Wires for Access Controllers

Learn the recommendations for selecting wires for Verkada access door controllers

The Verkada access control units (ACUs) are capable of supporting Verkada readers over RS-485 and standard Wiegand readers.

This list shows the wire types and max lengths that are recommended for use with the Verkada access controllers (ACs). All wires must use stranded pure copper conductors; materials like Copper-clad aluminum wire (CCAW) are not recommended.

Wiring methods shall be in accordance with National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, local codes, and the authorities having jurisdiction.

Signal	AWG	Twisted Pair	Conductor	Shielded	Max Length
Reader Option 1	22	Yes		Yes	250 ft (76m)
Reader Option 2	20	Yes		Yes	300 ft (91m)
Reader Option 3	18	Yes		Yes	500 ft (152.4m)
Power (22 Gauge)	22		Yes	Yes	600 ft (182.8m)
Power (18 Gauge)	18		Yes	Yes	1,500 ft (457.2m)
Request-to-Exit	22/18		Yes	Yes	1,500 ft (457.2m)
Door Contact	22		Yes	Yes	1,500 ft (457.2m)

Use 1 twisted pair for – (ground) and + (power) and 1 twisted pair for the data (D0/D1 for a Wiegand reader or A/B for a Verkada reader).

You can use AC combo/trunk cabling, as long as each individual cable is shielded and has the proper gauge.

⚠️ It is required to use only shielded cabling for all inputs on the ACU. All components connected to the access controller, including locks, must be connected with shielding cabling. Failure to use shielded wiring and to ground it properly can result in poor reader performance or damage to the access controller.

Tip: To determine if your cable is shielded: look for a metallic foil surrounding the wires and a bare metal drain wire.

Ground your installation

1

Connect the drain (bare metal) wire from the reader to the drain (bare metal) wire in the shielded cabling.

2

Connect the drain wire in the cabling to earth ground.Ideally, your connection to ground should be near the reader. For example, ground points that include a grounded junction box or door frame.

3

Alternatively, if you don’t have a way to ground the drain wire at the reader, you can connect the ground at the AC using a grounded junction box, grounding busbar, or the negative battery terminal of the access controller. If you’re using a battery, you can splice the connection (one connection to the battery and another to the drain wire).

The image shows how the drain wire might be connected to the AC’s negative (black) battery terminal:

• The red wire represents the positive battery terminal; the pink wire represents the bare metal drain wire.

• The AC on the left has the drain wire directly connected to the black battery wire.

• The AC on the right shows the drain wire connecting to the negative battery terminal.

• For all other access control models, there’s a dedicated earth ground tie pin available on the chassis of the device.

⚠️ The COM and – (negative) ports on the access controller are not to be used as earth grounds. Doing so can cause damage to your equipment. Only one end of the drain wire should connect to ground. The other end should not connect to anything.

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Need more help? Contact Verkada Support.