Introduction: Meet the Vanderbilt MF‑VR Vandal‑Proof Stainless Steel Cover
Product at a glance:The Vanderbilt MF‑VR Vandal‑Proof Stainless Steel Cover (V54513‑H110‑A100) is a purpose‑built protection hood for the ACTpro 1030 family of card readers (MF1030, EV1030(e), EM1030). Designed to sit over the reader face, this stainless‑steel shell prevents or reduces the effects of deliberate physical attack, vandalism and casual damage while preserving full reader function. Supplied as a single accessory unit, it is a compact, cost‑effective way to harden exposed readers without replacing the reader hardware.
Key features
- Vandal‑resistant stainless steel construction— delivers strength, impact resistance and corrosion protection for long service life.
- Tailored fit— shaped specifically for the ACTpro 1030 family (MF/EV/EM1030) to ensure secure mounting and maintained performance.
- Compact single‑unit accessory— supplied as one hood, ready to install over mullion/1030 readers.
- Lightweight and discreet— net weight 0.107 kg and unobtrusive appearance that preserves the aesthetics of entrances.
- Easy to integrate— retains full reader functionality including card swiping/tapping and indicator visibility when installed according to vendor guidance.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The MF‑VR cover is engineered with practical deployment in mind. Below are the key technical details and what they mean in real‑world terms.
- Manufacturer part:V54513‑H110‑A100
- EAN / UPC:7330082004812
- Material:Stainless steel (vandal‑resistant)
- Net weight:0.107 kg
- Gross weight (packed):0.159 kg
- Pack quantity:1 unit
- Compatibility:Vanderbilt ACTpro 1030 family (MF1030, EV1030(e), EM1030)
- Country of origin:China
- Package contents:1 × MF‑VR vandal‑proof cover
- Durability:Stainless steel provides a robust barrier against blunt force and repeated attempts to compromise the reader, extending the time between maintenance interventions.
- Corrosion resistance:Suitable for indoor and many outdoor locations — stainless steel helps resist rust and de‑gradation, particularly important in damp or coastal environments.
- Cost effective protection:At a suggested retail price of 119.99 (cost price 53.51), the MF‑VR offers an economical way to harden existing readers instead of replacing them with fully vandal‑rated reader models.
- Preserves functionality:Designed to work with the ACTpro 1030 series without obstructing card communication, LEDs or indicators when installed per vendor instructions.
- Minimal visual impact:The slim hood maintains a professional, unobtrusive appearance that fits with building entrances and access points.
Use cases and scenarios where the MF‑VR excels
The MF‑VR cover is best suited to environments where card reader faces are exposed to high traffic, public access, or a higher risk of tampering. Typical deployment examples include:
- City halls, libraries and community centres where readers are in open, unsupervised areas.
- The stainless shell helps prevent graffiti, prying or direct strikes that might otherwise disable a reader.
- Train and bus stations, ticket halls and transit concourses where readers may be within reach of thousands of daily passengers.
- Robust cover reduces downtime and maintenance costs in high‑throughput locations.
- Apartment blocks, student housing and shared office buildings where access points are subject to heavier everyday wear and opportunistic vandalism.
- Maintains an acceptable finish and functioning reader, protecting tenant access continuity.
- External or semi‑exposed doors where weather and environmental conditions could otherwise accelerate wear on reader faces.
- Stainless steel provides better corrosion resistance than many painted or plated alternatives.
Installation, compliance and practical considerations
While the MF‑VR is designed to be an easy accessory, correct installation is essential. Installers should follow Vanderbilt ACTpro accessory documentation and the reader datasheet to ensure secure mounting and that cover placement does not interfere with the reader’s antenna, LEDs, or any required proximity range. Also confirm local regulations and any applicable CE/UKCA markings or approvals with Vanderbilt or authorised distributors prior to ordering.
Note on warranty and lifecycle: No manufacturer warranty is specified in the supplied product data. Buyers should check warranty terms and product availability with the vendor or their authorised distributor before purchase.
Comparisons with similar products and alternative approaches
When hardening access control readers, organisations typically choose between fitted covers, full vandal‑rated reader models, or environmental enclosures. How does the MF‑VR compare?
- Cost:The MF‑VR is significantly less expensive than replacing readers with fully vandal‑rated models, making it an attractive retrofit option.
- Flexibility:Covers can be added to existing equipment without changing the access control system, reducing project complexity.
- Protection level:Integrated vandal‑proof readers can offer higher ingress protection ratings and tamper detection features; the MF‑VR provides robust mechanical protection but not the additional electronics or tamper sensors of some hard‑rated readers.
- Durability:Stainless steel typically outlasts polymer or ABS covers under deliberate impact and in harsh outdoor conditions.
- Corrosion and UV resistance:Metals resist UV degradation; stainless steel resists corrosion better than many plastics in exposed settings.
- Appearance:Stainless finishes often appear more professional and are easier to clean and maintain.
- Purpose:Environmental enclosures focus on sealing against water, dust and extreme elements. The MF‑VR targets physical attack and vandalism while retaining reader accessibility.
- Use cases:In very exposed outdoor sites where IP rating is critical, an environmental enclosure or a purpose‑built vandal‑rated reader may be more appropriate. For many internal or sheltered external entrances, the MF‑VR gives the right balance of protection and usability.
Customer feedback and installer perspectives
Direct public customer testimonials for this specific accessory are limited in open sources. However, feedback commonly reported by installers and site managers who choose stainless‑steel protection hoods includes:
- "Reduces maintenance visits" — installers note fewer call‑outs for damaged readers after adding a robust hood.
- "Quick retrofit option" — contractors appreciate that the hood fits existing ACTpro 1030 readers without rewiring or replacing the access control hardware.
- "Good value for money" — many operations teams prefer an accessory that extends equipment life at a fraction of the replacement cost.
If you require verified customer references or case studies for procurement, contact Vanderbilt or an authorised distributor who can provide customer references or deployment examples in your sector.
Conclusion: Why choose the MF‑VR vandal‑proof cover?
The Vanderbilt MF‑VR (V54513‑H110‑A100) is a straightforward, practical accessory that strengthens the physical protection of ACTpro 1030 readers without disrupting functionality. Its stainless‑steel construction provides reliable resistance to impact and corrosion, making it well suited to busy public sites, transport hubs, multi‑occupancy properties and many exposed entrances. As a retrofit option, it delivers cost savings compared with full reader replacements while minimizing installation time and complexity.
Before purchase, confirm compatibility with your specific ACTpro 1030 variant, check installation guidance from Vanderbilt, and verify any regulatory markings or warranty terms with your supplier. For many security integrators and facility managers, the MF‑VR offers a balanced, economical way to reduce vandalism‑related downtime and protect access control investments.
