Don’t Fear the Install: A Simple Guide to Access Control Installations
Let’s be honest—installing new hardware is probably the last thing any business owner wants to deal with. It’s complicated, messy, and fairly intimidating, making it all too easy to either avoid completely or shell out big money to hire a professional. But as a 23-year-old girl with zero technical or hands-on experience, I'm here to tell you: if I can tackle an installation, you can too. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the basics of installing an access control system—no expert skills or technician required. I’ll also note a few considerations for you to keep in mind before you make the decision to roll up your sleeves and dive in.
First, it's important to remember that a hardware installation is a one-time process. After just a day of getting your hands dirty, you’re done. The system doesn’t require ongoing hardware maintenance, so if you’re confident you can power through a single day of installation, you’re all set to get started. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction (and bragging rights) of knowing you completed a full hardware install on your own.
Access Control Foundations
When it comes to installing an access control system, there are just three main components you need to worry about:
The control panel: This is the brain of the access control system. It provides both power and connectivity to ensure everything runs smoothly. If you're getting your control panel through us at Latitude, it’ll arrive prewired. All you need to do is mount it, connect it to Ethernet or Wi-Fi, wire the reader and lock, and ensure its plugged into a power supply.
The reader: This is the scanner located in front of your door. It can be a PIN pad reader, a proximity card reader, or both, depending on the type of access you chose to grant. At Latitude, we offer two types of readers to suit your installation needs: a narrow "mullion reader" designed to mount on the door frame, and a wider "single gang reader," which is the size of a standard outlet box and is intended for wall-mounted installation next to the doorframe.
An electric lock: This lock enables controlled access through your door. Unlike a typical turn-key lock, an electric lock allows the door to open only when someone requests entry through the reader, using a key fob, PIN code, QR code, mobile pass, etc. The exact version of electric lock you will have will depend on your door, but electric strikes and magnetic locks (“MagLocks”) are the two most common.
Putting It All Together
Here's a simple overview of how an access control system works: First, someone enters a PIN code into the reader. The code is then sent via electric signals through cable to the control panel, which verifies whether it’s valid. If the code is correct, the control panel sends a signal through a cable to the electric lock, unlocking the door. Understanding the basics of how the system works will make the installation process easier to grasp.
Tools
As for tools, you’ll likely find what you need in your basement, your father-in-law’s garage, or with a quick trip to Home Depot. The tools required for a successful install are:
Wire stripper
Phillips screwdriver
Small flat screwdriver
Zip ties
Drill and 5/16 bit
Wire connectors
Cable: 22 Gauge/6 conductor/shielded, 18 Gauge/2 conductor, and CAT6 Ethernet (If you're wondering where to get these, don't worry—we can send you the required cables if you purchase through Latitude.)
Getting Started with Access Control Installation
Now that you know what you need, it’s time to start the installation. First, mount the control panel near a standard 110 VAC outlet (this is just your standard outlet). Most people opt to install it in a closet or facility maintenance room, but you can ultimately mount it wherever you wish (see the box over the door in the picture above). Just ensure it's in a place where you can easily run cables to and from it, and where the temperature is regulated.
Cabling
Next comes the cabling. If the thought of running cables feels totally out of your comfort zone, it could be worth hiring a professional to handle it. But depending on your experience and the distance between the control panel and the door, running the cables yourself is completely doable. A dedicated cable should be run from the control panel to the reader, and it's recommended to use 22 gauge, 6-conductor, shielded cable (AWG 22/6, shielded). Locks and exit devices should also have their own dedicated cables to prevent electrical interference with the reader, as the reader is a communication device. Keep in mind that you’ll likely need to run separate cables from the control panel to these components. Running cables through the door frame to the lock and reader can be tricky, but it’s possible with a bit of determination and persistence. Don’t hesitate to bring out the drill to help you fish the cables through—holes can be easily patched up afterward.
Mounting the Reader and Locks
Next, mount the reader between 34 and 48 inches from the ground. Think around chest height. When it comes to locks, the installation will look different depending on the lock you're using, so refer to the specific installation guide (linked below) for this component.
Making the Connections
For the reader connection, use Dolphin (blue) or WAGO connectors to join the wires between the reader pigtail and the cable going to the control panel. Avoid using wire nuts. Dolphin connectors work well for tight spaces but require you to cut the wire if you need to redo a connection. WAGO connectors are more versatile and allow you to easily redo connections without cutting the wires, though they might not fit in smaller areas.
If you’re still following along, it’s time to refer to the install guide for the exact wiring diagrams to connect each color wire. For lock cabling, this will depend on the type of lock you choose, so be sure to consult the corresponding installation guide. After everything is connected, you can now test your system to make sure its operating properly.
Wrapping Up
And that’s it for the basics of an access control hardware installation. For fully detailed installation instructions, check out the full guide below. The key takeaway from this blog is that this installation is completely manageable, even if you're not a trained professional! Throughout this process, remember to be patient with yourself and don’t get discouraged if it takes you extra time to get oriented. With persistence and determination, I’m confident you can successfully install your own access control system—and you should be too!