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Proximity Card Readers

A proximity card reader reads a card or key fob held close to it, with no physical contact, so the door can be opened for authorised users. Makers here include Videx, Paxton Access, Honeywell Commercial Security and TDSi, with wall and mullion readers, keypad readers, vandal-resistant readers, Wiegand readers for third-party controllers and standalone readers that hold their own users.

Choosing Proximity Card Readers

Choose a reader by the system it connects to, the cards it reads and where it will be mounted.

Readers for a controller

The Comelit PAC 909020111 operates with many access controllers and modules that use a Wiegand interface and has an emulation mode to mimic popular Wiegand reader brands, and the CDVI DGLP-TWLC supports a Wiegand 26, 30 or 44 bit interface. Some readers are built for a particular system: Paxton P series readers such as the 323-110 are for Switch2 and Net2, the Videx 849PW is for Vprox 20, 100, 250, 1000 and 4000 controllers, and the Honeywell PR-PROXPRO-K is used with Honeywell NS2, PRO2200 and PW5000 controllers.

Card technology

For 125kHz EM cards and fobs, the Nortech WP1-EM1-1000 reads Nortech EM and Paxton cards and fobs, and the RGL SPX-26M reads 125 kHz 26 bit EM cards or fobs. The Honeywell OP40HONS is compatible with genuine HID and EM410x Prox, and Kantech ioProx readers such as the P325W26 read dual-encoded 26-bit Wiegand and Kantech XSF proximity cards. The Paxton 324-110 can read HID 125kHz Proximity tokens when licensed with an activation card.

Mounting and housing

The Paxton 323-110 should not be mounted on metal surfaces, as this affects the read range, while the Paxton 390-747 is housed in cast metal and suits metal door frames and car park reader posts. For exposed sites, the Paxton 010-254 Vandal Resistant reader has an IK10 impact rating and IP67 waterproofing, and the Nortech VP1-EM1-0000 has a stainless steel IP66 housing. The Paxton 370-225 backbox reader fits standard UK electrical backboxes and is designed for internal use only.

ModelTypeConnects toRating
Paxton 390-747Metal proximity readerSwitch2 or Net2IPX7
Paxton 010-254Vandal resistant readerPaxton10 Door or Video controllerIK10, IP67
RGL SPX-26MStandalone proximity readerStandalone, 2000 usersIP66
Nortech VP1-EM1-0000Stainless steel EM readerWiegand, Clock and Data or RS232IP66
Honeywell PR-PROXPRO-KProxPro reader with keypadNS2, PRO2200 or PW5000–
Comelit PAC 909020116Vandal resistant readerWiegand emulation modeIntruder graded

Related categories

Access cards and key fobs are in proximity cards and key fobs, keypads in keypads and readers, controllers in access control panels, and more parts in access control accessories.

Brands we stock in Proximity Card Readers

Acre, Bell System, BTicino by Legrand, CDVI, CIE Group, Comelit PAC, Dahua Technology, Fermax, Genie, HID Global, Hikvision, Honeywell Commercial Security, Kantech, Nortech, Paxton Access, RGL Electronics, TDSi, Urmet and Videx.

Frequently asked questions

How does a reader show that access is granted or denied?

A proximity reader shows the result with LED indicators, and some add a tone, after the control unit has looked up the card's access permissions. On the Paxton 370-225WT the green LED flashes when access is granted and the red LED when it is denied, and the Fermax 5472 gives acoustic and visual confirmation that the presented card has been accepted or rejected.

Which controllers do Wiegand proximity readers connect to?

They connect to access controllers that accept a Wiegand input. The Honeywell OP40HONS works with any Wiegand standard access control system, the Comelit PAC 909020111 operates with many access controllers and modules that use a Wiegand interface, and the Videx 4849PP/M uses 26-bit Wiegand with the Videx SC24000 system. The CDVI DGLP-TWLC supports a Wiegand 26, 30 or 44 bit interface.

What is a standalone proximity reader?

A standalone proximity reader stores its own users and controls the door itself, so it needs no separate access controller. The RGL SPX-26M reads 125 kHz 26-bit EM cards or fobs for up to 2000 users, with an IP66 rating and a 12VDC supply, and the Fermax 5472 holds up to 400 user cards or key fobs with the reader and controller in one module.

Can a proximity reader be fitted to a metal door frame?

Yes, with a reader made for it. The Paxton 390-747 is housed in cast metal, so its operation is less affected by nearby metal objects and it suits metal door frames and car park reader posts. The HID PRPROXPNTPCG can also be mounted on metal. The Paxton 323-110 should not be mounted on metal surfaces, as this affects the read range.

What is a vandal resistant proximity reader?

A vandal-resistant proximity reader is built to withstand impact and tampering; its impact protection may be graded by an EN 62262 IK rating, where IK10 is the highest. The Paxton 010-254 has an IK10 rating, IP67 waterproofing and a metal surround with four security fixings, and the Comelit PAC 909020116 is an intruder-graded vandal-resistant reader for internal or external installations.

How close does a card need to be to a proximity reader?

A short distance: proximity readers read a card held a few centimetres away, and the read range varies by model. The Acre V54501-F1-A1 reads at up to 5 cm and the Paxton 324-110 up to 100mm with proximity cards, while the Honeywell PR-PROXPRO-K reads up to 8 inches. Mounting the Paxton 323-110 on metal or near another reader affects its read range.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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