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).
Note: 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) |
Recommendation. 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.
⚠️ Warning. 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
Connect the drain (bare metal) wire from the reader to the drain (bare metal) wire in the shielded cabling.
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.
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.
⚠️ Warning. 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.
Related resource
Need more help? Contact Verkada Support