Access Controllers & Panels
An access controller stores who may use which door, checks the card, fob, PIN or phone presented at the reader and releases the lock when access is allowed. This collection has single-door and multi-door controllers from makers including TDSi, Paxton Access, Kantech and Hikvision, expansion and I/O modules, Hoyles door interlock controllers, and controller PCBs such as the Kantech KT-1-PCB.
Acre LP1502 intelligent controller
£ 1,169 05Aritech CDC4 door controller, Beige
£ 1,141 87Bell System BSX16 door control unit
£ 886 39Bell System BSX8 entry control unit
£ 724 33- £ 1,400 38
- £ 468 07
CAME 3199ZM3E PCB control board
£ 244 36- £ 37 29
Choosing Access Controllers & Panels
Start with the door count and whether the system runs from software, the cloud or standalone.
Single-door controllers
The Kantech KT-1-EU-MET supports two readers for entry and exit and runs standalone from a web browser, through Cloudvue or with EntraPass software, powered by PoE, PoE+ or 12 VDC. The Axis A1210-B 02369-001 controls one door from a single PoE cable, and a Paxton10 door controller such as the 010-751 controls one door on a system of up to 1000 controllers. The Paxton Solo 150-040 unlocks over Bluetooth when an authorised phone is presented at its DoorTag.
Multi-door and networked systems
Two- and four-door controllers include the Hikvision DS-K2602T and DS-K2604T and the Dahua DHI-ASC4202C-D. Paxton Net2 plus control units such as the 682-493 connect to the administration PC over TCP/IP and can run an RS485 daisy chain of further units. TDSi GARDiS controllers such as the 5002-6001 are web-embedded and need no additional software, and the TDSi EXpert2 5002-3012 is a 2-door master controller with a capacity of 48,000 cards and an optional lift control module.
Interlocks and expansion
A door interlock stops two or more doors in a group being open at the same time. The Hoyles IG432K2 and IG432K3 kits interlock 2, 3 or 4 doors, the IG528 handles 5 to 8 doors, and the programmable IGUIC8-24 links with four more controllers. For Hikvision systems, the DS-K2M002X adds two doors over RS-485, and the DS-K2M061 secure door control unit sits between the terminal and the lock.
| Controller | Doors | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kantech KT-1-EU-MET | 1 | Two readers, PoE or 12 VDC |
| Hikvision DS-K2602T | 2 | TCP/IP and RS-485 |
| Hikvision DS-K2604T | 4 | TCP/IP and RS-485 |
| Hoyles IG432K3 | 2, 3 or 4 | Interlock kit |
| Hoyles IGUIC8-24 | 8 | Programmable interlock |
Related categories
Pair a controller with keypads and readers or face recognition and biometric readers, and a lock from door locks or maglocks. Management software is in access control software, more of the system in access control systems, and cameras for video integration in CCTV cameras. Our Help & Support guides help with specification.
Brands we stock in Access Controllers & Panels
Acre, Alpro, Aritech, Axis Communications, Bell System, BPT, CDVI, CIE Group, Comelit PAC, Dahua Technology, Dantech Electronic Engineering, Genie, Hikvision, Honeywell Commercial Security, Hoyles, ievo, Kantech, Nortech, Paxton Access, RGL Electronics, STP, TDSi and Videx.
Frequently asked questions
What does an access control panel do?
It holds the access permissions, checks the credential presented at the reader and releases the lock for a valid user. The Paxton Switch2 405-321 stores user permissions in a control unit mounted inside the building, which makes it suitable for high-security applications, and networked units such as Paxton Net2 plus add central control and event reporting.
Can access control run without a PC or software?
Yes, several controllers work standalone. The Comelit PAC 909033075 (PAC 212) is programmed on site through its own keypad and exports its database to a USB drive, the Kantech KT-1-EU-MET has a Standalone Mode set up from a web browser, and TDSi GARDiS controllers need no additional software. The Videx 36007 is a standalone module that requires a power supply and a locking device.
What is a door interlock and which controller do I need?
A door interlock keeps the other doors in a group locked while one is open, so an area cannot be passed straight through. Choose by door count: the Hoyles IG432K2 and IG432K3 kits handle 2, 3 or 4 doors, the IG528 handles 5 to 8, and the IGUIC8-24 is programmable for 8 doors per controller. The Dantech DA560 is a three-door interlock.
Will the doors release if the fire alarm goes off?
They can, because many controllers here have a fire alarm input. The Nortech CRC220-48-ENC-4 has a fire alarm input for unlocking all doors in an emergency, the Hoyles IG432K3 has one fire input that releases all doors and another that disables interlocking, and the Dahua DHI-ASC4202C-D has fire alarm linkage through an independent port. Agree the release arrangement with the fire alarm designer.
How many users can an access controller hold?
Capacity varies by model: the Videx 1000B/VP holds 1000 keys, the Comelit PAC 512 DC 20,000 keyholders, the TDSi 5002-3012 48,000 cards, and the Hikvision DS-K2604T and Dahua DHI-ASC4202C-D 100,000 users. Check how many users and credentials the site has, and allow for growth, before choosing a controller.
Can a door controller be powered over the network cable?
Yes, several are powered by PoE. The Axis A1210-B 02369-001 controls one door from one PoE cable, the Kantech KT-1-EU-MET takes PoE, PoE+ or 12 VDC, and the Paxton10 PoE+ door controller 010-403 powers both the controller and the door lock over PoE+, so no 230v connection is needed at the door.
Why buy from West Midlands Electrics
- Established 1975
- Birmingham trade counter
- UK-only supply
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