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Which wire gauge should be used with Access Control hardware?

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It is recommended to use the following wire gauge for each Access Control device:

Door controllers (for power)

It is recommended to use a 22/2 wire gauge with an Access Control door controller.

Note: Cat5/Cat6 is not recommended, as it is not intended to be used for this application.

Card readers

It is recommended to use 22/6 stranded shielded wire with Access Control Card Readers. 

Note: Cat5/Cat6 is not recommended as it is not intended to be used for this application. For specifics with 3rd party readers, refer to the manufacturer's reader installation manual.

For more information about maximum wire length for Alarm.com readers, see Mullion Reader (ADC-AC-ET10) - Installation Guide, Single Gang Reader (ADC-AC-ET20) - Installation Guide, and Single Gang Reader with Keypad (ADC-AC-ET25) - Installation Guide.

Expansion modules (for RS-485 communication)

It is recommended to use a 24/3 wire gauge (a twisted pair with a drain) with Access Control expansion modules. The maximum cable length varies between controller models: 

  • ADC-ACC1-17 and ADC-AC-LP1501: The maximum length between the controller and the last expansion is 2,000 feet (610 meters).
  • ADC-AC-LP1502 and ADC-AC-X1100: The maximum length between the controller and the last expansion is 4,000 feet (1219 meters).

Note: Cat5/Cat6 is not recommended as it is not intended to be used for this application.

Expansion modules (for power)

It is recommended to use a 22/2 wire gauge with Access Control expansion modules.

Note: Cat5/Cat6 is not recommended as it is not intended to be used for this application.

REX devices

It is recommended to use a 22/4 wire gauge with an Access Control Request to Exit device. 

Note: Cat5/Cat6 is not recommended as it is not intended to be used for this application. 

Locking hardware

It is recommended to use an 18/2 wire gauge with Access Control Locking Hardware. 

Note: Cat5/Cat6 is not recommended as it is not intended to be used for this application.