# Wire a Door to an Access Controller

The Verkada AC42 and AC62 access controls are our latest generation models that come with removable junction blocks, designed to make the installation and cabling process quick and easy. To do so, simply remove the block, install the necessary wires into the junction block, and plug the block back into the access controller. Learn more about [Wire a Door to an AC41 Cassette](https://help.verkada.com/access-control/configuration/configure-a-door-in-command/wire-a-door-to-an-ac41-cassette).

***

### Before you begin

{% hint style="danger" %}
⚠️ Prior to wiring readers and other devices, ensure power is disconnected from the access controller and locking hardware. Failure to do so may cause damage.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Before you begin wiring your doors, see [Recommended Wires for Verkada Access Control Hardware](https://help.verkada.com/access-control/installation/wire-a-door-to-a-verkada-access-controller/recommended-wires-for-access-controllers).
{% endhint %}

#### Understand fail-secure and fail-safe locking hardware

Be aware of the different ways to configure locking hardware:

* **Fail-secure** locks require electrical power to unlock. In their normal unpowered state, they remain locked. These locks use a Normally Open (NO) circuit. When power is interrupted, it remains locked.
* **Fail-safe** locks require electrical power to remain locked. In their normal powered state, they remain locked. These locks use a Normally Closed (NC) circuit. When power is interrupted, it unlocks.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Some door strikes can be wired as fail-safe and some electromagnetic locks can be fail-secure. Always check your third-party, locking hardware wiring instructions, and ensure you’re using the right configuration for your requirements.
{% endhint %}

#### Understand dry vs wet access controller

* **Dry**—The access controller does not provide power to the locking hardware (typically used with external power supplies).
* **Wet**—The access controller provides 12V or 24V power to the locking hardware.

{% hint style="info" %}
When you wire an electromagnetic lock (maglock), we recommend using an external power supply (dry setup), though it is not required.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %}
You must use an external power supply (dry set up) when you wire a crash bar.
{% endhint %}

***

## Step 1: Wire the junction block

Begin by removing all junction blocks that you need for installation. Although it’s possible to remove the blocks with your fingers, we recommend to use a small flat head screwdriver to loosen or use pliers to gently pull out.

{% hint style="warning" %}
All junction blocks are interchangeable with any port of the same description. However, for the AC62, the left and right sides are opposite of each other to allow for wires to always route to the edge.
{% endhint %}

**Correct**

**Right-side-wired** Verkada reader junction block on **right** side of AC62

<div align="left" data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://134288481-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaaHs5RfKqv9Z49mi02cC%2Fuploads%2FKStCIHWjMVOGTs3sEpZ4%2FScreenshot%202026-01-30%20at%209.56.43%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ddd5fce0-ce38-4e61-972c-c20688704fc1" alt="" width="472"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

**Incorrect**

**Right-side-wired** Verkada reader junction block on **left** side of AC62

<div align="left" data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://134288481-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaaHs5RfKqv9Z49mi02cC%2Fuploads%2Fs6CWSjTplDKK03YMEWgf%2FScreenshot%202026-01-30%20at%209.56.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6e608ce4-b0bf-42ae-ba5f-73bb3c3f743b" alt="" width="478"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

***

## **Step 2: Connect the lock (dry vs wet)**

#### Connect the lock (dry)

When using an access power controller (APC) that uses a dry contact, ensure that **NONE** is selected on the door power selection switch. The APC detects if the access controller relay is open or closed, and translates that to the lock. Under most circumstances, existing maglocks, crash bars, and gates are wired in using an APC.

**Fail Secure**

<div align="left" data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://134288481-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaaHs5RfKqv9Z49mi02cC%2Fuploads%2FRW6epRpX9gJDOwY2oG95%2FScreenshot%202026-01-30%20at%2010.01.12%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=50c5f1d7-8f3f-46c7-80f7-5e260939deb4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

**Fail Safe**

<div align="left" data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://134288481-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaaHs5RfKqv9Z49mi02cC%2Fuploads%2FMcYvdXh57YSmECBj0y9q%2FScreenshot%202026-01-30%20at%2010.01.27%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=51c19229-1ba1-4a23-97c3-464dbd6658b9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

#### **Connect the lock (wet)**

In a wet configuration, ensure that power selection for each door is set to the correct voltage as outlined by the locking hardware specifications:

* For 12-volt locking hardware, set to **12VDC**
* For 24-volt locking hardware, set to **24VDC**

|                                                       |                                                          |                                                          |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| **AC62**                                              | **AC41**                                                 | **AC42**                                                 |
| <p>12V locks up to 1A</p><p>24V locks up to 500mA</p> | <p>12V locks up to 700mA</p><p>24V locks up to 350mA</p> | <p>12V locks up to 700mA</p><p>24V locks up to 350mA</p> |

**Wet 12V / 24V NO-COM**

If you have a fail-secure lock, connect to NO-COM where LOCK (+) positive goes into NO (fail secure) and LOCK (–) goes into COM.

**Wet 12V / 24V NC-COM**

If you have a fail-safe lock, connect to NC-COM where LOCK ( + ) positive goes into NC (fail-safe) and LOCK (–) goes into COM.

{% hint style="danger" %}
⚠️ When connecting the lock in the WET configuration, ensure the negative of the lock goes into the COM port as shown in the diagrams below.
{% endhint %}

**Fail Safe**

* LOCK (+) positive goes into NC
* LOCK (-) negative and ground wire goes into COM

<div align="left" data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://134288481-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaaHs5RfKqv9Z49mi02cC%2Fuploads%2FSjNDPUsY8SifT2L3SMva%2FScreenshot%202026-01-30%20at%209.57.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a6503eb0-12f3-4596-be8f-32227459cffb" alt="" width="486"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

**Fail Secure**

* LOCK (+) positive goes into NO
* LOCK (-) negative and ground wire goes into COM

<div align="left" data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://134288481-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaaHs5RfKqv9Z49mi02cC%2Fuploads%2FWJ2T6wdi0oBTLJ4VEVQW%2FScreenshot%202026-01-30%20at%209.57.30%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=16ababb0-0f89-49d2-a68c-d3a85561b897" alt="" width="486"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

***

## **Step 3: Connect the reader**

All Verkada access controllers are rated to power readers at 12V up to 250mA via the + (VIN) and – (GND) connection. Verkada readers use the 4-port input (labeled as **RS-485**) while standard Wiegand readers use the 4-port inputs (labeled **wiegand**) and the shared power from the RS-485 connection.

The Verkada AD31 uses the following color scheme; all other wires can be ignored:

**+** (Red)

**–** (Black)

**A** (Purple)

**B** (Blue)

<div align="left" data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://134288481-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaaHs5RfKqv9Z49mi02cC%2Fuploads%2FoAC24SkZK2ti90P0WZmO%2FScreenshot%202026-01-30%20at%209.57.42%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5dae182a-516e-4d91-9161-42ef87a1ae4c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

The Verkada AD32 and AD33 uses the following color scheme:

**+** (Red)

**–** (Black)

**A** (White)

**B** (Green)

<div align="left" data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://134288481-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaaHs5RfKqv9Z49mi02cC%2Fuploads%2F8JLvRjkoqO4qOf5ifglR%2FScreenshot%202026-01-30%20at%209.57.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=2275e7be-aa06-46db-90ff-ff020f131ff8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Typical Wiegand wiring uses the following color scheme:

**+** (Red)

**–** (Black)

**D0** (Green)

**D1** (White)

<div align="left" data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://134288481-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaaHs5RfKqv9Z49mi02cC%2Fuploads%2FYPYsZsFrOHyDZlXCKzMj%2FScreenshot%202026-01-30%20at%209.57.58%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c2a369d5-0eeb-47ca-8034-4b6e59afc3e1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### **Multiple and special readers**

Each door cassette can be connected to both a Wiegand reader and a Verkada reader. The access controllers support a simultaneous Verkada reader and Wiegand connections. However, the current over the + port for an individual door **must not exceed 250mA.**

{% hint style="info" %}
Use an unused port’s reader power, or the 12V Aux out prior to connecting two readers to the same power pin. Reader power outputs are fuse-protected to 750mA.
{% endhint %}

For readers that exceed 250mA, if available, the 12V output of unused door ports (COM and NC) can be used to supply power. External power supplies can be used for hardware that exceeds these options or when they are not viable. External power supplies require that the negative connection is connected to the (**–**) reader port to cross-sync ground.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Recommended, not required**. Cross-sync earth ground between devices to avoid electrostatic interference and damage.
{% endhint %}

***

## **Step 4: Connect the inputs**

Both the door position indicator (DPI) and the request-to-exit (REX) inputs are dry contacts. Installing these inputs is **optional**, but is highly recommended for the best experience. They can be further configured in Verkada Command.

### DPI (door contact) input

{% hint style="warning" %}
Verkada AC42 and AC62 expects the DPI to be NC.
{% endhint %}

<div align="left" data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://134288481-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaaHs5RfKqv9Z49mi02cC%2Fuploads%2F4SSmUyUd0eJQ8YDlIEEL%2FScreenshot%202026-01-30%20at%209.58.08%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=298536cf-1370-4fdc-a1ef-c362ed780b1a" alt="" width="494"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### REX input

The REX can be configured to release the lock in Verkada Command (most commonly seen in electromagnetic locks) or simply show DFO (door forced open) events. The REX unlock time can also be configured.

The AC42 and AC62 features dual REX inputs. This can allow for a dedicated button REX to release the door lock in addition to simultaneously using a passive infrared (PIR) or egress detection REX for door forced open (DFO) and door held open (DHO) event detection. Learn more about [REX](https://help.verkada.com/access-control/configuration/enable-and-configure-rex-inputs).

<div align="left" data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://134288481-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaaHs5RfKqv9Z49mi02cC%2Fuploads%2FvnYtYlaHIrbWEAcXA78g%2FScreenshot%202026-01-30%20at%209.58.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=2926ccd8-5f5b-4b65-8d97-7737a26dc743" alt="" width="496"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

#### Powered REX

You can utilize the 12V port for any unused reader or the AUX to power the REX device, if necessary. You can also use a shared reader power port, if necessary, as long as the combined usage does not exceed 250mA.

**Wet configuration with emergency REX button release**

<div align="left" data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://134288481-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaaHs5RfKqv9Z49mi02cC%2Fuploads%2FoRI7xDzsqWIJYmX6kQDw%2FScreenshot%202026-01-30%20at%209.58.29%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8d5fcb73-b3c1-47d1-af9f-af29ecca1c93" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

**Dry configuration with emergency REX button release**

<div align="left" data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://134288481-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaaHs5RfKqv9Z49mi02cC%2Fuploads%2Fr53JEGHunae6UpqsYJUy%2FScreenshot%202026-01-30%20at%209.58.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=fa08a7a5-29f0-4dac-abb3-917a226cced9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

***

## Step 5: Insert the junction blocks

To finalize the installation:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Insert the junction blocks back into the desired slot on the access controller.**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Power on the AC42 or AC62.**
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}