Cloud Gateways Switching WiFi Physical Security Integrations
What's New Support
User
Sign Up UniFi Site Manager
Help Center Help Articles Professional Support Professional Integrators Community RMA & Warranty Downloads Tech Specs
User
Sign Up UniFi Site Manager
Help Center Help Articles Professional Phone Support Professional Integrators Community RMA & Warranty Downloads Tech Specs
Cloud Gateways Switching WiFi Physical Security Integrations

Social

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram

Company

Careers Contact Us Investors

Training

Courses Calendar Trainers Become a Trainer

Tools

WiFiman UISP Design Center
  1. Ubiquiti Help Center
  2. UniFi
  3. Door Access
  4. Getting Started

Wiring a Door Lock to the UniFi Access Control Hub

This article explains how to wire fail-safe and fail-secure locks to UniFi Access Control Hubs. For more details on lock requirements and selection tips, click here. If you've already wired your terminals and are looking for configuration instructions within UniFi Access, click here. For more general information on a hub's input/output terminals, click here.

Powering Your Locks

All UniFi Access Control Hubs have two methods for powering your locks:

  • 12V-1A: Use this terminal to directly power electric locks requiring 12V DC and up to 1 Amp.
  • NO POWER (DRY): Use this terminal with an external transformer for locks requiring power other than 12V DC, such as 24V DC locks.

Note: Do not use locks that require AC power.

LOCK.png

Connecting Fail-Safe Locks

A UniFi Magnetic Lock (i.e., fail-safe lock) operates by using a continuous electric current to stay locked. Here is how it works:

  • Locked State: When connected to the NC (Normally Closed) and COM (Common) terminals of a hub's powered relay, electric current flows through the lock. This keeps the lock engaged and secure.maglock_fail_safe_locked.png
  • Unlocked State: When an unlock event is triggered, the relay switches to the open position, interrupting the flow of electricity. The lock then releases, transitioning to the unlocked state.maglock_fail_safe_unlocked.png

For a detailed wiring guide, see UA-Lock-Magnetic-270kg or UA-Lock-Magnetic-540kg. 

Connecting Fail-Secure Locks

A UniFi Electric Lock (i.e., fail-secure lock) remains locked without power and unlocks only when electricity is applied. Here is how it works:

  • Locked State: When connected to the NO (Normally Open) and COM (Common) terminals of a hub's powered relay, no electric current flows through the lock. This keeps the lock in its locked position.electric_lock_fail_secure_locked.png
  • Unlocked State: When an unlock event is triggered, the relay switches to the closed position, allowing electric current to flow through the lock. This energizes the lock and transitions it to the unlocked state.electric_lock_fail_secure_unlocked.png

For a detailed wiring guide, click here.

Advanced Input/Output Terminals

For more information on a hub's input/output terminals, including a detailed explanation of Normally Opened (NO) and Normally Closed (NC), click here.

Important Wiring Reminders

For Double Door Magnetic Locks

For double-door magnetic locks requiring more power, using a 12V DC supply may exceed a 1A current draw. To meet specifications and reduce current, connect to the hub's DRY relay terminal with an external 24V power source.

Dual_Maglock.png

For POWERED Relay Terminal

The hub's POWERED relay terminal outputs 12V DC and must not be connected to an additional external power source. Combining another 12V DC source with the relay's output can cause damage to the hub.

Lock_Powered.png

For DRY Relay Terminal

The hub's DRY relay terminal supports up to 30V DC and 1A. Ensure that any external devices connected do not exceed these limits to prevent damage to the hub.

DRY.png

FAQs

Can I control a single lock using two Access Control Hubs?

Yes. You can use two Access Control Hubs to control the same lock in a one-way door scenario:

  • Allow some users to both enter and exit the door by authenticating at a reader.
  • Allow some users to only exit the door by authenticating at a reader. Entry must be accompanied by those with entry permissions.

To avoid potential power damage to the lock, wire the lock to the LOCK - DRY terminals of the two hubs and use an external power supply to power the lock.

Once wired, you can configure different access policies for the two hubs and assign different users. This enables certain users to enter and exit the door, while others can only exit.

How do I troubleshoot electric and magnetic lock issues?

If your UniFi Magnetic Lock, UniFi Electric Lock, or a third-party lock does not lock or unlock when triggered by the Access Control Hub's LOCK relay terminal, follow the steps below.

Troubleshooting Steps

  1. (UniFi Electric Lock only) Check for preload issues. See this FAQ "What is preload, and how can it be prevented?" for more information.
  2. (UniFi Electric Lock only) Ensure the screws on the back of the lock are tightened and set to the Fail-Secure position. Adjust if needed.
  3. Test the lock with an external power supply.

    1. Disconnect the lock from the hub.

    2. Connect it to a separate 12V DC power source.

      • If it works, the issue may be with the hub.

      • If it doesn't, the lock itself may be faulty.

  4. Replace the wiring between the hub and the lock.

If the Issue Persists

If your lock still doesn't work after completing the steps above, please contact UniFi Access Technical Support via UI Account (https://account.ui.com/) > Support.

When submitting your request, be sure to include:

  1. Results from Steps 1–4 above. 
  2. The following additional information:
    • Provide a clear wiring diagram of your hub showing all connected devices.
    • (Third-party lock only) Provide the lock brand, model, installation guide, and specifications.
    • (UniFi Electric Lock or Magnetic Lock only) Provide the lock's serial number (on the side/back of the lock next to the QR code). A clear photo works too.
    • Provide a photo showing the voltage measurement from a multimeter at the hub's LOCK - POWERED NO/COM and NC/COM relay terminals.
    • Provide a short video showing the hub's LOCK LED and relay click sound when triggered via Remote Unlock (Access application or mobile app > Dashboard > Unlock button), along with the exact timestamp.
    • Provide the latest hub support file from Access application > Devices > select your hub > Settings > Manage > Download Support File.
Was this article helpful?