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UniFi Access - Access Control Hub Input & Output Terminals

Inputs

The input terminals on an Access Control Hub manage communication between devices such as a motion sensor, push-to-exit device, door position sensor, and fire panel. The inputs receive data or signals and take corresponding actions. Door Hub (UA-Hub-Door) is used as an example here. 

Inputs.png

Input Terminal Name Description
MOTION  Connect to a motion sensor to unlock a door.
BUTTON 
  • Connect to a push-to-exit button for door exit requests.
  • Connect to a panic bar for authorized entry.
  • Connect to a doorbell button for door entry requests. 
DOOR POSITION      Connect to a door position sensor (DPS) to detect a door's open/closed status.
EMERGENCY Connect to emergency equipment such as a fire panel to trigger global or local emergency mode during emergencies.

The inputs for different types of Access Control Hubs differ. To learn more, see the installation guide for Access Hub (UA-Hub), Enterprise Access Hub (EAH-8), Elevator Hub (UA-Hub-Elevator), and Gate Hub (UA-Hub-Door).

Outputs

The control of the output terminals on an Access Control Hub is based on the inputs. 

Example 1: Pressing the push-to-exit button unlocks the door lock, and the door operator opens it.

Exit_Button.png

Example 2: Pressing the request-to-entry doorbell button rings a chime and notifies admins via the UniFi Access mobile app.

Doorbell.png

Example 3: The door position sensor detecting an unauthorized door opening triggers an alarm and updates the UniFi Access interface to display "Unauthorized Opening."

Unauthorized_Opening.png

Lock

LOCK.png

LOCK relay terminals are used for connecting to door locks.

Category Relay Terminal Name Description
LOCK POWERED Designed for locks operating at 12V up to 1 Amp.
NO POWER (DRY) Intended for electric locks that do not operate at a 12V rating, such as a 24V electric strike. An external transformer is required to work with the DRY relay terminals.
  • All Access Control Hubs have built-in 12V power relays, eliminating the need for an external transformer and improving performance.
  • The choice between POWERED (12V / 1A) and NO POWER (DRY) relay terminals depends on the specific requirements of the connected device. 
  • Important Reminder: Do not use AC locks. Locks specifying 12VAC, 1 Amp are incompatible with the required DC power.

Installation Reminders

Reminder 1: When a double door magnetic lock requires more power, using a 12V supply may result in a current draw exceeding 1 Amp. To reduce the current and meet the required specifications, you can use a dry relay and an external 24V power source for the lock.

Dual_Maglock.png

Reminder 2: The POWERED relay terminal supplies 12V and cannot be supplemented with external power. Adding an external 12V power source alongside the relay's 12V will damage the hub.

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Reminder 3: The DRY relay terminal is rated at 30VDC, 1  Amp. Ensure any external devices powered by external sources do not exceed this rating to avoid damaging the relay.

DRY.png

AUX

AUX.png

AUX means "auxiliary" and the relay terminals are used for connecting to auxiliary devices.

Category Relay Terminal Name Description
AUX DOOR OPERATOR Designed for door operators that require only a dry output signal for activation. 
SIREN/CHIME Designed for a 2-wire siren or chime that operates on 12V with a rating of no more than 0.33A (4 watts).

Installation Reminders

Reminder 1: Some legacy auxiliary accessories may require low voltage AC current (12/24 VAC), which is unsuitable for Access Control Hubs, even with an external transformer. Do not use AC-rated devices.

Door_Operator.png

Reminder 2: The SIREN/CHIME relay terminal supplies 12V and cannot be supplemented with external power. Adding an external 12V power source alongside the relay's 12V will damage the hub.

Siren.png

NO, NC, & COM

NC (Normally Closed), NO (Normally Open), and COM (common) are the three output relay terminals. Usually, a device is connected to the COM terminal and either one of the NC and NO terminals.

These relay terminals act like an electrically operated switch, similar to a light switch.

  • When a relay is closed, it completes the circuit, allowing electric current to flow.
  • When a relay is open, it interrupts the circuit, halting the flow of electric current.
  When Connected to NO and COM When Connected to NC and COM
Normal Rest State
  • Relay in open position
  • No electric current flow through the device

Open.png

  • Relay in closed position
  • Electric current flow through the device

Closed.png

Trigger State
  • Relay in closed position
  • Electric current flow through the device

Closed.png

  • Relay in open position
  • No electric current flow through the device

Open.png

Common Device Outputs

The output type (NO/COM or NC/COM) for the following devices depends on the device itself. See the table below for common outputs based on experience.

Device NO/NC/COM Connection on Access Control Hub
Fail-safe electric lock Usually connected to the NC/COM of the LOCK terminal.
Fail-secure electric lock Usually connected to the NO/COM on the LOCK terminal.
Door operator Usually connected to the NO/COM on the AUX Door Opener (Dry) terminal.
Door position sensor (DPS) They mostly act as the NC-type output.*
Doorbell button They mostly act as the NO-type output.*
Push-to-exit button They mostly come with the selection of the NO/NC type.*
Motion sensor They mostly come with the selection of the NO/NC type.*
Fire panel They mostly come with the selection of the NO/NC type.*

* Device setting adjustments may be required on the UniFi Access application. For example, to ensure proper function, set the trigger level of a DPS to High Active (NC) in Access application > Devices > select a Hub > Settings > DOOR POSITION

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