Skip to main content
Knowledge Base

Two Reader Expansion Module (ADC-ACX2) - Installation Guide

The ADC-ACX2 expansion module provides a solution for controlling two additional Wiegand or OSDP readers and door hardware. The ADC-ACX2 provides LED control and buzzer control. Six Form-C relay outputs may be used to control locking hardware. Eight inputs are provided that may be used for monitoring the door contact or request-to-exit devices. Input circuits can be configured as unsupervised or supervised using end of line resistors. Communication to the Alarm.com Door Controller is accomplished using a 2-wire RS-485 interface. The ADC-ACX2 requires 12 to 24V DC for power. See the following figure for component location.

TREM 1.png

Wiring

Connections
TB1-1 IN1 Input 1
TB1-2
TB1-3 IN2 Input 2
TB1-4
TB2-1 IN3 Input 3
TB2-2
TB2-3 IN4 Input 4
TB2-4
TB3-1 IN5 Input 5
TB3-2
TB3-3 IN6 Input 6
TB3-4
TB4-1 IN7 Input 7
TB4-2
TB4-3 IN8 Input 8
TB4-4
TB5-1 TMP Tamper Input: short = tamper secure
TB5-2 GND
TB5-3 PFL Power Failure Monitor
TB5-4 GND
TB6-1 TR+ 2-Wire RS-485 Bus
TB6-2 TR-
TB6-3 R+ 4-Wire RS-485 Bus (Not Used)
TB6-4 R-
TB6-5 GND Communication Bus Ground
TB7-1 VIN Input Power
TB7-2 Blank Not Used
TB7-3 GND Ground
TB8-1 VO Reader 1 Power Output
TB8-2 LED Reader 1 LED Output
TB8-3 BZR Reader 1 Buzzer Output
TB8-4 CLK/D1 Reader 1 CLK/D1
TB8-5 DAT/D0 Reader 1 CLK/D0
TB8-6 GND Reader 1 Ground
TB9-1 VO Reader 2 Power Output
TB9-2 LED Reader 2 LED Output
TB9-3 BZR Reader 2 Buzzer Output
TB9-4 CLK/D1 Reader 2 CLK/D1
TB9-5 DAT/D0 Reader 2 CLK/D0
TB9-6 GND Reader 2 Ground
TB10-1 NC Relay 1 - Normally Closed Contact
TB10-2 C Relay 1 - Common Contact
TB10-3 NO Relay 1 - Normally Open Contact
TB10-4 NC Relay 2 - Normally Closed Contact
TB10-5 C Relay 2 - Common Contact
TB10-6 NO Relay 2 - Normally Open Contact
TB11-1 NC Relay 3 - Normally Closed Contact
TB11-2 C Relay 3 - Common Contact
TB11-3 NO Relay 3 - Normally Open Contact
TB11-4 NC Relay 4 - Normally Closed Contact
TB11-5 C Relay 4 - Common Contact
TB11-6 NO Relay 4 - Normally Open Contact
TB12-1 NC Relay 5 - Normally Closed Contact
TB12-2 C Relay 5 - Common Contact
TB12-3 NO Relay 5 - Normally Open Contact
TB12-4 NC Relay 6 - Normally Closed Contact
TB12-5 C Relay 6 - Common Contact
TB12-6 NO Relay 6 - Normally Open Contact
Jumpers
Jumper Description
J2

Reader Power Select:

  • 12V = 12V DC at reader ports
    • Requires ≥ 20V DC supplied to VIN
  • PT = VIN “Passed Through” to reader ports
J3 2-Wire/4-Wire Select, install in 2W position only
J5 RS-485 Termination, install in last units only
J6 - J15 Factory Use Only
Wiring an ADC-ACX2 for communication and power

If the input voltage to the ADC-ACX2 is 12v DC, jumper J2 MUST be in the PT position. Alternatively, if the input voltage to the ADC-ACX2 is 24v DC, jumper J2 MUST be in the 12v position to avoid damaging your reader devices as most access control readers have a power input rating of 5-16v DC. 

ACX2 Expansion Comm and Power Wiring 1.PNG

Wiring multiple expansions for communication and power

While the pictured examples show how to wire an ADC-ACX2 expansion to a Door Controller (ADC-ACC1-17), LP1501 PoE Door Controller (ADC-AC-LP1501), or LP1502 Door Controller (ADC-AC-LP1502), multiple ADC-ACX1 or ADC-ACX2 expansion boards may be used as long as you do not exceed eight total expansions per controller.

Additionally, when using multiple expansions you will need to also address them accordingly. For more information, see Which address jumpers need to be installed on the Single Reader Expansion Module (ADC-ACX1)? or Which address DIP switches need to be installed on the ADC-ACX2?.

ADC-ACC1-17 / ADC-AC-LP1501

ACX2 Expansion Comm and Power Wiring 2.PNG

ADC-AC-LP1502

TwoDoorACX2.PNG

Status LEDs

Power-up:

All LEDs OFF.

Initialization:

Once power is applied, initialization of the module begins.

When initialization is completed, LEDs A through R2 are briefly sequenced ON then OFF.

Run time:

After a successful initialization, the LEDs have the following meanings:

  • A LED: Heartbeat and On-Line Status:
    • Off-line: 1 second rate, 20% ON Offline status.png 
    • On-line: 1 second rate, 80% ON Online status.png
  • A LED Error Indication: Waiting for application firmware to be downloaded: 0.1 s ON, 0.1 s OFF
  • B LED: Communication Port Status: Indicates communication activity on the communication port
    • 1-8 LEDs: Input Status for IN1 - IN8
    • TMP: Cabinet Tamper
    • PFL: Power Fault
    • Input in the inactive state: OFF (briefly flashes ON every 3 seconds) Input OFF.png
    • Input in the active state: ON (briefly flashes OFF every 3 seconds) Input ON.png
    • Input in a trouble state: Rapid Flash Rapid flash.png
  • R1 LED: Reader port 1: Flashes when data is received, either input
  • R2 LED: Reader port 2: Flashes when data is received, either input
  • K1 through K6 LEDs: Illuminates when output relay RLY 1 (K1) through RLY 6 (K6) is energized

Every three seconds, LEDs A through R2 are pulsed to their opposite state for 0.1 s.

The ADC-ACX2 accepts 12 to 24V DC for power on TB7. Locate the power source as close to the ADC-ACX2 as possible. Make power connection with minimum of
18 AWG wires.

Communication wiring

The ADC-ACX2 communicates to an Alarm.com Door Controller using a 2-wire RS-485 interface. The ADC-ACX2 allows for multi-drop communication on a bus of up to 2,000 feet (609 m). Use twisted pair (minimum 24 AWG) with drain wire and shield for communication. If the ADC-ACX2 is the last device on the communication bus, jumper J5 must be installed.

ADC-ACC1-17 / ADC-AC-LP1501

Expansion modules.pngLP1501 port1twowire.png

ADC-AC-LP1502

TwoDoorACX2simple.PNG

For ease of install, daisy chain expansion modules together. Wire each expansion module to the next module instead of wiring directly back to the controller.

Install jumpers according to the selected configuration.

Configuration.png

Addressing

Flip the dip switches on the ADC-ACX2 expansion module according to the “Jumpers/Switches ON” column in the Access Control Devices table on the Alarm.com Dealer Website. These DIP switches are also displayed in the “Add Expansion Module” installation wizard. If these DIP switches are not set according to the website, the device and its connected readers and door hardware will not function properly with Alarm.com.

Reader wiring

Each reader port supports a single Wiegand or OSDP reader. Power to the reader is selectable: 12V DC (VIN must be greater than 20V DC), or power is passed-through from the input voltage of the ADC-ACX2 (TB7-VIN), 125 mA maximum per reader port. Readers that require different voltage or have high current requirements must be powered separately. 22 AWG minimum recommended for readers.

Reader power.png

For more information regarding which position the reader power selection jumper, see When should the Door Controller (ADC-ACC1-17) be set to use PASS or 12V for the reader power?.

J2 - Reader port power select

If the input voltage to the ADC-ACX2 is 12V DC, jumper J2 MUST be in the PT position.

Reader wiring diagrams
Typical Wiegand readerTypical reader wiring 2.png
Typical OSDP readerTypical_reader_wiring_ACX2_OSDP (1).png

Relay wiring

Six Form-C contact relays are provided for controlling door lock mechanisms. Each relay has a Common pole (C), a Normally Open pole (NO), and a Normally Closed pole (NC). When momentarily delivering power to unlock the locking hardware (fail secure), the Normally Open and Common poles are used. When momentarily removing power to unlock the locking hardware (fail safe), the Normally Closed and Common poles are used. Check with local building codes for proper egress door installation. 18 AWG minimum recommended for electric locking hardware.

Load switching can cause abnormal contact wear and premature contact failure. Switching of inductive loads (strike) also causes EMI (electromagnetic interference), which may interfere with normal operation of other equipment. To minimize premature contact failure and to increase system reliability, a contact protection circuit may be used. The following circuit is recommended. Locate the protection circuit as close to the load as possible (within 12 inches [30 cm]), as the effectiveness of the circuit will decrease if it is located further away.

Typical DC Door Strike wiring

An electrified door strike replaces a traditional door strike for an Access Control system. Door strikes are predominantly Fail-Secure devices, meaning the door remains secure in the event power is removed. This hardware should be wired as Normally Open using an NO terminal as indicated on Fail-Secure wiring diagram below. This is because entry through the door is only granted when the controller is signaled to close the circuit which energizes the strike and allows entry.

Door lock mechanisms can generate EMF feedback to the relay circuit that can cause damage and premature failure of the relay. For this reason, it is recommended that either a diode or MOV (metal oxide varistor) be used to protect the relay. The wire should be of sufficient gauge to avoid voltage loss.

Diode selection
  • Diode current rating: 1x strike current
  • Diode breakdown voltage: 4x strike voltage
  • For 12 VDC or 24 VDC strike, diode 1N4002 (24 VDC) is typical

Strike Option A.png

Note: This configuration is pre-wired, allowing for simpler relay configuration selection.

For information about whether a fuse is recommended or required and the type of fuse that should be used, refer to the lock installation guide or contact the lock manufacturer.

Typical Maglock wiring

An electromagnetic lock or maglock is a is an electromagnet which mounts on a door frame, with a steel armature mounted on the door. Maglocks are Fail-Safe only devices. This means that when power is removed or in the event of a fire alarm input (FAI) signal the maglock unlocks the door as required by code. This hardware should be wired as Normally Closed using an NC terminal as indicated on the Fail-Safe diagram below. This is because constant flowing power is required to keep the maglock energized to secure the door.

MOV selection:
  • Clamp voltage: 1.5x VAC RMS
  • Use UL recognized MOV with appropriate ratings

Mag Option A.PNG

Note: This configuration is pre-wired, allowing for simpler relay configuration selection.

 

Input wiring

There are 8 inputs that can be used to monitor door position or request to exit devices. Input circuits can be configured as Unsupervised (2 states); reporting as open or closed contact, or Supervised (6 states); reporting as open or closed contact, open circuit, shorted circuit, grounded circuit*, or foreign voltage*.

A supervised input circuit requires adding two resistors with value of 1k ohm, 1% to the circuit to facilitate proper reporting and should be located as close to the sensor as possible.

*Note: Grounded and foreign voltage states are not a requirement of UL 294 and therefore not verified by UL.

The input circuit wiring configurations shown are supported but may not be typical.

22 AWG minimum required for input wiring. 18 AWG recommended if wiring request-to-exit devices in series with locking hardware.

Circuits.png

Specifications

The Interface is for use in low voltage, class 2 circuits only.

The installation of this device must comply with all local fire and electrical codes.

Input power

12/24V DC, 550mA max

450mA nominal @ 12V

270mA nominal @ 24V

Output power

12V DC, 125 mA per reader

Communication

2-Wire RS-485

Inputs

Two dedicated reader inputs

Eight programmable inputs

One dedicated tamper input

One dedicated power monitor input

Outputs

Six relay outputs (5A @ 28V DC)

Single-wire LED control

Single-wire buzzer output

Certifications

UL 294 recognized

CE compliant

RoHS

Dimensions (L X W X H )

6.0 x 8.0 x 1.0” (152 x 203 x 25 mm)

Temperature

-40 – 167°F (-40 – 75°C) operational

-67 – 185°F (-55 – 85°C) storage

Operating humidity

0-95% (non-condensing) RH

Warranty

Mercury Security warrants the product is free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service with proper maintenance for one year from the date of factory shipment. Mercury Security assumes no responsibility for products damaged by improper handling or installation. This warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of the defective unit.

There are no expressed warranties other than set forth herein. Mercury Security does not make, nor intends, nor does it authorize any agent or representative to make any other warranties, or implied warranties, and expressly excludes and disclaims all implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Returns must be accompanied by a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number obtained from customer service, and prepaid postage and insurance.

Liability

The Interface should only be used to control exits from areas where an alternative method for exit is available. This product is not intended for, nor is rated for operation in life-critical control applications. Mercury Security is not liable under any circumstances for loss or damage caused by or partially caused by the misapplication or malfunction of the product. Mercury Security’s liability does not extend beyond the purchase price of the product.

FCC.png

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Interested in Alarm.com?

Alarm.com technology is sold, installed, and serviced by licensed service providers near you.

 

Let's Get Started