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UniFi Access - Access Control Hub Installation Locations

An Access Control Hub can be installed near the door to minimize cable length for connecting to access devices or centrally for easier maintenance.

Installed Near a Door

An Access Control Hub installed near the door requires less cable to connect to the electric lock and other accessories. Ensure the hub is secured with an enclosure to prevent tampering. The system cost per door may increase due to the need for additional hub hardware for each door.

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Installed at a Central Location

An Access Control Hub installed in a central machine room is easier to maintain. However, central installation generally requires longer cables to connect the hub to electric locks and other accessories.

Enterprise Access Hub (EAH-8), which supports up to eight doors, is designed for central installation. It consolidates multiple door hubs into a single unit, facilitating easier maintenance. However, the hub should not be positioned too far from the doors to avoid voltage drop issues.

Voltage drop occurs when the voltage reaching the lock is insufficient compared to its nominal requirement. For example, if the nominal voltage of an Electric Lock (UA-Lock-Electric) is 12V, the operational voltage range is 8-15V. Excessive cable length can cause voltage drops that may render the lock inoperable. Thus, choosing the right cable rating is crucial.

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Recommended Maximum Cable Length for Hub Connection

In American Wire Gauge (AWG), a lower numerical value indicates a thicker cable. Cables with 24, 22, 20, and 18 AWG are progressively thicker. Thicker cables, such as 18 AWG, support longer distances compared to thinner cables, such as 24 AWG. For optimal performance, 18 AWG cables are recommended when connecting devices to an Access Control Hub.

The technical specifications of every Access Control Hub on the Ubiquiti Store provide information on the recommended maximum cable length. The example below is from the technical specifications of Enterprise Access Hub (EAH-8).

Recommended Maximum Cable Length for Hub Connection.png

For best compatibility with the UniFi Access system, it is recommended to use Door Lock Relay Cable (UACC-Cable-Doorlockrelay), available in a 500-foot (152.4 m) spool of one or two-pair, low-voltage cable:

  • 1-Pair Relay Cable: (2) 18 AWG conductors for an electric/magnetic lock
  • 2-Pair Relay Cable:
    • (2) 18 AWG conductors for an electric/magnetic lock
    • (2) 22 AWG conductors for a door position sensor
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